NASA awards $23.9M contract to Columbia University for Earth science data services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $23,952,626 ($24.0M)
Contractor: THE Trustees of Columbia University in the City of NEW York
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2013-08-01
End Date: 2018-07-31
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $13.1K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF THIS CONTRACT IS FOR ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THE MISSION, PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES, AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS OF THE SOCIOECONOMIC DATA AND APPLICATIONS DISTRIBUTED ACTIVE ARCHIVE CENTER (DAAC) AND THE ROLE OF THE DAAC AS AN INSTITUTIONAL ELEMENT WITHIN THE EARTH OBSERVING SYSTEM DATA AND INFORMATION SYSTEM (EOSDIS). EFFORTS INCLUDE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE, DEVELOPMENT, USER SERVICES, PRODUCT GENERATION, DATA AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT, ARCHIVE AND DISTRIBUTION, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY AND RELATED SCIENCE SUPPORT AND RESEARCH ACTIVITIES.
Place of Performance
Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK County, NEW YORK, 10027
State: New York Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $24.0 million to THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF THIS CONTRACT IS FOR ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THE MISSION, PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES, AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS OF THE SOCIOECONOMIC DATA AND APPLICATIONS DISTRIBUTED ACTIVE ARCHIVE CENTER (DAAC) AND THE ROLE OF THE DAAC AS AN INSTITUTIONAL ELEMENT WITHIN THE EARTH OBSERVI… Key points: 1. Contract supports critical Earth science data archiving and distribution functions. 2. Sole-source award to a university research institution suggests specialized expertise. 3. Long-term contract duration indicates a stable, ongoing need for services. 4. Focus on systems engineering, operations, and user services highlights operational importance. 5. Potential for innovation in data management and user engagement. 6. Geographic concentration in New York may impact regional economic benefits.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $23.9 million over five years averages approximately $4.8 million annually. Benchmarking this against similar contracts for large-scale data archiving and distribution services is challenging due to the specialized nature of Earth science data and the sole-source award. However, the cost-plus-no-fee structure suggests that the government reimburses allowable costs plus a fixed fee, which can sometimes lead to less price sensitivity compared to fixed-price contracts. Without competitive bids, it's difficult to definitively assess if this represents optimal value for money, but it aligns with typical university research support funding.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis to The Trustees of Columbia University. This approach is often used when a specific entity possesses unique capabilities, intellectual property, or a long-standing relationship essential for the program's continuity. The lack of competition means that price discovery through market forces was not utilized, and the government relied on negotiation and cost analysis to determine a fair price. The justification for a sole-source award would typically involve demonstrating that only Columbia University could provide the required specialized services for the Socioeconomic Data and Applications Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC).
Taxpayer Impact: A sole-source award limits opportunities for taxpayers to benefit from cost savings that might arise from a competitive bidding process. While it ensures continuity of specialized services, it bypasses the potential for lower prices driven by market competition.
Public Impact
Researchers and scientists globally benefit from access to vital Earth science data. The contract ensures the continued operation and maintenance of the Socioeconomic Data and Applications DAAC. Services include data management, archive, distribution, and user support for Earth observation data. Geographic impact is primarily centered in New York, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications include employment for researchers, IT specialists, and support staff at Columbia University.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition limits price discovery and potential cost savings for taxpayers.
- Sole-source nature may indicate a lack of market availability for comparable services.
- Long contract duration without clear performance metrics could pose a risk if needs evolve.
- Cost-plus-no-fee structure may reduce contractor incentive for cost efficiency.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable university suggests access to specialized scientific and technical expertise.
- Continuity of operations for a critical data archive ensures ongoing research support.
- Focus on systems engineering and user services indicates a commitment to data accessibility and usability.
- Long-term engagement fosters deep institutional knowledge of the data and user needs.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences, with a strong emphasis on Earth observation data management. The market for specialized Earth science data archiving and distribution is relatively niche, often dominated by academic institutions and government-funded research centers. NASA's Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) is a vast network of DAACs, each responsible for specific types of data. This contract represents a significant investment in maintaining the infrastructure and services necessary for scientific discovery related to Earth's climate and environment.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides, as it was awarded directly to a large university. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The focus is on the direct provision of services by the prime contractor, Columbia University. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the university engages small businesses for specific, unstated support roles.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with NASA's contracting officers and program managers responsible for the EOSDIS program. The contract's cost-plus-no-fee structure necessitates careful monitoring of allowable costs. While specific Inspector General (IG) jurisdiction is not detailed, NASA's Office of Inspector General typically has oversight over NASA contracts to ensure efficiency and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases, but detailed performance reports may not be publicly accessible.
Related Government Programs
- NASA EOSDIS Program
- Earth Science Data Systems
- Data Archiving and Distribution Services
- University Research Support Contracts
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Data Centers
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost-plus-no-fee structure may reduce cost efficiency incentives.
- Lack of public performance metrics makes effectiveness assessment difficult.
Tags
nasa, earth-science, data-management, data-archive, data-distribution, research-and-development, sole-source, cost-plus-no-fee, university-contractor, new-york, definitive-contract, socioeconomic-data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $24.0 million to THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK. IGF::OT::IGF THIS CONTRACT IS FOR ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THE MISSION, PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES, AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS OF THE SOCIOECONOMIC DATA AND APPLICATIONS DISTRIBUTED ACTIVE ARCHIVE CENTER (DAAC) AND THE ROLE OF THE DAAC AS AN INSTITUTIONAL ELEMENT WITHIN THE EARTH OBSERVING SYSTEM DATA AND INFORMATION SYSTEM (EOSDIS). EFFORTS INCLUDE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE, DEVELOPMENT, USER SERVICES, PRODUCT GENERATION, DATA AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT, ARCHIVE AND DISTRIBUTION,
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
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 $24.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2013-08-01. End: 2018-07-31.
What is the track record of The Trustees of Columbia University in managing large-scale federal data archives?
The Trustees of Columbia University have a long-standing history of involvement in scientific research and data management, particularly through institutions like the Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory. Their role in operating the Socioeconomic Data and Applications DAAC under NASA's EOSDIS program indicates a proven capability in handling complex scientific datasets, ensuring their long-term preservation, and making them accessible to the research community. This specific contract, running from 2013 to 2018, represents a significant period of operational experience. Their continued engagement in such critical infrastructure suggests a strong track record in fulfilling NASA's requirements for data stewardship and user support within the Earth science domain.
How does the annual cost of this contract compare to similar data archive and distribution services?
Direct comparison of the annual cost of approximately $4.8 million for this contract to similar services is challenging due to the specialized nature of Earth science data and the sole-source award. Large-scale data repositories and distribution systems managed by government agencies or major research institutions can vary significantly in cost based on data volume, complexity, user base, and the scope of services (e.g., processing, analysis tools). Contracts for commercial cloud storage and distribution might offer different pricing models, but often lack the scientific domain expertise and tailored user support provided by an academic institution like Columbia University. Without competitive bids, a precise value-for-money benchmark against the market is difficult to establish.
What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source, cost-plus-no-fee contract for data services?
The primary risks associated with a sole-source, cost-plus-no-fee contract include potential for cost overruns and reduced incentive for efficiency. Since the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fee, there is less inherent pressure to minimize expenses compared to a fixed-price contract. The sole-source nature means the government did not benefit from competitive bidding, potentially leading to a higher price than might be achieved in a competitive environment. Furthermore, if the contractor's capabilities are not rigorously monitored, there's a risk of scope creep or inefficient resource allocation. Ensuring robust oversight and clear performance metrics is crucial to mitigate these risks.
How effective has Columbia University been in delivering services for the Socioeconomic Data and Applications DAAC based on past performance?
Past performance data for Columbia University's operation of the Socioeconomic Data and Applications DAAC under this contract (2013-2018) would typically be assessed by NASA through performance reviews and contractor עדכונים. While specific public ratings are not provided here, the fact that the contract was awarded and executed over a five-year period suggests a baseline level of satisfactory performance. NASA's EOSDIS program relies on the consistent and reliable operation of its DAACs. The continuation of such services often hinges on meeting defined performance standards related to data availability, accessibility, processing, and user support. Without detailed NASA evaluations, effectiveness is inferred from the contract's execution and the ongoing need for these services.
What are the historical spending patterns for NASA's Earth science data management and distribution efforts?
NASA's spending on Earth science data management and distribution, including operating its network of DAACs, represents a significant and consistent portion of its overall Earth science budget. Over the years, these costs have been substantial, reflecting the immense volume of data collected by Earth-observing satellites and the critical need for its processing, archiving, and dissemination to the scientific community. Funding levels can fluctuate based on program priorities, satellite missions, and budget allocations, but the foundational infrastructure for data management remains a long-term investment. The approximately $4.8 million annual expenditure for this specific DAAC aligns with the scale of operations required for such a vital scientific resource.
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: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: NNG14476256L
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2960 BROADWAY FRNT 1, NEW YORK, NY, 10027
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $23,952,626
Exercised Options: $23,952,626
Current Obligation: $23,952,626
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2013-08-01
Current End Date: 2018-07-31
Potential End Date: 2018-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-10-02
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