NASA awards $2.35M contract for MOPITT instrument algorithm maintenance to University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,347,720 ($2.3M)
Contractor: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2023-10-01
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.1K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: INSTRUMENT ALGORITHM MAINTENANCE TEAM FOR MEASUREMENTS OF POLLUTION IN THE TROPOSPHERE (MOPITT)
Place of Performance
Location: BOULDER, BOULDER County, COLORADO, 80301
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $2.3 million to UNIVERSITY CORPORATION FOR ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH for work described as: INSTRUMENT ALGORITHM MAINTENANCE TEAM FOR MEASUREMENTS OF POLLUTION IN THE TROPOSPHERE (MOPITT) Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, limiting potential cost savings from competition. 2. The contract duration of 1095 days suggests a need for sustained expertise in a specialized area. 3. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure may incentivize cost control by the contractor. 4. This contract supports critical atmospheric research, contributing to environmental monitoring and climate science. 5. The contractor has a history of supporting NASA's Earth science missions. 6. The specific NAICS code indicates a focus on custom computer programming services.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $2.35 million over three years for specialized algorithm maintenance appears reasonable given the niche expertise required. Benchmarking against similar contracts for scientific instrument support is challenging due to the specific nature of MOPITT. However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for some cost control, though it may not be as aggressive as fixed-price contracts. The value proposition hinges on the unique capabilities of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research in maintaining the MOPITT algorithms.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when a specific contractor possesses unique qualifications, proprietary knowledge, or when there is an urgent need that precludes a competitive process. The lack of competition means that NASA did not benefit from the price discovery and potential cost reductions that a competitive bidding process could have offered.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not have received the lowest possible price for these services due to the absence of a competitive bidding process.
Public Impact
Scientists and researchers benefit from the continued accurate functioning of the MOPITT instrument, enabling crucial data collection for atmospheric studies. The services delivered ensure the reliability of measurements of pollution in the troposphere, contributing to environmental monitoring and climate change research. The geographic impact is global, as MOPITT data contributes to international climate and air quality assessments. The contract supports specialized technical expertise within the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, potentially sustaining a small team of highly skilled professionals.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pressure on pricing.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can sometimes lead to higher overall costs if not carefully managed.
- Reliance on a single source for critical algorithm maintenance could pose a risk if the contractor faces unforeseen issues.
Positive Signals
- Contractor's established relationship and expertise with the MOPITT instrument.
- Clear contract duration provides stability for essential maintenance.
- Fixed fee component provides some cost predictability for NASA.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the scientific research and development services sector, specifically focusing on maintaining algorithms for a key Earth observation instrument. The market for specialized atmospheric instrument maintenance is niche, often dominated by academic institutions or highly specialized research organizations with proven track records. NASA's spending in this area is critical for its Earth science portfolio, supporting long-term data continuity and scientific advancement. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of MOPITT and its associated algorithms.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve any small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements. The award to a university corporation suggests a focus on specialized research capabilities rather than broad service provision where small business participation is typically emphasized. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely negligible for this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will be managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, NASA will monitor the contractor's expenditures to ensure they align with the agreed-upon fixed fee and the scope of work. Transparency is maintained through NASA's contract reporting systems. While no specific Inspector General jurisdiction is mentioned, NASA's Office of Inspector General would have oversight authority for potential fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Earth Science Division Programs
- Atmospheric Research Contracts
- Climate Monitoring Instruments
- Data Algorithm Maintenance Services
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type
Tags
nasa, earth-science, atmosphere, pollution-monitoring, r-and-d, custom-computer-programming-services, definitive-contract, cost-plus-fixed-fee, sole-source, university-corporation-for-atmospheric-research, colorado, instrument-maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $2.3 million to UNIVERSITY CORPORATION FOR ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH. INSTRUMENT ALGORITHM MAINTENANCE TEAM FOR MEASUREMENTS OF POLLUTION IN THE TROPOSPHERE (MOPITT)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY CORPORATION FOR ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH.
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 $2.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.
What is the historical spending pattern for MOPITT instrument maintenance by NASA?
Historical spending data for the specific maintenance of the MOPITT instrument is not readily available in the provided snippet. However, NASA's overall budget for Earth science missions and instrument support is substantial, often spanning many years and involving significant investments in data acquisition and processing. Contracts for instrument maintenance are typically long-term and awarded to entities with specialized knowledge. Analyzing past awards for similar instruments or previous MOPITT maintenance contracts would provide a clearer picture of historical spending trends and the typical cost structures involved.
What is the track record of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) with NASA contracts?
The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) has a long-standing and extensive track record of supporting NASA's Earth science missions. UCAR, through its various centers like the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), is a key player in atmospheric and space science research. They have been involved in numerous NASA projects, including the development, operation, and maintenance of scientific instruments and associated data systems. Their expertise in atmospheric science and computational research makes them a frequent and trusted partner for NASA's complex scientific endeavors.
How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure compare to other contract types for this type of service?
The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract structure is common for research and development or services where the scope of work is not precisely defined at the outset, or where innovation and flexibility are paramount. In this case, it allows UCAR to cover its direct costs associated with maintaining the MOPITT algorithms while earning a predetermined fixed fee. Compared to a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract, CPFF offers less price certainty for the government but provides the contractor with greater flexibility to adapt to unforeseen technical challenges. It can be more expensive than FFP if costs are not well-managed, but it is often preferred for complex scientific endeavors where precise cost estimation is difficult.
What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for critical instrument maintenance?
A sole-source award for critical instrument maintenance, such as for the MOPITT instrument, carries several potential risks. Primarily, the absence of competition means NASA may not be achieving the most cost-effective price for the services. There is also a risk of vendor lock-in, where NASA becomes heavily reliant on a single provider, potentially limiting future options or leverage. Furthermore, without competitive pressure, there might be less incentive for the contractor to innovate or aggressively pursue cost efficiencies. Ensuring robust contract management and performance monitoring becomes even more crucial in sole-source situations to mitigate these risks.
What is the significance of the MOPITT instrument and its data for atmospheric research?
The Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) instrument is a vital component of NASA's Earth observation program. It provides crucial data on the distribution and amount of carbon monoxide and methane in the Earth's troposphere, key greenhouse gases and pollutants. This data is essential for understanding atmospheric chemistry, air quality, climate change, and the transport of pollutants. Continuous maintenance of its algorithms ensures the accuracy and reliability of this long-term dataset, which is invaluable for scientific research, policy-making, and global environmental monitoring efforts.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: 80GSFC23R0005
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3090 CENTER GREEN DR, BOULDER, CO, 80301
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: $3,961,393
Exercised Options: $2,347,730
Current Obligation: $2,347,720
Actual Outlays: $1,972,771
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-10-01
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2028-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-01
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