NASA awards $17.3M contract to Aerospace Corporation for specialized engineering support on JPSS flight segment
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,270,340 ($17.3M)
Contractor: THE Aerospace Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2012-02-29
End Date: 2019-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,770 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.2K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SPECIALIZED ENGINEERING SUPPORT TO JOINT POLAR SATELLITE SYSTEM (JPSS) FLIGHT SEGMENT RESTRUCTURING OF THE NATIONAL POLAR-ORBITING OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE SYSTEM (NPOESS) HAS RESULTED IN NOAA AND NASA ASSUMING ACQUISITION RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE AFTERNOON ORBIT OF THE CONSTELLATION. THESE SATELLITES, RENAMED THE JOINT POLAR SATELLITE SYSTEM (JPSS) FLIGHT SEGMENT, WILL BE DEVELOPED BY NASA GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER (GSFC) FOR NOAA. IN ORDER TO ASSURE THE SUCCESS OF THE JPSS DEVELOPMENT, GSFC REQUIRES SUPPORT FROM STAFF FROM THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION WHO HAD PREVIOUSLY WORKED ON NPOESS AS WELL AS SPECIALIZED ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES PARTICULARLY IN THE AREA OF OPTICAL FOCAL PLANE DEVELOPMENTS IN SUPPORT OF INSTRUMENT DEVELOPMENT/TESTING AND EVALUATION ACTIVITIES. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ENGINEERING SUPPORT FOR JPSS. THIS SUPPORT SHALL INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO, DEVELOPING JPSS PROGRAM AND MISSION SPECIFICATIONS, REVISING AND/OR DEVELOPING JPSS INTERFACE DOCUMENTS, CONDUCTING TRADE STUDIES IN SUPPORT OF JPSS ARCHITECTURE DEFINITION AND EVOLUTION, MANAGING MISSION- AND OBSERVATORY-LEVEL TECHNICAL BUDGETS, MONITORING SPACECRAFT CONTRACTOR IN DESIGN AND PROCUREMENT ACTIVITIES, PARTICIPATING IN SPACECRAFT PROGRESS MEETINGS; DESIGN REVIEWS; TEST READINESS REVIEWS; ANOMALY BOARDS; PARTS/MATERIAL BOARDS; ETC., AND ASSISTING IN PROBLEM RESOLUTION THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS ENGINEERING SERVICES TO JPSS. THESE SERVICES SHALL INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO, SUPPORTING NPOESS TO JPSS INSTRUMENT TRANSITION BY PREPARING TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION FOR INSTRUMENT CONTRACTS, COORDINATING INSTRUMENT REQUIREMENTS WITH MISSION- AND OBSERVATORY-LEVEL REQUIREMENTS, EVALUATING INSTRUMENT COMPLIANCE WITH NASA TECHNICAL STANDARDS, CONDUCTING TRADE STUDIES IN SUPPORT OF INSTRUMENT ACCOMMODATION, SUPPORTING THE INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS ENGINEERING STAFF, MANAGING INSTRUMENT RISK PROCESSES, ASSISTING WITH CONFIGURATION CHANGE PROCESS FOR INSTRUMENTS, AND PARTICIPATING IN INSTRUMENT DESIGN REVIEWS; TEST READINESS REVIEWS; ETC. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ENGINEERING SERVICES TO OVERSEE THE JPSS INSTRUMENT DEVELOPMENT. THESE SERVICES SHALL INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO, SUPPORTING NPOESS TO JPSS INSTRUMENT TRANSITION BY PREPARING TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION FOR INSTRUMENT CONTRACTS, COORDINATING INSTRUMENT REQUIREMENTS WITH MISSION- AND OBSERVATORY-LEVEL REQUIREMENTS, MONITORING THE OMPS AND CRIS CONTRACTOR IN EXECUTION OF INSTRUMENT BUILD AND TEST, PARTICIPATING IN INSTRUMENT PROGRESS MEETINGS; DESIGN REVIEWS; TEST READINESS REVIEWS; ANOMALY BOARDS; PARTS/MATERIAL BOARDS; ETC., REVIEWING PLANS AND PROCEDURES, ASSISTING IN PROBLEM RESOLUTION, AND REVIEWING TEST DATA FOR SPECIFICATION COMPLIANCE.
Place of Performance
Location: EL SEGUNDO, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 90245
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $17.3 million to THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION for work described as: SPECIALIZED ENGINEERING SUPPORT TO JOINT POLAR SATELLITE SYSTEM (JPSS) FLIGHT SEGMENT RESTRUCTURING OF THE NATIONAL POLAR-ORBITING OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE SYSTEM (NPOESS) HAS RESULTED IN NOAA AND NASA ASSUMING ACQUISITION RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE AFTERNOON ORBIT OF THE… Key points: 1. Contract awarded for critical engineering support to the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) flight segment. 2. Support is essential for the successful development of JPSS, a joint NOAA and NASA initiative. 3. The Aerospace Corporation's prior experience with the NPOESS program is a key factor in this award. 4. Specialized expertise in optical focal plane development is a core requirement of the contract. 5. This contract addresses a need for continuity and specialized knowledge in a complex satellite program. 6. The award is structured as a delivery order under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $17.3 million for specialized engineering support over approximately 7.5 years appears reasonable given the complexity of satellite development and the need for highly specialized expertise. Benchmarking against similar contracts for satellite engineering support is challenging due to the unique nature of the JPSS program and the specific expertise required. However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure suggests that while direct costs are reimbursed, the contractor's profit is fixed, providing some incentive for efficiency.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis to The Aerospace Corporation. The justification for this approach stems from the contractor's unique and extensive prior experience with the predecessor NPOESS program, which is directly relevant to the JPSS development. This continuity of knowledge and specialized skill set is deemed critical for the success of the JPSS flight segment restructuring. The sole-source nature means there was no open competition to solicit bids from other potential providers.
Taxpayer Impact: A sole-source award limits opportunities for competitive pricing, potentially resulting in higher costs for taxpayers compared to a fully competed contract. However, the government may have determined that the specialized expertise and continuity provided by The Aerospace Corporation justified the lack of competition to ensure program success.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and NOAA, who will receive essential engineering support for the JPSS program. The services delivered include specialized engineering support, particularly in optical focal plane development, instrument development, testing, and evaluation. The geographic impact is centered around NASA GSFC in Maryland and potentially other locations where The Aerospace Corporation operates. The contract supports a highly specialized technical workforce, leveraging existing expertise from the NPOESS program.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing, potentially increasing costs for taxpayers.
- Reliance on a single contractor for specialized expertise could create a dependency.
- The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure requires careful monitoring to ensure efficient use of funds.
Positive Signals
- Leverages existing expertise from the NPOESS program, ensuring continuity and reducing ramp-up time.
- Addresses a critical need for specialized engineering support in a complex satellite development program.
- The Aerospace Corporation has a demonstrated track record in space systems engineering.
Sector Analysis
The Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) operates within the broader aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on Earth observation satellites. This sector is characterized by high R&D investment, long development cycles, and significant government procurement. The JPSS program is a critical component of national environmental monitoring capabilities. Comparable spending in this area involves large-scale satellite development and integration projects, often involving specialized engineering services for complex instrumentation and flight systems.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have specific small business set-aside provisions. As a sole-source award to The Aerospace Corporation, a large research and development organization, direct subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not explicitly detailed in the provided data. The focus is on specialized expertise rather than broad service delivery where small business participation is typically emphasized.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's program management and contracting offices. As a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, NASA will monitor expenditures to ensure compliance with the fixed fee and the overall contract scope. Transparency is facilitated through NASA's contract reporting mechanisms. While specific Inspector General (IG) jurisdiction is not detailed, NASA's Office of Inspector General typically has oversight over NASA contracts.
Related Government Programs
- National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS)
- Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS)
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Programs
- NOAA Satellite Programs
- Earth Observation Satellite Development
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Potential for cost overruns in CPFF contracts
- Dependency on single contractor
Tags
research-and-development, nasa, noaa, space-technology, satellite-development, engineering-support, sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee, california, federal-contract, aerospace, environmental-monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $17.3 million to THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION. SPECIALIZED ENGINEERING SUPPORT TO JOINT POLAR SATELLITE SYSTEM (JPSS) FLIGHT SEGMENT RESTRUCTURING OF THE NATIONAL POLAR-ORBITING OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE SYSTEM (NPOESS) HAS RESULTED IN NOAA AND NASA ASSUMING ACQUISITION RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE AFTERNOON ORBIT OF THE CONSTELLATION. THESE SATELLITES, RENAMED THE JOINT POLAR SATELLITE SYSTEM (JPSS) FLIGHT SEGMENT, WILL BE DEVELOPED BY NASA GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER (GSFC) FOR NOAA. IN ORDER TO ASSURE THE SUCCESS OF THE JPSS DEVELO
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE AEROSPACE 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 $17.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-02-29. End: 2019-09-30.
What is The Aerospace Corporation's specific track record with the NPOESS program that justifies a sole-source award for JPSS support?
The Aerospace Corporation played a significant role in the development and engineering of the predecessor NPOESS program. Their involvement included providing systems engineering and technical assistance, particularly in areas critical to satellite instrument development and integration. This deep institutional knowledge of NPOESS's architecture, challenges, and technical requirements is directly transferable to the JPSS program, which is a restructuring of NPOESS. This continuity is crucial for avoiding delays and ensuring that lessons learned from NPOESS are applied effectively to JPSS. The government's justification for the sole-source award hinges on this unique, pre-existing expertise and the need to maintain momentum on the JPSS development without a lengthy knowledge transfer period.
How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure compare to other contract types for similar R&D engineering support services?
The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract type is common for research and development efforts where the scope of work may evolve or is not precisely defined at the outset. In a CPFF contract, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This contrasts with fixed-price contracts, where the price is set regardless of costs, or cost-plus-incentive-fee contracts, which offer adjusted fees based on performance against targets. For specialized engineering support in R&D, CPFF provides flexibility for the government to adapt to changing technical requirements while offering the contractor a guaranteed profit margin. However, it places a greater burden on the government to closely monitor costs to prevent overruns, as the contractor has less direct financial incentive to control expenses compared to fixed-price arrangements.
What are the primary risks associated with awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?
The primary risk associated with a sole-source award is the lack of price competition, which can lead to higher costs for the government compared to a fully competed contract. Taxpayers may not benefit from the most competitive pricing available in the market. Additionally, sole-sourcing can create a dependency on a single contractor, potentially limiting future flexibility and innovation. If the contractor underperforms or faces unforeseen challenges, the government has fewer immediate alternatives. There's also a risk that without the pressure of competition, the contractor might be less motivated to optimize efficiency or explore cost-saving measures. Ensuring robust oversight and performance management becomes even more critical in sole-source situations.
What is the expected impact of this contract on the overall success and timeline of the JPSS program?
This contract is expected to have a significant positive impact on the success and timeline of the JPSS program. By securing specialized engineering support from The Aerospace Corporation, which possesses deep knowledge of the NPOESS legacy, NASA and NOAA aim to ensure continuity and leverage existing expertise. This is crucial for the complex task of restructuring the flight segment and developing new instruments. The specialized support, particularly in optical focal plane development, directly addresses critical technical challenges. The timely award and execution of this contract are intended to keep the JPSS development on track, mitigating risks associated with knowledge gaps and technical hurdles, thereby contributing to the program's overall success in delivering vital environmental data.
How does the $17.3 million contract value compare to historical spending on similar satellite engineering support contracts?
Directly comparing the $17.3 million value to historical spending on 'similar' satellite engineering support contracts is challenging due to the unique nature of the JPSS program and the specific expertise required. Satellite development contracts, especially for complex scientific missions like JPSS, can vary widely in cost based on scope, duration, technology, and the number of instruments involved. However, $17.3 million over approximately 7.5 years for specialized engineering support suggests an average annual value of roughly $2.3 million. This figure is within the range for specialized technical support on large government programs, but without detailed scope comparisons, it's difficult to definitively benchmark against historical spending. The sole-source nature also complicates direct value-for-money comparisons.
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 › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2310 EAST EL SEGUNDO BLVD, EL SEGUNDO, CA, 90245
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $17,377,073
Exercised Options: $17,377,073
Current Obligation: $17,270,340
Actual Outlays: $208,513
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNG11VH00B
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-02-29
Current End Date: 2019-09-30
Potential End Date: 2019-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-12
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