NASA Awards $23.2M to National Academy of Sciences for Space and Earth Science Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $23,196,869 ($23.2M)
Contractor: National Academy of Sciences
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2006-08-19
End Date: 2011-08-18
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.7K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL CONDUCT STUDIES ON QUESTIONS OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE WITHIN THE DOMAIN OF THE SCIENCE MISSION DIRECTORATE AND/OR RELATING TO SPACE AND EARTH SCIENCES.
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20418
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $23.2 million to NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES for work described as: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL CONDUCT STUDIES ON QUESTIONS OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE WITHIN THE DOMAIN OF THE SCIENCE MISSION DIRECTORATE AND/OR RELATING TO SPACE AND EARTH SCIENCES. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on fundamental research in space and Earth sciences. 2. Sole-source award to a highly specialized organization. 3. Long duration suggests complex, multi-year research objectives. 4. No fee structure indicates a focus on cost recovery rather than profit.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's cost-no-fee structure makes direct pricing comparisons difficult. However, the value is tied to the unique expertise of the National Academy of Sciences for conducting studies of national importance.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, likely due to the National Academy of Sciences' unique role and expertise in providing independent, objective advice to the government. This limits price discovery through competitive bidding.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards critical scientific research, but the lack of competition means potential cost savings from a competitive process were not realized.
Public Impact
Advances understanding of space and Earth sciences, crucial for national policy and innovation. Supports independent scientific inquiry, fostering public trust in research findings. Findings may inform future NASA missions and broader scientific endeavors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition may lead to higher costs than a competed contract.
- Long contract duration could pose risks if research objectives shift or become outdated.
Positive Signals
- Leverages unique expertise of a highly respected scientific body.
- Addresses critical research questions of national importance.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (NAICS 541710). Spending in this sector is vital for innovation and national competitiveness, with significant government investment.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to the National Academy of Sciences, a non-profit organization, and does not appear to involve small business participation. The nature of the research likely requires specialized, large-scale institutional capabilities.
Oversight & Accountability
The National Academy of Sciences operates under a congressional charter, providing a degree of inherent oversight. NASA's oversight would focus on the progress and quality of the research conducted under the contract.
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
- Sole-source award
- Long contract duration
- Cost-no-fee structure limits direct cost comparison
- Potential for scope creep in research objectives
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, dc, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $23.2 million to NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL CONDUCT STUDIES ON QUESTIONS OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE WITHIN THE DOMAIN OF THE SCIENCE MISSION DIRECTORATE AND/OR RELATING TO SPACE AND EARTH SCIENCES.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES.
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 $23.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-08-19. End: 2011-08-18.
How is the value of 'studies on questions of national importance' measured and ensured?
The value is inherently tied to the perceived importance and impact of the research questions addressed. NASA likely relies on the NAS's established reputation and rigorous internal review processes to ensure the quality and relevance of the studies. Success metrics would focus on the scientific merit, policy relevance, and dissemination of findings.
What are the risks associated with a sole-source award for long-term scientific research?
The primary risk is the potential for inflated costs due to the absence of competitive pressure. Additionally, without market validation, it's harder to ensure the most cost-effective approach is being used. There's also a risk that the chosen entity might not maintain the highest level of performance over the extended period.
How effective is this contract in advancing NASA's Science Mission Directorate goals?
The effectiveness hinges on the quality and impact of the research conducted. By engaging the National Academy of Sciences, NASA aims to gain objective, high-level insights into complex scientific questions. Success would be measured by the scientific community's reception of the findings and their influence on future research directions and policy.
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: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2101 CONSTITUTION AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20418
Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $27,000,000
Exercised Options: $27,000,000
Current Obligation: $23,196,869
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-08-19
Current End Date: 2011-08-18
Potential End Date: 2011-08-18 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-02-21
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