NASA Awards $1.7M for Baffle Ampoule Development, Research & Development Sector
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $1,705,573 ($1.7M)
Contractor: Consolidated Safety Services Incorporated
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2024-10-29
End Date: 2028-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,432 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SOLIDIFICATION USING A BAFFLE IN SEALED AMPOULES (SUBSA) AMPOULE DEVELOPMENT, MISSION INTEGRATION AND OPERATIONS, AND SUSTAINING ENGINEERING
Place of Performance
Location: MERRITT ISLAND, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32953
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $1.7 million to CONSOLIDATED SAFETY SERVICES INCORPORATED for work described as: SOLIDIFICATION USING A BAFFLE IN SEALED AMPOULES (SUBSA) AMPOULE DEVELOPMENT, MISSION INTEGRATION AND OPERATIONS, AND SUSTAINING ENGINEERING Key points: 1. Contract focuses on R&D for specialized ampoule technology. 2. Full and open competition was utilized. 3. Potential for innovation in material science and space exploration. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type suggests cost certainty.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award amount of $1.7M over approximately 4 years for R&D is within a reasonable range for specialized engineering services. Benchmarking against similar NASA R&D contracts for material science or engineering development would provide a clearer picture of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to more competitive pricing by allowing all eligible vendors to bid.
Taxpayer Impact: The $1.7M investment is for research and development, aiming for future technological advancements that could have long-term benefits, though direct taxpayer impact is tied to the success of the R&D.
Public Impact
Advancement in material science for potential space applications. Development of specialized containment technology. Supports NASA's research and development mission. Potential for spin-off technologies in other industries.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- R&D projects carry inherent uncertainty in outcomes.
- Long project duration may introduce scope creep risks.
Positive Signals
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost control.
- Full and open competition suggests competitive pricing.
- Focus on specialized technology development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement, with benchmarks varying widely based on project complexity and duration.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and the awardee is Consolidated Safety Services Incorporated. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by NASA, a federal agency with established oversight mechanisms. The firm fixed price contract and defined period of performance provide a framework for monitoring progress and expenditures.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- R&D project uncertainty
- Long project duration
- Potential for evolving requirements
- Dependence on specific material science breakthroughs
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, fl, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $1.7 million to CONSOLIDATED SAFETY SERVICES INCORPORATED. SOLIDIFICATION USING A BAFFLE IN SEALED AMPOULES (SUBSA) AMPOULE DEVELOPMENT, MISSION INTEGRATION AND OPERATIONS, AND SUSTAINING ENGINEERING
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CONSOLIDATED SAFETY SERVICES INCORPORATED.
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 $1.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-10-29. End: 2028-09-30.
What is the specific innovation or technological advancement expected from the SUBSA ampoule development?
The SUBSA ampoule development aims to create a novel method for solidifying materials within sealed ampoules, potentially improving safety, stability, and handling of sensitive substances. This could have applications in storing volatile compounds, advanced materials research, or even pharmaceutical development, offering a more controlled and secure containment solution.
What are the primary risks associated with the long-term R&D nature of this contract?
The primary risks include the inherent uncertainty of R&D outcomes, where the desired technological advancements may not be achieved within the project timeline or budget. Additionally, the extended duration (nearly 4 years) increases the potential for evolving requirements, unforeseen technical challenges, and market shifts that could impact the relevance or feasibility of the developed technology.
How does this investment align with NASA's broader mission objectives and potential for future application?
This investment aligns with NASA's mission to explore space and advance scientific knowledge. Developing advanced containment and material handling technologies like SUBSA ampoules could be critical for future space missions, enabling safer transport and utilization of resources or scientific samples. Successful R&D may also lead to terrestrial applications, benefiting various industries and contributing to technological progress.
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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2750 PROSPERITY AVE, FAIRFAX, VA, 22031
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $20,000,000
Exercised Options: $1,705,573
Current Obligation: $1,705,573
Actual Outlays: $313,411
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80JSC024DA012
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-10-29
Current End Date: 2028-09-30
Potential End Date: 2028-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-10
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