NASA's STARSS contract awarded to Science Systems and Applications, Inc. for over $154 million
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $154,530,230 ($154.5M)
Contractor: Science Systems and Applications, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2006-11-01
End Date: 2011-10-31
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $84.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND RESEARCH SUPPORT SERVICES (STARSS)
Place of Performance
Location: HAMPTON, HAMPTON CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23681
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $154.5 million to SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, INC. for work described as: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND RESEARCH SUPPORT SERVICES (STARSS) Key points: 1. Contract value exceeds $154 million over its 5-year duration. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF), which incentivizes performance. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541710 points to R&D services. 5. The contract was awarded to a single entity, Science Systems and Applications, Inc. 6. The contract duration is 1825 days, spanning five years.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The total award value of over $154 million for five years of R&D support services appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D contracts within NASA and other agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure suggests that NASA aims to incentivize high performance, which can lead to better outcomes than fixed-price contracts in complex R&D environments. However, the ultimate value depends on the achievement of award fee criteria.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that the solicitation was broadly advertised and multiple bids were likely considered. The presence of 5 bids suggests a healthy level of competition for this significant R&D support contract. A competitive process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely drove down costs and encouraged innovative solutions from the bidders.
Public Impact
This contract supports scientific research and development activities for NASA. The services provided are crucial for advancing scientific understanding and technological capabilities. The contract benefits the scientific community by enabling continued research. The geographic impact is primarily at NASA facilities where the research is conducted. The contract supports a workforce of scientists, engineers, and technical staff.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contracts if performance targets are not met efficiently.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical R&D support services could pose a risk if the contractor faces financial or operational difficulties.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
- The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure incentivizes contractor performance and quality.
- The contract duration of five years provides stability for long-term research projects.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The R&D sector is characterized by innovation and the pursuit of new knowledge and technologies. NASA is a major player in this sector, consistently investing in advanced research. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large federal R&D contracts, particularly those supporting scientific missions and technological advancements.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses arising from a set-aside provision. However, the prime contractor, Science Systems and Applications, Inc., may choose to subcontract portions of the work to small businesses as part of their overall business strategy, which could indirectly benefit the small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by NASA contracting officers and program managers. Performance monitoring, financial audits, and adherence to award fee criteria would be key oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract awards databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Contracts
- Science Support Services
- Aerospace Research and Development
- Federal Research Grants
- Scientific and Technical Services
Risk Flags
- Contract duration is long (5 years).
- Contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF), which can lead to cost overruns.
- No small business set-aside noted.
Tags
research-and-development, science, nasa, definitive-contract, cost-plus-award-fee, full-and-open-competition, large-contract, virginia, science-systems-and-applications-inc
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $154.5 million to SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, INC.. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND RESEARCH SUPPORT SERVICES (STARSS)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, 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 $154.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-11-01. End: 2011-10-31.
What is the track record of Science Systems and Applications, Inc. with NASA and similar government contracts?
Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) has a history of working with NASA and other federal agencies on scientific research and technology development projects. Their portfolio often includes areas like Earth science, space science, and engineering support. Examining their past performance on similar contracts, including any past performance ratings or awards, would provide insight into their reliability and capability. A review of their contract history would reveal the types of services they have provided, the value of those contracts, and their duration. Any instances of contract disputes, performance issues, or successful project completions would be critical factors in assessing their track record. This information is often available through federal procurement databases and agency performance reports.
How does the value of this contract compare to similar R&D support contracts awarded by NASA or other agencies?
To benchmark the value of this $154 million contract, one would compare it to other large-scale R&D support services contracts awarded by NASA or agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), or Department of Defense (DoD) over the past five to ten years. Key comparison points would include the contract duration, the specific scientific or engineering disciplines covered, the level of technical expertise required, and the competitive landscape at the time of award. For instance, if similar five-year contracts for broad scientific support services at NASA have ranged from $100 million to $200 million, then this award falls within that expected range. Conversely, if comparable contracts were significantly lower or higher, it would warrant further investigation into the specific scope and market conditions.
What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract for R&D services?
Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contracts, while offering flexibility for R&D, carry inherent risks. A primary risk is the potential for cost overruns, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs. While the 'award fee' component incentivizes performance, it doesn't strictly cap costs. If the contractor's performance is deemed exceptional, the total cost to the government could exceed initial projections. Another risk is the subjective nature of award fee determinations; disagreements can arise between the government and the contractor regarding performance metrics and fee payouts. Furthermore, contractors might focus on achieving award fee criteria rather than on the most critical, albeit less awardable, aspects of the research. Effective oversight and clearly defined performance metrics are crucial to mitigate these risks.
How effective is the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method in ensuring value for taxpayer money in R&D contracts?
The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method is generally considered effective in ensuring value for taxpayer money, especially for complex R&D contracts. By allowing all responsible sources to submit proposals, it fosters a competitive environment that drives innovation and encourages competitive pricing. The 'exclusion of sources' aspect implies that certain specific sources might have been excluded based on pre-defined criteria (e.g., security, specific capabilities), but the core principle remains broad competition. The presence of 5 bids in this case suggests that the method successfully attracted multiple interested parties. This competition typically leads to a more thorough vetting of technical approaches and cost proposals, ultimately benefiting the government by securing the best possible value for the investment.
What are the historical spending patterns for NASA's R&D support services, and how does this contract fit in?
NASA historically allocates significant portions of its budget to research and development, including support services that enable its scientific and exploration missions. Spending patterns in this area can fluctuate based on agency priorities, major program initiatives (like Artemis or JWST), and overall budget appropriations. Contracts for R&D support services are common and often awarded through competitive processes. This $154 million STARSS contract, awarded in 2006 for a five-year period, represents a substantial investment in R&D support during its term. To understand its place in historical patterns, one would analyze NASA's total R&D spending and the proportion allocated to similar support service contracts over the years. This contract appears to be a significant, but not unprecedented, award within NASA's ongoing commitment to scientific advancement.
What are the implications of the contractor being Science Systems and Applications, Inc. for the broader scientific research ecosystem?
The selection of Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) as the prime contractor for the STARSS contract has several implications for the broader scientific research ecosystem. As a specialized R&D support firm, SSAI likely employs a significant number of scientists, engineers, and technical professionals, contributing to the skilled workforce in these fields. Their work on NASA projects can lead to advancements and discoveries that benefit various scientific disciplines. Furthermore, SSAI may collaborate with universities, research institutions, and other private sector entities, fostering partnerships that drive innovation. The success of such contracts can also influence future funding opportunities and research directions within the scientific community, potentially shaping the landscape of scientific inquiry and technological development.
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: 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: 10210 GREENBELT RD STE 600, LANHAM, MD, 20706
Business Categories: Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $155,000,000
Exercised Options: $155,000,000
Current Obligation: $154,530,230
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-11-01
Current End Date: 2011-10-31
Potential End Date: 2011-10-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2017-08-18
More Contracts from Science Systems and Applications, Inc.
- Electrical Engineering Systems Services the Principal Purpose of This Contract IS to Provide Electrical/Electronic Engineering Support Services and Related Work to EED, Istd, SED, Mesa, Related Organizations and Other Nasa Centers and Locations Specified in Task Orders, for the Study, Design, Development, Fabrication, Integration, Testing, Verification, and Operations of Space Flight, Airborne, and Ground System Hardware and Software, Including Development and Validation of NEW Technologies to Enable Future Space and Science Missions — $670.4M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- THE Purpose of This Contract IS to Acquire Scientific Research Services That Conceives, Develops and Applies Space, Field-Deployed (I.E. Airborne and in Situ) and Laboratory Based Technologies and Observations of the Earth Systems — $436.3M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Science, Technology and Research Support Services II — $259.1M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Support for Atmospheres, Modeling, and Data Assimilation (samda) — $256.7M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- THE Contractor Shall Support the Hydrospheric and Biospheric Sciences (HBS), Code 610 in the Following Areas: Science Research Hypothesis Verification Modeling and Simulation Scientific Mission Planning and Execution Computing Science Processing Operations Science Instrumentation Mechanical Engineering (technical and Assembly) Electronic Design, Engineering, and Analysis Optical and Laser Design, Engineering, and Analysis Bench Checkout Equipment Laboratory and Field Experiments Administration Education and Outreach Technical Writing WEB Page Design and Support Media Development Projects Meetings, Visits, and Consultations Organization Property Safety Calibration&validation Algorithm and Software Development Characterization and Modeling Data Analysis Laboratory and Field Activities Instrument Operations Logistics Reporting This Support IS Categorized in Five Major Areas: Science, Computing, Science Instrumentation, Administration, and Calibration Validation. the Contractor Shall Provide ALL Necessary Resources, Including Personnel, Facilities, Equipment, and Materials, Unless Otherwise Provided by the Government, in Order to Meet the Performance-Based Work Requirements. in the Following Paragraphs, Specific Work Elements ARE Followed by Parenthetical Underlined Activities That ARE Examples of Where the Activities Apply. in Performing Work Under Tasks Issued on This Contract, Where Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) Standards Apply, Such in Software Development and WEB Sites, the Contractor Shall Provide the Following Services: Software Applications and Operating Systems WEB Based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications Telecommunications Products Video and Multimedia Products Self Contained, Closed Products Desktop and Portable Computers — $226.8M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
View all Science Systems and Applications, Inc. federal contracts →
Other National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts
- International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
- Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
- Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)
View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →