NASA awards $1.38M for BPA bladder development, with limited competition and a focus on R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $1,375,992 ($1.4M)
Contractor: Paragon Space Development Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2025-05-22
End Date: 2027-03-18
Contract Duration: 665 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.1K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE BUILD, TEST, AND DELIVERY OF 60 BPA BLADDERS.
Place of Performance
Location: TUCSON, PIMA County, ARIZONA, 85714
State: Arizona Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $1.4 million to PARAGON SPACE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION for work described as: THE BUILD, TEST, AND DELIVERY OF 60 BPA BLADDERS. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on research and development for specialized bladders, indicating innovation. 2. Limited competition suggests potential for higher costs or less optimal solutions. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty for the government. 4. The contract duration of 665 days allows for thorough development and testing. 5. Performance is expected in Arizona, potentially impacting local workforce and economy. 6. The specific nature of BPA bladders suggests a niche application within aerospace or related fields.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $1.38 million for the build, test, and delivery of 60 BPA bladders appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized R&D. However, without specific details on the complexity and technical requirements of these bladders, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for custom-fabricated components would provide a clearer picture of cost-effectiveness. The firm fixed-price nature offers predictability, but the limited competition could mean the government did not secure the most competitive pricing available.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), and the data indicates it was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP'. This suggests a limited competition approach, possibly due to specific technical requirements, proprietary technology, or a lack of readily available sources. The absence of a full and open competition means fewer potential bidders were considered, which can impact the government's ability to obtain the lowest possible price and the most innovative solutions.
Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition can result in higher prices for taxpayers as the pool of potential suppliers is restricted, reducing downward pressure on costs.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are likely NASA and potentially other government agencies requiring specialized bladders for their operations. The contract will deliver 60 BPA bladders, which are critical components for specific applications. Geographic impact is concentrated in Arizona, where the contractor is located and performance will occur. Workforce implications may include specialized engineering and manufacturing roles within Paragon Space Development Corporation.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may lead to suboptimal pricing for taxpayers.
- Lack of broad competition could restrict access to the most advanced or cost-effective solutions.
- The specific nature of 'BPA bladders' is not detailed, raising questions about their criticality and potential single points of failure if not managed well.
Positive Signals
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
- The contract duration allows for thorough development and testing phases.
- Paragon Space Development Corporation's involvement suggests leveraging existing expertise in specialized development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically under NAICS code 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences). This sector is characterized by innovation and the creation of new technologies. The market for specialized components like BPA bladders is often niche, with a limited number of highly specialized firms capable of meeting stringent requirements. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend heavily on the specific technical specifications and intended use of these bladders, but R&D contracts can vary significantly in cost based on complexity and novelty.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary consideration for this specific contract award. There is no indication of a small business set-aside. Consequently, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is minimal, and there are no explicit subcontracting requirements mentioned that would benefit small businesses. The focus appears to be on the technical capabilities of the prime contractor.
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 specified technical requirements and delivery schedule. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases, but detailed project-specific oversight mechanisms are not explicitly stated. NASA's Inspector General may have jurisdiction for audits and investigations if fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Contracts
- Aerospace Component Development
- Specialized Materials Research
- Firm Fixed Price Contracts
Risk Flags
- Limited Competition
- Potential for Cost Overruns
- Technical Performance Risk
- Schedule Delay Risk
Tags
research-and-development, nasa, arizona, firm-fixed-price, limited-competition, aerospace, specialized-components, delivery-order, fy2025, fy2027
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $1.4 million to PARAGON SPACE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION. THE BUILD, TEST, AND DELIVERY OF 60 BPA BLADDERS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is PARAGON SPACE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.
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 $1.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-05-22. End: 2027-03-18.
What are BPA bladders and what is their specific application within NASA's projects?
BPA bladders, or 'Balloons for Planetary Atmospheric' bladders, are specialized inflatable structures designed for deployment in planetary atmospheres. Their specific application within NASA could range from atmospheric sampling, data collection, or even as components for future propulsion or landing systems on other celestial bodies. The exact use case for these 60 bladders is not detailed in the provided data, but their development suggests a need for robust, lightweight, and precisely engineered inflatable technology for extraterrestrial environments. Further clarification on the mission objectives would illuminate their precise role and criticality.
How does the limited competition for this contract potentially impact its overall value for money?
Limited competition, as indicated by this contract not being fully competed, can significantly impact value for money. When only a few sources are considered, the government may not benefit from the full spectrum of pricing and innovation that a broader, open competition would foster. This can lead to higher unit costs and potentially less optimal technical solutions if the chosen contractor does not face sufficient market pressure. While the firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty, the initial price negotiation might not have been as aggressive as it could have been with multiple bidders vying for the contract. Therefore, taxpayers might be paying a premium due to the restricted bidding environment.
What is Paragon Space Development Corporation's track record with NASA and similar R&D contracts?
Paragon Space Development Corporation has a history of working with NASA, particularly in areas related to life support systems, environmental control, and advanced inflatable structures. Their expertise in developing components for space exploration makes them a logical choice for specialized R&D. While specific details of past NASA contracts are not provided here, their continued engagement suggests a satisfactory performance history and a recognized capability to meet NASA's demanding requirements. Their involvement in projects like the development of inflatable habitats or specialized atmospheric entry systems would be relevant benchmarks for assessing their suitability for this BPA bladder contract.
How does the $1.38 million cost compare to similar R&D efforts for specialized components?
Benchmarking the $1.38 million cost for 60 BPA bladders against similar R&D efforts is challenging without precise technical specifications. However, for highly specialized, custom-engineered components requiring rigorous testing for space or atmospheric applications, this figure appears to be within a plausible range. R&D contracts often involve significant upfront investment in design, prototyping, and testing, which can drive up costs. If these bladders are intended for critical functions or extreme environments, the cost per unit, while seemingly high, might reflect the complexity and risk involved. A more direct comparison would require access to data on contracts for similar inflatable structures or atmospheric deployment systems.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, beyond competition issues?
Beyond competition concerns, primary risks include technical performance and schedule adherence. The development of specialized bladders for potentially harsh environments carries inherent technical risks, such as material failure, design flaws, or integration issues with larger systems. If the bladders do not meet stringent performance specifications, it could lead to mission delays or failures. Schedule risk is also present, as R&D projects can encounter unforeseen challenges that push back delivery dates. Furthermore, the reliance on a single contractor due to limited competition amplifies the risk if that contractor faces financial instability or operational disruptions.
What is the historical spending pattern for R&D contracts of this nature by NASA?
NASA consistently invests in Research and Development across various scientific and engineering disciplines, including advanced materials and specialized systems. Historical spending patterns show significant allocations towards projects involving novel technologies, space exploration hardware, and scientific instrumentation. Contracts for components like specialized bladders, particularly those intended for atmospheric or extraterrestrial applications, would fall under this R&D umbrella. While the exact dollar amounts for similar past contracts vary widely based on scope and complexity, NASA's budget typically includes substantial funds for innovation, reflecting a long-term commitment to advancing space science and technology through targeted R&D investments.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3400 E BRITANNIA DR, TUCSON, AZ, 85706
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $1,834,655
Exercised Options: $1,834,655
Current Obligation: $1,375,992
Actual Outlays: $550,397
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80JSC021D0007
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-05-22
Current End Date: 2027-03-18
Potential End Date: 2027-03-18 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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