NASA's $248.6M NAMS Contract Supports Academic Research and Development Missions
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $248,638,606 ($248.6M)
Contractor: Universities Space Research Association
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2016-06-01
End Date: 2024-11-30
Contract Duration: 3,104 days
Daily Burn Rate: $80.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF THE NASA ACADEMIC MISSION SERVICES (NAMS) CONTRACT WILL PROVIDE ARC WITH CAPABILITIES TO FULFILL MISSION REQUIREMENTS FROM FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT THROUGH FIELD-TEST DEPLOYMENTS AND OPERATIONAL SCIENCE MISSIONS. THIS CONTRACT WILL PROVIDE ACADEMIC OR UNIVERSITY-BASED PROGRAM AND PROJECT SUPPORT FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING TEAMS AT THE CENTER. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL POSSESS EFFECTIVE METHODS FOR ATTRACTING AND RETAINING LEADING EDGE RESEARCHERS AND FACILITATING INTERACTIVE PARTICIPATION AND ENGAGEMENT OF RESEARCHERS AND STUDENTS WITH ARC EMPLOYEES. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL DEMONSTRATE CAPABILITY IN THE FORMATION AND MANAGEMENT OF PARTNERSHIPS AND IN THE PURSUIT OF COLLABORATIONS TO MEET GOVERNMENT SPECIFIED REQUIREMENTS.
Place of Performance
Location: MOFFETT FIELD, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 94035
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $248.6 million to UNIVERSITIES SPACE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF THE NASA ACADEMIC MISSION SERVICES (NAMS) CONTRACT WILL PROVIDE ARC WITH CAPABILITIES TO FULFILL MISSION REQUIREMENTS FROM FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT THROUGH FIELD-TEST DEPLOYMENTS AND OPERATIONAL SCIENCE MISSIONS. THIS CONTRACT WILL PROVIDE ACADEMIC OR UN… Key points: 1. The NAMS contract aims to provide NASA's Ames Research Center (ARC) with essential capabilities for fundamental research, development, and operational science missions. 2. It focuses on securing academic or university-based support for science and engineering teams, emphasizing the attraction and retention of leading researchers. 3. The contract requires demonstrated capability in partnership formation, collaboration management, and facilitating engagement between researchers and ARC employees. 4. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a broad initial search for qualified contractors. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's value of $248.6 million over 8 years (2016-2024) is substantial for academic research support. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts with universities is difficult without more specific service details.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' indicates a competitive process was initiated, but specific sources were excluded. This method aims for broad participation while potentially narrowing the field based on predefined criteria, impacting price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated to advance scientific research and development, with the potential for significant technological and scientific returns. Oversight is crucial to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Supports cutting-edge scientific research and development at NASA's Ames Research Center. Fosters collaboration between academic institutions and government scientists, potentially leading to innovative breakthroughs. Aims to attract and retain top research talent, benefiting both NASA and the academic community. Invests in the development of future scientists and engineers through student engagement.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts can incentivize contractor spending to increase profit.
- Potential for cost overruns if research objectives are not clearly defined or scope creep occurs.
- Reliance on academic institutions may introduce different management and reporting structures compared to traditional contractors.
Positive Signals
- Focus on high-impact R&D and operational science missions.
- Emphasis on attracting and retaining leading researchers.
- Promotes collaboration between academia and government.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is critical for technological advancement and national competitiveness. Benchmarks vary widely based on the specific research focus and scale.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded to Universities Space Research Association, a non-profit organization. There is no explicit mention of small business participation or subcontracting requirements in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by NASA, a federal agency with established oversight mechanisms. The 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' structure necessitates diligent monitoring of costs and performance to ensure accountability and prevent waste.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
- Reliance on academic partners may introduce unique management challenges.
- Competition method ('after exclusion of sources') requires careful justification.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $248.6 million to UNIVERSITIES SPACE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION. IGF::OT::IGF THE NASA ACADEMIC MISSION SERVICES (NAMS) CONTRACT WILL PROVIDE ARC WITH CAPABILITIES TO FULFILL MISSION REQUIREMENTS FROM FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT THROUGH FIELD-TEST DEPLOYMENTS AND OPERATIONAL SCIENCE MISSIONS. THIS CONTRACT WILL PROVIDE ACADEMIC OR UNIVERSITY-BASED PROGRAM AND PROJECT SUPPORT FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING TEAMS AT THE CENTER. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL POSSESS EFFECTIVE METHODS FOR ATTRACTING AND RETAINING LEADING EDGE RESEARCHERS AND FACILITATING INTERACTIV
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITIES SPACE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $248.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2016-06-01. End: 2024-11-30.
How effectively does the NAMS contract facilitate the transfer of academic research findings into practical applications or technologies relevant to NASA's mission?
The contract's success hinges on its ability to bridge the gap between fundamental academic research and NASA's operational needs. Effective mechanisms for knowledge transfer, joint development, and intellectual property management are crucial. Regular reviews of research outcomes against mission objectives and the establishment of clear pathways for technology maturation will be key indicators of success in this area.
What are the primary risks associated with the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method for this contract, and how are they mitigated?
The primary risk is that excluding certain sources might inadvertently limit the pool of highly qualified contractors, potentially impacting innovation or price. Mitigation strategies likely involved a thorough market research phase to ensure the excluded sources were genuinely not capable or suitable, and clear justification for their exclusion. The 'full and open' aspect aims to maximize competition among the remaining eligible entities.
To what extent does the contract ensure that the retained researchers and students contribute tangible value and meet NASA's evolving scientific and engineering requirements?
Ensuring tangible value requires clear performance metrics tied to research outcomes and project milestones. The contract should outline processes for performance evaluations of researchers and students, aligning their work with NASA's strategic goals. Regular progress reports, peer reviews, and feedback loops between NASA personnel and the academic teams are essential for continuous alignment and value assessment.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNA14488849R
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 425 3RD ST SW STE 950, WASHINGTON, DC, 20024
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $287,908,446
Exercised Options: $287,908,446
Current Obligation: $248,638,606
Actual Outlays: $143,553,804
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 24
Total Subaward Amount: $39,733,667
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2016-06-01
Current End Date: 2024-11-30
Potential End Date: 2024-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-02
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