NASA's $30M EOSDIS Software Contract Awarded to Raytheon Company
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $30,037,724 ($30.0M)
Contractor: Raytheon Company
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2009-05-23
End Date: 2010-11-22
Contract Duration: 548 days
Daily Burn Rate: $54.8K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: CONTINUATION OF SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINING ENGINEERING OF SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE SYSTEMS THAT PROVIDE SCIENCE DATA MANAGEMENT FOR NASA/GSFC'S EOSDIS PROJECT.
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $30.0 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY for work described as: CONTINUATION OF SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINING ENGINEERING OF SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE SYSTEMS THAT PROVIDE SCIENCE DATA MANAGEMENT FOR NASA/GSFC'S EOSDIS PROJECT. Key points: 1. This contract focuses on critical science data management for NASA's Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS). 2. Raytheon Company, a major defense contractor, secured this award. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, indicating performance incentives. 4. The lack of competition raises questions about potential overspending and limited innovation. 5. The sector is Information Technology, specifically computer systems design services.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The Cost Plus Award Fee structure can lead to higher costs if not managed tightly. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to benchmark pricing against similar services.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, meaning only one offer was solicited. This significantly limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible value for these essential science data management services.
Public Impact
Ensures continuity of vital science data management for NASA's Earth observation missions. Supports the ongoing development and maintenance of complex software and hardware systems. Impacts the accessibility and usability of crucial scientific data for researchers worldwide. Potential for higher costs due to lack of competitive pressure.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost Plus Award Fee contract type
- Potential for cost overruns
Positive Signals
- Ensures continuity of critical services
- Supports important scientific research
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT sector, specifically computer systems design services. Spending in this area is substantial across government, with a focus on secure and reliable data management solutions.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to Raytheon Company, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The lack of competition warrants closer oversight to ensure cost control and effective performance. NASA's internal review processes will be crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Systems Design Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Potential for cost overruns
- Lack of transparency in justification for non-competition
- Limited oversight due to lack of competitive pressure
Tags
computer-systems-design-services, 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 $30.0 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY. CONTINUATION OF SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINING ENGINEERING OF SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE SYSTEMS THAT PROVIDE SCIENCE DATA MANAGEMENT FOR NASA/GSFC'S EOSDIS PROJECT.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RAYTHEON COMPANY.
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 $30.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-05-23. End: 2010-11-22.
What was the justification for not competing this contract, and were alternative approaches considered?
The provided data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED'. A detailed justification would typically outline reasons such as urgency, unique capabilities, or existing infrastructure integration. Without this justification, it's difficult to assess if alternative competitive strategies were explored or if this sole-source award was truly the only viable option.
How is the 'award fee' component structured, and what metrics are used to determine its payout?
The 'award fee' is part of a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract. This structure allows the contractor to recover costs plus a base fee, with an additional award fee determined by the government based on performance against pre-defined criteria. The specific metrics and payout structure are critical for understanding how performance is incentivized and costs are managed.
What is the historical performance of Raytheon Company on similar NASA contracts, particularly regarding cost and schedule adherence?
Assessing Raytheon's past performance on comparable NASA contracts is essential for evaluating the risk associated with this award. Data on their track record with cost overruns, schedule delays, and overall quality of service would provide valuable insights into the likelihood of successful project execution and adherence to budget.
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: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 5700 RIVERTECH CT, RIVERDALE, MD, 20737
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $48,000,000
Exercised Options: $48,000,000
Current Obligation: $30,037,724
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-05-23
Current End Date: 2010-11-22
Potential End Date: 2010-11-22 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2016-09-09
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