NASA's Wallops Research Range contract awarded to LJT & Associates, Inc. for over $181 million
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $181,293,864 ($181.3M)
Contractor: LJT & Associates, Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2010-08-27
End Date: 2016-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,226 days
Daily Burn Rate: $81.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 9
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: THE OVERALL SCOPE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE WALLOPS RESEARCH RANGE (WRR) OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE; SUPPORT SERVICES; TRAINING; COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS SERVICES; TESTING, MODIFYING AND INSTALLING COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS AT LAUNCH FACILITIES, LAUNCH CONTROL CENTERS AND TEST FACILITIES; AND RANGE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERING SERVICES. THIS EFFORT PROVIDES DIRECT CUSTOMER SUPPORT TO NASA WALLOPS FLIGHT FACILITY'S (WFFS) WALLOPS RESEARCH RANGE BY PROVIDING QUALIFIED PERSONNEL, EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, MATERIALS, VEHICLES, SPECIALIZED TEST EQUIPMENT, SUPERVISION, AND OTHER SERVICES.
Place of Performance
Location: WALLOPS ISLAND, ACCOMACK County, VIRGINIA, 23337
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $181.3 million to LJT & ASSOCIATES, INC for work described as: THE OVERALL SCOPE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE WALLOPS RESEARCH RANGE (WRR) OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE; SUPPORT SERVICES; TRAINING; COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS SERVICES; TESTING, MODIFYING AND INSTALLING COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONIC SYSTE… Key points: 1. Contract provides comprehensive operations, maintenance, and support services for NASA's Wallops Research Range. 2. Services include C4ISR, testing, and technology development, directly supporting NASA's flight facility. 3. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 4. LJT & Associates, Inc. is the sole contractor for this extensive range support effort. 5. The contract duration spans over 6 years, suggesting a long-term need for these services. 6. Performance is structured as Cost Plus Award Fee, incentivizing contractor performance. 7. The contract value of over $181 million reflects the significant scope and complexity of range operations.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of over $181 million for a 6-year period for comprehensive range operations and maintenance appears reasonable given the scope. While specific comparable contracts for similar specialized range support are not readily available, the Cost Plus Award Fee structure allows for performance-based incentives, which can drive value. Benchmarking against general IT or facility maintenance contracts would not be appropriate due to the unique nature of range operations. The pricing structure, while not detailed here, is subject to award fees based on performance, suggesting an effort to ensure value for money.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded through full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The data indicates 9 bids were received, suggesting a healthy level of competition for this specialized service. A competitive process like this is generally expected to lead to more favorable pricing and innovative solutions as contractors vie for the award. The number of bidders provides a good indication that the market was engaged.
Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition for this significant contract is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely resulted in a more competitive price and better overall value compared to a sole-source or limited competition award.
Public Impact
Directly benefits NASA's Wallops Flight Facility by ensuring the operational readiness of the Wallops Research Range. Enables critical space launch and research activities by providing essential infrastructure and support services. Supports scientific research and development in areas such as aerospace and atmospheric science. The contract likely supports a workforce of specialized personnel in engineering, technical, and operational roles. Geographic impact is centered around the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, a key hub for NASA's Mid-Atlantic operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Award Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly, as the contractor is reimbursed for costs plus an award fee.
- The long duration of the contract (over 6 years) could present risks if technology or requirements change significantly during its term.
- Reliance on a single contractor for such critical range operations could pose a risk if the contractor experiences performance issues or financial instability.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition with multiple bidders, indicating a robust market response and potential for competitive pricing.
- The Cost Plus Award Fee structure incentivizes contractor performance and efficiency, aligning contractor goals with NASA's objectives.
- The contract directly supports critical NASA research and launch operations, indicating a high level of importance and likely stringent performance standards.
Sector Analysis
The aerospace and defense sector, particularly within government contracting, often involves complex, long-term support services for specialized facilities like research ranges. NASA's Wallops Research Range is a critical asset for space launch and scientific research. The market for such services is specialized, with a limited number of firms possessing the requisite expertise and security clearances. This contract fits within the broader category of range operations and support, which is a niche but vital segment of the defense and aerospace industrial base. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of range operations.
Small Business Impact
The provided data indicates that small business participation (sb) was false and there was no small business set-aside (ss). This suggests that the contract was not specifically targeted towards small businesses. While LJT & Associates, Inc. may utilize small businesses for subcontracting, the primary award was not set aside. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business subcontracting and its impact on the small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), specifically the Wallops Flight Facility. As a Cost Plus Award Fee contract, performance metrics and financial expenditures would be subject to regular review and auditing by NASA contracting officers and potentially the NASA Office of Inspector General. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting requirements, though specific details of performance and cost are often proprietary. The Inspector General's office would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Launch Services Program
- Space Coast Support Contracts
- DoD Range Operations and Maintenance
- Federal IT and Communications Services
- Aerospace Engineering and Technical Services
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in CPAF contracts if not managed stringently.
- Risk of contractor performance issues impacting critical range operations.
- Long contract duration may not adapt well to rapidly evolving technology.
- Dependence on a single contractor for essential services.
Tags
nasa, wallops-research-range, operations-and-maintenance, ljt-associates-inc, cost-plus-award-fee, definitive-contract, full-and-open-competition, virginia, aerospace, research-and-development, telecommunications, large-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $181.3 million to LJT & ASSOCIATES, INC. THE OVERALL SCOPE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE WALLOPS RESEARCH RANGE (WRR) OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE; SUPPORT SERVICES; TRAINING; COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS SERVICES; TESTING, MODIFYING AND INSTALLING COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS AT LAUNCH FACILITIES, LAUNCH CONTROL CENTERS AND TEST FACILITIES; AND RANGE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERING SERVICES. THIS EFFORT PROVIDES DIRECT CUSTOMER SUPPORT TO NASA WALLOPS FLIGHT FACILITY'S (WFFS) WALLOPS RE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LJT & ASSOCIATES, 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 $181.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-08-27. End: 2016-09-30.
What is the track record of LJT & Associates, Inc. with NASA and similar government contracts?
LJT & Associates, Inc. has a history of performing services for NASA and other government agencies. While specific details of their past performance on similar range operations contracts are not provided in this data snippet, their award for this significant Wallops Research Range contract suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience. A deeper dive into their contract history, including past performance reviews and any reported issues on previous contracts, would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment of their track record. Their ability to win a full and open competition award with 9 bidders implies a competitive standing and a perceived capability to meet NASA's demanding requirements.
How does the value of this contract compare to other range operations and maintenance contracts?
Directly comparing the $181 million value of this 6-year contract to other range operations and maintenance contracts is challenging due to the specialized nature of such services and the proprietary details of contract values. However, for a comprehensive support package encompassing operations, maintenance, C4ISR, and technology development for a significant NASA facility like Wallops Research Range, the value appears to be within a reasonable range for long-term, complex government support contracts. Without access to a database of comparable contracts with detailed scopes of work and pricing, a precise benchmark is difficult to establish. The value reflects the critical infrastructure and services provided.
What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract structure?
The primary risks associated with a CPAF contract structure, like the one awarded to LJT & Associates, Inc., revolve around cost control and performance management. While CPAF aims to incentivize performance by reimbursing costs plus an award fee based on meeting or exceeding performance objectives, there's a risk that costs could escalate if performance targets are not clearly defined or if contractor performance is difficult to objectively measure. NASA must diligently monitor expenditures and performance to ensure that award fees are justified and that overall costs remain within reasonable bounds. There's also a potential for disputes over performance evaluations, which could impact the award fee.
How effective is the competition level in ensuring value for taxpayers on this contract?
The fact that this contract was awarded through full and open competition with nine bidders is a strong indicator that the competition level is effective in ensuring value for taxpayers. A robust competition typically drives down prices as contractors strive to offer the most competitive bids. It also encourages innovation and efficiency as companies seek to differentiate themselves. The presence of multiple bidders suggests that the market for these specialized services is healthy and that NASA had a good selection of qualified contractors. This competitive environment is crucial for achieving a fair and reasonable price and maximizing the return on taxpayer investment.
What are the historical spending patterns for Wallops Research Range operations and maintenance?
Historical spending patterns for Wallops Research Range operations and maintenance prior to this contract (2010-2016) are not detailed in the provided data. However, the award of an $181 million contract over approximately 6 years suggests a consistent and significant level of investment in maintaining and operating the range. Such specialized facilities typically require substantial and ongoing funding to ensure readiness for scientific missions and launches. Understanding historical spending would involve analyzing previous contracts for range support, which would likely show a sustained commitment to these critical infrastructure services by NASA.
What are the implications of the contract type (Definitive Contract) and payment structure (Cost Plus Award Fee) for oversight?
A Definitive Contract signifies a firm commitment for a specific period and scope, providing a stable framework for long-term operations. The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) payment structure, however, requires more intensive oversight compared to fixed-price contracts. NASA contracting officers must meticulously track all incurred costs to ensure they are allowable, allocable, and reasonable. Furthermore, they must establish clear, objective performance standards and rigorously evaluate the contractor's performance against these standards to determine the appropriate award fee. This necessitates robust performance monitoring systems and regular communication between NASA and LJT & Associates, Inc. to ensure alignment and accountability.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Information › Other Telecommunications › All Other Telecommunications
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNG08214467R
Offers Received: 9
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: LJT & Associates Inc
Address: 9881 BROKENLAND PKWY STE 400, COLUMBIA, MD, 21046
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $191,250,000
Exercised Options: $191,250,000
Current Obligation: $181,293,864
Actual Outlays: $673,172
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-08-27
Current End Date: 2016-09-30
Potential End Date: 2016-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-04
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