NASA Spends $2M on Brain Research for Neurotoxic Stress Biomarkers
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $1,992,983 ($2.0M)
Contractor: Icahn School of Medicine AT Mount Sinai
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2022-09-28
End Date: 2026-09-29
Contract Duration: 1,462 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 9
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IDENTIFICATION OF BIOMARKERS AND PATHOLOGICAL MECHANISMS VIA LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS OF NEUROLOGICAL AND CEREBROVASCULAR RESPONSES TO NEUROTOXIC STRESS USING A MULTI-CELLULAR INTEGRATED MODEL OF THE HUMAN BRAIN
Place of Performance
Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK County, NEW YORK, 10029
State: New York Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $2.0 million to ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI for work described as: IDENTIFICATION OF BIOMARKERS AND PATHOLOGICAL MECHANISMS VIA LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS OF NEUROLOGICAL AND CEREBROVASCULAR RESPONSES TO NEUROTOXIC STRESS USING A MULTI-CELLULAR INTEGRATED MODEL OF THE HUMAN BRAIN Key points: 1. Focuses on neurological and cerebrovascular responses to neurotoxic stress. 2. Aims to identify biomarkers and pathological mechanisms. 3. Utilizes a multi-cellular integrated model of the human brain. 4. Contract awarded by NASA to Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. 5. Research falls under R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $1.99M over 4 years appears reasonable for advanced neuroscience research. Benchmarking against similar NASA-funded R&D contracts would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical research that could advance understanding of brain health and response to environmental stressors.
Public Impact
Potential to improve understanding of brain health and disease. Could lead to new diagnostic tools or treatments for neurological conditions. Research may inform safety protocols for astronauts and others exposed to neurotoxins. Advances fundamental scientific knowledge in neuroscience and toxicology. Supports academic research institutions in critical scientific endeavors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long-term research outcomes are uncertain.
- Complexity of the multi-cellular brain model may pose challenges.
- Potential for scope creep in advanced research projects.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical area of human health.
- Utilizes advanced modeling techniques.
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Clear alignment with NASA's mission for human spaceflight safety.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences. NASA's R&D spending in this area supports advancements in understanding human physiology and environmental impacts, crucial for space exploration.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's internal oversight mechanisms and the contract's definitive nature should ensure accountability. Regular reporting and milestone reviews are standard for such research contracts.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Long-term research uncertainty
- Model complexity and technical risk
- Potential for scope creep
- Dependence on specialized expertise
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ny, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $2.0 million to ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI. IDENTIFICATION OF BIOMARKERS AND PATHOLOGICAL MECHANISMS VIA LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS OF NEUROLOGICAL AND CEREBROVASCULAR RESPONSES TO NEUROTOXIC STRESS USING A MULTI-CELLULAR INTEGRATED MODEL OF THE HUMAN BRAIN
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI.
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 $2.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-09-28. End: 2026-09-29.
What is the expected scientific return on investment for this research, and how will it be measured?
The scientific return on investment is expected to be significant, with potential breakthroughs in understanding neurodegenerative diseases and the effects of neurotoxins. Measurement will likely involve peer-reviewed publications, identification of validated biomarkers, and contributions to predictive models of brain response. NASA will monitor progress through regular technical reports and milestone achievements outlined in the contract.
What are the primary risks associated with the complexity of the multi-cellular integrated brain model, and how are they being mitigated?
The primary risks involve the model's complexity leading to unforeseen technical challenges, data interpretation difficulties, and potential delays. Mitigation strategies include phased development, rigorous validation protocols against existing data, interdisciplinary team collaboration, and contingency planning for technical hurdles. The research team's expertise is also a key factor in managing these risks.
How will the findings from this research be translated into practical applications, such as improved astronaut health or public health initiatives?
Findings will be translated through the development of diagnostic tools based on identified biomarkers, informing the design of countermeasures against neurotoxic effects, and contributing to public health guidelines. NASA will facilitate this by encouraging knowledge transfer and collaboration with relevant medical and public health organizations. The research aims to provide foundational data for future applied studies.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: NNH21ZDA015N
Offers Received: 9
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: ONE GUSTAVE L LEVY PL, NEW YORK, NY, 10029
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $1,992,983
Exercised Options: $1,992,983
Current Obligation: $1,992,983
Actual Outlays: $1,534,504
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-09-28
Current End Date: 2026-09-29
Potential End Date: 2026-09-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-05
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