NASA's Postdoctoral Program awarded $91.7M over 6 years for research opportunities and management programs
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $91,712,484 ($91.7M)
Contractor: Universities Space Research Association
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2016-01-15
End Date: 2022-01-31
Contract Duration: 2,208 days
Daily Burn Rate: $41.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF THE NASA POSTDOCTORAL PROGRAM (NPP) CONSISTS OF THE NASA POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH PROGRAM (NPRP) AND THE NASA POSTDOCTORAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (NPMP). THE NPP OFFERS UNIQUE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES TO HIGHLY TALENTED INDIVIDUALS WHO SERVE AS GUESTS AT A NASA CENTER, HEADQUARTERS, AND OTHER NASA FACILITIES. FELLOWS SELECTED AS PART OF THE ASTROBIOLOGY PROGRAM CAN ALSO RESIDE AT THE UNIVERSITIES THAT EMPLOY RESEARCHERS FUNDED THROUGH THE NASA ASTROBIOLOGY PROGRAM (NAP).
Place of Performance
Location: COLUMBIA, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 21046
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $91.7 million to UNIVERSITIES SPACE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF THE NASA POSTDOCTORAL PROGRAM (NPP) CONSISTS OF THE NASA POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH PROGRAM (NPRP) AND THE NASA POSTDOCTORAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (NPMP). THE NPP OFFERS UNIQUE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES TO HIGHLY TALENTED INDIVIDUALS WHO SERVE AS GUESTS AT A NASA CENTER, HEADQ… Key points: 1. The contract supports specialized research and management opportunities for highly talented individuals at NASA facilities. 2. It encompasses both research (NPRP) and management (NPMP) programs, indicating a broad scope of talent development. 3. The duration of over 6 years suggests a long-term commitment to fostering scientific and managerial talent. 4. The primary contractor, Universities Space Research Association, has a significant role in administering these programs. 5. The contract's focus on postdoctoral talent development aligns with NASA's mission to advance space exploration and scientific discovery. 6. The absence of small business set-asides suggests the primary focus is on specialized expertise rather than broad outreach.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's value of $91.7 million over six years for a postdoctoral program appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale fellowship or research administration contracts is challenging due to the unique focus on NASA's specific needs. However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure implies that while direct costs are reimbursed, the contractor's fee is fixed, providing some incentive for efficiency. The value reflects the investment in nurturing future scientific and managerial talent for the agency.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. The fact that it was competed suggests NASA sought the best value and expertise for administering its prestigious postdoctoral program. The competitive process should have driven pricing towards market rates for similar large-scale program management and research support services.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by ensuring that the contract is awarded to the most capable and cost-effective provider, potentially leading to better program outcomes and efficient use of funds.
Public Impact
Highly talented postdoctoral researchers and aspiring managers benefit from unique research and development opportunities. NASA centers and facilities gain access to specialized expertise and support for their research initiatives. The program contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge and innovation in space exploration and related fields. The program has a national impact by fostering the development of a skilled scientific and managerial workforce. Universities Space Research Association, as the administrator, plays a key role in the program's execution and success.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for contractor lock-in due to long-term nature and specialized administration.
- Reliance on a single administrator for a critical talent pipeline could pose a risk if performance falters.
- Ensuring consistent quality and fairness across all NASA centers hosting fellows requires robust oversight.
Positive Signals
- The program's long duration indicates a stable and reliable partnership.
- Full and open competition suggests a strong market evaluation and selection process.
- The contract's focus on developing high-caliber talent aligns with strategic agency goals.
- The use of a cost-plus-fixed-fee structure can provide cost certainty for the agency once the fee is established.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on human resources consulting and program management for research and development. The market for administering large-scale fellowship programs is specialized, often involving non-profit research consortia or universities. NASA's spending in this area supports its mission-critical research and talent development objectives, complementing direct research grants and contracts. Comparable spending might be found in other federal agencies managing large postdoctoral or research associate programs.
Small Business Impact
The contract data indicates that this was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no explicit mention of subcontracting goals for small businesses. This suggests that the primary contractor, Universities Space Research Association, is expected to manage the program directly or through its own established network. The focus is likely on securing specialized expertise rather than broad economic impact through small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) contracting officers and program managers. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure necessitates careful monitoring of direct costs to ensure they are allowable and reasonable. Accountability measures would likely include performance reviews, milestone tracking, and adherence to program guidelines. Transparency is generally maintained through contract awards databases, though specific program details might be internal.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Contracts
- Federal Fellowship Programs
- Scientific and Technical Services
- Human Capital Management Services
Risk Flags
- Long-term contract duration may reduce flexibility.
- Reliance on a single administrator for a critical program.
- Potential for cost overruns if not managed tightly under CPFF.
Tags
nasa, postdoctoral-program, research-and-development, universities-space-research-association, human-resources-consulting, full-and-open-competition, cost-plus-fixed-fee, maryland, science-and-technology, talent-development
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $91.7 million to UNIVERSITIES SPACE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION. IGF::OT::IGF THE NASA POSTDOCTORAL PROGRAM (NPP) CONSISTS OF THE NASA POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH PROGRAM (NPRP) AND THE NASA POSTDOCTORAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (NPMP). THE NPP OFFERS UNIQUE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES TO HIGHLY TALENTED INDIVIDUALS WHO SERVE AS GUESTS AT A NASA CENTER, HEADQUARTERS, AND OTHER NASA FACILITIES. FELLOWS SELECTED AS PART OF THE ASTROBIOLOGY PROGRAM CAN ALSO RESIDE AT THE UNIVERSITIES THAT EMPLOY RESEARCHERS FUNDED THROUGH THE NASA ASTROBIOLOGY PROGRAM (NAP).
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITIES SPACE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION.
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 $91.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2016-01-15. End: 2022-01-31.
What is the track record of Universities Space Research Association (USRA) in administering similar large-scale fellowship or research programs for federal agencies?
Universities Space Research Association (USRA) has a long-standing history of managing complex research and educational programs for NASA and other federal agencies. They are known for their expertise in administering fellowship programs, research initiatives, and managing scientific facilities. USRA's involvement in the NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) itself suggests a successful track record, as they have been a key partner in this initiative. Their experience typically includes recruiting top-tier talent, managing program logistics across multiple sites, and ensuring compliance with agency requirements. This extensive experience positions them as a reliable administrator for critical talent development programs like the NPP.
How does the total contract value of $91.7 million compare to other federal investments in postdoctoral research programs?
The total contract value of $91.7 million over approximately six years for NASA's Postdoctoral Program represents a significant investment in nurturing scientific talent. While direct comparisons are difficult due to the unique nature of NASA's program and its specific scope (including management programs), it is substantial. For context, other federal agencies also invest heavily in postdoctoral training, but often through direct grants to universities or individual fellowships rather than a single large administrative contract. For instance, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) fund thousands of postdoctoral researchers annually through various mechanisms. The value here reflects the comprehensive administrative support and the high caliber of fellows targeted by NASA, indicating a strategic focus on developing specialized expertise critical to the agency's mission.
What are the primary risks associated with a long-term, sole-source-like administration of a critical talent pipeline like the NPP?
While this contract was competed, the long-term nature and the specialized role of the administrator, USRA, present certain risks. A primary risk is potential contractor complacency or a decline in performance over time, as the administrative burden is significant and requires continuous adaptation. Another risk is the potential for 'contractor lock-in,' where the deep institutional knowledge and established processes of USRA make it difficult and costly for NASA to switch administrators in the future, even if performance issues arise. Furthermore, ensuring consistent quality and fairness in fellowship selection and program support across diverse NASA centers requires robust and ongoing oversight from NASA to mitigate any potential for localized issues or biases.
How effective is the NASA Postdoctoral Program in achieving its stated goals of providing unique research opportunities and fostering talent?
The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) is generally considered highly effective in achieving its goals. It consistently attracts a large pool of highly qualified applicants from around the world, indicating its strong reputation and the desirability of the opportunities offered. The program provides fellows with access to state-of-the-art facilities and mentorship from leading scientists at NASA centers, which is crucial for their career development. Many NPP alumni go on to successful careers in academia, government, and industry, demonstrating the program's success in cultivating future leaders in science and technology. The program's longevity and continued funding further attest to its perceived value and effectiveness by NASA.
What are the historical spending patterns for NASA's postdoctoral fellowship initiatives, and how does this contract fit within them?
NASA has a long history of supporting postdoctoral researchers to advance its scientific and technological objectives. Historically, this support has been provided through various mechanisms, including direct grants to institutions, specific research project funding that includes postdoctoral positions, and dedicated fellowship programs. The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP), administered by USRA, represents a significant and consolidated effort to manage a large cohort of these fellows centrally. While specific historical spending figures for all postdoctoral initiatives are complex to aggregate, the $91.7 million awarded over six years for the NPP indicates a substantial and sustained commitment to this particular model of talent development, suggesting it is a core component of NASA's strategy for cultivating future scientific leadership.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Human Resources Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 7178 COLUMBIA GATEWAY DR, COLUMBIA, MD, 21046
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $92,611,659
Exercised Options: $92,611,659
Current Obligation: $91,712,484
Actual Outlays: $38,904,507
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNH15CO48B
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2016-01-15
Current End Date: 2022-01-31
Potential End Date: 2022-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-07-15
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