NASA's STEREO Mission Phase E Support contract awarded to Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory for $28.2M
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $28,209,401 ($28.2M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2010-09-30
End Date: 2023-06-07
Contract Duration: 4,633 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.1K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SOLAR-TERRESTRIAL RELATIONS OBSERVATORY (STEREO) MISSION PHASE E SUPPORT THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PERFORM THE WORK THAT IS DESIGNATED IN TASK ORDERS ISSUED BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER. THE OVERALL SCOPE OF WORK TO BE PERFORMED WILL SUPPORT ALL OF NASA S MISSION DIRECTORATES. THESE EFFORTS CAN BE CHARACTERIZED AS AEROSPACE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT (ARDES). THE GENERAL NATURE OF THE TASKS TO BE DEVELOPED WILL BE TO CONDUCT SUPPORTING RESEARCH AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT DESIGNED TO MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS TO SPACE SCIENCE AND SPACE EXPLORATION AND ASSIST NASA IN THE FORMULATION AND EXECUTION OF ITS PROGRAMS BY PROVIDING NASA WITH TECHNICAL ADVICE, STUDIES, AND REPORTS OF INVESTIGATIONS. EFFORTS UNDERTAKEN BY THE CONTRACTOR, IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE ASSIGNED TASKS, WHICH INCLUDE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER, PARTNERING AND COMMERCIALIZATION ACTIVITIES, SHALL SEEK TO ENHANCE THE VALUE AND CONTRIBUTION OF TECHNOLOGY TO THE NATION S TECHNOLOGICAL COMPETITIVENESS, PROSPERITY, QUALITY OF LIFE, AND OTHER NATIONAL PRIORITIES. INDIVIDUAL TASK ORDERS WILL FALL WITHIN ONE OF TWO BROAD CATEGORIES: 1) ESSENTIAL RESEARCH CAPABILITY OF SPACE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, AND RELATED WORK IN THE SUPPORTING ESSENTIAL RESEARCH CAPABILITIES OF SYSTEMS TEST AND EVALUATION, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, AND SIMULATION, MODELING AND OPERATIONS ANALYSIS . TASK ORDERS WITHIN THE CATEGORY OF ESSENTIAL RESEARCH CAPABILITIES ARE INTENDED TO PRESERVE THE NATION S CAPABILITIES TO PERFORM ROBOTIC SPACE MISSIONS OVER THE FULL MISSION LIFE CYCLE FROM CONCEPT FORMULATION THROUGH MISSION OPERATIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS. NASA IS CONTRACTING FOR SUPPORT IN SEVERAL KEY RESEARCH, ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT COMPETENCIES THAT ARE FUNDAMENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF THESE MISSIONS. 2) OTHER AEROSPACE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT. TASK ORDERS WITHIN THE CATEGORY OF OTHER AEROSPACE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT ARE INTENDED TO INCLUDE A BROAD BASE OF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES RELEVANT TO NASA PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES AND ASSIGNMENTS REGARDLESS OF CATEGORY, TASK ORDERS MAY BE ISSUED RELATED TO AUTONOMOUS DEEP-SPACE AND EARTH-ORBITING SPACECRAFT OR MAJOR SUBSYSTEMS, EXPERIMENTS, INSTRUMENTS OR OTHER DEVICES THAT MAY BE CARRIED AS PAYLOADS ON THE SPACE SHUTTLE OR ON OTHER SPACECRAFT. TASK ASSIGNMENTS WILL EXPLICITLY DESCRIBE A BROAD RANGE OF HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS, AND MANAGEMENT EFFORTS INCLUDING PROGRAM AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION.
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $28.2 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: SOLAR-TERRESTRIAL RELATIONS OBSERVATORY (STEREO) MISSION PHASE E SUPPORT THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PERFORM THE WORK THAT IS DESIGNATED IN TASK ORDERS ISSUED BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER. THE OVERALL SCOPE OF WORK TO BE PERFORMED WILL SUPPORT ALL OF NASA S MISSION DIRECTORATES. THESE … Key points: 1. Contract supports NASA's mission directorates with aerospace research, development, and engineering. 2. Focus on space science and exploration through advanced technology development. 3. Contract duration spans over 12 years, indicating long-term support needs. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost overruns. 5. Work is performed in Maryland, a hub for aerospace and defense contracting. 6. The contract is not competed, raising questions about potential cost efficiencies. 7. This contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's value of $28.2 million over 12 years suggests a significant investment in ongoing space science research and development. Benchmarking this against similar long-term R&D support contracts for NASA missions is challenging without more specific task order details. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, while allowing flexibility for evolving research needs, can sometimes lead to higher costs compared to fixed-price contracts if not managed rigorously. The lack of competition further complicates a direct value-for-money assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This approach is often used when a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities, intellectual property, or has been integral to the project's prior phases, making a new competition impractical or detrimental to continuity. However, the absence of competition limits the potential for price discovery through market forces and may result in less favorable pricing for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition means taxpayers may not benefit from the cost savings that could arise from a competitive bidding process. This could lead to higher overall program costs.
Public Impact
Benefits NASA's mission directorates by providing essential research and development support. Services delivered include advanced technology development for space science and exploration. Geographic impact is primarily in Maryland, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications include employment for researchers, engineers, and technical staff at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. Contributes to the advancement of space science knowledge and NASA's exploration goals.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing benefits for taxpayers.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can potentially lead to higher costs if not closely managed.
- Long contract duration (over 12 years) requires sustained oversight to ensure continued value.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics in the provided data makes independent assessment of effectiveness difficult.
Positive Signals
- Contractor (JHU APL) has a strong track record in space science and mission support.
- Long-term nature of the contract suggests continuity and stability for a critical mission.
- Support extends across multiple NASA mission directorates, indicating broad utility.
- Contract aligns with NASA's core objectives in space science and exploration.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Aerospace and Defense sector, specifically focusing on Research and Development (R&D). The market for R&D support services for government agencies, particularly NASA, is specialized, often involving institutions with deep scientific expertise and established relationships. Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory is a prominent player in this niche. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other large, long-term R&D support contracts awarded by NASA or other science-focused federal agencies.
Small Business Impact
The provided data indicates that this contract was not competed and does not appear to have small business set-aside provisions (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from this specific award. The primary contractor, JHU APL, is a large research institution, and its internal subcontracting practices are not detailed here. The focus is on direct R&D services rather than broad procurement.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with NASA's contracting officers and program managers. As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, rigorous oversight of incurred costs and adherence to the fixed fee is crucial. Transparency is facilitated through regular reporting requirements typically mandated in such contracts. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract's performance.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Science Mission Directorate Contracts
- Aerospace Research and Development Support
- Space Exploration Technology Development
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory Contracts
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Long contract duration requires sustained oversight
Tags
nasa, r&d, space-science, heliophysics, maryland, sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee, research-and-development, aerospace, mission-support, johns-hopkins-university-applied-physics-laboratory
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $28.2 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. SOLAR-TERRESTRIAL RELATIONS OBSERVATORY (STEREO) MISSION PHASE E SUPPORT THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PERFORM THE WORK THAT IS DESIGNATED IN TASK ORDERS ISSUED BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER. THE OVERALL SCOPE OF WORK TO BE PERFORMED WILL SUPPORT ALL OF NASA S MISSION DIRECTORATES. THESE EFFORTS CAN BE CHARACTERIZED AS AEROSPACE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT (ARDES). THE GENERAL NATURE OF THE TASKS TO BE DEVELOPED WILL BE TO CONDUCT SUPPORTING RESEARCH AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY 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 $28.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-09-30. End: 2023-06-07.
What is the specific nature of the 'Aerospace Research, Development, and Engineering Support (ARDES)' provided under this contract?
The contract details describe ARDES as efforts to conduct supporting research and advanced technology development aimed at contributing to space science and space exploration. This includes providing NASA with technical advice, studies, and reports of investigations. While the broad categories are outlined, the specific tasks are designated through Task Orders issued by the Contracting Officer. These tasks likely involve theoretical research, experimental design, data analysis, and the development of new technologies or methodologies relevant to NASA's ongoing and future space science missions, such as those related to solar-terrestrial physics as implied by the mission name (STEREO).
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure compare to other contract types for similar R&D services in terms of cost efficiency?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts are often used for research and development where the scope of work is not precisely defined at the outset, allowing for flexibility as the project evolves. The government agrees to pay the contractor's actual costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. While this provides flexibility, it can be less cost-efficient for the government compared to fixed-price contracts, as the contractor has less incentive to control costs once the fee is fixed. In competitive environments, fixed-price or cost-plus-incentive-fee contracts might yield better value. However, for highly specialized R&D where the contractor's expertise is paramount and scope is uncertain, CPFF can be a necessary choice, requiring robust government oversight to manage costs effectively.
What is the historical spending pattern for the SOLAR-TERRESTRIAL RELATIONS OBSERVATORY (STEREO) mission support, and how does this contract fit in?
The provided data indicates this specific contract, 'SOLAR-TERRESTRIAL RELATIONS OBSERVATORY (STEREO) MISSION PHASE E SUPPORT', has a total value of $28,209,401 and a duration from September 30, 2010, to June 7, 2023 (4633 days). This represents Phase E support, which typically covers mission operations and sustainment. Without access to historical NASA budget data or prior contracts specifically for STEREO Phases A-D (concept, design, development, testing), it's difficult to provide a comprehensive historical spending pattern. However, this $28.2M over 12+ years reflects a significant, long-term investment in the operational support and continued research related to the STEREO mission.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics used to evaluate the success of the R&D efforts under this contract?
The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or specific metrics used to evaluate the success of the R&D efforts under this contract. Typically, for R&D support contracts, success is measured by the timely delivery of research findings, the successful development of new technologies or methodologies, the quality and impact of technical advice and reports provided to NASA, and the achievement of specific scientific objectives outlined in task orders. Given the sole-source nature and CPFF structure, NASA's contracting officer and technical monitors would be responsible for defining and tracking progress against these objectives through regular reviews and deliverables.
What is the track record of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU APL) in supporting NASA missions, particularly in space science?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU APL) has a long and distinguished track record of supporting NASA missions, particularly in space science and exploration. They have been instrumental in developing and operating numerous scientific spacecraft, including missions related to planetary science, heliophysics (like the STEREO mission itself, which they manage), and astrophysics. Their expertise spans instrument development, mission design, spacecraft operations, and scientific data analysis. JHU APL is known for its ability to manage complex, long-duration missions and deliver significant scientific results, making them a highly credible and experienced partner for NASA's R&D and mission support needs.
Are there any specific risks associated with the sole-source nature of this contract beyond potential cost implications?
Beyond potential cost implications, the sole-source nature of this contract carries other risks. It can lead to contractor complacency, where the lack of competitive pressure might reduce the incentive for continuous innovation or proactive problem-solving. There's also a risk of 'vendor lock-in,' where NASA becomes heavily reliant on JHU APL's specific methodologies and infrastructure, making it difficult or costly to transition to other providers in the future. Furthermore, without open competition, there's a reduced opportunity for NASA to benefit from new technologies or approaches that might be offered by other potential contractors in the market.
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: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: THE Johns Hopkins University
Address: JOHNS HOPKINS RD 11100, LAUREL, MD, 20723
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $28,209,401
Exercised Options: $28,209,401
Current Obligation: $28,209,401
Actual Outlays: $6,857,618
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNN06AA01C
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-09-30
Current End Date: 2023-06-07
Potential End Date: 2023-06-07 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-01-31
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