NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission science processing contract awarded to University of Arizona for $24.46M
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $24,457,730 ($24.5M)
Contractor: University of Arizona
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2012-04-02
End Date: 2016-11-30
Contract Duration: 1,703 days
Daily Burn Rate: $14.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: CLOSELY ASSOCIATED ORIGINS SPECTRAL INTERPRETATION RESOURCE IDENTIFICATION SECURITY-REGOLITH EXPLORER (OSIRIS-REX) SCIENCE PROCESSING AND OPERATIONS CENTER (SPOC) PHASE B - C - D EFFORT. THE ORIGINS SPECTRAL INTERPRETATION RESOURCE IDENTIFICATION SECURITY-REGOLITH EXPLORER (OSIRIS- REX) MISSION S PRIMARY GOAL IS AN EARTH RETURN OF REGOLITH SAMPLE FROM A TYPE-B NEAR EARTH OBJECT (NEO) ASTEROID. THE OSIRIS-REX MISSION WILL GATHER THIS SAMPLE THROUGH A FLIGHT SYSTEM CONSISTING OF A SCIENCE INSTRUMENT SUITE, A TOUCH-AND-GO SAMPLE ACQUISITION MECHANISM (TAGSAM), AND A SAMPLE RETURN CAPSULE (SRC). THE FLIGHT SYSTEM WILL RENDEZVOUS WITH THE NEO, OBSERVE, CHARACTERIZE AND MAP THE ASTEROID, AND FINALLY APPROACH, PERFORM A TOUCH-AND-GO MANEUVER, RETRIEVE A REGOLITH SAMPLE AND DEPART FROM THE ASTEROID. THE OSIRIS-REX FLIGHT SYSTEM WILL THEN NAVIGATE BACK TO EARTH AND JETTISON THE SRC FOR A LANDING AT THE UTAH TEST AND TRAINING RANGE (UTTR). THE OBJECTIVES OF THE MISSION ARE TO RETURN A PRISTINE SAMPLE OF THE ASTEROID, UNDERSTAND THE ORIGINS OF PLANETARY MATERIALS AND THE INITIAL STAGES OF PLANETARY FORMATION; IDENTIFY THE SOURCES OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS AND OTHER PREBIOTIC CHEMICALS THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE EMERGENCE OF LIFE ON EARTH; EXPLORE A NEO TO GAIN A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF POTENTIAL RESOURCES; AND ENABLE THE LONG TERM PREDICTION OF THE DYNAMICS OF NEOS THAT POSE AN IMPACT HAZARD TO EARTH. THE NASA GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER (GSFC) MANAGES THE OSIRIS-REX PROJECT FOR NASA AND FOR THE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR, AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA, LUNAR AND PLANETARY LABORATORY (LPL) IN TUCSON, AZ. THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA SHALL PROVIDE THE NECESSARY PERSONNEL, FACILITIES, SERVICES, AND MATERIALS TO DESIGN, CODE, INTEGRATE AND TEST THE OSIRIS-REX SPOC TO SUPPORT THE OSIRIS-REX LAUNCH. AFTER LAUNCH, THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA SHALL PROVIDE THE FACILITIES, GROUND SUPPORT SYSTEM, AND SCIENCE OPERATION FOR 30 DAYS. THE SCOPE COVERS PHASES B/C/D OF THE OSIRIS-REX LIFE CYCLE.
Place of Performance
Location: TUCSON, PIMA County, ARIZONA, 85721
State: Arizona Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $24.5 million to UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA for work described as: CLOSELY ASSOCIATED ORIGINS SPECTRAL INTERPRETATION RESOURCE IDENTIFICATION SECURITY-REGOLITH EXPLORER (OSIRIS-REX) SCIENCE PROCESSING AND OPERATIONS CENTER (SPOC) PHASE B - C - D EFFORT. THE ORIGINS SPECTRAL INTERPRETATION RESOURCE IDENTIFICATION SECURITY-REGOLITH EXPLORER (OSIRI… Key points: 1. Contract supports critical science processing and operations for NASA's OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission. 2. Focus on spectral interpretation, resource identification, and security of returned regolith samples. 3. The mission's primary goal is to collect and return a regolith sample from a near-Earth object. 4. Contract duration spans key development phases (B-D) of the ambitious space exploration endeavor. 5. Awarded via full and open competition, indicating a broad search for qualified contractors. 6. The University of Arizona, a leading research institution, is the prime contractor. 7. This contract represents a significant investment in understanding asteroid composition and origins.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $24.46 million appears reasonable for a complex, multi-year science processing and operations effort for a flagship NASA mission like OSIRIS-REx. Benchmarking against similar large-scale space science contracts is challenging due to the unique nature of sample return missions. However, the cost-plus-no-fee (CPFF) contract type suggests that NASA is reimbursing the contractor for allowable costs plus a negotiated fee, which is standard for R&D efforts where final costs are uncertain. The value seems aligned with the scope of work involving advanced data processing and operational support.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' suggesting that all responsible sources were permitted to submit proposals. This approach typically fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and innovation. The number of bidders is not specified in the provided data, but the open competition method implies NASA sought the best possible solution from the widest pool of qualified entities. This method is generally preferred for ensuring fair market value and access to cutting-edge capabilities.
Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the chances of obtaining the best value for the government's investment by encouraging a wide range of proposals and potentially driving down costs through competitive pressure.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA and the scientific community, who will gain invaluable data about asteroid composition, origins, and the early solar system. The contract directly supports the science processing and operations center (SPOC) for the OSIRIS-REx mission. The mission's success has implications for future asteroid exploration, resource utilization, and planetary defense strategies. It contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge and technological capabilities in space exploration. The project supports highly skilled jobs in aerospace engineering, data science, and planetary science within the United States.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in complex R&D projects if not meticulously managed.
- Reliance on a single prime contractor for critical mission operations necessitates robust oversight.
- Schedule delays in space missions can significantly increase overall program costs.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable university with a proven track record in space science research.
- Clear definition of project phases (B-D) suggests structured development and execution.
- Full and open competition indicates a commitment to seeking the best value and capabilities.
- The mission's scientific objectives are well-defined and hold significant potential for discovery.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical sciences and space exploration. The market for such specialized scientific processing and operations support is relatively niche, dominated by academic institutions and specialized aerospace contractors. NASA's spending in this area is crucial for advancing fundamental scientific understanding and developing technologies for future space missions. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the unique nature of asteroid sample return missions, but large-scale science instrument and operations contracts for flagship missions often run into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars.
Small Business Impact
The provided data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). The prime contractor is the University of Arizona, a large research institution. While the prime contract is not a small business set-aside, it is possible that the University of Arizona may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specific components or services. However, the primary focus of this contract appears to be on specialized research and development capabilities typically held by larger organizations or academic centers.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily be conducted by NASA's relevant program offices and contracting officers. Given the R&D nature and the involvement of a university, oversight would likely focus on adherence to scientific objectives, budget management, and milestone achievement. NASA's Inspector General would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse. Transparency is generally high for NASA flagship missions, with regular public updates and scientific publications.
Related Government Programs
- OSIRIS-REx Mission
- Asteroid Sample Return Missions
- Planetary Science Research
- Space Science Instrument Development
- NASA Science Mission Directorate Contracts
Risk Flags
- Potential for schedule slippage in complex space missions.
- Reliance on specialized scientific expertise requires continuous knowledge management.
- Data integrity and security are critical for scientific analysis.
Tags
science-processing, space-exploration, nasa, university-of-arizona, asteroid-sample-return, r&d, definitive-contract, full-and-open-competition, arizona, research-and-development-in-the-physical-engineering-and-life-sciences
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $24.5 million to UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA. CLOSELY ASSOCIATED ORIGINS SPECTRAL INTERPRETATION RESOURCE IDENTIFICATION SECURITY-REGOLITH EXPLORER (OSIRIS-REX) SCIENCE PROCESSING AND OPERATIONS CENTER (SPOC) PHASE B - C - D EFFORT. THE ORIGINS SPECTRAL INTERPRETATION RESOURCE IDENTIFICATION SECURITY-REGOLITH EXPLORER (OSIRIS- REX) MISSION S PRIMARY GOAL IS AN EARTH RETURN OF REGOLITH SAMPLE FROM A TYPE-B NEAR EARTH OBJECT (NEO) ASTEROID. THE OSIRIS-REX MISSION WILL GATHER THIS SAMPLE THROUGH A FLIGHT SYSTEM CONSISTING OF A SCIENCE INSTRUME
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA.
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 $24.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-04-02. End: 2016-11-30.
What is the specific role of the University of Arizona in the OSIRIS-REx mission under this contract?
Under this contract, the University of Arizona is responsible for the Science Processing and Operations Center (SPOC) for the OSIRIS-REx mission. This involves crucial tasks such as processing the scientific data collected by the spacecraft's instruments, interpreting spectral data to understand the composition of the asteroid Bennu, identifying potential resources, and ensuring the security and integrity of the returned regolith samples. Their work is fundamental to achieving the mission's primary scientific objectives, which include analyzing the asteroid's geology, mineralogy, and organic compounds to gain insights into the early solar system and the origins of life.
How does the contract value compare to other large NASA science mission support contracts?
The contract value of approximately $24.46 million for the OSIRIS-REx SPOC effort is significant but falls within the expected range for supporting a major NASA flagship mission. Large-scale science and operations contracts for missions like the James Webb Space Telescope, Mars rovers, or other complex planetary science endeavors often involve costs ranging from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars over their lifecycles. While direct comparisons are difficult due to mission-specific complexities, the OSIRIS-REx contract value appears commensurate with the scope of work, which includes critical data processing, analysis, and operational support for a multi-year, high-priority scientific investigation.
What are the key performance risks associated with this contract?
Key performance risks for this contract include potential technical challenges in processing and interpreting the vast amounts of complex scientific data returned from the OSIRIS-REx mission. Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of spectral analysis and sample characterization is paramount. Schedule risks are also inherent in space missions; any delays in spacecraft operations or sample return could impact the timeline for data processing and analysis, potentially affecting subsequent research phases. Furthermore, managing the budget effectively over the contract's duration, especially if unforeseen scientific or operational issues arise, presents a financial risk. The reliance on the University of Arizona as the sole prime contractor for the SPOC also introduces a single point of failure risk that necessitates robust NASA oversight.
What is the historical spending pattern for OSIRIS-REx science processing and operations?
The provided data reflects a specific contract award of $24.46 million for the OSIRIS-REx SPOC effort, covering phases B through D, with a period of performance from April 2012 to November 2016. This suggests that this particular contract represents a significant portion of the initial science processing and operations funding during the development and early operational phases of the mission. However, the total historical spending for the entire OSIRIS-REx mission, including spacecraft development, launch, operations, and sample return, is considerably higher, likely in the hundreds of millions of dollars. This contract is a key component within that larger budgetary framework, focusing specifically on the scientific data handling and interpretation aspects.
What are the implications of the 'Cost No Fee' (CPFF) contract type for value and risk?
The 'Cost No Fee' (CPFF) contract type, indicated by 'pt': 'COST NO FEE', means that the contractor (University of Arizona) is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred in performing the contract, but receives no additional fee or profit. This type of contract is typically used for research and development efforts where the scope of work is uncertain, and the final cost is difficult to estimate accurately. For NASA, this structure shifts much of the financial risk to the government, as they bear the full cost of performance. However, it also incentivizes the contractor to focus on achieving the technical objectives without the pressure of maximizing profit, potentially leading to more thorough scientific investigation. Value is assessed based on the efficient use of resources and the achievement of scientific goals rather than cost savings.
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: FIRE CONTROL EQPT.
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNH09ZDA009O
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: AZ ST. SEC. of State (UEI: 072459266)
Address: 888 N EUCLID AVE, TUCSON, AZ, 85719
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $24,758,739
Exercised Options: $24,758,739
Current Obligation: $24,457,730
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 14
Total Subaward Amount: $5,083,272
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-04-02
Current End Date: 2016-11-30
Potential End Date: 2016-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2017-08-24
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