NASA Awards $18.8M Contract to Orbital Sciences for GEMS Phase B R&D Effort
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,835,140 ($18.8M)
Contractor: Orbital Sciences LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2010-11-01
End Date: 2014-09-15
Contract Duration: 1,414 days
Daily Burn Rate: $13.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 32
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: GEMS PHASE B EFFORT. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE THE NECESSARY RESOURCES AND SKILLS TO PERFORM AND MANAGE THE TASKS DEFINED WITHIN THIS SOW FOR THE PHASE B. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL SUPPORT AND CONDUCT THE SYSTEMS REQUIREMENTS REVIEW (SRR) AND SUPPORT AND CONDUCT A PRELIMINARY DESIGN REVIEW (PDR). THE WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE (WBS) FOR THE PHASE B EFFORT WILL BE AS FOLLOWS: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL DEVELOP AND DELIVER A WBS FOR THE EXTENDED BRIDGE PHASE THAT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN THE CDRL DID.
Place of Performance
Location: STERLING, LOUDOUN County, VIRGINIA, 20166
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $18.8 million to ORBITAL SCIENCES LLC for work described as: GEMS PHASE B EFFORT. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE THE NECESSARY RESOURCES AND SKILLS TO PERFORM AND MANAGE THE TASKS DEFINED WITHIN THIS SOW FOR THE PHASE B. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL SUPPORT AND CONDUCT THE SYSTEMS REQUIREMENTS REVIEW (SRR) AND SUPPORT AND CONDUCT A PRELIMINARY D… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical Systems Requirements Review (SRR) and Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for GEMS Phase B. 2. Orbital Sciences LLC, the sole awardee, will provide resources for R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can pose cost control challenges. 4. This award falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS 541712.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this R&D effort may lead to cost overruns if not closely managed. Benchmarking CPFF contracts in R&D is difficult due to inherent project uncertainty.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific pricing strategies and their impact on price discovery are not detailed.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced research and development, with the potential for significant technological advancements, but also the risk of cost overruns.
Public Impact
Supports critical early-stage development for the GEMS program, potentially leading to future technological breakthroughs. The R&D focus aligns with NASA's mission to advance scientific understanding and space exploration. Contract duration of over three years suggests a substantial and ongoing commitment to the project. Awarded to a single contractor, highlighting the need for robust oversight to ensure value for money.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs.
- Lack of detailed pricing information makes it difficult to assess value.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports critical NASA R&D objectives.
- Long contract duration indicates sustained effort.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS 541712. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation but often involves higher risk and less predictable outcomes compared to procurement of established goods or services.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and the awardee, Orbital Sciences LLC, is a large business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and the R&D nature of the work, robust oversight by NASA is crucial to monitor costs, schedule, and performance. The contract includes a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) requirement, which aids in tracking progress.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- R&D projects have inherent uncertainty and risk.
- Lack of detailed pricing information for benchmarking.
- No indication of small business participation.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, va, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $18.8 million to ORBITAL SCIENCES LLC. GEMS PHASE B EFFORT. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE THE NECESSARY RESOURCES AND SKILLS TO PERFORM AND MANAGE THE TASKS DEFINED WITHIN THIS SOW FOR THE PHASE B. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL SUPPORT AND CONDUCT THE SYSTEMS REQUIREMENTS REVIEW (SRR) AND SUPPORT AND CONDUCT A PRELIMINARY DESIGN REVIEW (PDR). THE WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE (WBS) FOR THE PHASE B EFFORT WILL BE AS FOLLOWS: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL DEVELOP AND DELIVER A WBS FOR THE EXTENDED BRIDGE PHASE THAT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ORBITAL SCIENCES LLC.
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 $18.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-11-01. End: 2014-09-15.
What specific metrics will NASA use to evaluate the contractor's performance and ensure the $18.8 million investment yields valuable research outcomes?
NASA will likely rely on milestones tied to the Systems Requirements Review (SRR) and Preliminary Design Review (PDR) as key performance indicators. Performance will also be assessed against the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and adherence to deliverable requirements outlined in the CDRL. Regular progress reports and technical reviews will be essential for monitoring the contractor's progress and the quality of the research outputs.
How will NASA mitigate the inherent cost risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract in an R&D environment to protect taxpayer interests?
NASA will implement stringent oversight mechanisms, including detailed cost tracking, regular audits, and performance reviews. They will likely establish clear ceilings and incentives within the contract to manage costs. Continuous communication and collaboration with the contractor to define and manage the scope of work effectively will be critical to prevent cost overruns and ensure the project stays within budget.
What is the anticipated long-term impact of the GEMS Phase B effort on NASA's broader mission objectives and potential technological advancements?
The GEMS Phase B effort is foundational for the program's success, focusing on critical design and requirements. Successful completion is expected to pave the way for subsequent phases, potentially leading to significant advancements in areas relevant to NASA's mission, such as Earth observation, climate monitoring, or space science. The outcomes could enable new capabilities or improve existing ones, contributing to scientific discovery and technological innovation.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: SPACE VEHICLES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNH07ZDA003O
Offers Received: 32
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation (UEI: 967356127)
Address: 2980 FAIRVIEW PARK DR, FALLS CHURCH, VA, 22042
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $18,975,035
Exercised Options: $18,975,035
Current Obligation: $18,835,140
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-11-01
Current End Date: 2014-09-15
Potential End Date: 2014-09-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-11-08
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