NASA awards $203.8M contract for advanced satellite instruments, primarily for weather monitoring
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $203,848,381 ($203.8M)
Contractor: L3harris Technologies, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2004-07-15
End Date: 2020-02-29
Contract Duration: 5,707 days
Daily Burn Rate: $35.7K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TAS::80 0110::TAS THIS PROCUREMENT PROVIDES FOR THE DESIGN, FABRICATION, TEST, QUALIFICATION, AND DELIVERY OF EIGHT (8) FLIGHT MODEL AVHRR/3, THREE (3) FLIGHT MODEL HIRS/3, FOUR (4) FLIGHT MODEL HIRS/4, AND ONE (1) HIRS/4 ENGINEERING TEST MODEL (ETM). AN AVHRR/3 INSTRUMENT WILL FLY ON EACH OF THE NOAA - K, L, M, N, AND N' MISSIONS, AND THREE (3) WILL BE SUPPLIED FOR THE METOP-1, METOP-2, AND METOP-3. A HIRS/3 INSTRUMENT WILL FLY ON EACH OF THE NOAA-K, -L, AND -M MISSIONS AND A HIRS/4 WIL FLY ON EACH OF THE NOAA-N AND N' MISSIONS, TWO (2) EACH WILL BE SUPPLIED FOR THE METOP-L AND METOP-2. IN ADDITION, TO ACCOMMODATE THE METOP REQUIREMENTS: ONE (1) PORTABLE TEST UNIT (PTU), ONE (1) BENCH TEST COOLER (BTC ) AND SUPPORT FIXTURE , AND INSTRUMENT HANDLING FIXTURE, ARE TO BE PROVIDED FOR THE HIRS INSTRUMENT AND ONE (1) PORTABLE TEST UNIT (PTU), ONE (1) BENCH TEST COOLER (BTC) AND SUPPORT FIXTURE, AND INSTRUMENT HANDLING FIXTURE, ARE TO BE PROVIDED FOR THE AVHRR.
Place of Performance
Location: FORT WAYNE, ALLEN County, INDIANA, 46818
State: Indiana Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $203.8 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: TAS::80 0110::TAS THIS PROCUREMENT PROVIDES FOR THE DESIGN, FABRICATION, TEST, QUALIFICATION, AND DELIVERY OF EIGHT (8) FLIGHT MODEL AVHRR/3, THREE (3) FLIGHT MODEL HIRS/3, FOUR (4) FLIGHT MODEL HIRS/4, AND ONE (1) HIRS/4 ENGINEERING TEST MODEL (ETM). AN AVHRR/3 INSTRUMENT WILL… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical components for NOAA and EUMETSAT weather satellites. 2. Instruments include AVHRR/3 and HIRS/3 & HIRS/4, vital for climate and weather data. 3. Long-term contract duration suggests sustained need for these advanced sensors. 4. Sole-source award raises questions about competition and potential cost efficiencies. 5. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector is a key focus. 6. Contractor has a significant role in providing essential space-based observation technology.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The total award of $203.8 million for multiple advanced satellite instruments appears substantial. Without specific per-unit cost breakdowns or comparisons to similar instrument procurements, it is difficult to definitively assess value for money. The cost-plus award fee structure allows for flexibility but can also lead to higher costs if not managed tightly. Benchmarking against historical NASA or NOAA instrument contracts would be necessary for a more precise evaluation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor, L3Harris Technologies, Inc., was considered. This approach is typically used when a unique capability or proprietary technology is required, or when only one source can meet the urgent needs of the government. The lack of competition means that NASA did not benefit from a competitive bidding process, which could potentially lead to higher prices than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may have paid a premium due to the absence of competitive pressure. The government did not have the opportunity to leverage multiple bids to secure the most cost-effective solution.
Public Impact
Benefits national and international weather forecasting agencies (NOAA, EUMETSAT). Delivers advanced sensors crucial for climate monitoring and environmental research. Impacts global weather prediction accuracy and disaster preparedness. Supports the scientific community by providing data for climate change studies. Enhances understanding of atmospheric conditions through detailed satellite imagery.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits price discovery and potential cost savings.
- Cost-plus award fee structure can incentivize higher spending if not carefully monitored.
- Long contract duration (over 15 years) requires ongoing vigilance for scope creep and cost overruns.
Positive Signals
- Contractor is a specialized provider of advanced aerospace technology.
- Instruments are critical for essential national security and public safety functions (weather monitoring).
- Long-term commitment indicates a stable and predictable demand for these vital components.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on the development and manufacturing of sophisticated scientific instruments for space applications. The market for such specialized components is typically dominated by a few key players with the necessary technical expertise and manufacturing capabilities. NASA's spending in this area is crucial for maintaining its satellite constellations and advancing Earth observation capabilities, aligning with broader government investments in space technology and scientific research.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides, as it was awarded sole-source to a large prime contractor. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within the provided data. The focus is on the prime contractor's capabilities for delivering highly specialized and complex instruments.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under NASA's contracting officer and program management. As a cost-plus award fee contract, rigorous financial and performance monitoring would be expected to ensure adherence to scope and budget. While specific Inspector General (IG) involvement isn't detailed, NASA's Office of Inspector General typically has jurisdiction over agency contracts to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NOAA Satellite Programs
- EUMETSAT Polar System
- Earth Observing System (EOS)
- Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) Program
- National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS)
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Long contract duration
- Cost-plus award fee structure
Tags
nasa, weather-monitoring, satellite-instruments, rd, sole-source, large-contract, space-technology, noaa, eumetsat, cost-plus-award-fee, federal-spending, aerospace-defense
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $203.8 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. TAS::80 0110::TAS THIS PROCUREMENT PROVIDES FOR THE DESIGN, FABRICATION, TEST, QUALIFICATION, AND DELIVERY OF EIGHT (8) FLIGHT MODEL AVHRR/3, THREE (3) FLIGHT MODEL HIRS/3, FOUR (4) FLIGHT MODEL HIRS/4, AND ONE (1) HIRS/4 ENGINEERING TEST MODEL (ETM). AN AVHRR/3 INSTRUMENT WILL FLY ON EACH OF THE NOAA - K, L, M, N, AND N' MISSIONS, AND THREE (3) WILL BE SUPPLIED FOR THE METOP-1, METOP-2, AND METOP-3. A HIRS/3 INSTRUMENT WILL FLY ON EACH OF THE NOAA-K, -L, AND -M MISSIONS AND A HIRS/4 WIL FLY
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, 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 $203.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-07-15. End: 2020-02-29.
What is the historical performance of L3Harris Technologies, Inc. on similar NASA or NOAA instrument contracts?
L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (and its predecessor companies) has a long history of providing sophisticated instruments for space-based applications, including weather satellites. They have been a key supplier for various NASA and NOAA missions, contributing to instruments like imagers and sounders. While specific performance metrics for past contracts are not detailed here, their continued selection for critical programs suggests a generally positive track record. However, a deeper dive into past contract performance reviews, delivery timelines, and budget adherence would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment of their reliability and efficiency on projects of this scale and complexity.
How does the per-unit cost of the AVHRR/3 and HIRS/3 & HIRS/4 instruments compare to industry benchmarks or previous procurements?
The provided data does not include specific per-unit costs for the AVHRR/3, HIRS/3, or HIRS/4 instruments, nor does it offer direct comparisons to industry benchmarks or previous procurements. The total contract value of $203.8 million covers the design, fabrication, testing, qualification, and delivery of multiple units of these instruments, along with associated test equipment. To assess value for money, a detailed cost breakdown per instrument type and a comparison with similar instruments developed by other agencies or contractors would be required. The sole-source nature of the award further complicates direct cost benchmarking.
What are the primary risks associated with the long-term development and delivery of these advanced satellite instruments?
Key risks include technological obsolescence, as satellite technology evolves rapidly. Schedule delays are also a significant concern, given the complexity of fabricating, testing, and qualifying flight-qualified instruments, which can be impacted by supply chain issues or unforeseen technical challenges. Cost overruns are another risk, particularly with cost-plus award fee contracts, if project management and oversight are not rigorous. Furthermore, the reliance on a single source for these critical components introduces program risk if the contractor faces financial instability or operational disruptions. Ensuring the long-term reliability and performance of these instruments in the harsh space environment also presents inherent technical risks.
What is the expected impact of these instruments on the accuracy and timeliness of global weather and climate data?
The AVHRR/3 (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) and HIRS/3 & HIRS/4 (High-resolution Infrared Sounder) instruments are fundamental components of polar-orbiting weather satellites operated by NOAA and EUMETSAT. These instruments provide critical data on cloud cover, sea surface temperature, atmospheric temperature and moisture profiles, and other vital meteorological parameters. The data generated is essential for numerical weather prediction models, which forecast weather patterns from short-term (hours) to long-term (seasonal). Improved data accuracy and continuity directly translate to more reliable weather forecasts, better disaster preparedness (e.g., for hurricanes, severe storms), and enhanced climate monitoring, contributing to a deeper understanding of climate change trends.
How has NASA's spending on satellite instrument development evolved over the past decade, and where does this contract fit in?
NASA's spending on satellite instrument development has generally remained robust, driven by the need for continuous upgrades to its Earth-observing fleet and support for scientific missions. While specific aggregate spending figures fluctuate annually based on program starts and completions, there's a consistent investment in advanced sensor technology. This $203.8 million contract, awarded in 2004 and spanning through 2020, represents a significant, long-term investment in critical weather monitoring instruments. It aligns with NASA's ongoing commitment to providing essential data for both weather forecasting and climate science, fitting into a broader pattern of procuring advanced observational capabilities for national and international use.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: RFP5-15704/427
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: L3harris Technologies, Inc (UEI: 004203337)
Address: 1919 W COOK RD, FORT WAYNE, IN, 46801
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $189,602,417
Exercised Options: $189,602,417
Current Obligation: $203,848,381
Actual Outlays: $1,458,042
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-07-15
Current End Date: 2020-02-29
Potential End Date: 2020-02-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-02-23
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