NASA's $265M Logistics Contract with TRAX International Faces Scrutiny Over Competition and Value
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $265,234,087 ($265.2M)
Contractor: Trax International Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2012-08-01
End Date: 2017-07-31
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $145.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF OTHER FUNCTIONS GODDARD LOGISTICS AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION SERVICES--TO SUPPORT THE MISSION FOR THE INFORMATION AND LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT DIVISION BY PROVIDING LOGISTICS SERVICES SUPPORT, TECHNICAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICES TO GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER (GSFC) AT ITS GREENBELT, MD AND WALLOPS ISLAND, VA LOCATIONS AND TO NASA HEADQUARTERS. THESE SERVICES SHALL BE PROVIDED TO BOTH INSTITUTIONAL AND TECHNICAL PROGRAMS/PROJECTS, AND INCLUDE: PROJECT SUPPORT, SUPPLY MANAGEMENT, TRANSPORTATION, EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT, MANAGEMENT SERVICES, CREATIVE SERVICES, AND AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES.
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $265.2 million to TRAX INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF OTHER FUNCTIONS GODDARD LOGISTICS AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION SERVICES--TO SUPPORT THE MISSION FOR THE INFORMATION AND LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT DIVISION BY PROVIDING LOGISTICS SERVICES SUPPORT, TECHNICAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICES TO GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CEN… Key points: 1. The contract awarded to TRAX International for logistics and technical information services at GSFC and NASA HQ represents a significant investment. 2. While awarded under full and open competition, the specific pricing and value proposition require deeper analysis given the broad scope of services. 3. Potential risks include ensuring consistent service quality across diverse locations and program types, and managing cost overruns on a cost-plus contract. 4. The sector is IT and professional services, with a focus on logistics and management support for a major federal agency.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's cost-plus fixed fee structure necessitates careful oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and aligned with services provided. Benchmarking against similar logistics support contracts for federal agencies is crucial for assessing value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust process for soliciting bids. However, the effectiveness of price discovery and the final negotiated price depend on the thoroughness of the evaluation and the competitive landscape at the time of award.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are impacted by the total contract value of $265M, with the expectation that these funds are used efficiently to support NASA's mission objectives.
Public Impact
Supports critical NASA operations at multiple locations, ensuring mission continuity. Provides a wide range of services from supply chain to audiovisual, impacting various internal functions. The contract's duration and value indicate a long-term commitment to these support services. Potential for cost efficiencies if services are consolidated and managed effectively.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- Broad service scope may present challenges in consistent quality and oversight.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes value assessment difficult.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive process.
- Supports a critical government agency (NASA) with essential operational services.
- Long contract duration suggests stability and potential for long-term efficiency gains.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on logistics and management support. Spending benchmarks in this area vary widely based on the complexity and scope of services, but a $265M contract for a federal agency like NASA is substantial.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation was not a stated requirement or outcome for this contract, as it was awarded to TRAX INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION and the 'sb' field is false. Further investigation would be needed to determine if any subcontracting opportunities were made available to small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight of this contract would primarily fall under NASA's contracting officers and program managers. Ensuring accountability for performance and cost control is critical, especially given the cost-plus contract type and the broad range of services provided across multiple locations.
Related Government Programs
- Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost-plus contract type.
- Broad service scope.
- Multi-location service delivery.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Potential for cost overruns.
Tags
process-physical-distribution-and-logist, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, md, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $265.2 million to TRAX INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. IGF::OT::IGF OTHER FUNCTIONS GODDARD LOGISTICS AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION SERVICES--TO SUPPORT THE MISSION FOR THE INFORMATION AND LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT DIVISION BY PROVIDING LOGISTICS SERVICES SUPPORT, TECHNICAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICES TO GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER (GSFC) AT ITS GREENBELT, MD AND WALLOPS ISLAND, VA LOCATIONS AND TO NASA HEADQUARTERS. THESE SERVICES SHALL BE PROVIDED TO BOTH INSTITUTIONAL AND TECHNICAL PROGRAMS/PROJECTS, AND INCLUDE: PROJECT SUPPORT, SUPPLY MANA
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TRAX INTERNATIONAL 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 $265.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-08-01. End: 2017-07-31.
What specific performance metrics were established to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of the logistics and technical information services provided under this contract?
The provided data does not detail specific performance metrics. Effective oversight would require clearly defined KPIs related to service delivery timeliness, accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and client satisfaction. Without these, assessing the true value and effectiveness of the services rendered is challenging and relies heavily on qualitative assessments and potential post-contract reviews.
How did the agency ensure that the 'full and open competition' process resulted in the most cost-effective solution for the government, given the cost-plus fixed fee structure?
While 'full and open competition' suggests a broad solicitation, the cost-plus fixed fee (CPFF) structure means the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. The agency would need robust cost analysis, negotiation, and ongoing monitoring to ensure the contractor's costs are reasonable and the fixed fee adequately compensates for the work without incentivizing excessive spending. Benchmarking against industry standards and prior contracts is essential.
What is the potential risk of service degradation or cost escalation given the contract's broad scope and multi-location service delivery?
The broad scope encompassing logistics, technical information management, creative services, and more, across GSFC and NASA HQ, presents a significant risk. Maintaining consistent quality and control across such diverse functions and locations requires strong contractor management and clear communication channels. Cost escalation is a inherent risk with CPFF contracts, especially if unforeseen issues arise or if the initial cost estimates were not sufficiently detailed.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting 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: NNG11294404R
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 8337 W SUNSET RD STE 250, LAS VEGAS, NV, 89113
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $436,798,789
Exercised Options: $436,798,789
Current Obligation: $265,234,087
Actual Outlays: $197,713
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-08-01
Current End Date: 2017-07-31
Potential End Date: 2017-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-08-24
More Contracts from Trax International Corporation
- Base Period - Usaypg Test Support Services — $994.9M (Department of Defense)
- Mission Test Support Services — $758.6M (Department of Defense)
- THE LMD Functions and Responsibilities Include, BUT ARE NOT Limited TO: Logistics Policy and Program Planning Review and Approval of Work Instructions Approval of Management Systems Government-To-Government Agreements Quality Management/Quality Assurance Policy Interagency and Intra-Agency Agreements Interpreting Federal Laws and Regulations Freight Carrier Negotiations and Suspension of Carriers Contract Budgeting and Funding and Allocation of Resources Direction to ADD NEW Customers or Stop Supporting Existing Customers Marketing of Logistics Services Contractor Performance Evaluation Contract Management System Review and Operational Audits Determining Customer Service Levels — $471.3M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Goddard Logistics and Technical Information Services Place of Perf: Gsfc, WFF and Nasa HQ *this Contract IS Reissued From Nng17az11c* — $405.6M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Atss Task Order — $56.2M (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 →