NASA's $40M contract for Earth science modeling and assimilation support awarded to Science Systems and Applications, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $39,894,570 ($39.9M)
Contractor: Science Systems and Applications, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2012-02-01
End Date: 2017-01-31
Contract Duration: 1,826 days
Daily Burn Rate: $21.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE CONTINUED SUPPORT TO GSFC'S GLOBAL MODELING AND ASSIMILATION OFFICE (GMAO), A KEY ACTIVITY WITHIN THE EARTH SCIENCES DIVISION. THE GMAO DEVELOPS AND USES COMPREHENSIVE MODELS AND ASSIMILATION SYSTEMS THAT SUPPORT NASA S EARTH SCIENCE RESEARCH ENTERPRISE AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE NATION S CAPABILITIES IN CLIMATE, WEATHER AND ATMOSPHERIC COMPOSITION PREDICTION. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL SUPPORT PROJECTS WITHIN THE GMAO THAT ENCOMPASS ALL ASPECTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE OF THE ASSIMILATION AND FORECAST SYSTEMS, SPECIFICALLY IN THREE AREAS: SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT, DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF OPERATIONAL CAPABILITIES, AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUPPORT. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL NECESSARY RESOURCES INCLUDING PERSONNEL, FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT, AND MATERIALS, UNLESS OTHERWISE PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN ORDER TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS. THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDES LOCAL ANALYSIS AND DATA SERVERS AND PERIPHERALS TO BE SHARED BY THE GMAO TEAM, COMPRISING CIVIL SERVANTS, VISITING SCIENTISTS AND CONTRACTOR STAFF. THE HIGH-END COMPUTING RESOURCES NEEDED TO ACCOMPLISH THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS OF THE GMAO ARE PROVIDED THROUGH THE NASA CENTER FOR CLIMATE SIMULATION AT GODDARD AND THROUGH THE NASA ADVANCED SUPERCOMPUTING (NAS) DIVISION AT NASA/AMES RESEARCH CENTER.
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $39.9 million to SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, INC. for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE CONTINUED SUPPORT TO GSFC'S GLOBAL MODELING AND ASSIMILATION OFFICE (GMAO), A KEY ACTIVITY WITHIN THE EARTH SCIENCES DIVISION. THE GMAO DEVELOPS AND USES COMPREHENSIVE MODELS AND ASSIMILATION SYSTEMS THAT SUPPORT NASA S EARTH SCIENCE RES… Key points: 1. Contract supports critical Earth science research and prediction capabilities for climate, weather, and atmospheric composition. 2. Focuses on scientific R&D, operational capability development, and project management for NASA's Global Modeling and Assimilation Office. 3. Contract duration of approximately 5 years indicates a need for sustained, specialized support. 4. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 5. The nature of the work involves complex scientific modeling and data assimilation, requiring specialized expertise. 6. Performance context includes development, operation, and maintenance of assimilation and forecast systems.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of approximately $40 million over five years for specialized scientific support appears reasonable given the complexity of Earth science modeling and data assimilation. Benchmarking against similar contracts for advanced scientific research and development services would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the sustained nature of the support and the critical role of the GMAO in NASA's Earth Science Division suggest that this investment is aligned with strategic objectives.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This competitive approach is generally expected to drive better pricing and innovation. The number of bidders and the specific evaluation criteria would further illuminate the intensity of the competition and its impact on the final award.
Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a market where contractors vie to offer the best value.
Public Impact
Benefits NASA's Earth Science Division by enhancing capabilities in climate, weather, and atmospheric composition prediction. Supports scientific research and development, potentially leading to advancements in understanding Earth systems. Contributes to the nation's capabilities in forecasting and prediction, impacting public safety and resource management. The work involves highly specialized scientific and technical expertise, potentially supporting a skilled workforce in these fields.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in complex R&D projects if not managed tightly.
- Dependence on key personnel from the contractor could pose a risk if turnover is high.
- Ensuring continued alignment with evolving scientific priorities and technological advancements.
Positive Signals
- Contractor's established role in supporting NASA's Earth Science Division suggests a track record of relevant expertise.
- The long-term nature of the contract indicates a stable relationship and potential for deep institutional knowledge.
- Focus on critical national capabilities in climate and weather prediction highlights the program's importance.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for advanced scientific modeling and data assimilation services is specialized, often involving a mix of large aerospace and defense contractors, as well as niche scientific research firms. NASA's spending in this area is crucial for maintaining its leadership in Earth observation and climate science.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions or subcontracting goals for this contract. Analysis would require further details on subcontracting plans and performance. Without this information, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem remains unclear.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is typically managed by NASA contracting officers and program managers, ensuring adherence to contract terms and performance standards. The agency's internal review processes and potential audits by oversight bodies like the NASA Office of Inspector General would provide accountability. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases and public reporting requirements.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Earth Science Division Programs
- Climate Modeling Initiatives
- Weather Prediction Systems
- Atmospheric Composition Research
- Geospatial Data Analysis Contracts
Risk Flags
- Potential for reliance on specific contractor expertise
- Complexity of scientific R&D may lead to schedule risks
- Need for continuous adaptation to evolving scientific requirements
Tags
nasa, earth-science, modeling-and-simulation, research-and-development, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, science-systems-and-applications-inc, maryland, definitive-contract, scientific-support, atmospheric-science, climate-research
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $39.9 million to SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, INC.. THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE CONTINUED SUPPORT TO GSFC'S GLOBAL MODELING AND ASSIMILATION OFFICE (GMAO), A KEY ACTIVITY WITHIN THE EARTH SCIENCES DIVISION. THE GMAO DEVELOPS AND USES COMPREHENSIVE MODELS AND ASSIMILATION SYSTEMS THAT SUPPORT NASA S EARTH SCIENCE RESEARCH ENTERPRISE AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE NATION S CAPABILITIES IN CLIMATE, WEATHER AND ATMOSPHERIC COMPOSITION PREDICTION. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL SUPPORT PROJECTS WITHIN THE GMAO THAT ENCOMPASS ALL ASPECTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, 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 $39.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-02-01. End: 2017-01-31.
What is the track record of Science Systems and Applications, Inc. in supporting NASA's Earth science initiatives?
Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) has a history of supporting NASA's Earth science missions. Their involvement with the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO) suggests a sustained relationship and demonstrated capability in areas critical to NASA's research objectives. SSAI's expertise often lies in providing scientific and engineering support for complex data analysis, modeling, and software development. A deeper dive into their past performance on similar NASA contracts, including any performance evaluations or awards, would further clarify their suitability and track record for this specific requirement. Their continued selection for such roles indicates a level of trust and proven competence within the agency.
How does the value of this contract compare to similar R&D support contracts at NASA or other agencies?
The contract value of approximately $40 million over five years for specialized scientific support is within a typical range for complex R&D services provided to agencies like NASA. Contracts supporting advanced modeling, simulation, and data analysis often require significant investment due to the highly specialized expertise and computational resources involved. Benchmarking against contracts for similar scientific support within NASA's Earth Science Division or comparable R&D efforts at agencies like NOAA or NSF would provide a more precise comparison. Factors such as contract duration, scope of work, and the specific scientific domain (e.g., climate modeling vs. materials science R&D) influence cost, making direct comparisons challenging without detailed scope alignment.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?
Primary risks for this contract likely include technical challenges in developing and maintaining complex Earth system models, potential delays in research and development milestones, and the risk of key personnel turnover impacting institutional knowledge. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust project management, clear performance metrics, regular technical reviews, and strong communication channels between NASA and the contractor. NASA's oversight, including contract performance monitoring and potential for contract modifications to adapt to evolving scientific needs, also serves as a mitigation factor. Ensuring continuity of operations and scientific integrity are paramount.
How effective is the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO) in achieving its stated objectives, and how does this contract contribute?
The effectiveness of the GMAO is crucial for NASA's Earth Science Division, directly contributing to advancements in climate, weather, and atmospheric composition prediction. This contract provides essential support for the development, operation, and maintenance of the sophisticated models and assimilation systems that underpin the GMAO's work. By ensuring the continued functionality and enhancement of these systems, the contract enables the GMAO to produce vital data and research outputs. NASA's internal program reviews, scientific publications stemming from GMAO research, and the impact of its predictions on national capabilities serve as indicators of its effectiveness. This contract is a direct enabler of those outcomes.
What are the historical spending patterns for similar scientific support services within NASA's Earth Science Division?
Historical spending patterns for similar scientific support services within NASA's Earth Science Division often show a consistent allocation of resources towards modeling, data analysis, and research infrastructure. Contracts for specialized scientific support, particularly those involving complex modeling and assimilation, represent a significant portion of the division's budget. Spending can fluctuate based on new mission starts, evolving research priorities, and the availability of funding. Analyzing past contract awards for scientific support, including their duration, value, and the specific technical areas covered, would reveal trends and provide context for the current $40 million award. This sustained investment underscores the ongoing importance of these capabilities.
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: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNG11317113R
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 10210 GREENBELT RD STE 600, LANHAM, MD, 20706
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $47,000,000
Exercised Options: $47,000,000
Current Obligation: $39,894,570
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 7
Total Subaward Amount: $4,224,328
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-02-01
Current End Date: 2017-01-31
Potential End Date: 2017-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-08-31
More Contracts from Science Systems and Applications, Inc.
- Electrical Engineering Systems Services the Principal Purpose of This Contract IS to Provide Electrical/Electronic Engineering Support Services and Related Work to EED, Istd, SED, Mesa, Related Organizations and Other Nasa Centers and Locations Specified in Task Orders, for the Study, Design, Development, Fabrication, Integration, Testing, Verification, and Operations of Space Flight, Airborne, and Ground System Hardware and Software, Including Development and Validation of NEW Technologies to Enable Future Space and Science Missions — $670.4M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- THE Purpose of This Contract IS to Acquire Scientific Research Services That Conceives, Develops and Applies Space, Field-Deployed (I.E. Airborne and in Situ) and Laboratory Based Technologies and Observations of the Earth Systems — $436.3M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Science, Technology and Research Support Services II — $259.1M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Support for Atmospheres, Modeling, and Data Assimilation (samda) — $256.7M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- THE Contractor Shall Support the Hydrospheric and Biospheric Sciences (HBS), Code 610 in the Following Areas: Science Research Hypothesis Verification Modeling and Simulation Scientific Mission Planning and Execution Computing Science Processing Operations Science Instrumentation Mechanical Engineering (technical and Assembly) Electronic Design, Engineering, and Analysis Optical and Laser Design, Engineering, and Analysis Bench Checkout Equipment Laboratory and Field Experiments Administration Education and Outreach Technical Writing WEB Page Design and Support Media Development Projects Meetings, Visits, and Consultations Organization Property Safety Calibration&validation Algorithm and Software Development Characterization and Modeling Data Analysis Laboratory and Field Activities Instrument Operations Logistics Reporting This Support IS Categorized in Five Major Areas: Science, Computing, Science Instrumentation, Administration, and Calibration Validation. the Contractor Shall Provide ALL Necessary Resources, Including Personnel, Facilities, Equipment, and Materials, Unless Otherwise Provided by the Government, in Order to Meet the Performance-Based Work Requirements. in the Following Paragraphs, Specific Work Elements ARE Followed by Parenthetical Underlined Activities That ARE Examples of Where the Activities Apply. in Performing Work Under Tasks Issued on This Contract, Where Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) Standards Apply, Such in Software Development and WEB Sites, the Contractor Shall Provide the Following Services: Software Applications and Operating Systems WEB Based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications Telecommunications Products Video and Multimedia Products Self Contained, Closed Products Desktop and Portable Computers — $226.8M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
View all Science Systems and Applications, Inc. federal contracts →
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 →