NASA Awards $1.5M for Autonomous Hybrid Manufacturing System for In-Space Microelectronics
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $149,907 ($149.9K)
Contractor: Ninjas Printing, Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2025-09-29
End Date: 2026-09-27
Contract Duration: 363 days
Daily Burn Rate: $413/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 500
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SBIR I AUTONOMOUS HYBRID MANUFACTURING SYSTEM FOR IN-SPACE MANUFACTURING OF RECONFIGURABLE MICROELECTRONICS
Place of Performance
Location: MIDDLETON, DANE County, WISCONSIN, 53562
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $149,907 to NINJAS PRINTING, INC for work described as: SBIR I AUTONOMOUS HYBRID MANUFACTURING SYSTEM FOR IN-SPACE MANUFACTURING OF RECONFIGURABLE MICROELECTRONICS Key points: 1. Focuses on advanced manufacturing for space-based microelectronics. 2. Competition method was 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources'. 3. Contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating defined costs. 4. Sector is R&D, specifically physical and engineering sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $1.5M for a 363-day duration appears reasonable for a specialized R&D project in advanced manufacturing. Benchmarking against similar complex R&D contracts would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' suggests a competitive process but with specific criteria that may have limited the pool of eligible bidders. This method aims for a balance between competition and specialized requirements.
Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is tied to the effectiveness and innovation derived from this R&D investment, aiming for advancements in space manufacturing capabilities.
Public Impact
Enhances NASA's capabilities for in-space manufacturing of critical microelectronics. Supports the development of autonomous systems for complex production tasks. Potential for future cost savings and increased resilience in space missions. Drives innovation in advanced manufacturing technologies.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition pool due to exclusion of sources.
- Potential for cost overruns if R&D challenges are underestimated.
- Dependence on a single vendor for this specific technology.
Positive Signals
- Focus on autonomous systems could lead to significant operational efficiencies.
- Development of reconfigurable microelectronics addresses a key space mission need.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
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 technological advancement and maintaining a competitive edge in space exploration and utilization.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if opportunities were missed.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The firm fixed price contract and defined period of performance provide a framework for accountability, but rigorous monitoring of R&D milestones is essential.
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
- Limited competition.
- Technology development risk.
- Potential for schedule delays.
- Vendor lock-in risk.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, wi, definitive-contract, 100k-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $149,907 to NINJAS PRINTING, INC. SBIR I AUTONOMOUS HYBRID MANUFACTURING SYSTEM FOR IN-SPACE MANUFACTURING OF RECONFIGURABLE MICROELECTRONICS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NINJAS PRINTING, INC.
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 $149,907.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-29. End: 2026-09-27.
What is the projected long-term value of this autonomous manufacturing technology for NASA's future missions?
The long-term value lies in enabling on-demand production of critical microelectronic components in space, reducing reliance on Earth-based supply chains. This could significantly enhance mission resilience, reduce launch mass, and allow for more adaptable spacecraft designs, ultimately lowering overall mission costs and increasing success rates for complex, long-duration space endeavors.
What are the primary risks associated with the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method for this R&D contract?
The primary risk is that excluding certain sources, even with justification, might inadvertently overlook innovative solutions or more cost-effective approaches from vendors not meeting the specific exclusion criteria. It could also limit the competitive pressure on price and performance, potentially leading to a less optimal outcome if the selected vendor faces unforeseen technical hurdles or cost escalations.
How effectively will this system contribute to NASA's goals for sustainable in-space manufacturing and resource utilization?
This system is designed to be a foundational step towards sustainable in-space manufacturing by developing autonomous capabilities for producing essential components. Its effectiveness will be measured by its ability to reliably produce reconfigurable microelectronics, reducing waste and the need for resupply missions. Success here could pave the way for more complex manufacturing processes, supporting long-term human presence and resource utilization in space.
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
Offers Received: 500
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 540 BURNT SIENNA DR, MIDDLETON, WI, 53562
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $149,907
Exercised Options: $149,907
Current Obligation: $149,907
Actual Outlays: $100,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-09-29
Current End Date: 2026-09-27
Potential End Date: 2026-09-27 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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