NASA's $156M Facility Operations Contract Awarded to Ascentech Enterprises, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $156,255,968 ($156.3M)
Contractor: Ascentech Enterprises, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2006-02-28
End Date: 2011-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,040 days
Daily Burn Rate: $76.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: FACILITY AND OPERATION CONTRACT
Place of Performance
Location: LAS CRUCES, DONA ANA County, NEW MEXICO, 88004
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $156.3 million to ASCENTECH ENTERPRISES, INC. for work described as: FACILITY AND OPERATION CONTRACT Key points: 1. Contract value of $156.26M over 5 years. 2. Ascentech Enterprises, Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. Competition method was 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources'. 4. Sector is Facilities Support Services (NAICS 561210).
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. The award fee structure needs rigorous oversight to ensure it drives desired performance without excessive payouts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The competition was 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources', suggesting a competitive process but with specific criteria that may have limited the pool of bidders. This method aims for best value while potentially addressing unique requirements.
Taxpayer Impact: The significant contract value indicates a substantial taxpayer investment in facility operations. Effective management and competitive pricing are crucial to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently.
Public Impact
Supports critical NASA operations and infrastructure. Impacts personnel and operations at NASA facilities. Ensures continuity of essential support services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Award Fee structure requires careful monitoring.
- Limited information on specific performance metrics.
- Potential for cost overruns if award fee criteria are not tightly controlled.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition indicates an attempt at market leverage.
- Long-term contract provides stability for service provider.
- Supports essential government functions.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Facilities Support Services sector, which is crucial for maintaining government infrastructure. Benchmarks for similar contracts would typically focus on cost per square foot, service level agreement adherence, and overall operational efficiency.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. The contract was awarded to Ascentech Enterprises, Inc., and further analysis would be needed to determine their small business status or if subcontracting opportunities exist.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's Cost Plus Award Fee structure necessitates robust oversight from NASA to ensure performance targets are met and award fees are justified. Regular performance reviews and audits are essential for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Facilities Support Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Award Fee structure.
- Potential for limited competition due to 'Exclusion of Sources'.
- Lack of explicit small business participation noted.
- Long contract duration (5 years) increases exposure to performance risks.
Tags
facilities-support-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, nm, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $156.3 million to ASCENTECH ENTERPRISES, INC.. FACILITY AND OPERATION CONTRACT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ASCENTECH ENTERPRISES, 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 $156.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-02-28. End: 2011-09-30.
What specific performance metrics are tied to the award fee, and how are they measured to ensure fair and objective payouts?
The effectiveness of the award fee structure hinges on clearly defined, measurable, and achievable performance metrics. These metrics should align with NASA's strategic goals for facility operations, covering areas like maintenance, safety, energy efficiency, and responsiveness. Objective data collection and independent verification processes are vital to prevent subjective assessments and ensure that award fees truly reflect exceptional performance, thereby maximizing value for taxpayer dollars.
How does the 'Exclusion of Sources' clause in the competition impact potential cost savings and innovation compared to a fully open bid?
Excluding sources, even after an initial 'full and open' phase, can limit the competitive landscape. While it might be justified by specific technical requirements or past performance, it risks reducing price competition and potentially overlooking innovative solutions from excluded firms. This could lead to higher costs or less optimal service delivery compared to a scenario with broader participation, necessitating strong justification for the exclusion.
What is the historical performance data for Ascentech Enterprises, Inc. on similar government contracts, and how does it inform the risk assessment?
Assessing Ascentech's historical performance on comparable contracts is crucial for evaluating risk. Positive track records in cost control, on-time delivery, and meeting service level agreements would indicate lower risk. Conversely, past issues with performance, cost overruns, or contract disputes would raise concerns and warrant closer scrutiny of contract management and oversight mechanisms to mitigate potential negative impacts.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Facilities Support Services › Facilities Support Services
Product/Service Code: OPERATION OF GOVT OWNED FACILITY › OPERATE GOVT OWNED BUILDINGS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 6671 SOUTHWEST FWY STE 800, HOUSTON, TX, 77074
Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $305,657,448
Exercised Options: $305,657,448
Current Obligation: $156,255,968
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-02-28
Current End Date: 2011-09-30
Potential End Date: 2011-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-02-27
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