NASA awards $31.4M for Alaska Satellite Facility Operations and Maintenance to University of Alaska Systems
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $31,394,324 ($31.4M)
Contractor: University of Alaska Systems
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2003-11-18
End Date: 2008-03-31
Contract Duration: 1,595 days
Daily Burn Rate: $19.7K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: OPERATE AND MAINTAIN THE ALSKA SATELLITE FACILITY DATA AND APPL., CTR FOR THE EOSD & ISP
Place of Performance
Location: FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR County, ALASKA, 99775
State: Alaska Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $31.4 million to UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA SYSTEMS for work described as: OPERATE AND MAINTAIN THE ALSKA SATELLITE FACILITY DATA AND APPL., CTR FOR THE EOSD & ISP Key points: 1. Contract awarded for critical satellite facility operations and data applications. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about competition and potential cost savings. 3. Long-term contract (2003-2008) suggests a stable, ongoing need for services. 4. Research and Development sector focus indicates specialized technical requirements.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $31.4M over approximately 5 years is difficult to assess without specific deliverables and performance metrics. The 'COST NO FEE' pricing structure suggests costs are reimbursed, making oversight crucial.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in higher costs compared to a competitive process. The justification for sole-source is not provided.
Taxpayer Impact: Without competitive bidding, taxpayers may be paying more than necessary for these services. The lack of competition hinders the government's ability to secure the best value.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operation of vital satellite data infrastructure for research. Supports scientific research and Earth observation capabilities. Potential for increased costs due to lack of competition impacts taxpayer funds.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Sole-source award
- Cost-reimbursement structure
Positive Signals
- Essential service for research
- Long-term operational support
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically supporting physical sciences and engineering through satellite data operations. Benchmarks for similar R&D support contracts are highly variable and depend on the specific services and infrastructure involved.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this sole-source award. The contract was awarded to a university system, suggesting a focus on institutional capabilities rather than small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and services are delivered effectively. Transparency regarding the justification for not competing the contract is essential for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competitive bidding
- Potential for inflated costs due to sole-source award
- Limited transparency on justification for sole-source
- Cost-reimbursement structure requires strong oversight
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ak, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $31.4 million to UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA SYSTEMS. OPERATE AND MAINTAIN THE ALSKA SATELLITE FACILITY DATA AND APPL., CTR FOR THE EOSD & ISP
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA SYSTEMS.
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 $31.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-11-18. End: 2008-03-31.
What was the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps were taken to ensure fair pricing?
The justification for a sole-source award is critical for understanding why competition was bypassed. Without this information, it's difficult to assess if the government secured the best possible price and value. Steps to ensure fair pricing in sole-source contracts typically involve detailed cost analysis, negotiation, and potentially independent government cost estimates.
How does the cost of operating and maintaining the Alaska Satellite Facility under this contract compare to similar facilities or previous contracts?
A direct cost comparison is challenging without detailed performance metrics and service scope. However, the 'COST NO FEE' structure implies that the University of Alaska Systems is reimbursed for actual costs incurred. This necessitates rigorous auditing and cost verification by NASA to prevent overspending and ensure the funds are used efficiently for the intended purpose.
What are the long-term implications of this sole-source award on the government's ability to procure similar services competitively in the future?
Sole-source awards, especially for extended periods, can reduce market competition over time if not carefully managed. Agencies should periodically reassess the need for sole-sourcing and explore opportunities to introduce competition back into the procurement process to leverage market forces for better pricing and innovation.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: RFP5-53541-GGB
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 201 ASC, FAIRBANKS, AK, 00
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $33,316,326
Exercised Options: $33,316,326
Current Obligation: $31,394,324
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-11-18
Current End Date: 2008-03-31
Potential End Date: 2008-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2011-08-31
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