NASA's $25.1M Solar B X-Ray Telescope contract awarded to Smithsonian Institution for R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,114,580 ($25.1M)
Contractor: Smithsonian Institution
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2001-04-24
End Date: 2006-11-30
Contract Duration: 2,046 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: PHASE C/D OF THE SOLAR B X-RAY TELESCOPE ROLL-UP THRU MOD 30
Place of Performance
Location: CAMBRIDGE, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02138
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $25.1 million to SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION for work described as: PHASE C/D OF THE SOLAR B X-RAY TELESCOPE ROLL-UP THRU MOD 30 Key points: 1. Contract focused on research and development for a specialized telescope. 2. Firm Fixed Price contract type suggests defined scope and cost control. 3. Long duration of over 2000 days indicates a complex, multi-phase project. 4. Awarded by NASA, a leading agency in scientific research and space exploration. 5. The contract falls under the R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences NAICS code. 6. Small business set-asides were not utilized for this contract. 7. The contract was awarded through full and open competition.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's value of $25.1 million for a complex R&D project like a space telescope appears reasonable, especially considering the long duration and specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar large-scale scientific instrument development contracts would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure implies that the contractor bears cost overruns, which is a positive indicator for the government.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This competitive process is generally expected to drive better pricing and innovation. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition suggests a healthy market for this type of specialized R&D service.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it promotes a competitive environment, potentially leading to lower costs and higher quality outcomes for government-funded projects.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are scientific researchers and the public, who gain access to new data and understanding of solar phenomena. The services delivered include the development and potentially the operation of the Solar B X-Ray Telescope. The geographic impact is primarily within the scientific community and research institutions, with potential global implications for solar physics research. Workforce implications include employment for scientists, engineers, technicians, and support staff involved in telescope development and research.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in long-duration R&D projects if not managed tightly.
- Reliance on a single contractor for a specialized, long-term project could pose risks if performance issues arise.
Positive Signals
- Awarded by NASA, an agency with a strong track record in managing complex scientific endeavors.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
- Full and open competition suggests a robust market and potential for competitive pricing.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical sciences and engineering. The market for developing advanced scientific instruments like space telescopes is highly specialized, often involving a limited number of contractors with unique expertise. NASA is a major investor in this sector, and spending on such projects is crucial for advancing scientific knowledge and technological capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve other large-scale scientific instrument development contracts within NASA or other federal agencies.
Small Business Impact
This contract did not involve small business set-asides, indicating that the competition was open to all eligible businesses, including large corporations. The nature of developing advanced scientific instruments often requires significant resources and specialized expertise, which may favor larger, established firms. There is no explicit information on subcontracting to small businesses, but it is common for large prime contractors to engage small businesses for specific components or services.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Mechanisms likely include regular progress reports, technical reviews, and financial audits. Accountability measures would be tied to meeting project milestones and deliverables within the fixed-price budget. Transparency is generally maintained through public announcements of contract awards and project updates, though detailed internal R&D processes may be proprietary.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Space Science Missions
- Astrophysics Research Programs
- Scientific Instrument Development Contracts
- Federal R&D Spending
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration increases risk of schedule slippage and cost escalation if not managed proactively.
- R&D projects inherently carry technical risks that could impact performance and scientific outcomes.
- Reliance on a single contractor for a specialized, long-term project requires robust oversight.
Tags
research-and-development, nasa, smithsonian-institution, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, space-telescope, x-ray-telescope, physical-sciences, engineering, massachusetts, large-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $25.1 million to SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. PHASE C/D OF THE SOLAR B X-RAY TELESCOPE ROLL-UP THRU MOD 30
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 $25.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2001-04-24. End: 2006-11-30.
What is the track record of the Smithsonian Institution in managing large-scale NASA R&D contracts?
The Smithsonian Institution, through its various research arms like the Astrophysical Observatory and the National Air and Space Museum, has a long and distinguished history of contributing to NASA's scientific endeavors. They have been involved in numerous space science missions and instrument developments. While specific contract management performance data for this particular contract isn't publicly detailed, the Smithsonian's general reputation in the scientific community suggests a strong capability in research and development. Their involvement in projects like the Chandra X-ray Observatory and contributions to other space telescopes indicate a capacity for handling complex, high-value R&D initiatives. However, a deeper dive into past performance reviews and any documented issues on similar large contracts would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment.
How does the $25.1 million cost compare to similar telescope development projects?
Benchmarking the $25.1 million cost for the Solar B X-Ray Telescope requires comparing it to similar large-scale scientific instrument development projects, particularly those involving space-based observatories. Projects like the James Webb Space Telescope or the Chandra X-ray Observatory involved costs in the hundreds of millions to billions of dollars, but these were significantly more complex and ambitious. For a specific X-ray telescope with a development phase lasting over 2000 days, $25.1 million appears to be within a reasonable range, especially if it represents a significant portion of the total project lifecycle cost. However, without knowing the exact technical specifications, scope, and duration of comparable projects, a precise value-for-money comparison is challenging. Factors such as technological innovation, instrument sensitivity, and data processing capabilities heavily influence cost.
What are the primary risks associated with this R&D contract?
The primary risks associated with this R&D contract are inherent to the nature of developing novel scientific instruments. Technical risks include unforeseen challenges in design, fabrication, and integration of the X-ray telescope components, potentially leading to delays or performance shortfalls. Schedule risks are significant given the long duration (over 2000 days), increasing the possibility of encountering external factors like technological obsolescence or changes in research priorities. Cost risks, while mitigated by the firm fixed-price structure, could still arise if the initial cost estimates were inaccurate or if unforeseen complexities emerge that strain the contractor's ability to deliver within budget. Finally, there's a risk related to the scientific return on investment; the telescope might not achieve its intended scientific objectives due to technical limitations or unexpected astronomical phenomena.
How effective is the firm fixed-price contract type in managing R&D costs for NASA?
The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective for managing costs in R&D projects when the scope of work is well-defined and risks are understood. For NASA, an FFP contract provides a high degree of cost certainty, as the contractor assumes the risk of cost overruns. This incentivizes the contractor to manage resources efficiently and control expenses. However, R&D projects inherently carry a degree of uncertainty, and if the scope is not precisely defined upfront, there's a risk that the contractor might cut corners to meet the fixed price, potentially compromising quality or performance. Conversely, if the scope is too restrictive, it could stifle innovation. NASA often uses FFP for later development phases (like Phase C/D) where requirements are more mature, balancing cost control with the need for technical execution.
What are the historical spending patterns for similar telescope development projects at NASA?
NASA's historical spending on telescope development projects varies significantly based on the complexity, size, and technological ambition of the instrument. Smaller, more focused projects or specific instrument upgrades might fall in the tens of millions of dollars range, similar to the Solar B X-Ray Telescope contract. However, major flagship missions like the Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra X-ray Observatory, or the James Webb Space Telescope represent investments in the hundreds of millions to billions of dollars over many years. These larger projects typically involve extensive research, multiple development phases, and international collaborations. Analyzing historical spending reveals a trend of increasing costs for more advanced and ambitious observatories, driven by technological advancements and the pursuit of deeper scientific understanding of the universe. The $25.1 million for Solar B suggests it was a moderately sized R&D effort within NASA's broader portfolio.
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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Government of the United States (UEI: 161906193)
Address: 60 GARDEN ST, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $25,114,580
Exercised Options: $25,114,580
Current Obligation: $25,114,580
Timeline
Start Date: 2001-04-24
Current End Date: 2006-11-30
Potential End Date: 2006-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2013-12-05
More Contracts from Smithsonian Institution
- Follow on Contract to Provide Operations and Science Support to the CXO — $1.3B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Solar B X RAY Telescope Phase E — $46.8M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- "igf::ot::igf" Other Functions - Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (tempo) - the Tempo Investigation WAS Selected Under the Nasa Second Stand Alone Missions of Opportunity Notice (salmon-2) Announcement of Opportunity (AO) Program Element Appendix J, Nnh12zda006o-Evi1 for the Earth Venture Instrument-1 (EVI-1) Element of the Earth System Science Pathfinder (essp) Program Office's Earth Venture Line. Tempo Measures Pollution of North America, From Mexico City to the Canadian Tar/Oil Sands, and From the Atlantic to the Pacific, Hourly and AT High Spatial Resolution. Tempo Spectroscopic Measurements in the Ultraviolet and Visible and Provides a Tropospheric Measurement Suite That Includes the KEY Elements of Tropospheric AIR Pollution Chemistry. Measurements ARE From Geostationary Orbit, to Capture the Inherent High Variability in the Diurnal Cycle of Emissions and Chemistry. a Small Product Spatial Footprint Resolves Pollution Sources AT Sub-Urban Scale. Together, This Temporal and Spatial Resolution Improves Emission Inventories, Monitors Population Exposure, and Enables Effective Emission-Control Strategies. Tempo Takes Advantage of a Geostationary (GEO) Host Spacecraft to Provide a Modest Cost Mission That Measures the Spectra Required to Retrieve O3, NO2, SO2, H2CO, C2H2O2, H2O, Aerosols, Cloud Parameters, and UVB Radiation. Tempo Thus Measures the Major Elements, Directly or by Proxy, in the Tropospheric O3 Chemistry Cycle. Multi-Spectral Observations Provide Sensitivity to O3 in the Lowermost Troposphere, Reducing Uncertainty in AIR Quality Predictions by 50%. Tempo Quantifies and Tracks the Evolution of Aerosol Loading. IT Provides Near-Real-Time AIR Quality Products That Will BE Made Widely, Publicly Available. Tempo Makes the First Tropospheric Trace GAS Measurements From GEO, by Building on the Heritage of Five Spectrometers Flown in Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO). These LEO Instruments Measure the Needed Spectra, Although AT Coarse Spatial and Temporal Resolutions, to the Precisions Required for Tempo and USE Retrieval Algorithms Developed for Them by Tempo Science Team Members and Currently Running in Operational Environments. This Makes Tempo an Innovative USE of a Well Proven Technique, Able to Produce a Revolutionary Dataset. Tempo Provides Much of the Atmospheric Measurement Capability Recommended for Geo-Cape in the 2007 National Research Council Decadal Survey, Earth Science and Applications From Space: National Imperatives for the Next Decade and Beyond. Geo-Cape IS NOT Planned for Implementation This Decade, However, Europe (sentinel 4) and Asia (gems) Will Form Parts of a Global GEO Constellation for Pollution Monitoring, With a Major Focus on Intercontinental Pollution Transport. Tempo Will Launch AT a Prime Time to BE a Component of This Constellation — $31.2M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- 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 — $3.7M (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 →