NASA's $8.99M GEO-XO Sounder Phase A Study Awarded to L3Harris Technologies Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $8,992,946 ($9.0M)
Contractor: L3harris Technologies, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2021-10-13
End Date: 2021-10-13
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: GEOSTATIONARY AND EXTENDED ORBITS (GEO-XO) SOUNDER (GXS) PHASE A STUDY
Place of Performance
Location: FORT WAYNE, ALLEN County, INDIANA, 46818
State: Indiana Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $9.0 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: GEOSTATIONARY AND EXTENDED ORBITS (GEO-XO) SOUNDER (GXS) PHASE A STUDY Key points: 1. The contract value of $8.99M for a Phase A study indicates a significant investment in early-stage space technology development. 2. L3Harris Technologies, a major aerospace contractor, secured this award, highlighting its competitive position in the space sector. 3. The 'Full and Open Competition' method suggests a robust price discovery process, aiming for optimal value. 4. The 'Engineering Services' (NAICS 541330) sector is critical for advancing national capabilities in Earth observation and climate monitoring.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The $8.99M award for a Phase A study is a reasonable investment for foundational research in complex satellite systems. Benchmarking against similar early-stage studies is difficult without more granular cost data, but the firm fixed-price structure suggests a defined scope and budget.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, allowing multiple qualified vendors to bid. This competitive process is expected to drive innovation and ensure a fair market price for the engineering services required for the GXS Phase A study.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to maximize taxpayer value by ensuring the government receives high-quality services at a reasonable cost for this critical Earth observation technology.
Public Impact
Advancement of critical Earth observation technology for climate monitoring and weather forecasting. Potential for future contract awards as the GEO-XO program progresses through development phases. Supports innovation in the aerospace and defense sector, particularly in satellite technology. Enhances national capabilities in understanding and responding to environmental changes.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Phase A studies are inherently high-risk due to the early stage of development.
- Dependence on a single prime contractor (L3Harris) for this phase.
- Potential for cost overruns if technical challenges arise during the study.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive market.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type helps control costs.
- NASA's involvement suggests strong program oversight.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically related to aerospace and satellite technology. Spending in this area is crucial for national security, scientific research, and economic competitiveness, with significant government investment in advanced space-based systems.
Small Business Impact
While the prime contractor is L3Harris Technologies, Inc., a large entity, the subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not detailed in this award data. Federal procurement regulations encourage the use of small businesses in subcontracting roles, which could provide opportunities for innovation and specialized services.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's procurement processes typically include robust oversight mechanisms. The award of a definitive contract suggests adherence to established procedures. Further oversight would focus on the contractor's progress, adherence to scope, and budget management throughout the Phase A study.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Technical complexity of geostationary sounder technology.
- Long-term program viability and funding stability.
- Potential for schedule delays in early-stage research.
- Integration challenges with existing weather infrastructure.
- Reliance on advanced sensor technology development.
Tags
engineering-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, in, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $9.0 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. GEOSTATIONARY AND EXTENDED ORBITS (GEO-XO) SOUNDER (GXS) PHASE A STUDY
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC..
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 $9.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-10-13. End: 2021-10-13.
What is the projected long-term value of the GEO-XO program beyond Phase A, and how does this study contribute to that?
The GEO-XO program aims to provide critical, continuous weather data from geostationary orbit, enhancing forecasting and climate monitoring. Phase A is foundational, defining system requirements and feasibility. Successful completion is essential for subsequent phases (B, C, D) which involve detailed design, construction, and launch, ultimately leading to a multi-billion dollar operational system with significant scientific and societal benefits.
What are the primary technical risks associated with developing a geostationary sounder, and how will this Phase A study mitigate them?
Key risks include achieving the required spectral resolution and radiometric accuracy from geostationary orbit, ensuring instrument longevity, and managing the complex data processing. The Phase A study will address these by performing trade studies on sensor technologies, refining mission requirements, assessing potential failure modes, and developing preliminary concepts for data handling and calibration, thereby reducing uncertainty for future development.
How will the data generated from the GEO-XO sounder be utilized, and what is the expected impact on weather forecasting and climate science?
The GEO-XO sounder will provide high-temporal-resolution atmospheric profiles (temperature, moisture) and trace gas measurements. This data is crucial for improving short-term weather forecasts (nowcasting), hurricane track prediction, and severe weather warnings. In climate science, it will offer continuous monitoring of atmospheric composition and dynamics, aiding in climate model validation and understanding long-term climate trends.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 80GSFC21R0027
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1919 W COOK RD, FORT WAYNE, IN, 46801
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $8,992,946
Exercised Options: $8,992,946
Current Obligation: $8,992,946
Actual Outlays: $8,992,946
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 4
Total Subaward Amount: $944,722
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-10-13
Current End Date: 2021-10-13
Potential End Date: 2023-08-13 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-23
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