NASA's $259M R&D Contract with SS&A: Full & Open Competition Yields Mixed Value
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $259,114,068 ($259.1M)
Contractor: Science Systems and Applications, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2011-02-01
End Date: 2016-11-30
Contract Duration: 2,129 days
Daily Burn Rate: $121.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH SUPPORT SERVICES II
Place of Performance
Location: HAMPTON, HAMPTON CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23681
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $259.1 million to SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, INC. for work described as: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH SUPPORT SERVICES II Key points: 1. Contract Value: $259.1M over 5 years for R&D services. 2. Competition: Awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 3. Risk: Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure can lead to cost overruns. 4. Sector: Primarily R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure, while allowing flexibility, presents a risk of cost escalation compared to fixed-price contracts. Benchmarking CPFF R&D contracts is challenging due to inherent variability.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive process. However, the CPFF pricing type may limit price discovery compared to fixed-price arrangements.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for R&D services. The CPFF structure necessitates careful oversight to ensure cost efficiency and prevent unnecessary expenditures.
Public Impact
Supports critical scientific research and technological development for NASA. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in space exploration. Contract duration of over 5 years provides stability for research efforts.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited small business participation indicated
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Long-term research support
- Focus on critical R&D areas
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the R&D sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but can be subject to unpredictable outcomes and cost fluctuations.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no small business participation (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests a lack of opportunity or focus on engaging small businesses in this significant R&D contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's CPFF nature requires robust oversight from NASA to monitor costs, ensure performance, and prevent potential waste or fraud. Regular audits and performance reviews are essential.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure
- Lack of small business participation
- Potential for cost overruns
- Difficulty in measuring R&D ROI
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, va, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $259.1 million to SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, INC.. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH SUPPORT SERVICES II
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 $259.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2011-02-01. End: 2016-11-30.
What specific R&D projects were undertaken, and did they align with NASA's strategic goals?
The provided data does not detail the specific R&D projects. To assess value, an analysis of project outcomes, alignment with NASA's mission objectives (e.g., space exploration, aeronautics advancements), and the resulting technological or scientific contributions would be necessary. Without this, value remains difficult to quantify beyond the contractual spend.
How effectively did the full and open competition process mitigate cost risks associated with the CPFF structure?
While full and open competition is generally a positive indicator for price discovery, the CPFF structure inherently carries cost risks regardless of the competition method. The competition likely ensured a reasonable base fee and potentially influenced the contractor's efficiency incentives. However, ongoing government oversight is critical to manage the variable cost component effectively.
What was the return on investment or tangible benefit derived from the $259M spent on R&D services?
Quantifying the precise ROI for R&D is challenging due to the long-term and often intangible nature of scientific advancements. NASA would need to track specific technological spin-offs, patents, research publications, or mission successes directly attributable to this contract to demonstrate tangible benefits and justify the significant investment.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
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
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 10210 GREENBELT RD STE 600, LANHAM, MD, 20706
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $259,114,068
Exercised Options: $259,114,068
Current Obligation: $259,114,068
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 99
Total Subaward Amount: $48,904,732
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNL11AA00B
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2011-02-01
Current End Date: 2016-11-30
Potential End Date: 2016-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-08-13
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