NASA Awards $35.2M to SWRI for Mercury Exosphere Study, Leveraging BepiColombo Mission
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $35,234,258 ($35.2M)
Contractor: Southwest Research Institute
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2009-09-14
End Date: 2028-04-30
Contract Duration: 6,803 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: STROFIO - PHASE B IS AWARDED FROM ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPPORTUNITY (AO) NNM08ZDA009O, STAND ALONE MISSION OF OPPORTUNITY NOTICE (SALMON) ISSUED BY NASA HEADQUARTERS. SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE (SWRI) WAS SELECTED FOR "STROFIO: EXOSPHERIC SAMPLING OF MERCURY'S SURFACE COMPOSITION" WITH DR. STEFANO LIVI AS THE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR FOR FUNDING AND APPROVED TO DIRECTLY ENTER PHASE B PRELIMINARY DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY COMPLETION. STROFIO WAS SELECTED BECAUSE IT IS TIMELY AND TAKES ADVANTAGE OF A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR NASA TO PARTICIPATE THROUGH THIS INVESTIGATION IN THE BEPICOLOMBO MISSION. THE ANTICIPATED OBSERVATIONS OF MERCURY'S EXOSPHERE WILL BE UNIQUE AND COMPLEMENTARY TO INVESTIGATIONS CONDUCTED BY MARINER, MESSENGER AND THE OTHER INSTRUMENTS ON BEPICOLOMBO. THE PROPOSED INVESTIGATION WILL PROVIDE VALUABLE INFORMATION ABOUT MERCURY'S EXOSPHERE AND ITS INTERACTION WITH THE MAGNETOSPHERE AND SURFACE. THE STROFIO INSTRUMENT WILL PROVIDE A VALUABLE SCIENTIFIC RETURN, ADDRESSING MANY GOALS OF NASAS PLANETARY SCIENCE PROGRAM.
Place of Performance
Location: SAN ANTONIO, BEXAR County, TEXAS, 78238
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $35.2 million to SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE for work described as: STROFIO - PHASE B IS AWARDED FROM ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPPORTUNITY (AO) NNM08ZDA009O, STAND ALONE MISSION OF OPPORTUNITY NOTICE (SALMON) ISSUED BY NASA HEADQUARTERS. SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE (SWRI) WAS SELECTED FOR "STROFIO: EXOSPHERIC SAMPLING OF MERCURY'S SURFACE COMPOSITION" … Key points: 1. This award funds Phase B preliminary design for the STROFIO mission, focusing on Mercury's surface composition. 2. The project leverages the existing BepiColombo mission, offering a unique opportunity for complementary exospheric observations. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust selection process for this R&D initiative. 4. The sector is R&D, specifically physical and engineering sciences, aligning with NASA's exploration goals.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $35.2M for a multi-year R&D project appears reasonable given the scope of preliminary design and technology completion for a space mission.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple entities had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the best value is sought.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for scientific research and development, aiming to advance understanding of Mercury and enhance NASA's exploration capabilities.
Public Impact
Enhances scientific understanding of Mercury's exosphere and surface composition. Complements existing and ongoing international space missions (BepiColombo). Represents investment in advanced space science technology and research capabilities. Potential for future mission phases and further scientific discoveries.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long project duration (2009-2028) may present scope creep or technology obsolescence risks.
- Reliance on BepiColombo mission success introduces external dependencies.
Positive Signals
- Leverages existing international mission for cost-efficiency and scientific synergy.
- Focus on a unique scientific opportunity with potential for groundbreaking discoveries.
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting strong value proposition.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. Spending in this area is critical for technological advancement and scientific discovery, often characterized by long project timelines and high upfront investment.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the award went to Southwest Research Institute (SWRI), a large research organization. There is no explicit indication of small business participation in this specific award, though SWRI may subcontract.
Oversight & Accountability
The award is managed by NASA Headquarters, a primary agency for space exploration R&D. Oversight would involve standard contract management practices, milestone reviews, and financial accountability measures to ensure progress and responsible use of funds.
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
- Long contract duration increases risk of obsolescence and cost overruns.
- Dependency on the success and timeline of the BepiColombo mission.
- Potential for scope creep in a complex R&D project.
- Limited visibility into specific small business subcontracting opportunities.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, tx, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $35.2 million to SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE. STROFIO - PHASE B IS AWARDED FROM ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPPORTUNITY (AO) NNM08ZDA009O, STAND ALONE MISSION OF OPPORTUNITY NOTICE (SALMON) ISSUED BY NASA HEADQUARTERS. SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE (SWRI) WAS SELECTED FOR "STROFIO: EXOSPHERIC SAMPLING OF MERCURY'S SURFACE COMPOSITION" WITH DR. STEFANO LIVI AS THE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR FOR FUNDING AND APPROVED TO DIRECTLY ENTER PHASE B PRELIMINARY DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY COMPLETION. STROFIO WAS SELECTED BECAUSE IT IS TIMELY AND TAKES ADVANTAGE OF A UNI
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 $35.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-09-14. End: 2028-04-30.
What is the specific scientific return expected from STROFIO's observations compared to previous Mercury missions?
STROFIO aims to provide unique, in-situ measurements of Mercury's exospheric composition, complementing orbital data from missions like Mariner, MESSENGER, and BepiColombo. By directly sampling the exosphere, it can reveal details about surface-exosphere interactions, volatile release processes, and the elemental composition of Mercury's surface, offering insights not achievable through remote sensing alone.
What are the primary risks associated with the long duration of this contract, spanning nearly two decades?
The extended duration presents risks such as potential technology obsolescence if advancements occur rapidly, budget fluctuations over time, and the possibility of shifting scientific priorities within NASA or partner agencies. Personnel continuity and maintaining institutional knowledge over such a long period also pose challenges.
How does the selection of STROFIO contribute to NASA's broader strategic goals in planetary science and exploration?
STROFIO directly supports NASA's strategic goals by advancing fundamental knowledge of planetary bodies, particularly Mercury, a challenging and scientifically rich target. Its synergistic approach with the BepiColombo mission exemplifies international collaboration and efficient use of resources, enhancing NASA's global leadership in space science and exploration.
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: 1
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: $36,845,136
Exercised Options: $36,845,136
Current Obligation: $35,234,258
Actual Outlays: $8,081,827
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-09-14
Current End Date: 2028-04-30
Potential End Date: 2028-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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