NASA's MAVEN Phase A Study: $36.9M for Atmospheric Research, Awarded via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $36,897,313 ($36.9M)
Contractor: THE Regents of the University of Colorado
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2007-09-14
End Date: 2016-09-30
Contract Duration: 3,304 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TAS::80 0120::TAS MARS ATMOSPHERE AND VOLATILE EVOLUTION MISSION (MAVEN) PHASE A CONCEPT STUDY REPORT
Place of Performance
Location: BOULDER, BOULDER County, COLORADO, 80309
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $36.9 million to THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO for work described as: TAS::80 0120::TAS MARS ATMOSPHERE AND VOLATILE EVOLUTION MISSION (MAVEN) PHASE A CONCEPT STUDY REPORT Key points: 1. Significant investment in space exploration research, focusing on Martian atmosphere. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust price discovery process. 3. Risk is moderate, inherent in complex R&D projects with long timelines. 4. Sector is R&D, specifically physical and engineering sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $36.9M for a concept study phase appears substantial. Benchmarking against similar early-stage space mission concept studies is difficult without more data, but the cost seems reasonable given the complexity and duration.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated to advanced scientific research, potentially yielding long-term benefits in understanding planetary science and space exploration.
Public Impact
Advancing scientific understanding of Mars' atmosphere and climate. Potential for future discoveries and technological advancements in space exploration. Supports academic research and contributes to the national scientific community.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long project duration (3304 days) increases risk of cost overruns or scope creep.
- Concept study phase cost is high, requiring justification for subsequent phases.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment challenging.
Positive Signals
- Focus on critical scientific research with potential for significant discoveries.
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
- Clear agency (NASA) and objective (MAVEN mission).
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and scientific discovery, with benchmarks varying widely based on project scope and complexity.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to The Regents of the University of Colorado, an academic institution, not a small business. There is no indication of small business subcontracting opportunities within the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's established oversight mechanisms are expected to apply to this contract. The agency's procurement and program management processes should ensure accountability and adherence to project goals.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- High contract value for a concept study phase.
- Long contract duration (3304 days).
- Research and Development projects inherently carry significant technical and scientific uncertainty.
- Limited information on specific performance metrics and deliverables.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, co, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $36.9 million to THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO. TAS::80 0120::TAS MARS ATMOSPHERE AND VOLATILE EVOLUTION MISSION (MAVEN) PHASE A CONCEPT STUDY REPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO.
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 $36.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-09-14. End: 2016-09-30.
What specific deliverables were expected from this Phase A concept study, and how were they evaluated to justify the $36.9M expenditure?
The Phase A concept study likely involved defining mission objectives, preliminary spacecraft design, scientific instrument concepts, and feasibility assessments for the MAVEN mission. Evaluation would focus on the scientific merit, technical feasibility, and cost-effectiveness of the proposed approach. Without the detailed study report, it's difficult to ascertain the precise deliverables and evaluation criteria used to justify the significant investment.
Given the long duration and R&D nature, what are the primary risks associated with cost overruns or schedule delays for this contract?
The primary risks include unforeseen technical challenges in developing advanced atmospheric research instruments, potential changes in mission scope driven by new scientific discoveries or technological advancements, and the inherent uncertainties in long-term R&D projects. Delays in one phase can cascade, impacting subsequent phases and increasing overall program costs. Effective risk management and adaptive planning are crucial.
How does the scientific return from this $36.9M investment compare to other NASA R&D projects of similar scale?
Direct comparison is challenging without specific metrics on scientific return for this contract. However, MAVEN's objective to understand Martian atmospheric loss is a high-priority scientific goal. The value is measured not just in immediate data, but in contributing to a broader understanding of planetary evolution and habitability, which has long-term scientific and potentially societal implications.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNH06ZDA002O
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 914 BROADWAY ST, BOULDER, CO, 80309
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $37,806,548
Exercised Options: $37,806,548
Current Obligation: $36,897,313
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-09-14
Current End Date: 2016-09-30
Potential End Date: 2016-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-07-18
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