NASA awards $48.9M contract to University of Colorado for asteroid reconnaissance missions
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $48,909,694 ($48.9M)
Contractor: THE Regents of the University of Colorado
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2019-08-22
End Date: 2024-04-30
Contract Duration: 1,713 days
Daily Burn Rate: $28.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RECONNAISSANCE MISSIONS TO BINARY ASTEROIDS WILL STUDY THE FORMATION AND EVOLUTIONARY IMPLICATIONS FOR SMALL "RUBBLE PILE" ASTEROIDS AND BUILD AN ACCURATE MODEL OF TWO BINARY ASTEROID BODIES.
Place of Performance
Location: BOULDER, BOULDER County, COLORADO, 80309
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $48.9 million to THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO for work described as: RECONNAISSANCE MISSIONS TO BINARY ASTEROIDS WILL STUDY THE FORMATION AND EVOLUTIONARY IMPLICATIONS FOR SMALL "RUBBLE PILE" ASTEROIDS AND BUILD AN ACCURATE MODEL OF TWO BINARY ASTEROID BODIES. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on studying binary asteroids to understand the formation and evolution of small 'rubble pile' asteroids. 2. The research aims to build an accurate model of two binary asteroid bodies. 3. This contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 4. The award was made through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 5. The contract type is a definitive contract with a cost-no-fee structure. 6. The duration of the contract is over 1700 days, indicating a long-term research effort.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $48.9 million for a multi-year research project on asteroid formation appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar NASA R&D contracts for planetary science missions would provide a more precise assessment, but the scope suggests significant scientific and technological investment. The 'cost no fee' structure implies that the contractor will be reimbursed for allowable costs up to the contract ceiling, with no additional profit margin, which can be cost-effective for the government in certain research scenarios.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. This suggests a robust bidding process where multiple entities likely had the opportunity to compete for the work. The level of competition can influence pricing by driving down costs as contractors vie for the award. Without specific details on the number of bids received, it's difficult to quantify the exact impact on price discovery, but open competition is generally favorable for obtaining competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a marketplace where the most cost-effective and technically sound proposals are likely to be selected, potentially leading to better value for the allocated funds.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the scientific community and the public, through enhanced understanding of asteroid formation and evolution. The services delivered include advanced reconnaissance, data collection, and modeling of celestial bodies. The geographic impact is global in terms of scientific knowledge gained, though the physical operations are likely based at the University of Colorado and potentially involve space-based assets. Workforce implications include employment for researchers, scientists, engineers, and support staff at the University of Colorado.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen research challenges arise, though the 'cost no fee' structure mitigates direct profit incentive for overspending.
- Dependence on the specialized expertise of the University of Colorado, which could be a risk if key personnel depart.
- The long duration of the contract increases exposure to changing scientific priorities or technological advancements.
Positive Signals
- The University of Colorado has a strong track record in aerospace and planetary science research.
- The 'full and open competition' award process suggests a thorough evaluation of proposals.
- The definitive contract structure provides a framework for a long-term, focused research effort.
- The 'cost no fee' arrangement aligns contractor incentives with cost control for the government.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the broader aerospace and scientific research sector, specifically focusing on planetary science and astrodynamics. The market for such specialized research is relatively niche, often dominated by academic institutions and specialized aerospace firms. NASA's spending in this area supports fundamental scientific inquiry and the development of technologies relevant to space exploration and planetary defense. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other NASA grants and contracts awarded for similar deep-space research and observational missions.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides, as it was awarded to a university. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal, though indirect benefits could arise if small businesses supply materials or services to the prime contractor.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily be managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), likely through its relevant program offices and contracting officers. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract's performance requirements and reporting obligations. Transparency is generally maintained through public contract databases and NASA's reporting on its research initiatives. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Planetary Science Division Programs
- Asteroid and Comet Exploration Missions
- Space-based Observational Research
- University Research Grants
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration may lead to scope creep or obsolescence of research objectives.
- Reliance on a single academic institution for specialized research.
- Potential for unforeseen scientific or technical challenges impacting timelines.
Tags
nasa, university-of-colorado, asteroid-research, planetary-science, r&d, definitive-contract, cost-no-fee, full-and-open-competition, space-exploration, scientific-research, colorado, research-and-development
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $48.9 million to THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO. RECONNAISSANCE MISSIONS TO BINARY ASTEROIDS WILL STUDY THE FORMATION AND EVOLUTIONARY IMPLICATIONS FOR SMALL "RUBBLE PILE" ASTEROIDS AND BUILD AN ACCURATE MODEL OF TWO BINARY ASTEROID BODIES.
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 $48.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-08-22. End: 2024-04-30.
What is the specific scientific significance of studying 'binary asteroids' and 'rubble pile' asteroids?
Binary asteroids are pairs of asteroids orbiting each other, providing unique insights into the gravitational interactions and formation processes of asteroid systems. Studying 'rubble pile' asteroids, which are loosely aggregated bodies held together by gravity rather than solid rock, helps scientists understand the early solar system's composition and the processes of accretion and fragmentation. Understanding these small bodies is crucial for developing accurate models of asteroid populations, assessing potential impact risks, and informing future space missions for resource utilization or planetary defense. The data gathered from reconnaissance missions to these specific types of asteroids will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the diversity and evolution of small celestial bodies.
How does the 'cost no fee' (CNF) contract type affect the contractor's incentives and the government's risk?
A 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) contract is a type of cost-reimbursement contract where the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred in performing the contract, but receives no fee or profit. This structure is typically used for research and development efforts where the scope of work may be uncertain or where the government wants to encourage maximum effort without incentivizing cost escalation for profit. For the contractor, the primary incentive is to successfully complete the research objectives, as their financial return is limited to recovering incurred costs. For the government, the risk is that the contractor may not be as motivated to control costs as they would be under a fixed-price or cost-plus-incentive-fee contract. However, the government benefits from potentially lower overall costs as there is no profit margin included, and the focus is purely on achieving the research goals.
What are the potential risks associated with a long-duration contract (1713 days) for scientific research?
Long-duration contracts for scientific research, such as this 1713-day award, carry several potential risks. Firstly, scientific priorities can shift over time due to new discoveries, technological advancements, or changes in agency funding strategies. The research objectives defined at the outset may become less relevant or be superseded by newer avenues of inquiry. Secondly, the long timeframe increases the likelihood of personnel turnover within the research team, potentially leading to loss of institutional knowledge or expertise. Thirdly, unforeseen technical challenges or experimental difficulties can arise, leading to delays or requiring significant adjustments to the research plan. Finally, the extended duration exposes the project to potential budget fluctuations or reallocations within the funding agency over the multi-year period.
How does 'full and open competition' typically influence the final price of a contract?
Full and open competition generally exerts downward pressure on contract prices. When multiple qualified bidders are allowed to compete, they are motivated to submit their most competitive proposals to win the award. This often involves optimizing their cost structures, offering innovative solutions to reduce expenses, and providing a strong value proposition. The competitive environment encourages price discovery, where the market effectively determines a fair and reasonable price based on the offered services and the bidders' cost structures. In contrast, sole-source or limited competition contracts may result in higher prices due to the lack of direct competitive pressure, potentially allowing contractors to command a premium.
What is the role of the University of Colorado as a contractor in this context?
The University of Colorado, as the contractor, is responsible for executing the research and development activities outlined in the NASA contract. This involves leveraging its academic expertise, research facilities, and scientific personnel to conduct reconnaissance missions, collect data, and develop models related to binary asteroids. Universities are often prime contractors for fundamental scientific research due to their specialized knowledge, access to cutting-edge research infrastructure, and their mission to advance scientific understanding. In this role, the university acts as a research institution performing critical scientific work funded by a government agency, contributing to NASA's broader goals in planetary science and space exploration.
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: BASIC RESEARCH
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: $48,909,694
Exercised Options: $48,909,694
Current Obligation: $48,909,694
Actual Outlays: $48,111,287
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 28
Total Subaward Amount: $47,529,976
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-08-22
Current End Date: 2024-04-30
Potential End Date: 2024-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-01-25
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