NASA Awards $100.8M Task Order for Marshall Program Support Services to Manufacturing Technical Solutions, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $100,878,193 ($100.9M)
Contractor: Manufacturing Technical Solutions, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2013-10-01
End Date: 2021-05-31
Contract Duration: 2,799 days
Daily Burn Rate: $36.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF TASK ORDER(TO)TO PROVIDE THE MARSHALL INTEGRATED PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES (MIPSS) PROJECT COORDINATION (PC) SERVICES AT MARSHAL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35812
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $100.9 million to MANUFACTURING TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF TASK ORDER(TO)TO PROVIDE THE MARSHALL INTEGRATED PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES (MIPSS) PROJECT COORDINATION (PC) SERVICES AT MARSHAL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER Key points: 1. The contract value of $100.8M over nearly 8 years indicates a significant, long-term need for program coordination services. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust market for these specialized engineering services. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. 4. This spending falls within the Engineering Services sector, which is common for large-scale federal projects.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $100.8M for nearly 8 years of service suggests a competitive bidding process likely resulted in a fair price. Benchmarking against similar large-scale program support contracts would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition via a BPA Call, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests taxpayers are receiving value for money in the provision of essential program coordination services.
Public Impact
Supports critical NASA missions by ensuring project coordination at Marshall Space Flight Center. The long duration of the contract suggests stability for the awarded contractor and its employees. Facilitates the efficient execution of complex engineering and research projects.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in long-term program support contracts.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical coordination functions.
- Ensuring continued innovation and efficiency over the contract's lifespan.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Firm-fixed-price contract type limits cost risk.
- Long-term nature provides stability for critical support functions.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Engineering Services (NAICS 541330), a sector crucial for supporting complex federal projects, particularly in aerospace. Spending benchmarks for similar program support services at NASA are typically in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars over multi-year periods.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor, Manufacturing Technical Solutions, LLC, is not explicitly identified as a small business in this context. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business subcontracting.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's long duration and significant value warrant ongoing oversight to ensure performance standards are met and funds are used efficiently. NASA's internal oversight mechanisms and potential IG reviews are key accountability measures.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration may increase risk of vendor complacency.
- Potential for scope creep in program support services.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical coordination.
- Need for robust oversight to ensure value over time.
Tags
engineering-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, al, bpa-call, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $100.9 million to MANUFACTURING TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS, LLC. IGF::OT::IGF TASK ORDER(TO)TO PROVIDE THE MARSHALL INTEGRATED PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES (MIPSS) PROJECT COORDINATION (PC) SERVICES AT MARSHAL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MANUFACTURING TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS, LLC.
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 $100.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2013-10-01. End: 2021-05-31.
What specific program coordination services are included in this task order, and how do they directly contribute to NASA's mission objectives?
This task order covers Project Coordination (PC) services for the Marshall Integrated Program Support Services (MIPSS) at Marshall Space Flight Center. These services are crucial for managing the complex logistics, timelines, and resource allocation required for NASA's engineering and research projects, directly enabling the successful execution of the agency's scientific and exploratory missions.
Given the firm-fixed-price structure, what mechanisms are in place to prevent cost overruns if unforeseen technical challenges arise during the contract period?
While firm-fixed-price contracts aim to cap costs, NASA typically includes clauses for change orders or contract modifications to address unforeseen, significant technical challenges that are beyond the contractor's control. Robust government oversight and clear communication channels are essential to manage scope and cost implications effectively.
How will NASA ensure the continued effectiveness and efficiency of these program support services over the nearly 8-year contract duration?
NASA will likely employ performance metrics, regular progress reviews, and contractor performance evaluations to ensure effectiveness. Maintaining open communication and potentially incorporating incentives for efficiency or innovation can help sustain high performance levels throughout the contract's extended period.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 308 VOYAGER WAY NW # 100, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $101,495,225
Exercised Options: $101,495,225
Current Obligation: $100,878,193
Actual Outlays: $30,320,723
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNM13AA04Z
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2013-10-01
Current End Date: 2021-05-31
Potential End Date: 2021-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-01-30
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