NASA contract for flight software support awarded to Computer Sciences Corporation for over $13.7 million
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,764,733 ($13.8M)
Contractor: Computer Sciences Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2008-11-01
End Date: 2011-01-31
Contract Duration: 821 days
Daily Burn Rate: $16.8K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: NASA'S GSFC MULTI-MISSION FLIGHT SOFTWARE SUPPORT. THE CONTRACTOR WILL SUPPORT THE FLIGHT SOFTWARE BRANCH (FSB) AT GSFC. THIS SUPPORT INCLUDES ON-ORBIT MULTIMISSION FLIGHT SOFTWARE (FSW) SUSTAINING ENGINEERING, PRE-LAUNCH FSW TRAINING AND FSW MAINTENANCE PREPARATIONS, FSB TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES, AND FSB GENERAL BRANCH SUPPORT. THE MULTI-MISSION FLIGHT SOFTWARE SUPPORT WILL INCLUDE ON-ORBIT MISSIONS AND PRE-FLIGHT MISSIONS.
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $13.8 million to COMPUTER SCIENCES CORPORATION for work described as: NASA'S GSFC MULTI-MISSION FLIGHT SOFTWARE SUPPORT. THE CONTRACTOR WILL SUPPORT THE FLIGHT SOFTWARE BRANCH (FSB) AT GSFC. THIS SUPPORT INCLUDES ON-ORBIT MULTIMISSION FLIGHT SOFTWARE (FSW) SUSTAINING ENGINEERING, PRE-LAUNCH FSW TRAINING AND FSW MAINTENANCE PREPARATIONS, FSB TECHNOL… Key points: 1. The contract focuses on sustaining engineering for on-orbit and pre-launch flight software, indicating a need for ongoing technical expertise. 2. Support extends to technology initiatives and general branch support, suggesting a broad scope of services beyond immediate mission needs. 3. The duration of the contract (over 2 years) implies a long-term requirement for specialized flight software skills. 4. The award was not competed, raising questions about potential cost efficiencies and market-driven pricing. 5. The services provided are critical for the operational success and maintenance of NASA's flight missions. 6. The contractor, Computer Sciences Corporation, has a significant presence in government IT services, suggesting established capabilities.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The total award amount of $13.7 million over approximately two years for specialized flight software support appears to be within a reasonable range for complex government IT services. However, without a competitive bidding process, it is difficult to definitively benchmark the value for money. Comparisons to similar NASA contracts for flight software sustainment would be necessary for a more precise assessment. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure means that while the contractor's fee is fixed, the total cost can fluctuate based on direct costs incurred, which warrants careful monitoring.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not openly competed among multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities or when urgency dictates a direct award. The lack of competition limits the government's ability to leverage market forces to achieve the lowest possible price and potentially explore innovative solutions from a wider pool of providers.
Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition means taxpayers may not have benefited from the cost savings that could have resulted from a bidding process. This could lead to higher overall expenditures for the services rendered.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and its various flight missions, which rely on robust flight software. The contract delivers essential services including on-orbit sustaining engineering, pre-launch training, maintenance preparations, and technology development for flight software. The geographic impact is centered around NASA's GSFC in Maryland, a hub for space exploration and satellite development. The contract supports a specialized workforce of software engineers and technical experts crucial for space mission success.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition may have led to a higher price than could have been achieved through a competitive process.
- The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure requires diligent oversight to manage direct costs effectively and prevent overruns.
- Reliance on a single source for critical flight software support could pose a risk if the contractor's performance declines or if they face business challenges.
Positive Signals
- The contract addresses a critical need for ongoing flight software support, essential for mission longevity and success.
- The contractor, Computer Sciences Corporation, likely possesses specialized expertise required for NASA's complex flight software requirements.
- The defined scope of work, including technology initiatives, suggests a forward-looking approach to software development and support.
Sector Analysis
The Information Technology sector, specifically custom computer programming services, is a significant area of federal spending. This contract falls within the niche of specialized software development and sustainment for high-stakes applications like space missions. The market for such services is characterized by a need for deep technical expertise, security clearances, and a proven track record. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other aerospace or defense IT contracts requiring similar levels of specialized engineering and long-term support.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by the 'ss' and 'sb' fields being false. The primary awardee, Computer Sciences Corporation, is a large business. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within this specific award notice. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this particular contract is likely minimal, though the prime contractor may engage small businesses in their broader operations.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), specifically the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). As a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, NASA would be responsible for monitoring the contractor's direct costs, ensuring compliance with the contract terms, and verifying the delivery of required services. Transparency is facilitated through contract reporting mechanisms, though specific details on public accessibility of performance reports are not provided. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Flight Software Development
- Aerospace IT Services
- Custom Computer Programming Services
- Mission Support Services
- Government IT Contracts
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type
Tags
it, nasa, maryland, custom-computer-programming-services, sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee, flight-software, sustaining-engineering, large-business, federal-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $13.8 million to COMPUTER SCIENCES CORPORATION. NASA'S GSFC MULTI-MISSION FLIGHT SOFTWARE SUPPORT. THE CONTRACTOR WILL SUPPORT THE FLIGHT SOFTWARE BRANCH (FSB) AT GSFC. THIS SUPPORT INCLUDES ON-ORBIT MULTIMISSION FLIGHT SOFTWARE (FSW) SUSTAINING ENGINEERING, PRE-LAUNCH FSW TRAINING AND FSW MAINTENANCE PREPARATIONS, FSB TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES, AND FSB GENERAL BRANCH SUPPORT. THE MULTI-MISSION FLIGHT SOFTWARE SUPPORT WILL INCLUDE ON-ORBIT MISSIONS AND PRE-FLIGHT MISSIONS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is COMPUTER SCIENCES 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 $13.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-11-01. End: 2011-01-31.
What is the track record of Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) in supporting NASA flight software contracts?
Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), now part of DXC Technology, has a long history of providing IT services to government agencies, including NASA. Their experience spans various aspects of IT infrastructure, software development, and mission support. For NASA flight software, CSC has been involved in developing, testing, and maintaining complex software systems for numerous missions. Their expertise typically includes real-time operating systems, embedded software, and mission-critical applications. While this specific contract highlights their role in sustaining engineering, their broader portfolio suggests a capacity to handle the technical demands of NASA's flight software needs. Evaluating past performance on similar contracts, including on-time delivery, budget adherence, and technical quality, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and reliability in this domain.
How does the $13.7 million cost compare to similar flight software support contracts at NASA or other agencies?
Benchmarking the $13.7 million cost for this specific flight software support contract requires careful consideration of its scope, duration, and complexity. This contract, awarded to Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) by NASA's GSFC, covers sustaining engineering, training, and technology initiatives over approximately two years. Without a competitive bidding process, direct price comparison is challenging. However, similar contracts for specialized IT services in the aerospace and defense sectors can range from several million to tens of millions of dollars annually, depending on the level of support, number of missions, and criticality. Contracts involving real-time embedded systems, long-term sustainment, and direct mission operations often command higher prices due to the specialized skills and rigorous quality assurance required. A detailed analysis would involve comparing the number of labor hours, skill sets, and deliverables against other sole-source or competed contracts for comparable services within NASA or agencies like the Department of Defense.
What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source award for critical flight software support?
The primary risks associated with a sole-source award for critical flight software support include potential overpricing, reduced innovation, and vendor lock-in. Without competition, the government may not achieve the most cost-effective solution, as market pressures that drive down prices are absent. Innovation can be stifled because there is less incentive for the sole provider to explore novel approaches or technologies when they are guaranteed the contract. Vendor lock-in is a significant concern, as the government becomes dependent on a single supplier, making it difficult and costly to switch providers in the future, even if performance issues arise. Furthermore, the lack of competitive scrutiny can sometimes lead to complacency in performance or quality. Mitigating these risks requires robust contract management, clear performance metrics, and continuous monitoring by the procuring agency.
How effective is sustaining engineering in ensuring the long-term viability of NASA's flight software?
Sustaining engineering is crucial for ensuring the long-term viability and operational effectiveness of NASA's flight software. Flight software operates in highly complex and often harsh environments, and missions can last for years or even decades. Over time, components may degrade, new vulnerabilities may be discovered, or operational requirements may evolve. Sustaining engineering addresses these challenges by providing ongoing maintenance, updates, bug fixes, and performance enhancements. It ensures that the software remains reliable, secure, and capable of meeting mission objectives throughout its lifecycle. For NASA, this means that critical systems continue to function correctly, data integrity is maintained, and the scientific or operational return on investment from a mission is maximized. Without effective sustaining engineering, software could become obsolete, unreliable, or susceptible to failure, jeopardizing mission success.
What is the historical spending trend for custom computer programming services at NASA's GSFC?
Analyzing historical spending trends for custom computer programming services at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) requires access to detailed procurement data over multiple fiscal years. Generally, agencies like NASA, heavily reliant on complex technological systems, consistently allocate significant portions of their budgets to IT services, including custom software development and support. Spending in this category can fluctuate based on the initiation of new major projects, the sustainment needs of existing long-duration missions, and shifts in technological priorities. Factors such as the increasing complexity of space missions, the need for advanced data processing, and cybersecurity requirements often drive sustained or increasing investment in custom programming. A review of historical data would likely show a consistent demand for these services, with potential peaks corresponding to major program milestones or technology upgrades.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2100 E GRAND AVE, EL SEGUNDO, CA, 90245
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $13,764,733
Exercised Options: $13,764,733
Current Obligation: $13,764,733
Actual Outlays: $50,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 26301D0049
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-11-01
Current End Date: 2011-01-31
Potential End Date: 2011-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-04-01
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