NASA's $30.6M SSDOO contract awarded to QSS Group, Inc. for computer systems design services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $30,654,036 ($30.7M)
Contractor: QSS Group, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2003-12-01
End Date: 2008-11-30
Contract Duration: 1,826 days
Daily Burn Rate: $16.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: MISSION SUPPORT SERVICES TO NASA'S SPACE SCIENCE DATA OPERTIONS OFFICE (SSDOO).
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGE'S County, MARYLAND, 20771, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $30.7 million to QSS GROUP, INC. for work described as: MISSION SUPPORT SERVICES TO NASA'S SPACE SCIENCE DATA OPERTIONS OFFICE (SSDOO). Key points: 1. The contract value is $30.6 million over 5 years. 2. QSS Group, Inc. is the incumbent contractor. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee. 4. The NAICS code is 541512 for Computer Systems Design Services.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Award Fee contract type allows for flexibility but can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar IT services contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific price discovery mechanisms within the Cost Plus Award Fee structure are not detailed.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to secure fair pricing, but the Cost Plus Award Fee structure warrants scrutiny to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently.
Public Impact
Supports critical space science data operations for NASA. Ensures continuity of essential IT services for scientific research. Impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of NASA's scientific endeavors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Award Fee structure requires careful monitoring.
- Potential for cost overruns if performance incentives are not well-aligned with cost control.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Long-term contract provides stability for critical operations.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically computer systems design. Spending in this sector for government agencies is substantial, focusing on maintaining and upgrading complex IT infrastructures.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business, as 'sb' is false. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was subcontracted.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by NASA's Space Science Data Operations Office (SSDOO). Oversight would involve monitoring contractor performance against award fee criteria and managing costs effectively.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Systems Design Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Award Fee contract type.
- Incumbent contractor may face less competitive pressure.
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown for benchmarking.
- No small business award noted.
Tags
computer-systems-design-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, md, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $30.7 million to QSS GROUP, INC.. MISSION SUPPORT SERVICES TO NASA'S SPACE SCIENCE DATA OPERTIONS OFFICE (SSDOO).
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is QSS GROUP, INC..
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 $30.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-12-01. End: 2008-11-30.
What specific performance metrics are tied to the award fee structure, and how do they ensure value for money?
The award fee structure likely includes metrics related to system uptime, data processing efficiency, user satisfaction, and adherence to project milestones. Effective metrics should directly correlate with mission success and cost efficiency, ensuring that QSS Group, Inc. is incentivized not only to perform but to do so cost-effectively. Without detailed insight into these metrics, assessing the true value derived from the $30.6 million expenditure remains challenging.
How does the Cost Plus Award Fee structure mitigate risks associated with IT service delivery for critical space science operations?
The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure allows NASA to reimburse QSS Group, Inc. for allowable costs plus a fixed fee, with the potential for an award fee based on performance. This can mitigate risks by ensuring the contractor is compensated for necessary expenses while incentivizing high performance. However, it also carries risks of cost escalation if performance targets are not rigorously defined or if oversight is insufficient, potentially leading to higher overall costs than a fixed-price contract.
What is the long-term impact of this contract on NASA's ability to manage and analyze space science data effectively?
This contract directly supports NASA's Space Science Data Operations Office (SSDOO), implying it is crucial for the ongoing management and analysis of vital scientific data. The continuity provided by a 5-year contract, awarded through full and open competition, suggests a commitment to maintaining essential capabilities. The effectiveness hinges on QSS Group, Inc.'s ability to meet performance expectations and adapt to evolving technological needs within the space science domain.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Dell Technologies Inc. (UEI: 601839660)
Address: 8270 WILLOW OAK CORPORATE DR #300, FAIRFAX, VA, 22031
Business Categories: Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $30,725,581
Exercised Options: $30,725,581
Current Obligation: $30,654,036
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-12-01
Current End Date: 2008-11-30
Potential End Date: 2008-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-09-21
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