NASA awards $1.97M contract for in-space artificial retina production, focusing on R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $1,975,000 ($2.0M)
Contractor: Lambdavision Incorporated
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2025-06-24
End Date: 2028-03-23
Contract Duration: 1,003 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.0K/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: FY25 SBIR PHASE III - IN SPACE PRODUCTION OF PROTEIN- BASED ARTIFICIAL RETINAS
Place of Performance
Location: FARMINGTON, HARTFORD County, CONNECTICUT, 06032
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $2.0 million to LAMBDAVISION INCORPORATED for work described as: FY25 SBIR PHASE III - IN SPACE PRODUCTION OF PROTEIN- BASED ARTIFICIAL RETINAS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced research and development for a novel application. 2. The contract's value is modest, suggesting a pilot or early-stage project. 3. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 4. Long performance period indicates a phased development or research approach. 5. The award is for a specific niche within nanotechnology research. 6. Potential for significant future applications in space exploration and medicine.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $1.97 million for a Phase III SBIR project appears reasonable for a research and development initiative in a highly specialized field like nanotechnology for artificial retinas. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is challenging due to the unique nature of the technology. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests an effort to manage costs effectively. The duration of the contract (nearly three years) also aligns with typical R&D timelines for developing complex technologies.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' which implies that while full and open competition was intended, specific circumstances led to the exclusion of certain sources. This could indicate a follow-on effort from a previous SBIR phase where the contractor demonstrated unique capabilities, or a specific requirement that only a limited number of entities could meet. The exact number of bidders is not specified, but the 'exclusion of sources' suggests a potentially narrower competitive pool than a standard full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: While the competition was not fully open, the 'exclusion of sources' mechanism aims to ensure that the most capable contractor is selected, potentially leading to better outcomes for taxpayers in the long run for this specialized technology. The fixed-price nature further protects taxpayer investment.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA and potentially future astronauts, with advancements in space-based medical technologies. The contract will deliver research and development services for protein-based artificial retinas. The geographic impact is primarily within Connecticut, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications include highly skilled R&D personnel in nanotechnology and biomedical engineering.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for technology to be highly specialized and difficult to scale or replicate.
- Reliance on a single contractor for a critical, novel technology could pose supply chain risks.
- The 'exclusion of sources' aspect warrants scrutiny to ensure fair competition was maintained.
Positive Signals
- SBIR Phase III designation indicates successful prior research and validation, suggesting a mature technology.
- Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
- Long contract duration allows for thorough development and testing.
- Focus on a critical area like astronaut health and safety.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on nanotechnology and its application in biomedical engineering. The market for advanced medical technologies, particularly those with space applications, is highly specialized and driven by government funding and innovation grants. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the novelty of 'in-space production of protein-based artificial retinas,' but R&D contracts of this size are common for early-stage technology maturation.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to be a small business set-aside, as indicated by 'ss: false'. However, as a Phase III SBIR award, it is a continuation of research initiated through the Small Business Innovation Research program, which is designed to foster small business innovation. The contractor, LAMBDAVISION INCORPORATED, is likely a small business that has successfully navigated the SBIR program. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will likely be managed by NASA's contracting officers and program managers responsible for the SBIR program and space technology development. Accountability measures are inherent in the contract's performance requirements and milestones. Transparency is facilitated through the federal procurement data system, where contract awards are publicly reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- SBIR Program
- NASA Research and Technology
- Biomedical Engineering R&D
- Nanotechnology Research
- Space Health Initiatives
Risk Flags
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL) uncertainty
- Potential for limited market applicability beyond initial scope
- Competition level requires further justification
- Long-term sustainability of space-based production
Tags
research-and-development, nanotechnology, biomedical, artificial-retina, space-exploration, nasa, connecticut, firm-fixed-price, definitive-contract, sbir-phase-iii, limited-competition
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $2.0 million to LAMBDAVISION INCORPORATED. FY25 SBIR PHASE III - IN SPACE PRODUCTION OF PROTEIN- BASED ARTIFICIAL RETINAS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LAMBDAVISION 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 $2.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-06-24. End: 2028-03-23.
What is the specific technological advancement LAMBDAVISION INCORPORATED is expected to deliver under this contract?
Under this FY25 SBIR Phase III contract, LAMBDAVISION INCORPORATED is expected to advance the in-space production capabilities for protein-based artificial retinas. This involves further research and development building upon previous SBIR phases. The goal is likely to mature the technology to a point where it can be reliably manufactured or utilized in a space environment, potentially for applications related to vision restoration or enhancement for astronauts, or as a demonstration of advanced bio-manufacturing in space. The specific protein composition and production methodology will be key areas of development.
How does the $1.97 million award compare to typical Phase III SBIR contracts in the R&D sector?
The $1.97 million award for this Phase III SBIR contract is within a common range for such awards, particularly in specialized R&D fields like nanotechnology and advanced materials. Phase III SBIR contracts aim to commercialize the technology developed in earlier phases and often involve significant follow-on funding from government agencies or private investment. While values can vary widely based on the technology's maturity and market potential, this amount suggests a substantial commitment to further developing and potentially scaling the artificial retina production technology. It's not exceptionally large or small, indicating a project of significant but not massive scope for its stage.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, given its focus on novel technology and space application?
The primary risks associated with this contract include technological uncertainty, as developing novel bio-manufacturing processes for artificial retinas in space is inherently complex and carries a high risk of failure. There's also a risk related to the 'exclusion of sources' competition, which could indicate a lack of broader market interest or a highly specialized niche. Furthermore, the long performance period (nearly three years) increases the risk of cost overruns or schedule delays if unforeseen technical challenges arise. Finally, the transition from R&D to a viable, deployable product or service in the harsh space environment presents significant integration and operational risks.
What is the potential long-term impact of this research on NASA's mission and space exploration?
The long-term impact of this research could be substantial for NASA's mission and space exploration. Developing the capability for in-space production of artificial retinas addresses critical health concerns for astronauts undertaking long-duration missions, where vision degradation can be a significant issue. It could lead to advanced medical countermeasures and treatments, improving astronaut health, safety, and performance. Beyond direct medical applications, this project pushes the boundaries of bio-manufacturing in space, potentially paving the way for other complex biological or pharmaceutical production in orbit, supporting future space habitats and exploration endeavors.
How has NASA's spending in nanotechnology R&D evolved, and where does this contract fit?
NASA's spending in nanotechnology R&D has been a consistent area of investment, aimed at developing advanced materials, sensors, and systems for space exploration and aeronautics. While specific aggregate figures for nanotechnology R&D fluctuate annually based on strategic priorities, NASA consistently allocates funds through programs like SBIR/STTR, grants, and direct research initiatives. This $1.97 million contract fits within NASA's broader strategy to leverage cutting-edge technologies for mission success. It represents a targeted investment in a specific, high-potential application of nanotechnology (biomedical) that aligns with enhancing astronaut health and demonstrating advanced in-space manufacturing capabilities.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in Nanotechnology
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: 4 RESEARCH DR, WOODBRIDGE, CT, 06525
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: $3,999,962
Exercised Options: $3,999,962
Current Obligation: $1,975,000
Actual Outlays: $675,000
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-06-24
Current End Date: 2028-03-23
Potential End Date: 2028-03-23 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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