NASA awards $321M for environmental test and integration services to Analex Corporation over 6 years
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $321,401,725 ($321.4M)
Contractor: Analex Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2008-05-15
End Date: 2014-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,329 days
Daily Burn Rate: $138.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: ENVIRONMENTAL TEST&INTEGRATION SERVICES AS FOLLOWS: OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND UPGRADE OF ENVIRONMENTAL TEST EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES LOCATED IN THE GSFC BUILDING 7/10/15/29 COMPLEX, AREA 300 MAGNETIC TEST SITE AND OTHER TECHNICAL FACILITIES LOCATED AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS WITHIN GSFC; OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND UPGRADE OF MANUFACTURING AND ELECTROPLATING EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES PRIMARILY LOCATED IN GSFC BUILDING 2/5/21 SHOPS; MECHANICAL, AND OPTICAL INTEGRATION OF SPACECRAFT, FLIGHT EXPERIMENT COMPONENTS, SPACE SHUTTLE CARRIERS, INSTRUMENTS, SUB-ASSEMBLIES AND SYSTEMS; DESIGN, FABRICATE, AND MANUFACTURE CUSTOM SPACECRAFT, FLIGHT EXPERIMENT COMPONENTS, SPACE SHUTTLE CARRIERS, INSTRUMENTS, SUB-ASSEMBLIES AND SYSTEMS; DESIGN, MANUFACTURE, AND OPERATION OF GROUND HANDLING EQUIPMENT AND FIXTURES; DESIGN, MANUFACTURE, AND OPERATION OF OPTICAL ALIGNMENT AND CALIBRATION SYSTEMS; DESIGN, MANUFACTURE AND INSTALLATION OF SPACE FLIGHT THERMAL BLANKETS; DESIGN, MANUFACTURE AND INSTALLATION OF SPACE FLIGHT AND GROUND SUPPORT SYSTEM CABLE HARNESSES; DESIGN, MANUFACTURE, AND INSTALLATION OF TECHNICAL FACILITIES INCLUDING BUILDING, BUILDING ELEMENTS, UTILITY SYSTEMS, AND TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS; DEFINE, ANALYZE, AND RESOLVE ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION ISSUES RELATING TO FACILITY AND SATELLITE GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT OPERATION WITHIN THE TEST COMPLEX. SUPPORT SPECTRUM SIGNATURE ANALYSIS TO INSURE INTERFERENCE-FREE AND SAFE OPERATION OF ALL FACILITY-LOCATED ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE SENSING DEVICES; TEST AND INTEGRATION ENGINEERING AND ENGINEERING ANALYSIS; CLEANROOM OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, CONTAMINATION CONTROL SERVICES; MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION OF CERTAIN PHYSICAL PLANT SYSTEMS SUCH AS PROCESSED WATER, EMERGENCY POWER, LN2/GN2 STORAGE SYSTEMS, AND CONDITIONED CLEANROOM AIR HVAC AND HUMIDITY SYSTEMS; RECERTIFICATION OF LIFTING DEVICES AND EQUIPMENT (LDE), AND PRESSURE VESSELS AND PRESSURIZED SYSTEMS (PV/S); FACILITY AND OPERATIONS SAFETY ; DATA ACQUISITION AND ANALYSIS SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT.
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $321.4 million to ANALEX CORPORATION for work described as: ENVIRONMENTAL TEST&INTEGRATION SERVICES AS FOLLOWS: OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND UPGRADE OF ENVIRONMENTAL TEST EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES LOCATED IN THE GSFC BUILDING 7/10/15/29 COMPLEX, AREA 300 MAGNETIC TEST SITE AND OTHER TECHNICAL FACILITIES LOCATED AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS WITHIN G… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical operational support for environmental test equipment and facilities. 2. Includes manufacturing, integration, and custom fabrication of spacecraft components. 3. Long-term contract duration suggests a need for sustained, specialized expertise. 4. Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a broad market search. 5. Cost Plus Award Fee (CPA) structure incentivizes performance but carries cost risk. 6. Geographic focus on Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) facilities in Maryland.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The total award amount of $321.4 million over approximately six years represents a significant investment in maintaining and upgrading critical testing infrastructure. While specific cost breakdowns per service are not detailed, the Cost Plus Award Fee (CPA) structure suggests that NASA aims to achieve value through performance incentives. Benchmarking this against similar long-term, comprehensive facility operations and integration contracts is challenging without more granular data, but the scale indicates a substantial commitment to specialized support services.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that NASA sought proposals from all responsible sources. The presence of three bidders indicates a competitive environment, which typically aids in price discovery and potentially leads to more favorable terms for the government. The specific number of bidders is moderate, and further analysis would be needed to determine if this level of competition was sufficient to drive optimal pricing and innovation.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive marketplace that can lead to better pricing and service quality. A moderate number of bidders suggests that while competition existed, there may be opportunities to encourage broader participation in future solicitations to maximize cost savings.
Public Impact
Benefits NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) by ensuring the operational readiness of vital test and manufacturing facilities. Supports the integration of spacecraft, flight experiment components, and instruments for various space missions. Facilitates the design, fabrication, and manufacturing of custom spacecraft components and ground handling equipment. Impacts the aerospace workforce by requiring specialized engineering, technical, and manufacturing skills. Primarily impacts facilities located within GSFC in Maryland, with potential for broader application of developed technologies.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Award Fee (CPA) contracts can lead to cost overruns if not carefully managed and monitored.
- The long duration of the contract (over 6 years) may present risks related to technological obsolescence or changing mission requirements.
- Reliance on a single contractor for such a broad range of critical services could pose a risk if performance falters.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
- The CPA structure incentivizes high performance, potentially leading to superior service delivery.
- The contract covers a comprehensive suite of services essential for space mission readiness.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting aerospace and defense-related testing, manufacturing, and integration. The market for such specialized services is driven by government and private sector investment in space exploration and technology development. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other large-scale facility operations and maintenance contracts within NASA or other federal agencies with similar infrastructure needs. The total value of $321.4 million over six years places it as a significant contract within this niche.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific benefits for small businesses mandated by this award. The prime contractor, Analex Corporation, would have the discretion to subcontract, but there is no explicit requirement for small business participation based on the provided information.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), specifically the contracting officer and program managers responsible for Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) operations. The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPA) structure necessitates robust performance monitoring and evaluation to ensure that award fees are justified. Transparency would be facilitated through NASA's contract reporting systems, and any significant issues or concerns could potentially fall under the purview of NASA's Office of Inspector General.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Operations Support
- Aerospace Engineering and Technical Services
- Environmental Testing Facilities Management
- Spacecraft Manufacturing and Integration
- Federal Research and Development Facilities Support
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Award Fee (CPA) structure requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
- Long contract duration may introduce risks of technological obsolescence or changing requirements.
- Broad scope of services increases complexity and potential for interdependencies.
- Moderate number of bidders in competition warrants monitoring for future solicitations.
Tags
nasa, goddard-space-flight-center, engineering-services, environmental-testing, manufacturing, integration-services, cost-plus-award-fee, definitive-contract, full-and-open-competition, maryland, aerospace, long-term-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $321.4 million to ANALEX CORPORATION. ENVIRONMENTAL TEST&INTEGRATION SERVICES AS FOLLOWS: OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND UPGRADE OF ENVIRONMENTAL TEST EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES LOCATED IN THE GSFC BUILDING 7/10/15/29 COMPLEX, AREA 300 MAGNETIC TEST SITE AND OTHER TECHNICAL FACILITIES LOCATED AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS WITHIN GSFC; OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND UPGRADE OF MANUFACTURING AND ELECTROPLATING EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES PRIMARILY LOCATED IN GSFC BUILDING 2/5/21 SHOPS; MECHANICAL, AND OPTICAL INTEGRATION OF SPACECRAFT, FLIGHT EXPERIMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ANALEX CORPORATION.
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 $321.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-05-15. End: 2014-09-30.
What is Analex Corporation's track record with NASA and similar government contracts?
Analex Corporation has a history of performing services for NASA and other government agencies. While this specific contract is for a significant amount and duration, understanding their past performance on similar cost-plus contracts, their ability to meet performance metrics, and any history of contract disputes or overruns would provide crucial context. A review of their past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) would be essential to gauge their reliability and effectiveness in delivering complex engineering and technical services. Without specific past performance data for Analex on comparable contracts, it's difficult to definitively assess their suitability beyond the competitive award process.
How does the $321.4 million value compare to historical spending on similar environmental test and integration services at GSFC?
The $321.4 million awarded to Analex Corporation over approximately six years represents a substantial, but not necessarily unprecedented, investment in maintaining and upgrading critical environmental test and integration facilities at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). To provide a precise comparison, historical spending data for similar services at GSFC would need to be analyzed. This would involve looking at previous contracts for facility operations, maintenance, and integration services, considering their duration, scope, and total value. Factors such as inflation, technological advancements, and changes in mission scope can influence year-over-year spending. This contract's value suggests a sustained need for these specialized capabilities, likely reflecting the ongoing demands of complex space missions.
What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPA) contract of this magnitude?
The primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPA) contract of this magnitude ($321.4 million) revolve around cost control and performance verification. While the 'award fee' component incentivizes the contractor to exceed performance standards, the 'cost plus' element means the government reimburses allowable costs plus a fee, which can escalate if not tightly managed. Key risks include potential for cost overruns if the contractor's proposed costs are inaccurate or if unforeseen issues drive up expenses. Additionally, objectively defining and measuring performance metrics to justify award fees can be complex and subjective, potentially leading to disputes. Robust oversight, detailed performance metrics, and diligent auditing are critical to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives good value.
How does the scope of services (environmental testing, manufacturing, integration) impact the overall risk profile of the contract?
The broad scope of services, encompassing environmental testing, manufacturing, and integration, significantly impacts the contract's risk profile. Environmental testing requires specialized, often sensitive, equipment and facilities, posing risks related to equipment failure, calibration accuracy, and adherence to stringent testing protocols. Manufacturing and fabrication involve supply chain management, quality control, and the potential for design flaws or production delays. Integration requires meticulous coordination and technical expertise to ensure seamless assembly of complex components. The combination of these diverse and critical functions increases the potential for interdependencies where a failure in one area could cascade and affect others, demanding a high level of contractor competence and robust risk management strategies.
What are the implications of awarding this contract through 'full and open competition' with three bidders?
Awarding this contract through 'full and open competition' with three bidders suggests a healthy, though not intensely crowded, competitive landscape. This approach maximizes the pool of potential offerors, increasing the likelihood of receiving competitive proposals and potentially achieving better pricing and innovative solutions. Having three bidders indicates that multiple firms possess the capability and interest to undertake such a large and complex contract. While three bidders are generally considered competitive, further analysis could explore whether this number is typical for this type of specialized service or if future solicitations could benefit from strategies to attract a larger number of qualified participants to further enhance price discovery and market responsiveness.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNG061609442
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Veritas Capital Fund Management, L.L.C. (UEI: 078628925)
Address: 2677 PROSPERITY AVE STE 400, FAIRFAX, VA, 22031
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $328,100,000
Exercised Options: $328,100,000
Current Obligation: $321,401,725
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-05-15
Current End Date: 2014-09-30
Potential End Date: 2014-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-09-14
More Contracts from Analex Corporation
- Expendable Launch Vehicle Integrated SUP — $279.2M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- System Assessment&vulnerability — $101.1M (Department of Defense)
- Labor — $60.4M (Department of Defense)
- Incremental Funding for the Initial Task Order Award — $44.9M (General Services Administration)
- Labor — $44.6M (Department of Defense)
Other National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts
- International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
- Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
- Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)
View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →