NASA's CYGNSS Mission: $116M for Cyclone Research to Enhance Weather Prediction
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $116,121,329 ($116.1M)
Contractor: Regents of the University of Michigan
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2012-12-07
End Date: 2021-09-30
Contract Duration: 3,219 days
Daily Burn Rate: $36.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: "IGF::OT::IGF" OTHER FUNCTIONS - CYCLONE GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEM (CYGNSS) MISSION - THE CYGNSS MISSION PROPOSAL WAS SELECTED UNDER THE NASA ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPPORTUNITY NNH11ZDA012O FOR THE EARTH VENTURE -2 (EV-2) ELEMENT OF THE EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE PATHFINDER (ESSP) PROGRAM OFFICES' EARTH VENTURE LINE. THE CYGNSS MISSION IS A CLASS D SCIENCE INVESTIGATION. THE CYGNSS MISSION GOAL IS TO UNDERSTAND THE COUPLING BETWEEN OCEAN SURFACE PROPERTIES, MOIST ATMOSPHERIC THERMODYNAMICS, RADIATION, AND CONVECTIVE DYNAMICS IN THE INNER CORE OF TROPICAL CYCLONES (TCS). THE GOAL DIRECTLY SUPPORTS THE NASA STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE TO ENABLE IMPROVED PREDICTIVE CAPABILITY FOR WEATHER AND EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS. NEAR-SURFACE WINDS ARE MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS TO AND INDICATORS OF MOMENTUM AND ENERGY FLUXES AT THE AIR/SEA INTERFACE. UNDERSTANDING THE COUPLING BETWEEN THE SURFACE WINDS AND THE MOIST ATMOSPHERE WITHIN THE TC INNER CORE IS KEY TO PROPERLY MODELING AND FORECASTING ITS GENESIS AND INTENSIFICATION. OF PARTICULAR INTEREST IS THE LACK OF SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN STORM INTENSITY FORECASTS OVER THE PAST TWO DECADES, RELATIVE TO FORECASTS OF STORM TRACK. ADVANCES IN TRACT FORECAST HAVE RESULTED IN LARGE PART FROM THE IMPROVEMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE IN OBSERVATIONS AND MODELING OF THE MESOSCALE AND SYNOPTIC ENVIRONMENT SURROUNDING A TC. THE HYPOTHESIS IS THAT THE LACK OF AN ACCOMPANYING IMPROVEMENT IN INTENSITY FORECAST IS LARGELY DUE TO A LACK OF OBSERVATIONS AND PROPER MODELING OF THE TC INNER CORE. THE INADEQUACY IN OBSERVATIONS RESULTS FROM TWO CAUSES. 1. MUCH OF THE INNER CORE OCEAN SURFACE IS OBSCURED FROM CONVENTIONAL REMOTE SENSING INSTRUMENTS BY INTENSE PRECIPITATION IN THE EYE WALL AND INNER RAIN BANDS. 2. THE RAPIDLY EVOLVING GENESIS AND INTENSIFICATION STAGES OF THE TC LIFE CYCLE ARE POORLY SAMPLED BY CONVENTIONAL POLAR-ORBITING, WIDE-SWAT IMAGERS. CYGNSS ADDRESSES THESE TWO LIMITATIONS BY COMBINING THE ALL-WEATHER PERFORMANCE OF GPS-BASED BISTATIC SCATTEROMETRY WITH THE SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL SAMPLING PROPERTIES OF A CONSTELLATION OF OBSERVATORIES. THE CONSTELLATION CONSISTS OF INDIVIDUAL GPS SURFACE REFLECTION RECEIVERS FLOWN ON 8 NANOSATELLITES. THIS PROVIDES THE ABILITY TO MEASURE THE OCEAN SURFACE WINDS WITH UNPRECEDENTED TEMPORAL RESOLUTION AND SPATIAL COVERAGE UNDER ALL PRECIPITATING CONDITIONS, UP TO AND INCLUDING THOSE EXPERIENCED IN THE HURRICANE EYEWALL. CYGNSS ACHIEVES ITS GOAL USING INNOVATIVE APPLICATIONS OF EXISTING TECHNOLOGIES, LABORATORY TESTED AND VERIFIED IN A RELEVANT ENVIRONMENT, TO AVOID THE RISKS INHERENT WITH NEW TECHNOLOGIES.
Place of Performance
Location: ANN ARBOR, WASHTENAW County, MICHIGAN, 48109
State: Michigan Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $116.1 million to REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN for work described as: "IGF::OT::IGF" OTHER FUNCTIONS - CYCLONE GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEM (CYGNSS) MISSION - THE CYGNSS MISSION PROPOSAL WAS SELECTED UNDER THE NASA ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPPORTUNITY NNH11ZDA012O FOR THE EARTH VENTURE -2 (EV-2) ELEMENT OF THE EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE PATHFINDER (ESSP) PR… Key points: 1. The CYGNSS mission, a Class D science investigation, aims to improve tropical cyclone prediction by studying ocean-atmosphere interactions. 2. Funded by NASA, the project leverages a full and open competition, suggesting a competitive selection process for its development. 3. The primary risk lies in the inherent complexity of studying extreme weather events and the potential for unforeseen scientific or technical challenges. 4. Spending falls within the R&D sector, specifically Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, aligning with NASA's strategic objectives.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $116.1 million for a Class D science mission appears reasonable given the complexity and duration. Benchmarking against similar NASA Earth Venture missions would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust process to solicit proposals and select the best value. This method generally promotes competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for scientific research aimed at improving weather prediction, which has long-term societal benefits.
Public Impact
Enhances understanding of tropical cyclones, potentially leading to more accurate and timely warnings for affected communities. Contributes to NASA's strategic goals for weather and extreme weather event prediction capabilities. Supports scientific advancement in atmospheric science and oceanography through data collection and analysis.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Class D missions carry inherent scientific and technical risks.
- Long project duration increases exposure to changing technological landscapes and funding priorities.
Positive Signals
- Directly supports a key NASA strategic objective.
- Awarded via full and open competition.
- Focuses on a critical area of scientific research with significant public benefit.
Sector Analysis
The spending is within the Research and Development sector, specifically for physical and engineering sciences. NASA's Earth Venture program typically funds missions of this nature, with costs varying based on complexity and scope.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate specific subcontracting or participation by small businesses in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by NASA, which has established oversight mechanisms for its research and development programs. The 'Cost No Fee' contract type suggests NASA bears the financial risk, implying close monitoring.
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
- Scientific complexity of studying extreme weather.
- Long-term operational risks for satellite constellation.
- Potential for technological obsolescence over mission duration.
- Dependence on accurate data modeling for predictive improvements.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, mi, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $116.1 million to REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN. "IGF::OT::IGF" OTHER FUNCTIONS - CYCLONE GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEM (CYGNSS) MISSION - THE CYGNSS MISSION PROPOSAL WAS SELECTED UNDER THE NASA ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPPORTUNITY NNH11ZDA012O FOR THE EARTH VENTURE -2 (EV-2) ELEMENT OF THE EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE PATHFINDER (ESSP) PROGRAM OFFICES' EARTH VENTURE LINE. THE CYGNSS MISSION IS A CLASS D SCIENCE INVESTIGATION. THE CYGNSS MISSION GOAL IS TO UNDERSTAND THE COUPLING BETWEEN OCEAN SURFACE PROPERTIES, MOIST ATMOSPHERIC THERMODYNAMICS, RADIAT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN.
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 $116.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-12-07. End: 2021-09-30.
What is the specific scientific return expected from the CYGNSS mission relative to its cost?
The CYGNSS mission aims to provide unprecedented data on inner-core tropical cyclone dynamics, specifically the coupling between ocean surface properties and atmospheric conditions. This data is expected to significantly improve numerical weather prediction models, leading to better forecasts of cyclone intensity and track. The scientific return is measured by the advancement in understanding these complex interactions and the resulting improvement in predictive capabilities for extreme weather events.
What are the primary technical risks associated with deploying and operating the CYGNSS constellation?
Primary technical risks include the successful deployment and long-term operation of the satellite constellation in a harsh space environment. Specific concerns might involve instrument calibration drift, potential for component failures over the mission's lifespan, and ensuring continuous data downlink despite orbital mechanics and ground station availability. Managing these risks is crucial for achieving the mission's scientific objectives.
How does the CYGNSS mission's data directly translate into improved public safety measures?
The data gathered by CYGNSS provides crucial insights into the development and intensification of tropical cyclones. By improving the accuracy of weather models, this information allows for more precise and timely warnings to be issued to at-risk coastal populations. This enhanced predictive capability enables better preparation, evacuation planning, and resource allocation, ultimately contributing to increased public safety and reduced economic losses.
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: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 503 THOMPSON ST, ANN ARBOR, MI, 48109
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
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $116,121,329
Exercised Options: $116,121,329
Current Obligation: $116,121,329
Actual Outlays: $12,529,885
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 42
Total Subaward Amount: $101,361,780
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-12-07
Current End Date: 2021-09-30
Potential End Date: 2021-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-23
More Contracts from Regents of the University of Michigan
- TAS::75 0943::TAS National Survey of Family Growth — $45.7M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- Other Medical Services — $37.9M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- Naval Engineering Education Center; Increase Number of Graduates in the Field of Naval Engineering — $28.4M (Department of Defense)
- Safety Pilot Model Deployment of Vehicle to Vehicle and Vehicle to Infrastructure Safety Applications — $24.8M (Department of Transportation)
- Base Award Igf::ct::igf — $23.7M (Department of Health and Human Services)
View all Regents of the University of Michigan federal contracts →
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 →