NASA's SEAS Contract: $350M for Systems Engineering Services Awarded to Alcyon Technical Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $350,385,586 ($350.4M)
Contractor: Alcyon Technical Services (ATS) JV, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2015-10-15
End Date: 2023-11-30
Contract Duration: 2,968 days
Daily Burn Rate: $118.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING ADVANCED SERVICES (SEAS). UNDER THIS CONTRACT, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE MISSION AND INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS ENGINEERING (M&ISE) SERVICES TO THE MISSION ENGINEERING&SYSTEMS ANALYSIS DIVISION AND RELATED APPLIED ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORATE ORGANIZATIONS FOR THE FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF FLIGHT AND GROUND SYSTEMS AS WELL AS DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES.
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $350.4 million to ALCYON TECHNICAL SERVICES (ATS) JV, LLC for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING ADVANCED SERVICES (SEAS). UNDER THIS CONTRACT, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE MISSION AND INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS ENGINEERING (M&ISE) SERVICES TO THE MISSION ENGINEERING&SYSTEMS ANALYSIS DIVISION AND RELATED APPLIED ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORA… Key points: 1. The contract focuses on mission and instrument systems engineering for NASA's flight and ground systems. 2. Alcyon Technical Services (ATS) JV, LLC is the sole awardee. 3. The contract has a significant duration of 2968 days. 4. It falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 5. The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources'.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's total award value is substantial at over $350 million. Without specific benchmarks for similar systems engineering services, a precise value assessment is difficult. However, the duration and scope suggest a significant investment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources,' indicating a competitive process but with specific exclusions. This method might limit the pool of potential bidders, potentially impacting price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The significant value of this contract means taxpayer funds are being allocated to advanced research and development. The effectiveness of the services provided will determine the ultimate return on this investment.
Public Impact
Supports critical NASA missions requiring advanced engineering and technology development. Contributes to the advancement of space exploration and scientific research. Potential for technological spin-offs benefiting various industries. Ensures continuity of essential systems engineering support for NASA programs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition due to source exclusion.
- Long contract duration may lead to scope creep or cost overruns.
- Cost-plus contract type can incentivize higher spending.
Positive Signals
- Awarded to a joint venture, potentially fostering small business participation.
- Supports critical national research and development objectives.
- Long-term nature provides stability for essential services.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation and technological advancement, often characterized by long project timelines and complex requirements.
Small Business Impact
While the awardee is a joint venture, the data does not explicitly state the extent of small business participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are significantly involved in subcontracting or if the joint venture itself is structured to benefit small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources' designation suggests a structured procurement process. However, the oversight mechanisms for a cost-plus fixed-fee contract of this magnitude are critical to ensure efficient use of funds and adherence to mission objectives.
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
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
- Limited competition may have inflated the contract price.
- Long contract duration increases risk of scope creep.
- Lack of transparency on specific source exclusions.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, md, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $350.4 million to ALCYON TECHNICAL SERVICES (ATS) JV, LLC. IGF::CL::IGF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING ADVANCED SERVICES (SEAS). UNDER THIS CONTRACT, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE MISSION AND INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS ENGINEERING (M&ISE) SERVICES TO THE MISSION ENGINEERING&SYSTEMS ANALYSIS DIVISION AND RELATED APPLIED ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORATE ORGANIZATIONS FOR THE FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF FLIGHT AND GROUND SYSTEMS AS WELL AS DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ALCYON TECHNICAL SERVICES (ATS) JV, LLC.
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 $350.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2015-10-15. End: 2023-11-30.
What specific criteria led to the exclusion of certain sources in this 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources' award, and how did this impact the final price?
The exclusion of sources typically occurs when specific capabilities, security clearances, or past performance are required that only a limited number of contractors possess. This can reduce competition, potentially leading to higher prices than if a broader range of bidders were involved. Detailed documentation of the justification for exclusion is necessary to fully assess its impact on price discovery and overall value.
Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure and the long duration, what are the primary risks to NASA regarding cost control and performance monitoring?
The primary risks with a CPFF contract of this length include potential cost overruns if the contractor's costs exceed initial estimates, and the contractor may have less incentive to control costs aggressively. NASA must implement robust oversight, including detailed cost tracking, performance metrics, and regular reviews, to mitigate these risks and ensure the contractor remains focused on efficient delivery of services within the fixed fee.
How effectively has Alcyon Technical Services delivered on the mission and instrument systems engineering services, and what is the measurable impact on NASA's technological development and flight/gro
Assessing the effectiveness requires analyzing performance reports, milestone achievements, and the successful integration of developed technologies into NASA's systems. Metrics could include the timely delivery of engineering support, the successful validation of new technologies, and the contribution of these services to the overall success and cost-efficiency of NASA's flight and ground system programs.
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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNG1499015R
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Alcyon Technical Services (ATS) JV LLC
Address: 360 C QUALITY CIRCLE STE 300, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806
Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Joint Venture Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Joint Venture Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, SBA Certified 8 a Joint Venture, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $380,058,700
Exercised Options: $356,308,700
Current Obligation: $350,385,586
Actual Outlays: $246,907,027
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2690
Total Subaward Amount: $7,385,356,525
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2015-10-15
Current End Date: 2023-11-30
Potential End Date: 2023-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-02-03
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