NASA's SCAN Program Invests $22.7M in Next-Gen Space Comms with Optical Pathfinder Satellite
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $22,750,632 ($22.8M)
Contractor: ZIN Technologies, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2018-08-01
End Date: 2025-02-28
Contract Duration: 2,403 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF THE NASA SPACE COMMUNICATIONS AND NAVIGATION (SCAN) PROGRAM IS DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION OPEN ARCHITECTURE FOR CIVILIAN SPACE COMMUNICATIONS AND NAVIGATION. THE FUTURE ARCHITECTURE AND SYSTEM COMPONENTS MUST BE FLEXIBLE TO MEET DYNAMICALLY CHANGING NEEDS BETWEEN INVESTMENTS IN OPERATIONS (E.G., TO LOWER COST) AND DEVELOPMENT (I.E., TO INFUSE NEW AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES). THE RESULTANT ARCHITECTURE MUST BE AFFORDABLE AS WELL AS SUSTAINABLE WITHIN A FLAT OR DECREASING BUDGET ENVIRONMENT. SCAN PLANS ON DEVELOPING AN OPTICAL PATHFINDER SATELLITE (OPS) SPACECRAFT TO DEMONSTRATE AND VALIDATE AN OPTICAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM TO: - BECOME AN INITIAL NODE FOR NEXT GENERATION SPACE COMMUNICATION ARCHITECTURE - CREATE RESILIENT, SECURE COMMUNICATIONS -DEMONSTRATE HIGH DATA RATE ROUTING, CROSS-LINKS, AND PROCESSING - DEMONSTRATE A TRANSITION PATH TO OPERATIONS - DEMONSTRATE INTEROPERABILITY BETWEEN MULTIPLE OPTICAL SYSTEMS THE NEXT GENERATION RELAY CAPABILITY (NGC) PROJECT IS LED BY NASA GLENN RESEARCH CENTER (GRC) SATCOM AND IS CURRENTLY IN THE PRE-FORMULATION PHASE. THE NGC EFFORT IS SPONSORED BY SCAN PROGRAM IN THE HUMAN EXPLORATION AND OPERATIONS MISSION DIRECTORATE FOR OPTICAL SPACE COMMUNICATIONS. NASA GRC IS CONSIDERING A PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP (PPP) MODEL (NASA, OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES (OGAS), AND INDUSTRY) FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NGC. THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THIS PPP EFFORT ARE TO: - ENABLE U.S. PREEMINENCE IN EMERGING SPACE OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS - ESTABLISH U.S. INDUSTRY SUPPLY CHAIN OF OPTICAL TECHNOLOGIES - PROVIDE INDUSTRY A PLATFORM TO DEMONSTRATE OPTICAL AND RF CAPABILITIES TO POTENTIALLY EXPAND IN EXISTING COMMUNICATION MARKETS OR SPUR NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES.
Place of Performance
Location: CLEVELAND, CUYAHOGA County, OHIO, 44130
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $22.8 million to ZIN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF THE NASA SPACE COMMUNICATIONS AND NAVIGATION (SCAN) PROGRAM IS DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION OPEN ARCHITECTURE FOR CIVILIAN SPACE COMMUNICATIONS AND NAVIGATION. THE FUTURE ARCHITECTURE AND SYSTEM COMPONENTS MUST BE FLEXIBLE TO MEET DYNAMICALLY CHANGING NEEDS BETWEEN… Key points: 1. Focus on flexible, affordable, and sustainable space communication architecture. 2. Zin Technologies, Inc. is the prime contractor for this R&D effort. 3. Potential for enhanced data rates and resilient, secure communications. 4. Sector is R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $22.75M for R&D in advanced space communications appears reasonable given the scope of developing a next-generation architecture and a demonstration satellite. Benchmarking against similar complex R&D projects is difficult without more specific cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources,' suggesting a limited competition. This method may impact price discovery if the exclusion criteria were narrow.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in cutting-edge technology that could lead to more efficient and secure space communications for future civilian missions.
Public Impact
Enhances national capabilities in space communication technology. Aims to create more resilient and secure communication networks. Demonstrates advanced optical communication systems for potential future use. Supports innovation in the civilian space sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may not yield the best price.
- Technology development risks are inherent in R&D projects.
Positive Signals
- Focus on next-generation architecture.
- Potential for high data rate communications.
- Emphasis on affordability and sustainability.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and maintaining a competitive edge in space exploration and communication.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific involvement or subcontracting with small businesses for this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which has established oversight mechanisms for its research and development programs. The 'delivery order' structure suggests phased oversight.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition raises concerns about optimal pricing.
- R&D projects inherently carry technological and schedule risks.
- Long-term sustainability and affordability require ongoing validation.
- Dependence on specific contractor expertise due to limited competition.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, oh, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $22.8 million to ZIN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF THE NASA SPACE COMMUNICATIONS AND NAVIGATION (SCAN) PROGRAM IS DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION OPEN ARCHITECTURE FOR CIVILIAN SPACE COMMUNICATIONS AND NAVIGATION. THE FUTURE ARCHITECTURE AND SYSTEM COMPONENTS MUST BE FLEXIBLE TO MEET DYNAMICALLY CHANGING NEEDS BETWEEN INVESTMENTS IN OPERATIONS (E.G., TO LOWER COST) AND DEVELOPMENT (I.E., TO INFUSE NEW AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES). THE RESULTANT ARCHITECTURE MUST BE AFFORDABLE AS WELL AS SUSTAINABLE WITHIN A FLAT OR DECREASING BUDGET EN
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ZIN TECHNOLOGIES, INC..
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 $22.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-08-01. End: 2025-02-28.
What are the specific performance metrics for the Optical Pathfinder Satellite (OPS) and how will they be measured against the program's goals for resilience and high data rates?
The program aims to demonstrate an optical communication system for resilient, secure, and high-data-rate communications. Specific metrics would likely include data throughput (e.g., Gbps), signal-to-noise ratio, latency, link availability under various atmospheric conditions, and successful demonstration of secure communication protocols. These would be validated through in-orbit testing and comparison against pre-defined benchmarks.
Given the 'limited' competition, what steps were taken to ensure the selected contractor, Zin Technologies, Inc., offered the most cost-effective solution for developing this advanced technology?
While the competition was limited, the 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' contract type suggests that the contractor's costs are reimbursed plus a fixed fee for profit. NASA likely evaluated proposals based on technical merit, past performance, and projected costs. The 'exclusion of sources' might have been based on specific technological expertise or prior development, implying a justification for limited competition.
How will the affordability and sustainability goals of the new architecture be assessed, particularly in a flat or decreasing budget environment, beyond the initial $22.75M investment?
Affordability and sustainability will likely be assessed through lifecycle cost analyses, including projected operational and maintenance expenses for the developed architecture. NASA will evaluate the scalability of the technology and its potential for integration with existing infrastructure. The success of the OPS demonstration in proving cost-saving technologies or operational efficiencies will be a key factor.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 6745 ENGLE RD STE 105, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OH, 44130
Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $24,057,993
Exercised Options: $24,057,993
Current Obligation: $22,750,632
Actual Outlays: $21,891,455
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNC14CA02C
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-08-01
Current End Date: 2025-02-28
Potential End Date: 2025-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-06-09
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