National Aeronautics and Space Administration Awarded a Contract to TURNITIN, LLC for $10,768.65

Summary of Award

The data provided is a detailed representation of a contract awarded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to Turnitin, LLC for the procurement of software licenses known as iThenticate SW Licenses. The award ID for this specific contract is "80NSSC25PA236", and it falls under the category of a purchase order. This acquisition, classified under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541511, pertains to custom computer programming services.

### Overview of the Contract

The contract’s total value is $10,768.65, which is fully accounted for and obligated by NASA. The contract, signed on November 29, 2024, spans a performance period from December 2, 2024, to December 1, 2025. It provides for a firm fixed price, ensuring a straightforward pricing arrangement without adjustments post-award. The products procured under this contract are comprehensive software service solutions, specifically for business application development as a service. This aligns with the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry, highlighting the ongoing demand and investment in high-tech and specialized software solutions by federal agencies. ### Transactions and Obligation There are two primary transactions recorded under this award. The initial transaction, dated November 29, 2024, carries the full transaction amount of $10,768.65, reflecting the total obligation of funds from NASA towards this contract. This transaction signifies the complete funding commitment under the purchase order, aligning with federal spending transparency norms. The second transaction, dated April 10, 2025, registers a modification tagged "P00001." However, this transaction shows a zero transaction amount, indicating a modification or administrative update that does not involve additional financial obligations. It might represent a recalibration or adjustment within contractual terms, lacking details on substantive financial changes. ### Contractor and Service Profile Turnitin, LLC, the recipient of this federal contract, is a well-established entity based in Oakland, California. Identified under multiple business categories, the company is a U.S.-owned limited liability corporation that does not fall within the small business classification. Their prominence in the tech industry is bolstered by their specialization in IT and telecom solutions with a strong focus on application development and software as a service (SaaS) products. The service procured by NASA from Turnitin under this contract involves software crucial to maintaining efficiency and confidentiality within academic and research activities, reflecting the broader need of federal agencies to harness technology to aid in achieving mission-critical tasks. Turnitin’s flagship product, iThenticate, is recognized for its robust capability in plagiarism detection and content evaluation, widely used in academic and professional settings. ### Competitive and Procedural Insights The solicitation procedure adhered to the simplified acquisition process (SAP), indicating a streamlined federal procurement approach suitable for smaller contracts where the traditional elaborate competitive bidding process may not warrant. Significantly, this contract was not competed under government competition mandates as stipulated in FAR Part 13, known as "SAP Non-Competition." The lack of competition could be due to Turnitin’s specialized offerings or urgency combined with mission-sensitive needs for specific technological solutions. It indicates NASA’s strategic alignment with technological advances and highlights how agencies may leverage acquisitions to enhance or streamline operations, deploying precise industry solutions without extensive competitive delays. ### Agency and Funding Details Both the awarding and funding agency for this contract is NASA, specifically through the NASA Shared Services Center, reflecting a centralized contractual administrative approach. This consistency ensures adherence to directives and efficient oversight, allowing NASA to maintain effective control over contract administration and execution. The procurement aligns with NASA’s mission to explore, expand, and innovate, with IT solutions like those provided by Turnitin enhancing backend process efficiency and intellectual property management. Neither foreign funding nor domestic/foreign competition elements were applicable, emphasizing procurement within the bounds of national interest and administrative requirements. ### Conclusion This federal contract reflects a notable transaction emphasizing the role of high-tech service acquisitions within the strategic operations of a leading space agency. It demonstrates NASA’s commitment to acquiring specialized technological services to further their advancements in areas crucial not just to national interests but to global technological leadership. Turnitin’s software delivery under this contract represents a fusion of advanced IT applications and government operational needs. Overall, the iThenticate SW Licenses acquisition not only fulfills a specific technological requirement within NASA but also showcases the collaboration between federal agencies and tech industry leaders in creating path-forward solutions to contemporary technological challenges.