NASA Awards $96.4M for Atmospheric Science R&D Support Services to Science Systems and Applications, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $96,424,105 ($96.4M)
Contractor: Science Systems and Applications, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2012-05-01
End Date: 2017-04-30
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $52.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF OTHER FUNCTIONS THIS CONTRACT IS FOR (R&D) PHYSICAL, ENGINEERING, AND LIFE SCIENCES (EXCEPT BIOTCHNOLOGY) AND IS FOR THE PURCHASE OF SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE THE NASA GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER (GSFC) CONDUCTS A COMPREHENSIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM DIRECTED TOWARDS OBSERVING, MONITORING, CHARACTERIZING, MODELING, UNDERSTANDING, AND ADVANCING KNOWLEDGE OF THE EARTH'S ATMOSPHERE. THE RESEARCH PROGRAM IS AIMED AT UNDERSTANDING THE STRUCTURE, DYNAMICS, AND RADIATIVE PROPERTIES OF CLOUDS, AEROSOLS, AND PRECIPITATION; UNDERSTANDING ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY, ESPECIALLY THE ROLE OF NATURAL AND ANTHROPOGENIC TRACE SPECIES ON THE OZONE BALANCE IN THE STRATOSPHERE AND TROPOSPHERE; IMPROVING SHORT AND MEDIUM TERM NUMERICAL WEATHER PREDICTION; UNDERSTANDING THE INFLUENCE OF SOLAR VARIABILITY ON THE EARTH'S CLIMATE; AND ADVANCING OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THE EARTH'S ATMOSPHERE INCLUDING ITS INTERACTION WITH THE EARTH SURFACE. SCIENTISTS IDENTIFY REQUIREMENTS FOR ATMOSPHERIC OBSERVATIONS VIA SATELLITE MISSIONS AND SUB-ORBITAL INSTRUMENTATION. SCIENTISTS CONCEIVE, DESIGN, DEVELOP, AND IMPLEMENT OPTICAL, MICROWAVE, RADAR, AND LIDAR TECHNOLOGIES FOR REMOTE SENSING OF THE ATMOSPHERE. SCIENTISTS FURTHER CONDUCT FIELD MEASUREMENTS FOR SATELLITE SENSOR CALIBRATION AND DATA VALIDATION, AND CARRY OUT MODELING ACTIVITIES FOR ATMOSPHERIC RADIATIVE TRANSFER, CLIMATE, CLOUDS, AEROSOLS, CHEMISTRY AND TRANSPORT OF TRACE SPECIES, AND IN GENERAL THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEXT-GENERATION EARTH SYSTEM MODELS.
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $96.4 million to SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF OTHER FUNCTIONS THIS CONTRACT IS FOR (R&D) PHYSICAL, ENGINEERING, AND LIFE SCIENCES (EXCEPT BIOTCHNOLOGY) AND IS FOR THE PURCHASE OF SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE THE NASA GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER (GSFC) CONDUCTS A COMPREHENSIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY … Key points: 1. Contract focuses on crucial atmospheric science research for NASA GSFC. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting some initial limitations. 3. Risk appears moderate given the R&D nature and contract type. 4. Spending is concentrated in the R&D sector, specifically physical and engineering sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $96.4M over 5 years for R&D support services in atmospheric science appears within a reasonable range for specialized scientific endeavors. Benchmarking against similar NASA R&D contracts would provide a more precise assessment.
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.' This suggests that while competition was sought, there might have been initial considerations or limitations that led to excluding certain sources. The price discovery mechanism is likely influenced by the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical scientific research aimed at understanding Earth's atmosphere, which has long-term benefits for weather prediction, climate monitoring, and environmental understanding.
Public Impact
Supports vital research into Earth's atmosphere, impacting climate and weather forecasting. Funds advanced scientific understanding of atmospheric phenomena like clouds, aerosols, and chemistry. Contract awarded to Science Systems and Applications, Inc., a private sector entity. Research contributes to NASA's broader goals of Earth observation and climate science.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure.
- Limited initial competition raises questions about optimal price discovery.
- Long contract duration (5 years) may not adapt quickly to evolving research needs.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical scientific domain for national and global understanding.
- Utilizes a competitive process to select a qualified contractor.
- Supports a significant research and development program.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically NAICS code 541712 for Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. NASA's spending in this area is substantial, supporting fundamental scientific inquiry and technological advancement.
Small Business Impact
The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a primary consideration ('sb': false). The award went to a large business, Science Systems and Applications, Inc., suggesting limited direct benefit to small businesses through this specific prime contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Oversight would involve monitoring research progress, adherence to scientific objectives, and financial management of the Cost Plus Fixed Fee award.
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 can lead to cost overruns.
- Competition was 'full and open after exclusion of sources,' indicating potential limitations.
- Long contract duration may not be optimal for rapidly evolving R&D fields.
- No explicit small business set-aside noted.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, 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 $96.4 million to SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF OTHER FUNCTIONS THIS CONTRACT IS FOR (R&D) PHYSICAL, ENGINEERING, AND LIFE SCIENCES (EXCEPT BIOTCHNOLOGY) AND IS FOR THE PURCHASE OF SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE THE NASA GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER (GSFC) CONDUCTS A COMPREHENSIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM DIRECTED TOWARDS OBSERVING, MONITORING, CHARACTERIZING, MODELING, UNDERSTANDING, AND ADVANCING KNOWLEDGE OF THE EARTH'S ATMOSPHERE. THE RESEARCH PROGRAM IS AIMED AT UNDERSTANDING THE STRUCTURE, DYNAM
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 $96.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-05-01. End: 2017-04-30.
What is the specific value proposition of the research conducted under this contract for advancing atmospheric science beyond current capabilities?
The contract supports NASA GSFC's comprehensive research program focused on observing, monitoring, characterizing, modeling, and understanding Earth's atmosphere. This includes detailed studies of clouds, aerosols, precipitation, atmospheric chemistry, and the impact of trace species on the ozone layer. The value lies in improving weather prediction models and advancing fundamental knowledge of atmospheric dynamics and radiative properties, contributing to climate science and environmental monitoring.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type for this R&D effort?
The primary risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract in R&D is the potential for contractor cost overruns. While the fee is fixed, the government bears the risk of increased costs. This can lead to higher overall spending than initially projected if the contractor is not efficient or if unforeseen technical challenges arise, impacting the overall value for taxpayers.
How effectively does this contract contribute to NASA's long-term strategic goals in Earth science and climate research?
This contract directly supports NASA's strategic goals by funding critical research into the Earth's atmosphere. The insights gained are essential for improving climate models, understanding atmospheric changes, and enhancing weather prediction capabilities. By investing in this foundational R&D, NASA strengthens its position as a leader in Earth science and contributes vital data for global environmental monitoring and policy.
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
Offers Received: 5
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: $103,000,000
Exercised Options: $103,000,000
Current Obligation: $96,424,105
Actual Outlays: $703,802
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 48
Total Subaward Amount: $24,764,528
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-05-01
Current End Date: 2017-04-30
Potential End Date: 2017-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-09-01
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