NASA Awards $34M for Spectrum Management & Engineering Support to ASRC Research and Technology Solutions LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $34,055,774 ($34.1M)
Contractor: Asrc Research and Technology Solutions LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2010-12-01
End Date: 2016-04-29
Contract Duration: 1,976 days
Daily Burn Rate: $17.2K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT, ENGINEERING SERVICES AND PROGRAMMATIC RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SUPPORT. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ENGINEERING STUDIES AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT RELATED TO: (A) DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT AND REGULATORY SERVICES, (B) SPACE COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING SERVICES (C) PROGRAMMATIC AND FINANCIAL CONTROL TOOLS AND SERVICES; AND, (D) SPACE COMMUNICATION EDUCATION AND PUBLIC OUTREACH SERVICES. SUCH SUPPORT SHALL INCLUDE: (A) ENGINEERING STUDIES AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT RELATED TO THE ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS AS REQUIRED FOR NEAR EARTH AND DEEP SPACE RESEARCH; (B) U.S. DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL SPECTRUM REGULATORY ISSUES, (C) SPACE COMMUNICATIONS ARCHITECTURE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT; (D) SUPPORT FOR ALL FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES AND PROJECT SCHEDULING; (E) AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTEGRATED MASTER SCHEDULE; AND, SUPPORT FOR WEB APPLICATIONS, INCLUDING THE MANAGEMENT OF THE 15 SPACE COMMUNICATIONS AND NAVIGATION (SCAN) PROGRAM WEBSITES; (F) TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT FOR OUTREACH AND PUBLIC EDUCATION INCLUDING TECHNICAL SECRETARIAT SUPPORT FOR CONFERENCES AND OTHER EVENTS; AND, (G) OTHER AGENCY PROGRAMS IMPACTED BY THE WORK AREAS DESCRIBED HEREIN.
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20546
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $34.1 million to ASRC RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT, ENGINEERING SERVICES AND PROGRAMMATIC RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SUPPORT. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ENGINEERING STUDIES AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT RELATED TO: (A) DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT AND REGULATORY SERVICES, (B) SPACE COMMUNICATION ENGINEERI… Key points: 1. Contract awarded for specialized engineering and programmatic support in spectrum management and space communications. 2. ASRC Research and Technology Solutions LLC is the sole contractor for these services. 3. The contract spans nearly six years, indicating a long-term need for these services. 4. Services include domestic/international spectrum management, space communication engineering, and financial control support.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $34 million over approximately 5.75 years suggests a significant investment. Without comparable contracts or detailed cost breakdowns, assessing the value for money is challenging. The 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' structure can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was not available for competition, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially reduces competitive pressure, which could impact overall cost-effectiveness for the taxpayer.
Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award means taxpayers may not have benefited from competitive pricing, potentially leading to higher costs than if multiple vendors had competed.
Public Impact
Ensures critical spectrum management and engineering support for NASA's space communication initiatives. Supports regulatory compliance for domestic and international spectrum use. Facilitates financial control and programmatic resource management for complex space projects. Contributes to public outreach and education on space communications.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- Cost-plus contract type can incentivize higher spending.
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown makes value assessment difficult.
Positive Signals
- Provides essential, specialized support for NASA's space programs.
- Long-term contract indicates sustained need and potential for stable service delivery.
- Includes public outreach, benefiting broader understanding of space communication.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically focusing on telecommunications and space systems. Spending in this area is crucial for government agencies like NASA to maintain technological leadership and operational capabilities in complex fields like spectrum management.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract. The award to ASRC Research and Technology Solutions LLC, a large business, suggests that small business participation may be limited or subcontracted.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Oversight would typically involve contract officers, technical monitors, and program managers ensuring adherence to scope, cost, and performance requirements. The 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' structure necessitates close financial oversight.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing.
- Cost-plus contract type may lead to higher costs.
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown hinders value assessment.
- Potential for cost overruns without stringent oversight.
Tags
engineering-services, 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 $34.1 million to ASRC RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS LLC. SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT, ENGINEERING SERVICES AND PROGRAMMATIC RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SUPPORT. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ENGINEERING STUDIES AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT RELATED TO: (A) DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT AND REGULATORY SERVICES, (B) SPACE COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING SERVICES (C) PROGRAMMATIC AND FINANCIAL CONTROL TOOLS AND SERVICES; AND, (D) SPACE COMMUNICATION EDUCATION AND PUBLIC OUTREACH SERVICES. SUCH SUPPORT SHALL INCLUDE: (A) ENGINEERING STUDIES AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT RELATE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ASRC RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS 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 $34.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-12-01. End: 2016-04-29.
What specific metrics are used to evaluate the 'engineering studies and technical support' provided under this contract to ensure NASA receives optimal value?
The contract likely specifies performance work statements (PWS) with measurable outcomes and deliverables. NASA's technical monitors would assess the quality, timeliness, and accuracy of engineering studies, technical reports, and regulatory analyses. Performance metrics could include adherence to deadlines, successful resolution of spectrum interference issues, and the effectiveness of financial control tools. Regular reviews and feedback mechanisms are crucial for ensuring value.
Given the sole-source nature, how does NASA ensure the contractor remains efficient and avoids unnecessary costs?
NASA employs several strategies for sole-source contracts. This includes rigorous negotiation of the fixed fee, detailed review of the contractor's cost proposals, and establishing clear performance standards. Continuous monitoring by contract officers and technical experts is vital to identify potential inefficiencies or cost escalations. Incentive clauses, if present, could also encourage cost savings, though the 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' structure itself doesn't inherently drive down costs.
What is the long-term strategic importance of this spectrum management and engineering support for NASA's future missions?
Effective spectrum management is critical for NASA's satellite communications, deep space exploration, and Earth observation missions, ensuring reliable data transmission and avoiding interference. Advanced engineering support enables the development of next-generation communication technologies and architectures necessary for ambitious future endeavors. This contract ensures NASA maintains its technological edge and regulatory standing in a rapidly evolving global telecommunications landscape.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Arctic Slope Regional Corporation
Address: 6303 IVY LANE STE 130, GREENBELT, MD, 20770
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Other Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $46,238,226
Exercised Options: $46,238,226
Current Obligation: $34,055,774
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-12-01
Current End Date: 2016-04-29
Potential End Date: 2016-04-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-10-14
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