NASA's IMAP Mission: $49.4M for Interstellar Research Advancing Solar Wind and Particle Acceleration Understanding
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $49,406,812 ($49.4M)
Contractor: THE Trustees of Princeton University
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2018-12-18
End Date: 2026-07-31
Contract Duration: 2,782 days
Daily Burn Rate: $17.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: INTERSTELLAR MAPPING AND ACCELERATION PROBE (IMAP) IS A WATERSHED MISSION THAT SIMULTANEOUSLY INVESTIGATES THE ACCELERATION OF ENERGETIC PARTICLES AND INTERACTION OF THE SOLAR WIND WITH THE LOCAL INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM. IMAP WILL 1) ADVANCE THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL EVOLUTION OF THE BOUNDARY REGION IN WHICH THE SOLAR WIND AND INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM INTERACT, 2) IDENTIFY AND ADVANCE THE UNDERSTANDING OF PROCESSES RELATED TO THE INTERACTIONS OF THE MAGNETIC FIELD OF THE SUN AND THE LOCAL INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM, 3) IMPROVE THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE COMPOSITION AND PROPERTIES OF THE LOCAL INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM, AND 4) IDENTIFY AND ADVANCE THE UNDERSTANDING OF PARTICLE INJECTION AND ACCELERATION PROCESSES NEAR THE SUN, IN THE HELIOSPHERE AND HELIOSHEATH. IMAP IS BASED ON A COMPLETE AND SYNERGISTIC SET OF OBSERVATIONS. IN SITU AT 1AU, THIS REQUIRES DETAILED OBSERVATIONS OF THE SOLAR WIND ELECTRONS AND IONS SUPRATHERMAL, PICKUP, AND ENERGETIC ION POPULATIONS AND MAGNETIC FIELD. FOR THE OUTER HELIOSPHERE INTERACTION, IT REQUIRES ADVANCED GLOBAL OBSERVATIONS OF THE REMOTE PLASMA AND ENERGETIC IONS OVER A BROAD ENERGY RANGE VIA ENERGETIC NEUTRAL ATOM (ENA) IMAGING, AS WELL AS PRECISE OBSERVATION OF THE NEUTRAL INTERSTELLAR ATOMS PENETRATING THE HELIOSPHERE. COMPLEMENTARY OBSERVATIONS OF INTERSTELLAR DUST AND THE UV GLOW OF INTERSTELLAR NEUTRALS, WHILE NOT REQUIRED FOR THE THRESHOLD MISSION, ADD IMPORTANT CONTEXT AND INSIGHTS TO DEEPEN PHYSICAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE BASELINE MISSION. THESE OBSERVATIONAL NEEDS WILL REQUIRE AN INTEGRATED AND COORDINATED SUITE OF 10 INSTRUMENTS THAT SPAN BOTH THE IN SITU AND REMOTE IMAGING ASPECTS OF THE INVESTIGATION. AS THE PI INSTITUTION PRINCETON UNIVERSITY OVERSEES THE DEVELOPMENT OF IMAP TO ENSURE COST, RISK, AND SCIENCE OBJECTIVES ARE MET IN THE CONTEXT OF AN OVERALL PLAN TO DEVELOP, INTEGRATE, TEST, LAUNCH, COMMISSION, AND OPERATE THE IMAP MISSION. PRINCETON WILL DEVELOP THE SOLAR WIND AND PICKUP ION (SWAPI) INSTRUMENT, MANAGE THE MISSION SCIENCE TEAM, DEVELOP THE INTERSTELLAR DUST EXPERIMENT (IDEX) INSTRUMENT DATA PIPELINE, INITIATE THE FUTURE LEADERS PROGRAM, AND OVERSEE THE MISSION STUDENT COLLABORATION.
Place of Performance
Location: PRINCETON, MERCER County, NEW JERSEY, 08544
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $49.4 million to THE TRUSTEES OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY for work described as: INTERSTELLAR MAPPING AND ACCELERATION PROBE (IMAP) IS A WATERSHED MISSION THAT SIMULTANEOUSLY INVESTIGATES THE ACCELERATION OF ENERGETIC PARTICLES AND INTERACTION OF THE SOLAR WIND WITH THE LOCAL INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM. IMAP WILL 1) ADVANCE THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE TEMPORAL AND SPAT… Key points: 1. The IMAP mission aims to significantly advance our understanding of the solar wind's interaction with the interstellar medium and particle acceleration processes. 2. Princeton University is the sole awardee, raising questions about the breadth of competition for this complex research and development contract. 3. The contract's cost-plus-no-fee structure requires careful monitoring to ensure cost efficiency and prevent overruns. 4. This R&D contract falls within the 'Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' sector, a critical area for scientific advancement.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $49.4M for a multi-year R&D mission appears reasonable given the complexity and scientific scope. Benchmarking against similar advanced space science missions would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was awarded via sole-source procurement, indicating a lack of competition. While potentially justified by specialized expertise, this limits price discovery and may not yield the most cost-effective outcome.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards a single entity, emphasizing the need for robust oversight to ensure value for money and prevent potential cost inefficiencies.
Public Impact
Enhances fundamental scientific knowledge about space weather and the heliosphere. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries in particle physics and astrophysics. Supports advanced research capabilities within the United States. Long-term implications for space exploration and satellite protection.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing.
- Cost-plus-no-fee structure requires diligent oversight.
- Potential for scope creep in complex R&D.
Positive Signals
- Addresses critical scientific research objectives.
- Awarded to a reputable research institution.
- Long-term duration allows for comprehensive study.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement and scientific discovery, with significant government investment typically allocated to complex, long-term projects like space missions.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to The Trustees of Princeton University, a large research institution. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award necessitates strong oversight from NASA to ensure the contractor adheres to project milestones, manages costs effectively, and delivers on the scientific objectives. Regular performance reviews and financial audits are critical.
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
- Sole-source award may limit cost savings.
- Cost-plus-no-fee contract shifts cost risk to government.
- Complexity of R&D increases potential for unforeseen challenges.
- Long project duration (2018-2026) increases exposure to changing requirements or technological obsolescence.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, nj, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $49.4 million to THE TRUSTEES OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY. INTERSTELLAR MAPPING AND ACCELERATION PROBE (IMAP) IS A WATERSHED MISSION THAT SIMULTANEOUSLY INVESTIGATES THE ACCELERATION OF ENERGETIC PARTICLES AND INTERACTION OF THE SOLAR WIND WITH THE LOCAL INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM. IMAP WILL 1) ADVANCE THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL EVOLUTION OF THE BOUNDARY REGION IN WHICH THE SOLAR WIND AND INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM INTERACT, 2) IDENTIFY AND ADVANCE THE UNDERSTANDING OF PROCESSES RELATED TO THE INTERACTIONS OF THE MAGNETIC FIELD OF THE SUN AND THE L
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE TRUSTEES OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY.
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 $49.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-12-18. End: 2026-07-31.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and were alternative competitive approaches considered and rejected?
The justification for a sole-source award typically rests on the unique capabilities, specialized knowledge, or proprietary technology possessed by a single entity. For complex scientific missions like IMAP, NASA may have determined that Princeton University holds indispensable expertise or prior development crucial for mission success. However, a thorough review of the procurement process should confirm that competitive options were indeed explored and deemed less viable or technically infeasible.
How will NASA ensure cost control and prevent overruns under the Cost No Fee (CNF) contract structure for this R&D project?
NASA will likely implement rigorous oversight mechanisms, including detailed cost tracking, regular performance reviews against milestones, and independent cost estimations. The CNF structure places the cost risk on the government, making proactive management, clear scope definition, and prompt identification of potential issues paramount to controlling expenditures and ensuring the project remains within its allocated budget.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the IMAP mission, and how will their achievement be measured to assess the contract's effectiveness?
Key performance indicators for the IMAP mission would likely include successful deployment and operation of scientific instruments, achievement of specific data collection targets, timely delivery of scientific findings, and adherence to mission timelines and budget. NASA will measure effectiveness through regular scientific reviews, data analysis reports, and post-mission evaluations of scientific return against initial objectives.
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: TWO STEP
Solicitation ID: NNH17ZDA007O
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1 NASSAU HALL, PRINCETON, NJ, 08544
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: $49,406,812
Exercised Options: $49,406,812
Current Obligation: $49,406,812
Actual Outlays: $40,246,859
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 63
Total Subaward Amount: $9,059,447
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-12-18
Current End Date: 2026-07-31
Potential End Date: 2026-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-19
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