NASA Awards $227M for Hydro/Biospheric Science Support to Science Systems and Applications, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $226,845,380 ($226.8M)
Contractor: Science Systems and Applications, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2014-12-01
End Date: 2020-05-31
Contract Duration: 2,008 days
Daily Burn Rate: $113.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF THE CONTRACTOR SHALL SUPPORT THE HYDROSPHERIC AND BIOSPHERIC SCIENCES (HBS), CODE 610 IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: SCIENCE RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS VERIFICATION MODELING AND SIMULATION SCIENTIFIC MISSION PLANNING AND EXECUTION COMPUTING SCIENCE PROCESSING OPERATIONS SCIENCE INSTRUMENTATION MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (TECHNICAL AND ASSEMBLY) ELECTRONIC DESIGN, ENGINEERING, AND ANALYSIS OPTICAL AND LASER DESIGN, ENGINEERING, AND ANALYSIS BENCH CHECKOUT EQUIPMENT LABORATORY AND FIELD EXPERIMENTS ADMINISTRATION EDUCATION AND OUTREACH TECHNICAL WRITING WEB PAGE DESIGN AND SUPPORT MEDIA DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS MEETINGS, VISITS, AND CONSULTATIONS ORGANIZATION PROPERTY SAFETY CALIBRATION&VALIDATION ALGORITHM AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT CHARACTERIZATION AND MODELING DATA ANALYSIS LABORATORY AND FIELD ACTIVITIES INSTRUMENT OPERATIONS LOGISTICS REPORTING THIS SUPPORT IS CATEGORIZED IN FIVE MAJOR AREAS: SCIENCE, COMPUTING, SCIENCE INSTRUMENTATION, ADMINISTRATION, AND CALIBRATION VALIDATION. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL NECESSARY RESOURCES, INCLUDING PERSONNEL, FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT, AND MATERIALS, UNLESS OTHERWISE PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, IN ORDER TO MEET THE PERFORMANCE-BASED WORK REQUIREMENTS. IN THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPHS, SPECIFIC WORK ELEMENTS ARE FOLLOWED BY PARENTHETICAL UNDERLINED ACTIVITIES THAT ARE EXAMPLES OF WHERE THE ACTIVITIES APPLY. IN PERFORMING WORK UNDER TASKS ISSUED ON THIS CONTRACT, WHERE ELECTRONIC AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (EIT) STANDARDS APPLY, SUCH IN SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND WEB SITES, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING SERVICES: SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS AND OPERATING SYSTEMS WEB BASED INTRANET AND INTERNET INFORMATION AND APPLICATIONS TELECOMMUNICATIONS PRODUCTS VIDEO AND MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTS SELF CONTAINED, CLOSED PRODUCTS DESKTOP AND PORTABLE COMPUTERS
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $226.8 million to SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF THE CONTRACTOR SHALL SUPPORT THE HYDROSPHERIC AND BIOSPHERIC SCIENCES (HBS), CODE 610 IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: SCIENCE RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS VERIFICATION MODELING AND SIMULATION SCIENTIFIC MISSION PLANNING AND EXECUTION COMPUTING SCIENCE PROCESSING OPERATIONS SCI… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Significant funding allocated to modeling, simulation, and scientific mission planning. 3. Competition method indicates a desire for broad market participation. 4. Sector is R&D, a key area for technological advancement and scientific discovery.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $226.8M over approximately 5.5 years suggests a substantial investment in scientific support services. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more specific service details, but the duration and scope appear commensurate with the funding.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a competitive process but with specific criteria that may have limited the pool of eligible bidders. This method aims to ensure fair pricing while potentially focusing on specialized capabilities.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards critical scientific research and development, aiming to advance understanding in Earth sciences and potentially leading to technological innovations.
Public Impact
Supports vital scientific research in Earth's hydrospheric and biospheric systems. Funds advanced modeling, simulation, and data analysis capabilities. Contractor provides expertise in mechanical, electronic, and optical engineering for scientific instruments. Includes support for science communication, education, and outreach initiatives. Enhances NASA's ability to conduct complex scientific missions and analyze data.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may restrict price discovery.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Positive Signals
- Focus on critical R&D areas.
- Long-term contract provides stability for research continuity.
- Broad scope of scientific and engineering support.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation and national competitiveness, with NASA being a significant investor in scientific advancement.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to a small business. The primary contractor, Science Systems and Applications, Inc., is a large business. There is no indication of subcontracting goals for small businesses within the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by NASA, a federal agency with established oversight mechanisms. The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' suggests a structured procurement process. Further oversight would involve performance reviews and financial audits.
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 Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure.
- Limited competition may not yield the most competitive pricing.
- Contract duration is lengthy, increasing risk exposure over time.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
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 $226.8 million to SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF THE CONTRACTOR SHALL SUPPORT THE HYDROSPHERIC AND BIOSPHERIC SCIENCES (HBS), CODE 610 IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: SCIENCE RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS VERIFICATION MODELING AND SIMULATION SCIENTIFIC MISSION PLANNING AND EXECUTION COMPUTING SCIENCE PROCESSING OPERATIONS SCIENCE INSTRUMENTATION MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (TECHNICAL AND ASSEMBLY) ELECTRONIC DESIGN, ENGINEERING, AND ANALYSIS OPTICAL AND LASER DESIGN, ENGINEERING, AND ANALYSIS BENCH CHECKOUT EQUIPMENT LABORATORY AND F
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 $226.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2014-12-01. End: 2020-05-31.
What specific scientific advancements or technological innovations have resulted from this contract?
The provided data does not detail specific scientific advancements or technological innovations stemming from this contract. To assess the ultimate value, a review of NASA's scientific publications, mission outcomes, and technology transfer reports related to the Hydropheric and Biospheric Sciences division would be necessary.
How effectively did the limited competition process ensure fair pricing and access to the best available expertise?
The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' implies a structured process to identify qualified bidders. While it aimed for competition, the exclusion of certain sources could limit the breadth of price discovery. Assessing effectiveness requires comparing awarded price against market benchmarks and evaluating the contractor's performance.
What is the long-term impact of this spending on NASA's scientific mission capabilities?
This contract significantly bolsters NASA's capabilities in crucial Earth science domains by providing essential research, engineering, and operational support. The sustained funding over several years allows for continuity in complex projects, fostering expertise and potentially leading to breakthroughs in understanding climate, ecosystems, and planetary processes.
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 › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNG13454034R
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 10210 GREENBELT RD STE 400, 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: $249,900,000
Exercised Options: $249,900,000
Current Obligation: $226,845,380
Actual Outlays: $35,873,288
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 100
Total Subaward Amount: $294,761,765
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2014-12-01
Current End Date: 2020-05-31
Potential End Date: 2020-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-16
More Contracts from Science Systems and Applications, Inc.
- Electrical Engineering Systems Services the Principal Purpose of This Contract IS to Provide Electrical/Electronic Engineering Support Services and Related Work to EED, Istd, SED, Mesa, Related Organizations and Other Nasa Centers and Locations Specified in Task Orders, for the Study, Design, Development, Fabrication, Integration, Testing, Verification, and Operations of Space Flight, Airborne, and Ground System Hardware and Software, Including Development and Validation of NEW Technologies to Enable Future Space and Science Missions — $670.4M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- THE Purpose of This Contract IS to Acquire Scientific Research Services That Conceives, Develops and Applies Space, Field-Deployed (I.E. Airborne and in Situ) and Laboratory Based Technologies and Observations of the Earth Systems — $436.3M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Science, Technology and Research Support Services II — $259.1M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Support for Atmospheres, Modeling, and Data Assimilation (samda) — $256.7M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Science, Technology, and Research Support Services (starss) — $154.5M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
View all Science Systems and Applications, Inc. federal contracts →
Other National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts
- International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
- Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
- Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)
View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →