NASA Awards $33M for ISS Engineering and Integration, Facing Potential Cost Overruns
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $33,014,148 ($33.0M)
Contractor: Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2014-04-01
End Date: 2019-04-13
Contract Duration: 1,838 days
Daily Burn Rate: $18.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF ENGINEERING AND INTEGRATION WORK FOR MATERIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH RACK (MSRR), MICROGRAVITY SCIENCE GLOVEBOX (MSG) AND INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION SERVIR ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND VISUALIZATION SYSTEM (ISERV) THIS DELIVERY ORDER COVERS WORK FOR MSFC MANAGED FACILITIES AND PAYLOADS. THE FACILITIES CONSIST OF THE MICROGRAVITY SCIENCES GLOVEBOX (MSG) AND THE MATERIALS SCIENCE RESEARCH RACK 1 (MSRR-1). THE PAYLOADS CONSIST OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (ISS) SERVIR ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND VISUALIZATION (ISERV) PATHFINDER, WHICH IS CURRENTLY OPERATING IN THE WINDOW OBSERVATIONAL RESEARCH FACILITY (WORF). THE MICROGRAVITY SCIENCE GLOVEBOX (MSG), LOCATED IN THE UNITED STATES (U.S.) DESTINY LABORATORY MODULE, ENABLES SCIENTISTS FROM MULTIPLE DISCIPLINES TO PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN THE ASSEMBLY AND OPERATION OF EXPERIMENTS IN SPACE WITH MUCH THE SAME DEGREE OF INVOLVEMENT THEY HAVE IN THEIR OWN RESEARCH LABORATORIES. DEVELOPED BY THE EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY (ESA) AND MANAGED BY THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION S (NASA'S) MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER (MSFC). THE MSG WAS LAUNCHED ON THE SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOR, STS-111, ISS FLIGHT UF2, IN JUNE 2002. THIS FACILITY OFFERS AN ENCLOSED 255-LITER (9 CUBIC FOOT) WORK AREA ACCESSIBLE TO THE CREW THROUGH GLOVE PORTS AND TO GROUND-BASED SCIENTISTS THROUGH REAL-TIME DATA LINKS AND VIDEO. BECAUSE THE WORK AREA IS SEALED AND HELD AT A NEGATIVE PRESSURE, THE CREW CAN MANIPULATE EXPERIMENT HARDWARE AND SAMPLES WITHOUT THE DANGER OF SMALL PARTS, PARTICULATES, FLUIDS, OR GASSES ESCAPING INTO THE OPEN LABORATORY MODULE. THE MATERIALS SCIENCE RESEARCH RACK (MSRR) LAUNCHED ABOARD SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS ON STS -128 ON AUGUST 28, 2009. MSRR ALLOWS FOR STUDY OF A VARIETY OF MATERIALS INCLUDING METALS, CERAMICS, SEMICONDUCTOR CRYSTALS AND GLASS ABOARD THE ISS. MSRR IS HOUSED IN THE U.S. DESTINY LABORATORY MODULE. MATERIALS SCIENCE IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF DEVELOPMENT OF NEW MATERIALS FOR EVERYDAY LIFE HERE ON EARTH. THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RESEARCH RACK WAS A COOPERATIVE EFFORT BETWEEN THE MARSHALL CENTER AND THE EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY. THE MATERIALS BEING STUDIED ARE FLOWN AND PROCESSED IN SAMPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLIES (SCAS). DEVELOPMENT OF NEW SCAS IS CURRENTLY UNDERWAY. THE ISERV PATHFINDER LAUNCHED ON JULY 21, 2012 ABOARD HTV-3. THE ISERV SUB-RACK PAYLOAD IS AN EARTH OBSERVING HIGH-RESOLUTION SYSTEM BASED PRIMARILY ON MODIFIED COMMERCIAL OFF-THE-SHELF (COTS) COMPONENTS, WHICH WERE DEVELOPED BY THE NASA-SERVIR PROJECT FOR OPERATION IN THE WORF RACK. THE NASA-SERVIR PROJECT SUPPORTS HUMANITARIAN AID AND DISASTER RESPONSE FOR DEVELOPING NATIONS BY PROVIDING EARTH SCIENCE INFORMATION AND DECISION SUPPORT DATA PRODUCTS. CURRENTLY, SERVIR DOES NOT OWN/CONTROL ANY EARTH OBSERVATION RESOURCES AND MUST TASK COMMERCIAL AND PUBLIC ASSETS FOR DATA ACQUISITION RESULTING IN DELAYS AND MISSED OPPORTUNITIES. THE ISERV PAYLOAD IS THE FIRST STEP IN MITIGATING THIS SITUATION. ISERV IS A PATHFINDER PAYLOAD CHARACTERIZED AS A DEVELOPMENTAL FLIGHT TEST WITH THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF DEVELOPING OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE WITH AN ISS-BASED REMOTE SENSING SYSTEM. THE EXPERIENCE GAINED WITH ISERV WILL FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN OPERATIONAL EXTERNALLY MOUNTED IMAGING SYSTEM ABOARD THE ISS. THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF THE ISERV PATHFINDER PAYLOAD INCLUDE: A. DEVELOPMENT OF GENERAL TASKING, UTILIZATION, GROUND COMMANDING, DATA ACQUISITION, AND PROCESSING EXPERIENCE. B. DEVELOPMENT OF IMAGE ACQUISITION, PROCESSING, AND ANALYSIS CAPABILITIES. C. DEVELOPMENT OF FULL COMMANDING, ACQUISITION, AND PROCESSING OPERATIONS CAPABILITIES FOR ISERV HUMANITARIAN AID AND DISASTER MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS. D. INFORMING THE DEFINITION OF REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE FOR A POTENTIAL EXTERNALLY MOUNTED ISERV IMAGING SYSTEM. E. APPLICATION OF ACQUIRED IMAGES FOR SERVIR PURPOSES.
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35812
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $33.0 million to TELEDYNE BROWN ENGINEERING, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF ENGINEERING AND INTEGRATION WORK FOR MATERIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH RACK (MSRR), MICROGRAVITY SCIENCE GLOVEBOX (MSG) AND INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION SERVIR ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND VISUALIZATION SYSTEM (ISERV) THIS DELIVERY ORDER COVERS WORK FOR MSFC MANAGED FACILITIES … Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. Significant portion of the contract value ($33M) allocated to R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 3. Potential for cost overruns exists given the 'COST PLUS FIXED FEE' contract type and extended duration. 4. The contract supports critical International Space Station (ISS) research facilities and payloads.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. The duration of 1838 days for a $33M contract warrants close monitoring for efficiency.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure may limit the direct price discovery benefits of competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced space research, contributing to scientific advancement and technological innovation.
Public Impact
Supports ongoing scientific research aboard the International Space Station, advancing understanding in material science and microgravity. The work contributes to the operational integrity and functionality of key ISS modules like MSG and MSRR. Enhances NASA's capabilities for environmental research and visualization through systems like ISERV. Potential for spin-off technologies and innovations benefiting various terrestrial applications.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Long contract duration
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition
- Supports critical scientific research
- Located in Alabama, potentially supporting regional economy
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and space exploration, with benchmarks varying widely based on project scope and complexity.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific subcontracting or participation by small businesses in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business involvement.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). Oversight would focus on ensuring adherence to the fixed fee, managing cost-plus elements, and verifying successful completion of research objectives.
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
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type increases financial risk.
- Long contract duration (1838 days) presents extended risk exposure.
- R&D projects inherently carry uncertainty and potential for cost overruns.
- Lack of specific small business participation data.
- Potential for scope creep in complex research environments.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, al, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $33.0 million to TELEDYNE BROWN ENGINEERING, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF ENGINEERING AND INTEGRATION WORK FOR MATERIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH RACK (MSRR), MICROGRAVITY SCIENCE GLOVEBOX (MSG) AND INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION SERVIR ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND VISUALIZATION SYSTEM (ISERV) THIS DELIVERY ORDER COVERS WORK FOR MSFC MANAGED FACILITIES AND PAYLOADS. THE FACILITIES CONSIST OF THE MICROGRAVITY SCIENCES GLOVEBOX (MSG) AND THE MATERIALS SCIENCE RESEARCH RACK 1 (MSRR-1). THE PAYLOADS CONSIST OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (ISS) SERVIR ENVIRONMENTAL RESE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TELEDYNE BROWN ENGINEERING, INC..
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 $33.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2014-04-01. End: 2019-04-13.
What specific cost controls and performance metrics are in place to mitigate risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure over the 1838-day period?
Effective oversight would involve detailed cost tracking, regular performance reviews against milestones, and robust change control processes. Metrics should focus on efficiency of resource utilization, adherence to budget projections for the fixed fee portion, and timely delivery of research outcomes. Independent audits could also provide an additional layer of accountability.
How does the $33M award compare to similar engineering and integration contracts for ISS payloads and facilities in terms of cost-effectiveness?
Benchmarking this $33M award requires comparing it against contracts for similar scope, complexity, and duration. Factors like the specific technologies involved, the level of R&D, and the contractor's historical performance are crucial. Without detailed comparative data on similar ISS projects, assessing cost-effectiveness definitively is challenging.
What is the projected long-term impact of the research enabled by this contract on NASA's future space exploration initiatives?
The research supported by this contract, particularly in material science and microgravity, is foundational for long-duration space missions and potential off-world habitation. Advancements in these areas can lead to more efficient life support systems, improved spacecraft materials, and new scientific discoveries, directly influencing the feasibility and success of future exploration endeavors.
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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
Address: 300 SPARKMAN DR NW, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35805
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $38,365,366
Exercised Options: $38,365,366
Current Obligation: $33,014,148
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 54
Total Subaward Amount: $7,521,882
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNM13AA35C
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2014-04-01
Current End Date: 2019-04-13
Potential End Date: 2019-04-13 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-05-14
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