NASA's TEMPO contract awarded for $3.73M to Smithsonian Institution for pollution monitoring research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,731,360 ($3.7M)
Contractor: Smithsonian Institution
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2024-03-26
End Date: 2027-03-25
Contract Duration: 1,094 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE TROPOSPHERIC EMISSIONS: MONITORING OF POLLUTION (TEMPO) CONTRACT, WILL CONDUCT THE NECESSARY RESEARCH, DEVELOP ALGORITHMS, AND PROVIDE NEAR REAL-TIME PRODUCTS FOR NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA'S) HINOD MISSION.
Place of Performance
Location: CAMBRIDGE, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02138
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $3.7 million to SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION for work described as: THE TROPOSPHERIC EMISSIONS: MONITORING OF POLLUTION (TEMPO) CONTRACT, WILL CONDUCT THE NECESSARY RESEARCH, DEVELOP ALGORITHMS, AND PROVIDE NEAR REAL-TIME PRODUCTS FOR NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA'S) HINOD MISSION. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on research, algorithm development, and near real-time product generation for NASA's HINOD mission. 2. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, indicating potential for cost overruns if not managed carefully. 3. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a deliberate but potentially limited bidding process. 4. The duration of 1094 days (approximately 3 years) allows for substantial research and development. 5. The contract is for R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, a critical area for environmental monitoring. 6. The awarded amount of $3.73M appears reasonable for a multi-year R&D effort of this scope.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $3.73M for a 3-year R&D effort appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized scientific research. Benchmarking against similar NASA R&D contracts for atmospheric science or Earth observation missions would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates close oversight to ensure costs remain controlled and aligned with the fixed fee.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be open, specific sources were excluded, suggesting a potentially limited pool of bidders. The exact reasons for exclusion are not detailed but could impact the breadth of innovative solutions considered and potentially the final price.
Taxpayer Impact: While the competition was not entirely unrestricted, the 'full and open' aspect suggests an effort to achieve fair pricing. However, the exclusion of sources might have limited the competitive pressure, potentially leading to a less optimal price for taxpayers compared to a truly unrestricted open competition.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is NASA, which will receive critical research and data products for its HINOD mission. The contract will deliver advanced algorithms and near real-time pollution monitoring products. The research supports advancements in understanding atmospheric pollution, with potential benefits for environmental agencies and public health. The workforce implications include specialized scientific and technical roles within the Smithsonian Institution and potentially its subcontractors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can lead to cost overruns if not rigorously managed.
- The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition may have limited the number of potential bidders and competitive pressure.
Positive Signals
- The contract is for a critical scientific research area (atmospheric pollution monitoring).
- The awarded entity, Smithsonian Institution, has a strong reputation in scientific research.
- The contract duration allows for substantial development and product realization.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences related to atmospheric pollution. The market for environmental monitoring technology and data analysis is growing, driven by increasing concerns about climate change and air quality. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found in contracts awarded by agencies like NOAA, EPA, and other space agencies for similar Earth observation and atmospheric research initiatives.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-asides or subcontracting plans for this contract. Given the specialized nature of the research and the award to a large institution like the Smithsonian, the direct impact on small businesses may be limited unless they are engaged as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by NASA's contracting officers and program managers. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires diligent monitoring of costs incurred by the contractor to ensure adherence to the budget and the fixed fee. Transparency will depend on NASA's reporting practices regarding contract performance and expenditures.
Related Government Programs
- NASA HINOD Mission
- Atmospheric Research Contracts
- Environmental Monitoring Technology
- Earth Science Research Grants
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent cost overrun risks.
- Competition was 'full and open after exclusion of sources,' potentially limiting bidder pool.
Tags
r-and-d, nasa, smithsonian-institution, definitive-contract, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition-after-exclusion-of-sources, atmospheric-science, pollution-monitoring, earth-science, massachusetts, research-and-development-in-the-physical-engineering-and-life-sciences-except-nanotechnology-and-biotechnology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $3.7 million to SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. THE TROPOSPHERIC EMISSIONS: MONITORING OF POLLUTION (TEMPO) CONTRACT, WILL CONDUCT THE NECESSARY RESEARCH, DEVELOP ALGORITHMS, AND PROVIDE NEAR REAL-TIME PRODUCTS FOR NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA'S) HINOD MISSION.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
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 $3.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-03-26. End: 2027-03-25.
What is the track record of the Smithsonian Institution in managing similar NASA R&D contracts?
The Smithsonian Institution, through its various research centers like the Center for Earth Observing and Space Research, has a long history of conducting scientific research, including projects funded by NASA and other federal agencies. While specific contract management details are often proprietary, the institution's established presence in scientific research suggests a capacity to manage complex R&D efforts. However, a detailed review of their past performance on cost-plus contracts, adherence to schedules, and successful delivery of research outcomes would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment. Their experience likely spans various scientific disciplines, and their ability to manage this specific TEMPO contract would depend on the alignment of its requirements with their existing expertise and resources.
How does the $3.73M award compare to similar atmospheric research contracts?
Benchmarking the $3.73M award for the TEMPO contract requires comparing it to similar R&D efforts in atmospheric science and pollution monitoring. Contracts for developing algorithms, conducting specialized research, and producing near real-time data products for space missions can vary significantly based on scope, duration, and complexity. For instance, contracts for satellite instrument development or large-scale data processing platforms might range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars. Conversely, focused research grants or algorithm development projects, like this one appears to be, could be in the single-digit millions. Without specific details on the scope of 'necessary research' and 'algorithms,' a precise comparison is difficult, but $3.73M for a 3-year effort seems plausible for a focused R&D task within NASA's broader atmospheric science portfolio.
What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D?
The primary risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, especially for research and development (R&D), is the potential for cost overruns. In a CPFF structure, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. If the R&D effort encounters unforeseen technical challenges, requires more resources than initially estimated, or if the contractor's cost estimation is inaccurate, the total cost to the government can exceed initial projections. While the fixed fee provides some incentive for the contractor to control costs (as it doesn't increase with actual costs), the government bears the primary risk of cost escalation. Effective oversight, clear definition of work, and robust cost tracking are crucial to mitigate these risks.
What is the expected effectiveness of the TEMPO contract in achieving NASA's HINOD mission goals?
The effectiveness of the TEMPO contract in achieving NASA's HINOD mission goals hinges on the successful execution of its stated objectives: conducting necessary research, developing algorithms, and providing near real-time products for pollution monitoring. The HINOD (Heliophysics Integrated Observatory) mission, while primarily focused on the sun, often integrates Earth observation components for context or broader scientific understanding. If TEMPO successfully delivers accurate and timely data products related to tropospheric emissions, it will significantly enhance the mission's ability to understand atmospheric pollution dynamics. The success will be measured by the quality and utility of the developed algorithms and the reliability of the near real-time data products, directly contributing to the scientific objectives of the HINOD mission and potentially broader environmental science applications.
How does historical spending on atmospheric research by NASA compare to this contract's value?
NASA's historical spending on atmospheric research is substantial, encompassing a wide range of activities from satellite development and operation to ground-based studies and theoretical modeling. The agency allocates significant portions of its budget to Earth science, which includes atmospheric composition, climate, and weather. Individual mission costs can range from tens of millions for smaller instruments to billions for major space observatories. Contracts for specific research tasks, algorithm development, or data analysis, like the TEMPO contract at $3.73M, represent a smaller, yet critical, component of this overall spending. This specific award appears to be a focused R&D effort rather than a large-scale mission procurement, making direct historical comparisons challenging without more granular data on similar R&D task orders within NASA's Earth science directorate.
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 › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 80MSFCTEMPO
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 60 GARDEN ST, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 02138
Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $7,580,066
Exercised Options: $4,006,943
Current Obligation: $3,731,360
Actual Outlays: $1,895,849
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-03-26
Current End Date: 2027-03-25
Potential End Date: 2029-03-25 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-08
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