NASA awards $719K contract for Roman telescope simulation platform support to TMC Technologies
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $718,960 ($719.0K)
Contractor: TMC Technologies of West Virginia Corp
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2022-12-01
End Date: 2026-05-31
Contract Duration: 1,277 days
Daily Burn Rate: $563/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE ENGINEERING TOOLS 2 (SET2) TO 18 WIDE FIELD INFRARED SURVEY TELESCOPE (WFIRST) INTEGRATED SIMULATION PLATFORM (WISP) ROMAN OPERATIONS SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: FAIRMONT, MARION County, WEST VIRGINIA, 26554
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $718,960.18 to TMC TECHNOLOGIES OF WEST VIRGINIA CORP for work described as: SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE ENGINEERING TOOLS 2 (SET2) TO 18 WIDE FIELD INFRARED SURVEY TELESCOPE (WFIRST) INTEGRATED SIMULATION PLATFORM (WISP) ROMAN OPERATIONS SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract focuses on specialized software engineering tools for a major astronomical observatory. 2. The award was made under a broad agency announcement for research and development. 3. This contract supports the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) mission, now known as the Roman Space Telescope. 4. The duration of the contract is over three years, indicating a need for sustained support. 5. The fixed-price contract type suggests a defined scope of work and cost certainty for the government. 6. The contractor, TMC Technologies of West Virginia, is a small business, though this contract was not set aside.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of approximately $719,000 for over three years of support for a complex simulation platform appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar specialized software engineering contracts is challenging due to the niche nature of the WISP platform. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor has committed to delivering the specified services within the agreed-upon budget, which is a positive indicator of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, this approach generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and innovation. The use of a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) often attracts a range of technical proposals.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for cost savings and ensures that the government receives the best possible value by considering all qualified sources.
Public Impact
This contract directly benefits the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) by ensuring the successful development and operation of the Roman Space Telescope's integrated simulation platform. The services delivered will support critical testing and validation of the telescope's systems before launch. The geographic impact is primarily within West Virginia, where TMC Technologies is located, potentially creating or sustaining high-skilled jobs. The project contributes to the advancement of space exploration and astronomical research, benefiting the scientific community and the public's understanding of the universe.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if simulation requirements evolve significantly during the contract period.
- Reliance on a single contractor for specialized simulation platform support could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
- The niche nature of the technology might limit readily available alternative solutions if needed.
Positive Signals
- Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
- Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
- Contract duration allows for sustained, focused support on a critical mission component.
- Contractor is a small business, potentially aligning with federal small business goals.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Information Technology and Software Development sector, specifically focusing on specialized engineering tools for scientific research. The market for such niche simulation and software engineering services is highly specialized, often driven by large government R&D projects like the Roman Space Telescope. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the unique requirements, but investments in simulation and modeling tools are crucial for complex aerospace missions.
Small Business Impact
Although TMC Technologies of West Virginia Corp is a small business, this contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside. This means it competed under full and open competition. While the prime contract is with a small business, there is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting opportunities for other small businesses on this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will be managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As a firm-fixed-price contract, the primary oversight will focus on ensuring the contractor meets the defined scope, schedule, and performance requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases. NASA's Office of Inspector General would have jurisdiction if any issues of fraud, waste, or abuse were identified.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Contracts
- Space Telescope Support Services
- Systems and Software Engineering Services
- Simulation and Modeling Platforms
Risk Flags
- Potential for technical challenges with complex simulation software.
- Reliance on a single contractor for specialized support.
- Evolving mission requirements could impact scope.
Tags
it, software-engineering, simulation, space-exploration, nasa, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, small-business-contractor, west-virginia, research-and-development, aerospace
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $718,960.18 to TMC TECHNOLOGIES OF WEST VIRGINIA CORP. SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE ENGINEERING TOOLS 2 (SET2) TO 18 WIDE FIELD INFRARED SURVEY TELESCOPE (WFIRST) INTEGRATED SIMULATION PLATFORM (WISP) ROMAN OPERATIONS SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TMC TECHNOLOGIES OF WEST VIRGINIA CORP.
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 $718,960.18.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-12-01. End: 2026-05-31.
What is the track record of TMC Technologies of West Virginia Corp in supporting similar NASA or aerospace simulation projects?
Information regarding TMC Technologies of West Virginia Corp's specific track record with NASA or similar large-scale aerospace simulation projects is not detailed in the provided data. As a small business, their experience may be more focused on specific niches within systems and software engineering. Further investigation into their past performance on government contracts, particularly those involving complex simulation platforms or space missions, would be necessary to fully assess their capabilities and reliability for this critical WISP support role. Reviewing contract databases and performance reports could provide more insight into their history of successful project completion and adherence to requirements.
How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated cost or budget for the WISP simulation platform support?
The provided data indicates an award amount of $718,960.18. However, there is no information available regarding the government's estimated cost or the allocated budget for this specific WISP simulation platform support. Without this benchmark, it is difficult to definitively assess whether the awarded amount represents a cost-saving or if it aligns with expectations. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the government has negotiated a price deemed acceptable for the defined scope, but a direct comparison to an internal estimate is not possible with the given data.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or deliverables expected under this contract?
The provided summary data does not explicitly list the key performance indicators (KPIs) or specific deliverables for this contract. However, given the nature of 'SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE ENGINEERING TOOLS 2 (SET2) TO 18 WIDE FIELD INFRARED SURVEY TELESCOPE (WFIRST) INTEGRATED SIMULATION PLATFORM (WISP) ROMAN OPERATIONS SUPPORT,' it can be inferred that deliverables likely include software modules, simulation updates, testing reports, documentation, and potentially operational support for the WISP platform. Performance would likely be measured against criteria such as simulation accuracy, system stability, timely delivery of updates, and responsiveness to NASA's operational needs.
Are there any identified risks associated with the contractor's performance or the technical complexity of the WISP platform?
The provided data does not explicitly detail identified risks associated with the contractor's performance or the technical complexity of the WISP platform. However, general risks inherent in such contracts include potential technical challenges in developing or maintaining complex simulation software, the possibility of evolving requirements necessitating scope adjustments, and the contractor's ability to deliver consistently high-quality work over the contract's duration. The firm-fixed-price structure places the risk of cost overruns on the contractor, but performance risks remain. NASA's oversight and the contractor's expertise are key mitigating factors.
What is the historical spending trend for WISP or similar simulation support services at NASA?
The provided data focuses on a single contract award and does not offer historical spending trends for WISP or similar simulation support services at NASA. To understand historical spending, one would need to analyze contract databases for previous awards related to the WISP platform, the Roman Space Telescope program, or comparable simulation and software engineering efforts within NASA. This would involve looking at contract values, durations, and the number of awards over several fiscal years to identify patterns, budget allocations, and the evolution of support needs.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Contractor Details
Address: 2050 WINNERS DR, FAIRMONT, WV, 26554
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $718,960
Exercised Options: $718,960
Current Obligation: $718,960
Actual Outlays: $648,343
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80GSFC21A0004
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-12-01
Current End Date: 2026-05-31
Potential End Date: 2026-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-09
More Contracts from TMC Technologies of West Virginia Corp
- Systems and Software Engineering Tools (SET2) to 29 -THE Contractor Shall BE Responsible for the Acquisition, Planning, Development, and Maintenance of Test Systems and Supporting Infrastructure Support (jstar Laboratory) for the Nasa IV&V Program — $5.1M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- SET2 to 27. the Contractor Shall Provide Tools Support Services for the Nasa Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Program to Include Tools Support, System Administration, Helpdesk Services, Training, and Code Analysis Support — $2.1M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
View all TMC Technologies of West Virginia Corp federal contracts →
Other National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts
- International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
- Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
- Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)
View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →