NASA Awards $10.1M for Continued Climate Measurement Support on ISS
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,120,304 ($10.1M)
Contractor: THE Regents of the University of Colorado
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2023-06-20
End Date: 2026-06-19
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.2K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: PROVIDE CONTINUED MISSION OPERATIONS AND DATA PROCESSING SUPPORT SERVICES TO CONTINUE PERFORMING KEY CLIMATE MEASUREMENTS THROUGH TOTAL AND SPECTRAL SOLAR IRRADIANCE SENSOR SYSTEMS CURRENTLY IN OPERATION ON THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION.
Place of Performance
Location: BOULDER, BOULDER County, COLORADO, 80309
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $10.1 million to THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO for work described as: PROVIDE CONTINUED MISSION OPERATIONS AND DATA PROCESSING SUPPORT SERVICES TO CONTINUE PERFORMING KEY CLIMATE MEASUREMENTS THROUGH TOTAL AND SPECTRAL SOLAR IRRADIANCE SENSOR SYSTEMS CURRENTLY IN OPERATION ON THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION. Key points: 1. Contract supports critical climate data collection via solar irradiance sensors. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about competition and potential cost savings. 3. Long-term operational support is essential for ongoing climate research. 4. Focus on International Space Station operations highlights specialized needs.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $10.1M over three years for specialized support services appears reasonable given the critical nature of the work. However, without a competitive bidding process, it's difficult to definitively assess if this represents the best possible price.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This approach limits price discovery and may result in higher costs compared to a competitive process. The justification for sole-source is not provided.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for this contract. The lack of competition means there's a missed opportunity for potential cost savings that could benefit taxpayers.
Public Impact
Ensures continuity of vital climate data collection from space. Supports ongoing scientific research on solar irradiance and its impact. Maintains critical operations on the International Space Station. Provides essential services for national climate monitoring efforts.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing.
- No justification for sole-source provided.
- Potential for cost savings missed due to lack of competition.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical scientific mission.
- Ensures continuity of operations.
- Leverages existing operational systems on ISS.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the 'All Other Telecommunications' category, but its core function is scientific data collection and processing for climate research. Spending in this niche area is driven by specific mission requirements rather than broad sector trends.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to The Regents of the University of Colorado, an educational institution, not a small business. There is no indication of small business subcontracting opportunities within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The award was made by NASA, a federal agency with established oversight mechanisms. However, the sole-source nature of the contract warrants scrutiny to ensure the public interest is served and funds are used efficiently.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Telecommunications
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Lack of competition
- No justification for sole-source provided
- Potential for overpricing
Tags
all-other-telecommunications, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, co, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $10.1 million to THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO. PROVIDE CONTINUED MISSION OPERATIONS AND DATA PROCESSING SUPPORT SERVICES TO CONTINUE PERFORMING KEY CLIMATE MEASUREMENTS THROUGH TOTAL AND SPECTRAL SOLAR IRRADIANCE SENSOR SYSTEMS CURRENTLY IN OPERATION ON THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO.
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 $10.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-06-20. End: 2026-06-19.
What is the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps were taken to ensure fair and reasonable pricing without competition?
The provided data does not include the justification for the sole-source award. Typically, agencies must demonstrate that only one responsible source can provide the required services or that exceptional circumstances exist. Without this justification, it's impossible to assess the validity of the sole-source decision or the process for ensuring fair pricing.
What are the potential risks associated with relying on a sole-source provider for critical climate measurement support services?
The primary risk is the lack of competitive pressure, which can lead to inflated costs and reduced innovation. There's also a risk of vendor lock-in, making it difficult to switch providers if performance issues arise or better solutions become available. Furthermore, without competition, there's less incentive for the vendor to proactively improve services or efficiency.
How does the continued funding of these specific climate measurement services contribute to NASA's broader scientific objectives and national climate initiatives?
These services are crucial for maintaining the operational integrity of solar irradiance sensor systems on the ISS, which provide fundamental data for understanding Earth's energy balance and climate change. Continued funding ensures the uninterrupted collection of these vital measurements, supporting NASA's Earth science research goals and informing national and international climate policy and mitigation strategies.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Information › All Other Telecommunications › All Other Telecommunications
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: 80GSFC22R0031
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3100 MARINE ST STE 481 572 UCB, BOULDER, CO, 80309
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: $17,445,029
Exercised Options: $10,254,841
Current Obligation: $10,120,304
Actual Outlays: $8,632,893
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-06-20
Current End Date: 2026-06-19
Potential End Date: 2028-06-19 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-29
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