NASA's $47.3M contract with Leidos for Earth science modeling research awarded under full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $47,340,613 ($47.3M)
Contractor: Leidos, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2006-01-01
End Date: 2011-12-31
Contract Duration: 2,190 days
Daily Burn Rate: $21.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SUPPORT TO GSFC'S GLOBAL MODELING AND ASSIMILATION OFFICE (GMAO) FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF MODELS AND ASSIMILATION SYSTEMS.
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $47.3 million to LEIDOS, INC. for work described as: SUPPORT TO GSFC'S GLOBAL MODELING AND ASSIMILATION OFFICE (GMAO) FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF MODELS AND ASSIMILATION SYSTEMS. Key points: 1. Contract supports critical Earth science modeling and assimilation systems for NASA's GMAO. 2. Leidos, a large established contractor, holds the award. 3. Research and Development sector, specifically physical sciences, is the focus. 4. The contract's duration of 6 years suggests a significant, ongoing need.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $47.3M over 6 years appears reasonable for specialized R&D support. Benchmarking against similar NASA R&D contracts would provide further context on pricing efficiency.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Awarded via full and open competition, this method likely fostered competitive pricing and ensured the best value for NASA. The definitive contract type suggests a clear scope of work.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to maximize taxpayer value by securing specialized expertise at a fair price for critical scientific research.
Public Impact
Supports advancements in Earth science understanding, crucial for climate change research and prediction. NASA's investment in modeling systems aids in developing more accurate climate and weather forecasts. The research contributes to the scientific community's ability to model complex Earth systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Contract duration is long (6 years), potentially leading to cost overruns if not managed closely.
- Cost-plus award fee structure can incentivize contractor performance but requires robust oversight to control costs.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive process.
- Supports critical scientific research with potential long-term benefits for climate understanding.
- Contractor has a history of performance with government agencies.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical sciences. NASA's R&D spending is crucial for scientific advancement, and this contract aligns with that mission. Benchmarks for similar R&D contracts would be needed for a precise comparison.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Leidos, Inc., a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, which is common for large, complex R&D contracts.
Oversight & Accountability
The cost-plus award fee structure necessitates strong oversight from NASA to ensure performance objectives are met and costs are controlled. Regular reviews and performance evaluations are critical for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration (6 years) increases potential for cost creep.
- Cost-plus award fee structure requires robust government oversight.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
- Reliance on a single large contractor for critical research functions.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, md, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $47.3 million to LEIDOS, INC.. SUPPORT TO GSFC'S GLOBAL MODELING AND ASSIMILATION OFFICE (GMAO) FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF MODELS AND ASSIMILATION SYSTEMS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LEIDOS, 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 $47.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-01-01. End: 2011-12-31.
How does the cost-plus award fee structure compare to fixed-price contracts for similar R&D services in terms of overall cost-effectiveness and risk to the government?
Cost-plus award fee contracts offer flexibility for R&D where scope may evolve, potentially leading to better technical outcomes. However, they carry higher cost risk for the government compared to fixed-price contracts. The award fee component aims to mitigate this by incentivizing performance, but requires diligent oversight to prevent cost escalation and ensure value.
What specific performance metrics are used to determine the award fee, and how are these metrics aligned with NASA's strategic goals for the GMAO?
Performance metrics typically focus on technical achievement, schedule adherence, and cost control relevant to the GMAO's objectives. These might include the accuracy and efficiency of developed models, successful assimilation of data, and timely delivery of research findings. NASA's oversight team would define these metrics, ensuring they directly support the agency's broader goals in Earth science research and climate modeling.
What is the potential long-term impact of this contract on NASA's ability to conduct advanced Earth system modeling and assimilation, and are there plans for follow-on work?
This contract is foundational for NASA's GMAO, enabling the development and refinement of critical modeling systems. Its success directly enhances NASA's capacity for accurate climate and weather prediction. Given the long-term nature of scientific research, it's highly probable that follow-on work or similar contracts will be necessary to sustain and advance these capabilities.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Science Applications International Corporation (UEI: 078745061)
Address: 10260 CAMPUS POINT DR, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92121
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $59,000,000
Exercised Options: $59,000,000
Current Obligation: $47,340,613
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-01-01
Current End Date: 2011-12-31
Potential End Date: 2011-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-09-14
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