Boston University awarded $11.2M for Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter measurement investigation, spanning over two years
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,193,637 ($11.2M)
Contractor: Trustees of Boston University
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2005-03-10
End Date: 2011-02-28
Contract Duration: 2,181 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 27
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TAS::80 0120::TAS LUNAR RECONAISSANCE ORBITER MEASUREMENT INVESTIGATION PHASES A/B AND BRIDGE PHASE
Place of Performance
Location: BOSTON, SUFFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02215, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $11.2 million to TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY for work described as: TAS::80 0120::TAS LUNAR RECONAISSANCE ORBITER MEASUREMENT INVESTIGATION PHASES A/B AND BRIDGE PHASE Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for a multi-year research and development effort in space science. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for this specialized research. 3. Contract type (Cost No Fee) indicates a focus on research outcomes rather than fixed deliverables. 4. Performance period of nearly two years allows for in-depth scientific investigation. 5. The award to a university highlights academic contributions to federal space exploration initiatives. 6. This contract supports NASA's broader goals for lunar exploration and scientific understanding.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $11.2 million for a two-year research project focused on lunar reconnaissance measurements seems aligned with the scope of work. Benchmarking against similar NASA research grants or contracts for space science investigations suggests this is a fair price for the expertise and time required. The 'Cost No Fee' contract type, while less common for development, is appropriate for exploratory research where outcomes are uncertain, focusing on effort rather than profit.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified entities had the opportunity to bid. This process is expected to yield competitive pricing and ensure the government selects the best value. The number of bidders (27) is substantial for a specialized research contract, further reinforcing the competitive nature of the award and suggesting a robust market for such services.
Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process for this research contract likely resulted in a more favorable price for taxpayers compared to a sole-source award. The broad competition ensures that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by selecting the most capable and cost-effective research team.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA and the scientific community, gaining valuable data and insights into lunar composition and characteristics. The services delivered include critical measurement investigations for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission. The geographic impact is national, contributing to the U.S. space program's scientific objectives. Workforce implications include support for researchers, scientists, and technical staff at Boston University.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns inherent in 'Cost No Fee' contracts if not closely monitored.
- Research outcomes are inherently uncertain, posing a risk to mission objectives if key findings are not achieved.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable academic institution with a track record in space research.
- Full and open competition suggests a thorough vetting of capabilities and pricing.
- The contract duration allows for comprehensive data collection and analysis.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the space research and technology sector, a critical area for national scientific advancement and exploration. The market for specialized space science research is often dominated by universities and a few specialized aerospace firms. NASA's spending in this area supports its ambitious exploration goals, including missions like the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, which provides vital data for future lunar activities. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the unique nature of scientific investigations, but the value appears consistent with similar multi-year academic research grants.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a specific small business set-aside. Given the nature of the work (advanced space research) and the awardee (a university), it is unlikely that significant subcontracting opportunities would be directed towards small businesses unless they possess highly specialized capabilities relevant to the research.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with NASA's contracting officers and program managers. They are responsible for monitoring the contractor's progress, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and managing the 'Cost No Fee' aspects to prevent undue costs. Transparency is generally maintained through NASA's public reporting of contract awards and mission updates. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.
Related Government Programs
- Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission
- NASA Science Mission Directorate
- Space Science Research Grants
- Planetary Science Research
Risk Flags
- Cost Control Risk (Cost No Fee)
- Research Outcome Uncertainty
Tags
space-research, nasa, lunar-exploration, cost-no-fee, full-and-open-competition, academic-research, science-and-technology, massachusetts, research-and-development, measurement-investigation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $11.2 million to TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY. TAS::80 0120::TAS LUNAR RECONAISSANCE ORBITER MEASUREMENT INVESTIGATION PHASES A/B AND BRIDGE PHASE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY.
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 $11.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2005-03-10. End: 2011-02-28.
What is Boston University's track record in performing NASA-funded space research contracts?
Boston University has a significant history of involvement in NASA-funded research, particularly in areas related to space science and engineering. As a major research institution, it has consistently secured grants and contracts for various space missions and scientific investigations. While specific details on past performance for contracts directly comparable to the LRO measurement investigation would require deeper database analysis, the university's established presence in the aerospace research community suggests a strong foundation of expertise and capability. Their involvement in previous NASA projects likely involved similar scientific inquiry, data analysis, and reporting requirements, indicating a capacity to successfully execute the current contract.
How does the $11.2 million value compare to similar NASA research contracts for lunar investigations?
The $11.2 million award for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter measurement investigation phases A/B and bridge phase appears to be within a reasonable range for a multi-year, specialized research effort. Benchmarking against other NASA contracts for scientific instrument development, data analysis, or theoretical research related to lunar science reveals a wide variance based on scope, duration, and complexity. However, contracts involving significant theoretical work, instrument calibration, and data processing for missions like LRO often fall into the multi-million dollar range over several years. The 'Cost No Fee' structure also influences how value is assessed, focusing on the effort expended rather than a fixed profit margin, which is typical for early-stage research.
What are the primary risks associated with this 'Cost No Fee' contract type for NASA?
The primary risk associated with a 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) contract type, especially for a research endeavor, is the potential for uncontrolled cost escalation. Unlike fixed-price contracts, NASA agrees to reimburse the contractor for all allowable costs incurred, without a predetermined profit margin. This means NASA bears the financial risk if the research takes longer or requires more resources than initially anticipated. Effective oversight is crucial to ensure that costs remain reasonable and directly related to the contract's objectives. Another risk is that the contractor might not be as motivated to control costs as they would be in a contract with a profit incentive, although the scientific pursuit itself often serves as a strong motivator.
How effective is the 'full and open competition' process in ensuring value for taxpayer money in specialized R&D contracts?
The 'full and open competition' process is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for taxpayer money, even in specialized R&D contracts. By allowing all responsible sources to submit bids, it fosters a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation. For R&D, this means NASA can solicit proposals from a wide range of institutions, including universities and private firms, selecting the one that offers the best combination of technical merit, capability, and cost. The substantial number of bidders (27) in this case indicates a healthy competition, increasing the likelihood that NASA secured the best possible research team and approach at a fair price. This process also enhances transparency and accountability.
What is the historical spending pattern for similar space science research at NASA over the past five years?
Historical spending patterns for similar space science research at NASA show a consistent and significant investment in scientific exploration and technological development. While precise figures for 'lunar measurement investigations' are granular, NASA's overall budget allocation for science missions and research grants typically runs into billions of dollars annually. Funding for planetary science, astrophysics, and heliophysics research fluctuates based on mission priorities and budget cycles. Contracts awarded to universities for fundamental research often represent a substantial portion of this spending. Over the past five years, there has been a renewed focus on lunar exploration (e.g., Artemis program), which likely correlates with increased funding opportunities for related research and technology development contracts, including those for instrument development and data analysis.
What are the potential implications of the 'bridge phase' mentioned in the contract description?
The inclusion of a 'bridge phase' in the contract description suggests a period designed to maintain continuity between major project phases or to accommodate unforeseen delays or requirements. In research and development, bridge phases are often used to extend a project's duration when initial phases are successfully completed but require additional time before the next major milestone can be reached, or to allow for integration with other ongoing efforts. For this contract, it likely means the initial measurement investigation phases (A and B) were completed or nearing completion, and the bridge phase provides funding and time to either finalize those efforts, prepare for subsequent phases, or address any emergent scientific questions or technical challenges before transitioning to the next stage of the LRO mission or related research.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Public Administration › Space Research and Technology › Space Research and Technology
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNH04ZSS003O
Offers Received: 27
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 881 COMMONWEALTH AVE, BOSTON, MA, 02215
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $11,193,637
Exercised Options: $11,193,637
Current Obligation: $11,193,637
Timeline
Start Date: 2005-03-10
Current End Date: 2011-02-28
Potential End Date: 2011-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2017-04-21
More Contracts from Trustees of Boston University
- Carb-X Global Antibacterial Accelerator OTA — $140.0M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- Biomedical (basic) — $100.5M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- Framingham Heart Study Task Order 1 - Base Period — $28.2M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- Framingham Heart Study (FHS), Task Area a - Core Study Operations — $13.7M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- Federal Contract — $11.8M (Department of Health and Human Services)
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 →