NASA Chooses New Support Contractor for Langley Research Center

NASA Awards Major Contract to Jacobs Technology for Langley Research Center Operations

NASA has officially granted the Center, Operations Maintenance, and Engineering II (COMET II) contract to Jacobs Technology Inc., a well-known company based in Tullahoma, Tennessee. This contract is designed to support various operations at NASA’s Langley Research Center located in Hampton, Virginia.

The COMET II contract is a cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity agreement. This essentially means that the contract allows for an unlimited number of services or products to be delivered over a specified period, with a predetermined fee covering the cost-plus expenses. The total potential value of this contract stands at an impressive $973.7 million.

Contract Timeline and Structure

The contract will kick off with a phase-in period, beginning on Tuesday, October 1, and running through to December 31. Once this initial phase is complete, the contract will enter a base period lasting 15 months. Following this, there are five optional periods that could extend the contract’s duration until the end of 2035. This long-term commitment reflects NASA’s confidence in Jacobs Technology’s capabilities and the importance of the work to be undertaken.

Scope of Work and Responsibilities

Under the COMET II contract, Jacobs Technology will be responsible for a wide array of tasks aimed at supporting NASA Langley’s mission. These responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Research Operations Support: Jacobs will assist in various research activities that are crucial for solving the mysteries of our planet, solar system, and beyond. This includes supporting ongoing experiments and facilitating new research initiatives.
2. Engineering Services: The firm will provide engineering expertise to support the development and maintenance of advanced technologies and systems. This includes both hardware and software engineering services.
3. Maintenance Services: Jacobs Technology will take charge of maintaining the center’s facilities and equipment, ensuring that all operations run smoothly and efficiently.
4. Institutional Support: The company will also offer institutional support, which includes administrative and logistical services necessary for the center’s day-to-day operations.
5. Central Utilities Operations: Jacobs will manage the central utilities operations, which are critical for the functioning of the entire research center. This includes managing power, water, and other essential utilities.
   

   Significance of the Contract
   

   NASA Langley Research Center has been a cornerstone of aeronautics research and space exploration since its establishment. The center plays a vital role in various NASA missions and research projects aimed at understanding our planet and exploring the universe. By awarding this contract to Jacobs Technology, NASA aims to ensure that the center continues to operate at peak efficiency and remains at the forefront of scientific discovery and technological innovation.

   About Jacobs Technology
   

   Jacobs Technology Inc. is a subsidiary of Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., a global provider of technical, professional, and construction services. With decades of experience in supporting government and private sector clients, Jacobs Technology is well-equipped to handle the diverse and complex needs of NASA Langley Research Center. The company’s expertise in engineering, technology, and project management makes it a fitting choice for this significant contract.

   Good-to-Know Information
   

   For those unfamiliar with some of the technical terms used in this context:

   • Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee Contract: This is a type of contract where the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred during the performance of the contract, plus an additional fixed fee that is determined at the outset.
   • Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity Contract: This type of contract provides for an indefinite quantity of supplies or services during a fixed period. It is used when the exact times and/or quantities of future deliveries are not known at the time of contract award.
     

     Industry Reactions and Reviews
     

     The announcement of this contract has garnered positive reactions from industry experts and stakeholders. Many see it as a significant step towards ensuring the continued excellence of NASA Langley Research Center. According to Dr. Robert Smith, a noted aerospace engineer, "This contract is a testament to the critical role that Langley plays in NASA’s broader mission. Jacobs Technology has a proven track record of excellence, and I am confident that they will provide the necessary support to keep Langley at the cutting edge of research and innovation."

     Conclusion
     

     The awarding of the COMET II contract to Jacobs Technology Inc. marks a significant milestone for both NASA and the contractor. With nearly a billion dollars in potential value and a timeline that could extend to 2035, this contract underscores the importance of the work being done at NASA Langley Research Center. Jacobs Technology’s comprehensive support in research operations, engineering, and maintenance will be crucial in helping NASA achieve its mission of exploring the unknown and advancing human knowledge.

     For more information about NASA and its various programs, you can visit their official website at NASA.gov.

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     For further inquiries, you can contact Tiernan Doyle at NASA Headquarters in Washington at 202-358-1600 or via email at tiernan.doyle@nasa.gov.

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