NASA's VIIRS Atmosphere SIPS contract awarded to University of Wisconsin System for $170.8M
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,084,052 ($17.1M)
Contractor: University of Wisconsin System
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2020-07-01
End Date: 2025-08-31
Contract Duration: 1,887 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.1K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: VISIBLE INFRARED IMAGING RADIOMETER SUITE (VIIRS) ATMOSPHERE SCIENCE INVESTIGATOR-LED PROCESSING SYSTEM (SIPS)
Place of Performance
Location: MADISON, DANE County, WISCONSIN, 53715
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $17.1 million to UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM for work described as: VISIBLE INFRARED IMAGING RADIOMETER SUITE (VIIRS) ATMOSPHERE SCIENCE INVESTIGATOR-LED PROCESSING SYSTEM (SIPS) Key points: 1. This contract supports critical atmospheric science research for NASA's VIIRS instrument. 2. The awardee, University of Wisconsin System, has a strong track record in this specialized field. 3. Potential risks include reliance on a single entity for processing and potential cost overruns if not managed closely. 4. The sector is R&D, specifically atmospheric science, which is vital for climate monitoring and prediction.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost No Fee, which is common for research and development where final costs are difficult to predict. The award amount of $170.8M over 5 years suggests a significant investment in ongoing research.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This approach may be justified if the University of Wisconsin System possesses unique expertise or facilities essential for the VIIRS SIPS. However, it limits price discovery and potential innovation from other sources.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated to a single entity for specialized research, with the expectation of valuable scientific return. The lack of competition means direct price comparison is not available.
Public Impact
Advances understanding of Earth's atmosphere and climate through data processing. Supports NASA's Earth science mission and contributes to global climate research. Ensures continuity of data processing for a key satellite instrument. Potential for scientific breakthroughs in atmospheric modeling and prediction.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- Cost No Fee contract type offers less incentive for cost control.
- Long contract duration may not adapt to rapidly evolving research needs.
Positive Signals
- Awardee has specialized expertise in atmospheric science and data processing.
- Supports critical NASA Earth science objectives.
- Ensures continuity of vital data for climate research.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on atmospheric science. Spending in this area is crucial for advancing scientific knowledge and addressing global challenges like climate change. Benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the highly specialized nature of the work.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication of small business involvement in this contract. The award is made to a university system, which typically does not subcontract with small businesses for this type of specialized research and development.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's oversight will be critical to ensure the effective utilization of funds and the successful completion of research objectives under this sole-source, Cost No Fee contract. Regular reviews and performance monitoring are essential.
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
- Cost No Fee contract type
- Long contract duration
- Lack of defined performance metrics for scientific advancement
- Potential for scope creep in research objectives
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, wi, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $17.1 million to UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM. VISIBLE INFRARED IMAGING RADIOMETER SUITE (VIIRS) ATMOSPHERE SCIENCE INVESTIGATOR-LED PROCESSING SYSTEM (SIPS)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM.
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 $17.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-07-01. End: 2025-08-31.
What is the expected scientific return on investment for this $170.8M contract?
The expected scientific return is significant, contributing to NASA's Earth science objectives by processing data from the VIIRS instrument. This data is crucial for understanding atmospheric processes, climate change, and weather patterns, potentially leading to improved climate models and disaster prediction capabilities. The value lies in advancing scientific knowledge and informing policy decisions.
What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source, Cost No Fee contract for R&D?
The primary risks include a lack of competitive pressure to ensure the most efficient use of funds and potential for cost overruns, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs. Without competition, there's also a reduced incentive for innovation and a potential for complacency. Oversight is paramount to mitigate these risks.
How effective is the University of Wisconsin System in processing VIIRS data and advancing atmospheric science?
The University of Wisconsin System, through its Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC), has a long-standing history of expertise in satellite data processing and atmospheric science. Their involvement with VIIRS suggests a proven capability. Effectiveness will be measured by the quality and timeliness of data processing and the scientific advancements derived from it.
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 › NATURAL RESOURCES R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: 80GSFC20R0030
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 21 N PARK ST STE 6101, MADISON, WI, 53715
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $17,084,052
Exercised Options: $17,084,052
Current Obligation: $17,084,052
Actual Outlays: $16,922,918
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-07-01
Current End Date: 2025-08-31
Potential End Date: 2025-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-08-08
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