NASA Awards $24M Contract for SWIPS Instrument to Southwest Research Institute
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $24,070,648 ($24.1M)
Contractor: Southwest Research Institute
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2020-07-06
End Date: 2026-11-05
Contract Duration: 2,313 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: THE PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF THIS REQUIREMENT WITHIN THE SWFO PROJECT IS TO DESIGN, ANALYZE, DEVELOP, FABRICATE, INTEGRATE, TEST, CALIBRATE, EVALUATE AND SUPPORT LAUNCH AND ON-ORBIT CHECK-OUT OF THE SWIPS INSTRUMENT AS PART OF THE SWFO-L1 OBSERVATORY.
Place of Performance
Location: SAN ANTONIO, BEXAR County, TEXAS, 78238
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $24.1 million to SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE for work described as: THE PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF THIS REQUIREMENT WITHIN THE SWFO PROJECT IS TO DESIGN, ANALYZE, DEVELOP, FABRICATE, INTEGRATE, TEST, CALIBRATE, EVALUATE AND SUPPORT LAUNCH AND ON-ORBIT CHECK-OUT OF THE SWIPS INSTRUMENT AS PART OF THE SWFO-L1 OBSERVATORY. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for design, development, and testing of the SWIPS instrument for the SWFO-L1 Observatory. 2. Southwest Research Institute is the contractor, with NASA as the agency. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, indicating potential for cost overruns. 4. The sector is primarily Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing, with significant IT components.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts if not managed carefully. The total award value of $24,070,648 over several years suggests a complex project.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure may limit the direct price discovery benefits of competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for a critical scientific instrument, with the ultimate value dependent on the success of the SWFO-L1 mission.
Public Impact
Supports the development of advanced space observation technology. Contributes to scientific research and understanding of space weather. Potential for technological advancements with broader applications. Job creation in the aerospace and technology sectors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns.
- Long contract duration (over 6 years) increases risk of scope creep or changing requirements.
- Specific details on performance metrics and penalties are not provided.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Contract supports a significant scientific mission (SWFO-L1 Observatory).
- Experienced contractor (Southwest Research Institute) likely involved.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on space vehicle manufacturing and instrumentation. Spending in this sector is often characterized by high R&D costs and long development cycles, with significant government investment.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no specific mention of small business participation. This suggests larger, established companies were likely the primary bidders.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's oversight mechanisms will be crucial in managing the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract to ensure cost control and adherence to project milestones. Regular reporting and audits are expected.
Related Government Programs
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration.
- Potential for scope creep.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- No explicit small business participation noted.
Tags
guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufac, 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 $24.1 million to SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE. THE PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF THIS REQUIREMENT WITHIN THE SWFO PROJECT IS TO DESIGN, ANALYZE, DEVELOP, FABRICATE, INTEGRATE, TEST, CALIBRATE, EVALUATE AND SUPPORT LAUNCH AND ON-ORBIT CHECK-OUT OF THE SWIPS INSTRUMENT AS PART OF THE SWFO-L1 OBSERVATORY.
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 $24.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-07-06. End: 2026-11-05.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the SWIPS instrument and how will their achievement be measured under this contract?
Key performance indicators would likely include instrument sensitivity, accuracy, data acquisition rates, and operational lifespan. Measurement would involve rigorous testing protocols during fabrication, integration, and post-launch check-out. NASA's technical teams would verify these against pre-defined specifications outlined in the contract's Statement of Work.
What are the potential risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure for this complex space instrument, and how are they mitigated?
The primary risk is cost escalation beyond initial estimates, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. Mitigation strategies include robust NASA oversight, detailed cost tracking, defined allowable cost principles, and potentially incentive clauses tied to performance or cost savings. Clear definition of scope is also critical.
How does the development of the SWIPS instrument contribute to the overall effectiveness and scientific goals of the SWFO-L1 mission?
The SWIPS instrument is integral to the SWFO-L1 mission's objective of observing solar wind. Its successful design, development, and integration directly enable the collection of crucial data, thereby fulfilling the mission's scientific goals. The instrument's performance is a direct determinant of the mission's overall scientific return and effectiveness.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 80GSFC20R0010
Offers Received: 2
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: $24,070,648
Exercised Options: $24,070,648
Current Obligation: $24,070,648
Actual Outlays: $23,520,482
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 12
Total Subaward Amount: $801,481
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-07-06
Current End Date: 2026-11-05
Potential End Date: 2026-11-05 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-07-24
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