NASA's Mars Express ASPERA-3 Experiment Contract with SW Research Institute Exceeds $166 Million Over 20 Years
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,623,010 ($16.6M)
Contractor: Southwest Research Institute
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2000-03-01
End Date: 2020-04-30
Contract Duration: 7,365 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 999
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: THE MARS EXPRESS (MEX) MISSION IS CONDUCTED BY THE EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY (ESA) AND THE UNITED STATES (US) PARTICIPATION IN THE ANALYZER OF SPACE PLASMAS AND ENERGETIC ATOMS (ASPERA-3) EXPERIMENT IS FUNDED BY THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA) UNDER CONTRACT NASW-00003 TO SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE (SWRI) AS THE FIRST DISCOVERY PROGRAM MISSION OF OPPORTUNITY. THE CONTRACT COVERED A HARDWARE DEVELOPMENT PHASE (COMPLETED), GROUND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT PHASE AND TELEMETRY REDUCTION ARCHIVING, INSTRUMENT MONITORING/OPERATION, AND SCIENCE ANALYSIS PHASE OF THE ASPERA-3 EXPERIMENT. THE ASPERA-3 EXPERIMENT ON MEX CONTAINS THE ELECTRON SPECTROMETER (ELS), ION MASS ANALYZER (IMA), THE NEUTRAL PARTICLE IMAGER (NPI), AND THE NEUTRAL PARTICLE DETECTOR (NPD). THE MEX SPACECRAFT WAS LAUNCHED IN JUNE 2003 BY THE ESA AND WAS INJECTED INTO MARS ORBIT AT THE END OF THAT YEAR. THE ASPERA-3 EXPERIMENT IS LED BY PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (PI) DR. RICKARD LUNDIN AT THE SWEDISH INSTITUTE OF SPACE PHYSICS (IRF). DR. J. DAVID WINNINGHAM IS THE US PI AT SWRI. SWRI ISSUED SUBCONTRACTS TO THE US CO-INVESTIGATORS AT JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY/APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA/BERKELEY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA. THE ORIGINAL MEX MISSION WAS SPECIFIED FOR ONLY ONE MARTIAN YEAR (TWO EARTH YEARS) OF DATA COLLECTION, WHICH WAS SCHEDULED TO END NOVEMBER 30, 2005. THE ASPERA-3 TEAM WITHIN THE UNITED STATES WAS FUNDED AT A LOWER LEVEL AFTER NOMINAL MISSION END THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2007 FOR CONTINUED SCIENCE INVESTIGATION SUPPORT AND TO CONDUCT END-OF-MISSION ACTIVITIES. ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2005, THE ESA SCIENCE PROGRAM COMMITTEE (SPC) MADE THE DECISION TO EXTEND THE MEX MISSION FOR ONE MARTIAN YEAR (ABOUT 23 MONTHS). NASA APPROVED THE FIRST EXTENSION OF THE ASPERA-3 MISSION COMMENSURATE WITH MEX EXTENDED MISSION OPERATIONS. NASA APPROVED A SECOND EXTENSION OF ASPERA-3 MISSION. OPERATION OF THE ELS HAS CONTINUED THROUGH THE SECOND MISSION EXTENSION PERIOD WITH DATA COLLECTED IN BOTH THE 4-SECOND AND 1-SECOND INSTRUMENT MODES. DATA COLLECTION IN THE 1-SECOND MODE WAS FOUND TO BE USEFUL IN DIAGNOSING THE IONOPAUSE INTERFACE AND COMPARING ITS DATA WITH THAT FROM THE MARS ADVANCED RADAR FOR SUBSURFACE AND IONOSPHERE SOUNDING (MARSIS) IN ORDER TO OBTAIN A COORDINATED PICTURE OF THE IONOPAUSE INTERFACE.
Place of Performance
Location: SAN ANTONIO, BEXAR County, TEXAS, 78238
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $16.6 million to SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE for work described as: THE MARS EXPRESS (MEX) MISSION IS CONDUCTED BY THE EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY (ESA) AND THE UNITED STATES (US) PARTICIPATION IN THE ANALYZER OF SPACE PLASMAS AND ENERGETIC ATOMS (ASPERA-3) EXPERIMENT IS FUNDED BY THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA) UNDER CONTRACT … Key points: 1. The contract supported the ASPERA-3 experiment on the Mars Express mission, involving hardware, software, and science analysis. 2. Southwest Research Institute (SWRI) was the sole contractor, funded by NASA. 3. The contract spanned 20 years, indicating a long-term research and development effort. 4. The primary sector is IT/Aerospace, with a focus on scientific instrumentation and data analysis.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $166.2 million over 20 years for a specialized scientific instrument is difficult to benchmark without comparable Discovery Program Opportunity missions. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure suggests potential for cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded to Southwest Research Institute under NASA's Discovery Program's 'Mission of Opportunity' solicitation. This implies a limited competition, likely focused on entities with existing relevant expertise or proposals aligned with specific mission needs.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds supported a significant portion of a major international space science mission, contributing to scientific knowledge and technological advancement in space exploration.
Public Impact
Contributed to international scientific understanding of Mars' plasma and atmospheric environment. Advanced technological capabilities in space-based scientific instrumentation and data analysis. Supported long-term research and development in aerospace and scientific exploration.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration (20 years) may indicate potential for scope creep or evolving requirements.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs if not closely monitored.
- Limited competition raises questions about optimal price discovery.
Positive Signals
- Supported a significant international scientific collaboration (ESA/NASA).
- Focus on scientific discovery and understanding of planetary environments.
- Long-term commitment to a specific research objective.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Aerospace and Scientific Instrumentation sector, a high-cost, high-innovation area. Spending benchmarks are difficult due to the unique nature of space missions and international collaborations, but the duration and value suggest a substantial investment in a specific scientific objective.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Southwest Research Institute, a large research organization. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific contract award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was managed by NASA, which has established oversight mechanisms for its research and development contracts. The long duration necessitates continuous monitoring of performance, cost, and adherence to scientific objectives.
Related Government Programs
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Long-term contract duration
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Limited competition
- Potential for technological obsolescence over 20 years
Tags
search-detection-navigation-guidance-aer, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, tx, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $16.6 million to SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE. THE MARS EXPRESS (MEX) MISSION IS CONDUCTED BY THE EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY (ESA) AND THE UNITED STATES (US) PARTICIPATION IN THE ANALYZER OF SPACE PLASMAS AND ENERGETIC ATOMS (ASPERA-3) EXPERIMENT IS FUNDED BY THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA) UNDER CONTRACT NASW-00003 TO SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE (SWRI) AS THE FIRST DISCOVERY PROGRAM MISSION OF OPPORTUNITY. THE CONTRACT COVERED A HARDWARE DEVELOPMENT PHASE (COMPLETED), GROUND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT PHASE AND TELEMETRY RED
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SOUTHWEST RESEARCH 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 $16.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2000-03-01. End: 2020-04-30.
What was the specific scientific return on investment for the $166 million spent on the ASPERA-3 instrument over 20 years?
The ASPERA-3 instrument provided crucial data on the Martian plasma and energetic atoms, contributing to understanding Mars' atmospheric loss and space weather. Quantifying the exact ROI is challenging, but the scientific publications and advancements in planetary science stemming from this data represent significant value to the scientific community and public knowledge.
Were there any identified risks related to the long-term nature of this contract and the potential for technological obsolescence?
The 20-year duration inherently carries risks of technological obsolescence and evolving scientific objectives. NASA likely managed this through phased development, adaptable software, and continuous monitoring to ensure the instrument remained relevant and functional throughout its operational life, mitigating risks through adaptive management strategies.
How effective was the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure in controlling costs for this complex scientific instrument development?
The effectiveness of a CPFF contract in controlling costs for a 20-year project is variable. While it allows for flexibility in R&D, it requires rigorous oversight from NASA to prevent cost overruns. Without detailed performance reports, it's difficult to definitively assess cost control effectiveness, but the final cost suggests a managed expenditure within the contract's scope.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Offers Received: 999
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Contractor Details
Address: 6220 CULEBRA RD, SAN ANTONIO, TX, 78238
Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $16,623,010
Exercised Options: $16,623,010
Current Obligation: $16,623,010
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2000-03-01
Current End Date: 2020-04-30
Potential End Date: 2020-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-02-10
More Contracts from Southwest Research Institute
- TAS::80 0120::TAS AS the Principal Investigator (PI) Institution for the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) Instrument Suite Science Team (isst), the Contractor IS Responsible for Leading the Solving Magnetospheric Acceleration Reconnection and Turbulence (smart) Team Through ALL Mission Phases. the Scope of Work Shall Include, BUT NOT BE Limited, to the Following: - Manage the Smart Team Through Phases B Through E of the MMS Mission, - Defining Science Goals and Objectives - Assist the MMS Project and HQ Science Mission Directorate Heliophysics Division in the Preparation of Level 1 Requirements for the MMS Mission - Flow-Down of Top-Level Mission Requirements to the Appropriate Elements of the Instrument Suite - Design, Fabrication, Integration, Calibration, Testing and Delivery of Four Fully Qualified, Flight Instrument Suites to Observatory Integration and Test (I&T) Plus Spares - Design, Development, Integration and Testing of the SOC - Support Observatory-Level I&T Activities - Provide Sustaining Engineering and I&T Support of the Instrument Suites After Delivery to Nasa - Responsibility for the On-Orbit Operation, Health and Safety of the Instrument Suites - Responsibility for Operating and Maintaining the SOC Post-Launch - Establishing and Managing Subcontracts With Instrument Suite Team Members - Establishing and Maintaining the Required International Traffic in Arms Regulations (itar) and Export Control Documentation Necessary for Working With ITS International Team Members - Implementation of an EPO Program for the MMS Mission — $383.4M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- THE National Aeronautics and Space Administration HAS Selected Juno NEW Frontiers Mission Under the Direction of Principal Investigator (PI) DR. Scott Bolton to Continue Development With the Expectation That the Juno Mission Will Enter Phase B in Early Fiscal Year 2006. the Juno Mission Will BE Managed by the Marshall Space Flight Center, NEW Frontiers Program Office. KEY Juno Team Members Include DR. Bolton's Home Institution, the Southwest Research Institute (swri), the Juno Implementation Team Leader JET Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the Spacecraft BUS Provider the Lockheed Martin Space Systems Division (lm/Ss). the PI'S Team AT Swri Needs to Begin Work on a Subset of Phase B Activities AS Early in FY06 AS Possible. This SOW Provides a List of Activities That ARE Necessary to Begin Work in FY06 and Their Associated Deliverables. the Juno Mission IS a Collaboration Between Southwest Research Institute (swri), JPL, Lockheed Martin (LM), and a Complementary Team of Universities and Field Centers. the Principal Investigator, DR. Scott Bolton, IS AT Southwest Research Institute (swri) and IS Responsible to Nasa for ALL Aspects of the Mission Including Achieving ALL Scientific Objectives and Mission Goals. JPL Provides the Project Manager WHO Oversees the Day-To-Day Management of the Project and Will Report to the PI. Principal Investigator (PI) DR. Scott Bolton IS Responsible to Nasa for Meeting the Scientific Objectives of the Juno Mission Within Cost and Schedule. AS PI, DR. Bolton HAS Direct Accountability to the Nasa NEW Frontiers Program Office for the Implementation of Juno. ALL Juno Science Co-Is, the Deputy PI and Project Scientist, the Science Investigation Office Manager, the E/PO Effort, the Juno Advisory Board and the PM Report Directly to DR. Bolton. the PI Delegates the Day-To-Day Management of the Project to the Project Manager (PM), Rick Grammier. the Project System Engineer, Payload Manager, Flight System Manager, Mission Manager, Science OPS Center, Business Manager, LM Contract CTM, and Mission Assurance Manager ALL Report Directly to the PM — $184.3M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- NEW Horizon -- Pluto Mission Phase B — $166.9M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Under This Contract, the Contractor Will Provide the Personnel, Materials, Equipment, and Facilities Necessary to Produce the Polarimeter to Unify the Corona Heliosphere (punch) Phase a Concept Study. the Scope of This Effort Includes, BUT IS NOT Limited TO: 1. Principal Investigator Program Office 2. Instrument System Engineering, Including Instrument Mission Assurance 3. Design of a Flight Qualified Punch Instrument Meeting Mission and Science Requirements 4. Develop Plans in Support of Integration and Test of the Punch Instrument Flight System 5. Develop Plans in Support of Essential Field Operations 6. Develop Plans in Support of Launch Operations and Flight Operations 7. Develop Plans for Lead the Punch Science Investigation AS Well AS the Generation of Resulting Data Products the Contractor Shall Provide a Briefing on the Punch Science and Science Implementation Plan AT the Phase a Site Visit. the Contractor Shall Provide an Organization Chart Defining Contractor Roles and Responsibilities, Reporting Procedures, and ALL Lines of Authority. the Contractor Shall Participate in Defining the Relationships Between the Contractor's Program Office and the Nasa Explorers Program Office. the Contractor Shall Develop a Punch Instrument Systems Requirements Document and a Punch Mission Systems Requirements Document. the Contractor Will Also Develop Detailed Block Diagrams and Technical Descriptions of ALL Instrument Systems. the Contractor Will Conduct In-Depth Instrument-Level Reviews of the Proposed Instrument Design. They Will Conduct Essential Trade Studies, Analyses, Modeling and Simulations to Assure Compliance With Instrument Requirements. the Contractor Will Lead the Science Team and Develop an Instrument-Level Test Plan and Participate in Planning for Integration and Test. the Contractor Shall Prepare a Detailed Instrument Development Schedule Covering ALL Mission Phases, Listing Major Milestones, Including a Defined Critical Path and Schedule Reserves. the Contractor Will Prepare Updated Instrument Budgets AS Well AS Review and Approve the Overall Punch Budget. Finally, the Contractor Shall Prepare and Submit the Concept Study Report — $139.2M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- TAS::80 0120::TAS the Contractor Shall BE Responsible for the Conduct of ALL Phases and Aspects of the Ibex Mission Including: 1) Life-Cycle Project Management; 2) Design, Test, Development, and Operations (payload, Spacecraft, Launch Vehicle, Spacecraft to Launch-Vehicle Interfaces, Launch and Flight Operations); and 3) Post-Operations Data Analysis and Archiving. in Performance of This Effort, the Ibex Team Shall: a. Manage the Project, Provide Cost and Schedule Information to Nasa AS Specified in 3.0 Management, Above. B. Provide Day-To-Day Management and Coordination of the Project AS Delegated by the PI to the Project Manager (PM), Including Monitoring and Reporting Technical Progress and Financial Status, Implementing the Risk Management Plan and Conducting Mission Level Reviews AS Specified in Section 4.3, System Level Reviews. C. Conduct Reviews for ALL Payload Sensors, Payload Support Infrastructure and Associated GSE. D. Perform Scientific Analyses in Support of the Mission Science Requirements. E. Perform Systems Engineering to Coordinate the Design of the Instrument Complement and Spacecraft BUS Components; and to Ensure the Compatibility of the Space-To-Ground and Network Communications. F. Perform Trade Studies to Eliminate and Mitigate Risks G. Deliver the Ibex Flight Segment to Vandenberg AIR Force Base (vafb), Support Integration With the Launch Vehicle, and Assist the Launch Operations; H. Establish the Mission Control Center (MCC) and Ibex Science Operations and Data Analysis Center (isoc) Including ALL Computers, Networks, and Operating Software, Instrument Databases and Procedures Necessary to Functionally Test and Later Control the Spacecraft; I. Hold Science Team Meetings AS Well AS Technical Interchange Meetings. J. Baseline the Science Requirements and Science Analysis Plan Into an Ibex Mission Definition Requirements Agreement (mdra) and the Ibex Data Management Plan. K. Implement an Approved Mission Assurance Plan. L. Implement a Systems Engineering Function to Verify Performance Specification Compliance to the Mission Science Requirements. M. Design, Fabricate, Integrate and Test the Payload, Spacecraft, Solid Rocket Motor and Launch Vehicle Adapter, and Integrate the Ibex Flight Segment With the Launch Vehicle. N. Implement a Safety Program Including the Generation of the Missile System Pre-Launch Safety Package (mspsp). O. Support Launch, Perform On-Orbit Checkout, and Establish On-Orbit Data Acquisition Contact With the Payload. Within the First 30 Days After Launch, Initial Engineering and Science Checkout and Verification of Spacecraft In-Flight Operation Will BE Performed. P. Provide the Services of the MCC and the Isoc. Q. Conduct the E/PO Program in Cooperation With the Identified Team Members — $116.1M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
Other National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts
- International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
- Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
- Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)
View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →