NASA awards $28.86M contract for GOES-R ground system technical support to Aerospace Corporation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $28,864,880 ($28.9M)
Contractor: THE Aerospace Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2013-06-24
End Date: 2019-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,289 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.6K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF FUNDS FOR GOES-R GROUND PROJECT CHIEF ENGINEER AND GOES-R PROGRAM SUPPORT. AEROSPACE WILL PROVIDE SENIOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO THE DEVELOPMENT, INTEGRATION, AND VERIFICATION OF THE GOES-R GROUND SYSTEM ACROSS SEVERAL NASA-GSFC ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT TEAMS. THESE TEAMS WILL INCLUDE CHIEF ENGINEERING, GROUND SYSTEM PROJECT, AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT TEAMS. WHEREAS NASA HAS OVERALL SYSTEM ENGINEERING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DELIVERY OF THIS LARGE SPECIALIZED GOES-R GROUND SYSTEM, CONTRACTOR SUPPORT WILL REQUIRE A STRONG BACKGROUND IN NASA PRODUCED SYSTEMS INCLUDING A THOROUGH KNOWLEDGE OF NASA PROCESSES, PROCEDURES, ENGINEERING TECHNIQUES AND APPROACHES, SPECIFICALLY RELEVANT TO NASA AND GSFC ENGINEERING INFRASTRUCTURE AND CAPABILITIES. THIS SUPPORT WILL BE NEEDED TO PRODUCE SPECIFIC ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL PRODUCTS TO SUPPORT GROUND SYSTEM ACQUISITION, DELIVERY, LAUNCH SUPPORT, AND SUCCESSFUL ON-ORBIT OPERATIONS TO INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING AREAS: (A) PROVIDE EXPERIENCED LAUNCH PROVEN SUPPORT OF ALL PHASE C/D MISSION DEVELOPMENT TO INCLUDE SYSTEM ACQUISITION, HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE AS WELL AS ON-ORBIT PROCEDURE DEVELOPMENT, AND ENGINEERING SUSTAINMENT PLANS. B) PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR A CORRESPONDING SYSTEM-LEVEL INTEGRATED PRODUCT THAT INCLUDES SYSTEM LEVEL TROUBLESHOOTING AND THE CORRESPONDING RESOLUTION OF GROUND SYSTEM DISCREPANCIES THROUGH A YET TO BE DERIVED GROUND SYSTEM VERIFICATION PROCESS. C) SUPPORT TO DEVISE AND IMPLEMENT A GROUND SYSTEM CONFIGURATION CONTROL PROCESS. D) SUPPORT TO PRODUCE A NEW TIMELINE FOR A SERIES OF MISSION-LEVEL REVIEWS TO INCLUDE EVENTS FROM RELEASE RMM THROUGH TO LAUNCH. FOR THESE REVIEWS, CONTRACTOR IS TO SUPPLY TECHNICAL REVIEW CONTENT WHERE APPLICABLE. PROJECT AND PROGRAM REVIEWS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED, TO: ORRS, PMRS, FORR, AND LAUNCH REVIEWS USING THE SNPP MISSION AS A SUCCESS MODEL. E) SUPPORT TO PRODUCE A FULLY INTEGRATED TEST PROCESS THAT INCLUDES ALL GROUND SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS LEVELS 6 THROUGH 2, FLIGHT AND INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS ESPECIALLY THOSE RELATIVE TO THERMAL VAC AND GROUND TO SPACECRAFT PRE-SHIPMENT TESTING, AS WELL AS A TEST PROCESS THAT INCLUDES A YET EVOLVING NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CUSTOMER BASE. F) PROVIDE MAJOR TECHNICAL INPUT AND MULTI-MISSION COORDINATION BETWEEN THE GOES GROUND PROJECT, FLIGHT PROJECT, AS WELL AS COORDINATION AND PROBLEM RESOLUTION BETWEEN COMPETING RESOURCES OF THE GOES-R, SNPP, AND JPSS MISSIONS. G) PROVIDE SIGNIFICANT DESIGN SUPPORT TO THE FORMING OF A NEW MASTER GROUND SYSTEM SCHEDULE, TO INCLUDE THE GENERATION OF A NEAR-REAL TIME SCHEDULE MONITORING PROCESS THAT WILL BE USED TO ASSESS AND CORRECT TECHNICAL AND SCHEDULE RISKS AT THE PROJECT AND PROGRAM LEVELS, THE RESULTS OF WHICH WILL RESULT IN SOLUTIONS THAT WILL BE USED TO RESOLVE AND MITIGATE RISKS. H) LEVERAGE CROSS PROGRAM SUPPORT BETWEEN GOES-R, SNPP, JPSS, OTHER NASA ENTITIES, THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DOD) AND OTHER INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY (IC) PROGRAMS AS NEEDED. I) ASSIST THE CHIEF GSP ENGINEER IN LAUNCH ASSET REQUIREMENT ANALYSIS.
Place of Performance
Location: EL SEGUNDO, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 90245
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $28.9 million to THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF FUNDS FOR GOES-R GROUND PROJECT CHIEF ENGINEER AND GOES-R PROGRAM SUPPORT. AEROSPACE WILL PROVIDE SENIOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO THE DEVELOPMENT, INTEGRATION, AND VERIFICATION OF THE GOES-R GROUND SYSTEM ACROSS SEVERAL NASA-GSFC ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT TEAMS. THESE TEA… Key points: 1. Contract provides senior technical support for the GOES-R ground system development and integration. 2. Requires deep knowledge of NASA systems, processes, and engineering approaches. 3. Focuses on Chief Engineering, Ground System Project, and Program Management teams. 4. The contract duration is over 6 years, indicating a long-term need for specialized expertise. 5. This is a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 6. The contractor, Aerospace Corporation, is a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC).
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $28.86 million for over six years of specialized technical support appears reasonable given the complexity of the GOES-R ground system. However, as a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, the final cost is subject to actual expenses incurred by the contractor, making direct value-for-money assessment challenging without detailed cost breakdowns. Benchmarking against similar FFRDC support contracts for large-scale NASA projects would provide a clearer picture of its cost-effectiveness.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. The justification for this approach likely stems from the unique capabilities and specialized knowledge required, often associated with FFRDCs like The Aerospace Corporation, which are established to provide objective technical advice and support to the government. The lack of competition means that NASA did not explore alternative providers, potentially limiting price discovery and innovation.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not have received the benefit of competitive pricing. The absence of a competitive bidding process means that the government could not leverage market forces to secure the most cost-effective solution.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) engineering and program management teams. The services delivered are critical for the successful development, integration, and verification of the GOES-R ground system. This contract supports a vital national program for weather monitoring and forecasting. The contract has implications for the specialized workforce within the aerospace and government contracting sectors, particularly those with expertise in NASA systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts carry inherent risks of cost overruns if not meticulously managed.
- Sole-source awards limit transparency and the potential for competitive cost savings.
- The long duration of the contract could lead to scope creep or evolving requirements that are not optimally priced.
Positive Signals
- The contractor, Aerospace Corporation, is a highly specialized entity with a proven track record supporting NASA.
- The contract addresses a critical need for technical expertise in a complex, high-stakes program.
- The focus on senior technical support suggests a commitment to quality and deep engineering insight.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. The GOES-R program is a significant undertaking in Earth observation technology, requiring specialized expertise in satellite systems, ground infrastructure, and data processing. The market for such specialized technical support is often dominated by a few highly qualified entities, including FFRDCs, due to the stringent requirements and security clearances involved. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely involve other large-scale NASA or defense-related R&D support contracts.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides. As a sole-source award to a large, specialized organization (Aerospace Corporation), there are no direct subcontracting opportunities for small businesses mandated by this specific contract. The impact on the small business ecosystem is therefore minimal, as the focus is on leveraging the unique capabilities of the prime contractor.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with NASA's contracting officers and program management teams at GSFC. Given that Aerospace Corporation is an FFRDC, there is an inherent level of government oversight and accountability built into its operational structure. Transparency may be limited due to the sole-source nature of the award, but the program's critical importance likely ensures rigorous internal review and reporting mechanisms.
Related Government Programs
- Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) Program
- NASA Ground Systems
- Aerospace Engineering Support Contracts
- Research and Development in Earth Sciences
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award may limit cost-effectiveness.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
- Long contract duration could introduce risks related to evolving requirements.
Tags
nasa, goes-r, ground-system, r&d, aerospace-corporation, sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee, technical-support, california, ffrdc, weather-forecasting, satellite-systems
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $28.9 million to THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION. IGF::OT::IGF FUNDS FOR GOES-R GROUND PROJECT CHIEF ENGINEER AND GOES-R PROGRAM SUPPORT. AEROSPACE WILL PROVIDE SENIOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO THE DEVELOPMENT, INTEGRATION, AND VERIFICATION OF THE GOES-R GROUND SYSTEM ACROSS SEVERAL NASA-GSFC ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT TEAMS. THESE TEAMS WILL INCLUDE CHIEF ENGINEERING, GROUND SYSTEM PROJECT, AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT TEAMS. WHEREAS NASA HAS OVERALL SYSTEM ENGINEERING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DELIVERY OF THIS LARGE SPECIALIZED GOES-R GROUND SYSTEM, CONTRACT
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 $28.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2013-06-24. End: 2019-09-30.
What is the specific expertise The Aerospace Corporation brings to the GOES-R ground system project?
The Aerospace Corporation, as a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), brings extensive, objective technical expertise specifically tailored to complex government programs like NASA's GOES-R. Their role involves providing senior technical support across critical areas such as Chief Engineering, Ground System Project management, and overall Program Management. This includes a deep understanding of NASA's established processes, procedures, engineering techniques, and infrastructure, particularly relevant to the development, integration, and verification of the GOES-R ground system. Their FFRDC status implies a commitment to unbiased analysis and problem-solving, ensuring that NASA receives high-quality, independent technical guidance essential for the success of this vital weather satellite program.
How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract structure impact the financial risk for NASA and the contractor?
A Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract structure means that NASA reimburses The Aerospace Corporation for all allowable costs incurred during the contract period, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing the contractor's profit. This structure shifts a significant portion of the financial risk to NASA. If the contractor's actual costs exceed initial estimates, NASA is obligated to pay those higher costs. The fixed fee provides the contractor with a guaranteed profit margin, incentivizing them to complete the work but not necessarily to minimize costs. This contrasts with fixed-price contracts where the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns. For NASA, effective oversight and cost control are paramount to prevent budget blowouts.
What are the implications of this contract being sole-source for competition and pricing?
A sole-source award, meaning the contract was not competed, has significant implications for competition and pricing. It indicates that NASA determined The Aerospace Corporation was the only entity capable of providing the required specialized technical support for the GOES-R ground system, likely due to their unique FFRDC status and deep institutional knowledge of NASA systems. However, the absence of competition means NASA could not leverage market forces to potentially secure lower prices or explore a wider range of innovative solutions from different vendors. This can lead to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitively awarded contract, as there is less pressure on the contractor to offer the most cost-effective bid.
What is the strategic importance of the GOES-R ground system, and how does this contract support it?
The GOES-R (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R series) program is critically important for national and global weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and space weather prediction. The ground system is the backbone that receives, processes, distributes, and archives the vast amounts of data generated by the GOES satellites. This contract's strategic importance lies in providing essential senior technical support to ensure the robust development, integration, and verification of this complex ground infrastructure. By securing specialized expertise from The Aerospace Corporation, NASA aims to mitigate risks, enhance system performance, and ultimately ensure the reliable delivery of vital environmental data to meteorologists and researchers.
What is the historical context of The Aerospace Corporation's involvement with NASA and similar projects?
The Aerospace Corporation has a long-standing history of supporting NASA and other government agencies, particularly in the realm of space exploration and satellite systems. As a designated FFRDC, its primary mission is to provide objective technical advice and systems engineering and integration support. They have been instrumental in numerous complex space missions, offering expertise in program management, system design, testing, and evaluation. Their involvement with NASA projects, especially those involving critical infrastructure like ground systems for major satellite constellations such as GOES, is well-established, reflecting their deep institutional knowledge and trusted position within the government contracting landscape.
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: $29,620,657
Exercised Options: $29,620,657
Current Obligation: $28,864,880
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNG11VH00B
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2013-06-24
Current End Date: 2019-09-30
Potential End Date: 2019-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-01-02
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