NASA's $48.6M R&D Contract for Test Operations Services Awarded to Amentum Technology
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $48,619,429 ($48.6M)
Contractor: Amentum Technology, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2003-05-13
End Date: 2010-08-31
Contract Duration: 2,667 days
Daily Burn Rate: $18.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TEST OPERATIONS SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: STENNIS SPACE CENTER, HANCOCK County, MISSISSIPPI, 39529
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $48.6 million to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: TEST OPERATIONS SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant investment in R&D services, focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Amentum Technology, Inc. secured the contract through full and open competition. 3. The contract spans over 7 years, indicating a long-term need for these specialized services. 4. The award type is a Delivery Order, suggesting it's part of a larger contract vehicle.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Award Fee structure allows for performance-based incentives. Without specific performance metrics and outcomes, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money compared to similar R&D contracts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded using full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for a broad range of potential contractors to bid. The use of Delivery Orders suggests a structured procurement process.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is intended to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs.
Public Impact
Supports critical research and development activities for NASA. Potential for advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Ensures continued operational capacity for testing and experimentation.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of detailed performance metrics makes value assessment challenging.
- Cost Plus Award Fee can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- Long contract duration may not adapt well to rapidly evolving R&D needs.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, promoting fairness.
- Long-term commitment suggests sustained strategic importance.
- Focus on R&D aligns with innovation goals.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (NAICS 541710). Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement and national competitiveness, with significant government investment often directed towards specialized R&D services.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, which typically involves larger prime contractors, but subcontractors could include small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The use of Delivery Orders under a larger contract vehicle implies oversight through the parent contract. NASA's internal oversight mechanisms and the award fee structure are key to ensuring accountability and performance.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to Cost Plus Award Fee structure.
- Lack of transparency on specific performance metrics and outcomes.
- Long contract duration may not be agile enough for rapidly evolving R&D needs.
- No indication of small business participation.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ms, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $48.6 million to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC.. TEST OPERATIONS SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, 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 $48.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-05-13. End: 2010-08-31.
What specific R&D projects or objectives does this contract support, and how do they align with NASA's strategic goals?
The contract supports 'TEST OPERATIONS SERVICES' within the physical, engineering, and life sciences. While the specific projects are not detailed, such services are fundamental to NASA's mission, enabling the testing and validation of new technologies, spacecraft components, and scientific instruments. This directly aligns with NASA's strategic goals of advancing scientific knowledge, exploring the universe, and developing innovative aerospace capabilities.
How effectively has Amentum Technology, Inc. managed costs and performance under this contract, particularly given the Cost Plus Award Fee structure?
Assessing cost and performance effectiveness requires access to detailed performance reports and award fee determinations. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure incentivizes good performance, but without transparency into the award fee criteria and outcomes, it's difficult to gauge the contractor's success in managing costs and delivering exceptional value. Further analysis of performance metrics would be needed.
What is the long-term impact of this contract on NASA's research capabilities and technological advancement?
This contract's long duration (over 7 years) suggests a sustained need for specialized test operations, indicating its importance to NASA's ongoing research and development pipeline. By ensuring robust testing infrastructure and services, it facilitates the successful development and deployment of new technologies, contributing to NASA's mission success and potentially leading to significant scientific discoveries and technological innovations.
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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Pae-Parsons Global Logistics Services, LLC
Address: 600 WILLIAM NORTHERN BLVD, TULLAHOMA, TN, 37388
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $50,016,780
Exercised Options: $50,016,780
Current Obligation: $48,619,429
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNS04AB62C
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-05-13
Current End Date: 2010-08-31
Potential End Date: 2010-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-09
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