NASA's Mars Scout Mission contract awarded to University of Arizona for $20.7M
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,697,620 ($20.7M)
Contractor: University of Arizona
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2004-02-05
End Date: 2010-12-31
Contract Duration: 2,521 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 999
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: MARS SCOUT MISSION
Place of Performance
Location: TUCSON, PIMA County, ARIZONA, 85721, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
State: Arizona Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $20.7 million to UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA for work described as: MARS SCOUT MISSION Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single entity, University of Arizona. 2. Full and open competition was utilized. 3. The contract duration is over 2500 days. 4. The primary sector is Research and Development.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which offers no incentive for cost control. The total award amount is substantial for R&D, but without a fee, the contractor's motivation for efficiency is solely based on project completion rather than cost savings.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a broad search for qualified bidders. However, the 'COST NO FEE' structure might limit the competitive advantage derived from price.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated for a significant R&D project. The lack of a fee structure means the government bears all costs without a direct profit motive for the contractor to minimize them.
Public Impact
Supports scientific exploration and advancement in space research. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries in Martian geology and environment. Enhances national capabilities in space mission execution.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus-no-fee contract type lacks cost-saving incentives.
- Long contract duration may increase risk of cost overruns or scope creep.
- No small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports a high-priority scientific mission.
- Experienced contractor in aerospace research.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is critical for technological advancement and scientific discovery, often characterized by high upfront investment and uncertain outcomes.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication of small business participation in this contract. Given the specialized nature of the work, it's possible that large research institutions are the primary entities capable of undertaking such projects.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'COST NO FEE' contract type requires robust government oversight to ensure project milestones are met and funds are used appropriately, as there's no contractor profit motive tied to cost efficiency.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost-plus-no-fee contract.
- Long contract duration.
- No small business participation.
- Potential for scope creep.
- Reliance on single entity for critical R&D.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, az, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $20.7 million to UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA. MARS SCOUT MISSION
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 $20.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-02-05. End: 2010-12-31.
What is the expected scientific return on investment for this $20.7M Mars Scout Mission?
The scientific return is expected to be significant, focusing on understanding Mars's geological history, potential for past or present life, and resource availability. Specific discoveries could range from identifying key mineral compositions to mapping subsurface water ice, directly contributing to future human exploration planning and fundamental planetary science.
What are the primary risks associated with a cost-plus-no-fee contract for a long-duration R&D project?
The primary risks include potential cost overruns due to the contractor's lack of direct financial incentive to control expenses. Scope creep is also a risk, as the contractor may be less motivated to strictly adhere to initial project boundaries. Government oversight must be exceptionally diligent to manage these risks effectively.
How does the University of Arizona's past performance influence the effectiveness of this mission?
The University of Arizona's history in space science and instrument development is crucial. Their proven track record in managing complex research projects and delivering scientific results for NASA missions suggests a high likelihood of mission success. Their expertise directly impacts the technical feasibility and scientific output of the Mars Scout Mission.
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
Solicitation ID: AO-02-OOSS-02
Offers Received: 999
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 888 N. EUCLID AVENUE, ROOM 510, TUCSON, AZ, 85721
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, U.S. Regional/State Government
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $20,701,782
Exercised Options: $20,701,782
Current Obligation: $20,697,620
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-02-05
Current End Date: 2010-12-31
Potential End Date: 2010-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-06-25
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