NASA Awards $139M Contract to Southwest Research Institute for PUNCH Phase A Concept Study
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $139,151,157 ($139.2M)
Contractor: Southwest Research Institute
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2017-11-22
End Date: 2027-12-02
Contract Duration: 3,662 days
Daily Burn Rate: $38.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: UNDER THIS CONTRACT, THE CONTRACTOR WILL PROVIDE THE PERSONNEL, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND FACILITIES NECESSARY TO PRODUCE THE POLARIMETER TO UNIFY THE CORONA HELIOSPHERE (PUNCH) PHASE A CONCEPT STUDY. THE SCOPE OF THIS EFFORT INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO: 1. PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR PROGRAM OFFICE 2. INSTRUMENT SYSTEM ENGINEERING, INCLUDING INSTRUMENT MISSION ASSURANCE 3. DESIGN OF A FLIGHT QUALIFIED PUNCH INSTRUMENT MEETING MISSION AND SCIENCE REQUIREMENTS 4. DEVELOP PLANS IN SUPPORT OF INTEGRATION AND TEST OF THE PUNCH INSTRUMENT FLIGHT SYSTEM 5. DEVELOP PLANS IN SUPPORT OF ESSENTIAL FIELD OPERATIONS 6. DEVELOP PLANS IN SUPPORT OF LAUNCH OPERATIONS AND FLIGHT OPERATIONS 7. DEVELOP PLANS FOR LEAD THE PUNCH SCIENCE INVESTIGATION AS WELL AS THE GENERATION OF RESULTING DATA PRODUCTS THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE A BRIEFING ON THE PUNCH SCIENCE AND SCIENCE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AT THE PHASE A SITE VISIT. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE AN ORGANIZATION CHART DEFINING CONTRACTOR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, REPORTING PROCEDURES, AND ALL LINES OF AUTHORITY. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PARTICIPATE IN DEFINING THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE CONTRACTOR'S PROGRAM OFFICE AND THE NASA EXPLORERS PROGRAM OFFICE. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL DEVELOP A PUNCH INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENT AND A PUNCH MISSION SYSTEMS REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENT. THE CONTRACTOR WILL ALSO DEVELOP DETAILED BLOCK DIAGRAMS AND TECHNICAL DESCRIPTIONS OF ALL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS. THE CONTRACTOR WILL CONDUCT IN-DEPTH INSTRUMENT-LEVEL REVIEWS OF THE PROPOSED INSTRUMENT DESIGN. THEY WILL CONDUCT ESSENTIAL TRADE STUDIES, ANALYSES, MODELING AND SIMULATIONS TO ASSURE COMPLIANCE WITH INSTRUMENT REQUIREMENTS. THE CONTRACTOR WILL LEAD THE SCIENCE TEAM AND DEVELOP AN INSTRUMENT-LEVEL TEST PLAN AND PARTICIPATE IN PLANNING FOR INTEGRATION AND TEST. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PREPARE A DETAILED INSTRUMENT DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE COVERING ALL MISSION PHASES, LISTING MAJOR MILESTONES, INCLUDING A DEFINED CRITICAL PATH AND SCHEDULE RESERVES. THE CONTRACTOR WILL PREPARE UPDATED INSTRUMENT BUDGETS AS WELL AS REVIEW AND APPROVE THE OVERALL PUNCH BUDGET. FINALLY, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PREPARE AND SUBMIT THE CONCEPT STUDY REPORT.
Place of Performance
Location: SAN ANTONIO, BEXAR County, TEXAS, 78238
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $139.2 million to SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE for work described as: UNDER THIS CONTRACT, THE CONTRACTOR WILL PROVIDE THE PERSONNEL, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND FACILITIES NECESSARY TO PRODUCE THE POLARIMETER TO UNIFY THE CORONA HELIOSPHERE (PUNCH) PHASE A CONCEPT STUDY. THE SCOPE OF THIS EFFORT INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO: 1. PRINCIPAL INVESTI… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on concept study for the Polarimeter to Unify the Corona Heliosphere (PUNCH) mission. 2. Southwest Research Institute is the sole contractor, indicating a specialized or unique capability. 3. The contract value of $139M for a 10-year period suggests a significant investment in space science. 4. Engineering services (NAICS 541330) are central to this effort, encompassing design, integration, and operations planning.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $139M over approximately 10 years for a Phase A concept study is substantial. Benchmarking against similar early-stage space mission concept studies would be necessary for a precise assessment, but the scope suggests a significant investment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method is generally expected to yield fair pricing, though the specific nature of the PUNCH mission's requirements could influence the final price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being allocated to advance scientific understanding of the solar corona and heliosphere through a detailed concept study for a new space mission.
Public Impact
Advancement of solar physics research through the PUNCH mission concept. Potential for new technological developments in polarimetry and space instrumentation. Long-term investment in space exploration and scientific discovery. Creation of high-skilled jobs in engineering and scientific fields.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in a long-duration concept study.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical early-stage development.
- Uncertainty in achieving all science and mission requirements within budget.
Positive Signals
- Clear definition of Phase A concept study objectives.
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Experienced contractor with a history in space missions.
- Long contract duration allows for thorough development and planning.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on engineering services for space mission development. Spending benchmarks for similar Phase A concept studies can vary widely based on mission complexity and instrument requirements.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this award (SB: false). The contract is with Southwest Research Institute, a large research organization, suggesting that the primary focus was on specialized technical capabilities rather than small business set-asides.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's oversight mechanisms, including program management, technical reviews, and financial reporting, will be crucial for ensuring the successful execution of this concept study and the responsible use of taxpayer funds.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration may increase risk of cost overruns or scope creep.
- Complexity of the PUNCH instrument may present unforeseen technical challenges.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical early-stage development.
- Potential for changes in scientific priorities or technological advancements impacting the mission concept.
Tags
engineering-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, tx, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $139.2 million to SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE. UNDER THIS CONTRACT, THE CONTRACTOR WILL PROVIDE THE PERSONNEL, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND FACILITIES NECESSARY TO PRODUCE THE POLARIMETER TO UNIFY THE CORONA HELIOSPHERE (PUNCH) PHASE A CONCEPT STUDY. THE SCOPE OF THIS EFFORT INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO: 1. PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR PROGRAM OFFICE 2. INSTRUMENT SYSTEM ENGINEERING, INCLUDING INSTRUMENT MISSION ASSURANCE 3. DESIGN OF A FLIGHT QUALIFIED PUNCH INSTRUMENT MEETING MISSION AND SCIENCE REQUIREMENTS 4. DEVELOP PLANS IN SUPPORT OF INTEG
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 $139.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-11-22. End: 2027-12-02.
What is the expected scientific return on investment for the PUNCH mission based on this Phase A concept study?
The PUNCH mission aims to provide unprecedented observations of the solar corona and heliosphere, crucial for understanding space weather and solar wind. The Phase A concept study will define the scientific objectives and feasibility, laying the groundwork for a mission expected to yield significant advancements in solar physics and our understanding of the Sun's influence on the solar system.
What are the primary technical risks associated with developing the PUNCH instrument and what mitigation strategies are in place?
Key technical risks likely include achieving the required sensitivity and resolution for the polarimeter, ensuring instrument survivability in the space environment, and meeting stringent mass and power constraints. The contract emphasizes instrument system engineering and mission assurance, suggesting that detailed risk assessments and mitigation plans will be developed during Phase A.
How effectively will the PUNCH Phase A concept study inform future mission phases and ensure mission success?
The Phase A study is critical for defining the mission architecture, preliminary designs, and operational concepts. Its effectiveness will be measured by the clarity and completeness of the resulting documentation, the identification and mitigation of major risks, and the establishment of a solid foundation for subsequent design and development phases, ultimately impacting the overall success probability of the PUNCH mission.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNH16ZDA005O
Offers Received: 5
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: $144,352,845
Exercised Options: $144,352,845
Current Obligation: $139,151,157
Actual Outlays: $127,745,941
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 80
Total Subaward Amount: $12,509,420
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-11-22
Current End Date: 2027-12-02
Potential End Date: 2027-12-02 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-17
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