NASA's $54.6M contract for Heavy Ion Sensor development shows long-term R&D commitment
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $54,576,386 ($54.6M)
Contractor: Southwest Research Institute
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2009-12-22
End Date: 2028-04-30
Contract Duration: 6,704 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 50
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SOLAR ORBITER MEASUREMENT INVESTIGATION "HEAVY ION SENSOR". THE CONTRACTOR SHALL BE DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONDUCT OF ALL PHASES AND ASPECTS OF THE HEAVY ION SENSOR TIME OF FLIGHT (HIS-TOF) SOLID STATE DETECTOR INCLUDING: 1) LIFE-CYCLE PROJECT MANAGEMENT; 2) DESIGN, TEST, DEVELOPMENT, AND OPERATIONS; AND 3) POST OPERATIONS DATA REDUCTION AND ARCHIVING.
Place of Performance
Location: SAN ANTONIO, BEXAR County, TEXAS, 78238
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $54.6 million to SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE for work described as: SOLAR ORBITER MEASUREMENT INVESTIGATION "HEAVY ION SENSOR". THE CONTRACTOR SHALL BE DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONDUCT OF ALL PHASES AND ASPECTS OF THE HEAVY ION SENSOR TIME OF FLIGHT (HIS-TOF) SOLID STATE DETECTOR INCLUDING: 1) LIFE-CYCLE PROJECT MANAGEMENT; 2) DESIGN, TEST, … Key points: 1. This contract represents a significant investment in advanced space science instrumentation. 2. The long duration suggests a complex, multi-phase project with ongoing development needs. 3. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure indicates potential for cost overruns, requiring close monitoring. 4. The sole contractor, Southwest Research Institute, suggests specialized expertise is required. 5. Focus on life-cycle management and post-operations data archiving highlights a comprehensive approach. 6. The contract's value is substantial for a single R&D instrument, implying high technical complexity.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $54.6 million over its extended period appears reasonable for a highly specialized R&D project involving complex sensor development and long-term data management. Benchmarking against similar advanced scientific instrument development contracts is challenging due to the unique nature of the Heavy Ion Sensor. However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) pricing structure, while common for R&D, necessitates careful oversight to manage costs effectively and ensure value for money.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to propose solutions. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a competitive process was initiated. This approach is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers.
Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and encourage innovation.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA's scientific research programs, particularly those focused on space physics and solar system exploration. The contract delivers a critical component (Heavy Ion Sensor) for advanced space-based scientific investigations. The geographic impact is national, supporting federal research initiatives, with potential for data to be shared globally. Workforce implications include highly skilled engineers, scientists, and technicians involved in advanced sensor design, testing, and data analysis.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can lead to higher final costs if not managed diligently.
- Long contract durations increase the risk of scope creep or evolving technical requirements.
- Reliance on a single contractor for all phases may limit alternative solutions or innovation pathways.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition suggests a robust initial selection process.
- The contractor, Southwest Research Institute, is a well-established research organization with a strong track record.
- The contract's comprehensive scope, including life-cycle management and data archiving, indicates a thorough approach to project success.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on advanced scientific instrumentation for space exploration. The market for such specialized components is niche, often dominated by a few highly capable research institutions and specialized aerospace companies. NASA's spending in this area is crucial for maintaining its leadership in space science and pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of the HIS-TOF sensor, but the overall investment reflects the high cost and complexity associated with developing cutting-edge space technology.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements for this contract. Given the highly specialized nature of developing a Heavy Ion Sensor, it is likely that the prime contractor possesses unique expertise, and subcontracting opportunities may be limited to highly specialized components or services. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved in the supply chain.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract is primarily managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, NASA will be closely monitoring expenditures to ensure costs remain within the fixed fee and that the project progresses according to the defined scope and milestones. Transparency is expected through regular reporting from the contractor. While specific Inspector General (IG) jurisdiction is not detailed, NASA's Office of Inspector General typically oversees agency contracts for fraud, waste, and abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Science Mission Directorate
- Heliophysics Research
- Space Science Instrumentation Development
- Advanced Sensor Technology
- Space Physics Research
Risk Flags
- Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
- Schedule Slippage Risk (Long Duration)
- Technical Complexity Risk
- Sole Source Dependency Risk (if competition was limited in practice)
- Long-term Funding Stability Risk
Tags
research-and-development, space-science, nasa, instrumentation, heliophysics, definitive-contract, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, texas, large-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $54.6 million to SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE. SOLAR ORBITER MEASUREMENT INVESTIGATION "HEAVY ION SENSOR". THE CONTRACTOR SHALL BE DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONDUCT OF ALL PHASES AND ASPECTS OF THE HEAVY ION SENSOR TIME OF FLIGHT (HIS-TOF) SOLID STATE DETECTOR INCLUDING: 1) LIFE-CYCLE PROJECT MANAGEMENT; 2) DESIGN, TEST, DEVELOPMENT, AND OPERATIONS; AND 3) POST OPERATIONS DATA REDUCTION AND ARCHIVING.
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 $54.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-12-22. End: 2028-04-30.
What is the track record of Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) with NASA for similar complex scientific instrument development contracts?
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has a long and distinguished history of developing complex scientific instruments for NASA and other space agencies. They are known for their expertise in areas such as space science, instrumentation, and advanced engineering. SwRI has been involved in numerous successful missions, contributing critical components and systems. Their experience with projects of similar scale and technical complexity suggests a strong capability to execute the Heavy Ion Sensor Time of Flight (HIS-TOF) contract. A detailed review of their past performance on NASA contracts, particularly those involving particle detectors and space physics instruments, would provide further confidence in their ability to meet the requirements of this specific award.
How does the total contract value of $54.6 million compare to other NASA R&D contracts for scientific instruments?
The total contract value of $54.6 million for the Heavy Ion Sensor development is substantial, placing it in the upper tier for individual scientific instrument development contracts. While NASA funds a wide range of R&D, from basic research to large mission components, the development of a highly specialized sensor like the HIS-TOF, requiring life-cycle project management, design, testing, and post-operations data reduction, justifies a significant investment. Comparable contracts for complex payloads or instrument suites on major space missions can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars. This contract's value reflects the advanced technology, extensive testing, and long-term support required for such a critical scientific component.
What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D, and how are they mitigated in this case?
The primary risk with CPFF contracts is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs, as their fee is fixed regardless of the final project cost. This can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Mitigation strategies employed by NASA typically include robust oversight, detailed milestone tracking, and regular performance reviews. For this contract, NASA's responsibility includes scrutinizing contractor expenditures, ensuring adherence to the SOW, and managing any changes through a formal process. The long duration and complexity of the HIS-TOF development necessitate diligent monitoring by NASA to ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate and that the project delivers value within the overall budget.
What is the expected impact of this contract on NASA's scientific objectives in heliophysics or space physics?
This contract is directly aligned with NASA's scientific objectives in heliophysics and space physics by providing a crucial instrument for understanding the space environment. The Heavy Ion Sensor Time of Flight (HIS-TOF) will likely be used to measure the composition, energy, and distribution of energetic particles in space, such as those originating from the Sun or cosmic sources. This data is vital for studying solar flares, coronal mass ejections, space weather, and the fundamental processes governing the heliosphere. The successful development and deployment of this sensor will enhance our ability to predict space weather events, protect astronauts and satellites, and contribute to fundamental knowledge about the Sun and its influence on the solar system.
How has NASA's spending on advanced space instrumentation evolved over the past decade, and where does this contract fit?
NASA's spending on advanced space instrumentation has remained a consistent priority, though specific allocations can shift based on strategic goals and new mission opportunities. Over the past decade, there has been a continuous drive towards more sophisticated sensors capable of higher resolution, greater sensitivity, and broader measurement capabilities. This contract for the HIS-TOF fits within this trend, representing a significant investment in cutting-edge technology for fundamental space physics research. While overall R&D budgets fluctuate, funding for critical scientific instruments like this is often prioritized to support long-term scientific exploration and discovery missions. The $54.6 million value indicates a substantial commitment to a specific, high-impact instrument.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
Product/Service Code: SPACE VEHICLES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNH07ZDA0030
Offers Received: 50
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 6220 CULEBRA RD, SAN ANTONIO, TX, 78238
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $63,385,698
Exercised Options: $63,385,698
Current Obligation: $54,576,386
Actual Outlays: $11,823,738
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-12-22
Current End Date: 2028-04-30
Potential End Date: 2028-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-06-17
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