NASA Awards $3.2M Contract for Planetary Science Instrument Development to Planetary Science Institute
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,226,580 ($3.2M)
Contractor: Planetary Science Institute
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2019-11-13
End Date: 2026-04-30
Contract Duration: 2,360 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL CAPTURE INSTRUMENT REQUIREMENTS IN A PRELIMINARY INSTRUMENT FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENT, INITIATE LONG-LEAD MATERIALS PROCUREMENT AND HOLD A HERITAGE REQUIREMENTS REVIEW.
Place of Performance
Location: TUCSON, PIMA County, ARIZONA, 85719
State: Arizona Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $3.2 million to PLANETARY SCIENCE INSTITUTE for work described as: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL CAPTURE INSTRUMENT REQUIREMENTS IN A PRELIMINARY INSTRUMENT FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENT, INITIATE LONG-LEAD MATERIALS PROCUREMENT AND HOLD A HERITAGE REQUIREMENTS REVIEW. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on early-stage R&D for scientific instruments. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting market availability. 3. Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure may incentivize cost overruns. 4. Sector is R&D, a critical area for scientific advancement.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $3.2M for a 2360-day duration appears reasonable for R&D. However, without specific deliverables or benchmarks for this niche scientific area, a precise value assessment is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives fair value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical scientific research, which can lead to long-term benefits and technological advancements.
Public Impact
Supports NASA's mission in planetary science exploration. Funds research and development in a specialized scientific field. Contract duration suggests a complex, multi-year development process. Potential for future follow-on contracts based on successful development.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it hard to gauge progress.
- Long contract duration increases risk of scope creep or changing requirements.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition ensures a competitive bidding process.
- Contract supports critical scientific research and development.
- Contractor is located in Arizona, potentially supporting regional economic activity.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but can be subject to long development cycles and evolving scientific needs.
Small Business Impact
The contractor, Planetary Science Institute, is not identified as a small business. This contract does not appear to have specific set-asides for small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial given the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure and long duration. NASA's contracting officers will need to monitor progress closely to ensure adherence to requirements and budget.
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
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure
- Long contract duration (2360 days)
- Potential for scope creep
- Lack of detailed performance metrics in provided data
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, az, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $3.2 million to PLANETARY SCIENCE INSTITUTE. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL CAPTURE INSTRUMENT REQUIREMENTS IN A PRELIMINARY INSTRUMENT FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENT, INITIATE LONG-LEAD MATERIALS PROCUREMENT AND HOLD A HERITAGE REQUIREMENTS REVIEW.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is PLANETARY SCIENCE INSTITUTE.
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 $3.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-11-13. End: 2026-04-30.
What are the specific deliverables and milestones for this instrument development contract?
The provided data indicates the contractor shall capture instrument requirements in a preliminary document, initiate long-lead materials procurement, and hold a heritage requirements review. However, detailed, measurable milestones and final deliverables are not specified in this excerpt, making a comprehensive assessment of progress and final output challenging without further documentation.
How will NASA mitigate the risks associated with a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for this R&D effort?
NASA will likely employ robust oversight mechanisms, including regular progress reviews, detailed cost tracking, and strict adherence to the defined scope of work. Clear communication channels and defined change control processes are essential to manage potential cost overruns and ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate for the effort expended.
What is the expected scientific or technological impact of the developed instrument?
The contract supports the development of an instrument for planetary science, implying it will contribute to NASA's exploration and understanding of celestial bodies. The specific impact depends on the instrument's capabilities, such as enhanced data collection, new analytical methods, or enabling previously impossible observations, ultimately advancing scientific knowledge.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1700 E FORT LOWELL RD STE 106, TUCSON, AZ, 85719
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $3,226,580
Exercised Options: $3,226,580
Current Obligation: $3,226,580
Actual Outlays: $2,786,259
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 3
Total Subaward Amount: $168,643
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-11-13
Current End Date: 2026-04-30
Potential End Date: 2026-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-11
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