NASA's LUCY Payload Contract Exceeds $74M for Space Science Operations
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $74,452,674 ($74.5M)
Contractor: Southwest Research Institute
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2017-06-29
End Date: 2021-12-06
Contract Duration: 1,621 days
Daily Burn Rate: $45.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 27
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: LUCY PAYLOAD AND SCIENCE OPERATION CENTER
Place of Performance
Location: SAN ANTONIO, BEXAR County, TEXAS, 78238
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $74.5 million to SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE for work described as: LUCY PAYLOAD AND SCIENCE OPERATION CENTER Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Southwest Research Institute for the LUCY mission. 2. Significant investment in R&D for physical, engineering, and life sciences. 3. Full and open competition utilized, suggesting market availability. 4. Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type may pose cost control challenges.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $74.45M for R&D services appears reasonable given the complexity of space payload and science operations. Benchmarking against similar NASA R&D contracts would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was employed, indicating that multiple qualified vendors could bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives fair value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for advanced scientific research and exploration, aiming for long-term knowledge gains and technological advancements.
Public Impact
Supports NASA's ambitious deep space exploration goals. Advances scientific understanding of planetary formation and evolution. Potential for technological spin-offs benefiting other industries. Engages a leading research institution in critical national projects.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize contractor cost overruns.
- Long contract duration (over 4 years) increases exposure to market fluctuations.
- No small business participation noted, potentially missing opportunities for economic inclusion.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, ensuring broad market access.
- Supports a high-priority scientific mission with significant public interest.
- Contractor has a strong track record in aerospace research.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, a sector critical for technological advancement and scientific discovery. NASA's R&D spending is typically high, focusing on complex, long-term projects.
Small Business Impact
The contract data indicates no specific set-aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor is not a small business. This suggests that small businesses were not directly engaged as prime contractors on this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by NASA, a federal agency with established oversight mechanisms for research and development projects. The number of modifications (27) warrants review to understand the scope and necessity of changes.
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
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Long contract duration
- High number of contract modifications (27)
- No small business participation noted
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, tx, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $74.5 million to SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE. LUCY PAYLOAD AND SCIENCE OPERATION CENTER
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE.
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 $74.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-06-29. End: 2021-12-06.
What is the cost performance trend for this contract, considering the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure means the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. While the fee is fixed, the overall cost can increase if actual expenses exceed projections. Monitoring the 'br' (budgeted rate) and actual expenditures against the total contract value is crucial. Frequent modifications (27) might indicate scope creep or evolving requirements, which could impact the final cost and require careful justification to ensure value for taxpayers.
What are the primary risks associated with the long duration and CPFF nature of this contract?
The primary risks include potential cost overruns due to the CPFF structure, where the contractor has less incentive to control costs once the fee is set. The long duration (over 4 years) amplifies this risk, exposing the contract to inflation, changing technological landscapes, and potential shifts in project scope. Additionally, managing contractor performance and ensuring adherence to milestones over an extended period requires robust oversight from NASA to mitigate schedule delays and cost inefficiencies.
How does the LUCY payload development contribute to NASA's broader scientific objectives and technological advancement?
The LUCY mission is designed to explore the Trojan asteroids, remnants from the solar system's formation, providing invaluable data on planetary formation and evolution. This contributes directly to NASA's scientific objectives in planetary science and astrobiology. The development of the payload and science operations center also drives innovation in spacecraft technology, deep space communication, and autonomous systems, fostering technological advancements with potential applications beyond space exploration.
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: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNH14ZDA014O
Offers Received: 27
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 6220 CULEBRA RD, SAN ANTONIO, TX, 78238
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $78,861,052
Exercised Options: $78,861,052
Current Obligation: $74,452,674
Actual Outlays: $39,178,479
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 8
Total Subaward Amount: $1,991,681
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-06-29
Current End Date: 2021-12-06
Potential End Date: 2021-12-06 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-08-08
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