NASA Awards $45.5M for Psyche Mission Concept Study to Arizona State University
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $45,529,122 ($45.5M)
Contractor: Arizona State University
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2015-11-13
End Date: 2032-08-31
Contract Duration: 6,136 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::CL,CT::IGF PSYCHE: JOURNEY TO A METAL WORLD THIS CONTRACT PROVIDES FOR WORK TO BE PERFORMED BY THE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR IN SUPPORT OF THE PHASE A CONCEPT DEFINITION PORTION OF THE NASA DISCOVERY PROGRAM 2014 ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPPORTUNITY (AO) (NNH14ZDA014O) SOLICITATION DATED NOVEMBER 5, 2014. THE MISSION PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (PI), DR. LINDA ELKINS-TANTON, OF THE SCHOOL OF EARTH AND SPACE EXPLORATION AT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY (ASU), IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUCCESS AND SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY OF THE MISSION. AS SUCH, THE PI SHALL LEAD THE PROJECT, MANAGE PROJECT RESOURCES, AND DIRECT ALL ACTIVITIES OF THE SCIENCE TEAM CARRIED OUT IN SUPPORT OF THE MISSION. SPECIFICALLY, DURING PHASE A, THE PI WILL LEAD THE MISSION TEAM IN CONDUCTING THE CONCEPT STUDY REPORT AND ASSOCIATED SITE VISIT. SHOULD THE MISSION BE SELECTED TO CONTINUE INTO PHASE B, THE PI WILL LEAD THE TEAM THROUGH THE INITIATION OF THE PHASE B EFFORT WITH A TRANSITION PHASE BETWEEN NOTIFICATION OF AWARD AND ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PHASE B CONTRACT. THE PI IS ASSISTED BY A DEPUTY PI, DR. JAMES BELL AT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY. JET PROPULSION LABORATORY (JPL) IS THE MISSION MAJOR PARTNER FOR SPACECRAFT DEVELOPMENT AND MISSION IMPLEMENTATION, AND SHALL SUPPORT THE PI WITH A PROJECT TEAM EXPERIENCED IN MANAGEMENT, SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, MISSION DESIGN, PAYLOAD DEVELOPMENT, SAFETY AND MISSION ASSURANCE, NAVIGATION, AND MISSION OPERATIONS. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES TO ADDRESS THE PHASE A CRITERIA AND GUIDELINES ARE: - PROJECT MANAGEMENT FOR THE PHASE A CONTRACT - CONDUCT AND SUPPORT OF PHASE A PROJECT REVIEWS - PHASE B/C/D/E SPACECRAFT DEVELOPMENT AND MISSION PLANNING - PHASE B/C/D/E COST ESTIMATES - CONCEPT STUDY REPORT PREPARATION - ORALS/SITE VISIT SUPPORT BY KEY PERSONNEL THIS CONTRACT PROVIDES FOR WORK TO BE PERFORMED BY THE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR IN SUPPORT OF THE PHASE A CONCEPT DEFINITION PORTION OF THE NASA DISCOVERY PROGRAM 2014 ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPPORTUNITY (AO) (NNH14ZDA014O) SOLICITATION DATED NOVEMBER 5, 2014. THE MISSION PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (PI), DR. LINDA ELKINS-TANTON, OF THE SCHOOL OF EARTH AND SPACE EXPLORATION AT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY (ASU), IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUCCESS AND SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY OF THE MISSION. AS SUCH, THE PI SHALL LEAD THE PROJECT, MANAGE PROJECT RESOURCES, AND DIRECT ALL ACTIVITIES OF THE SCIENCE TEAM CARRIED OUT IN SUPPORT OF THE MISSION. SPECIFICALLY, DURING PHASE A, THE PI WILL LEAD THE MISSION TEAM IN CONDUCTING THE CONCEPT STUDY REPORT AND ASSOCIATED SITE VISIT. SHOULD THE MISSION BE SELECTED TO CONTINUE INTO PHASE B, THE PI WILL LEAD THE TEAM THROUGH THE INITIATION OF THE PHASE B EFFORT WITH A TRANSITION PHASE BETWEEN NOTIFICATION OF AWARD AND ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PHASE B CONTRACT. THE PI IS ASSISTED BY A DEPUTY PI, DR. JAMES BELL AT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY. JET PROPULSION LABORATORY (JPL) IS THE MISSION MAJOR PARTNER FOR SPACECRAFT DEVELOPMENT AND MISSION IMPLEMENTATION, AND SHALL SUPPORT THE PI WITH A PROJECT TEAM EXPERIENCED IN MANAGEMENT, SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, MISSION DESIGN, PAYLOAD DEVELOPMENT, SAFETY AND MISSION ASSURANCE, NAVIGATION, AND MISSION OPERATIONS. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES TO ADDRESS THE PHASE A CRITERIA AND GUIDELINES ARE: - PROJECT MANAGEMENT FOR THE PHASE A CONTRACT - CONDUCT AND SUPPORT OF PHASE A PROJECT REVIEWS - PHASE B/C/D/E SPACECRAFT DEVELOPMENT AND MISSION PLANNING - PHASE B/C/D/E COST ESTIMATES - CONCEPT STUDY REPORT PREPARATION - ORALS/SITE VISIT SUPPORT BY KEY PERSONNEL
Place of Performance
Location: TEMPE, MARICOPA County, ARIZONA, 85281
State: Arizona Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $45.5 million to ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY for work described as: IGF::CL,CT::IGF PSYCHE: JOURNEY TO A METAL WORLD THIS CONTRACT PROVIDES FOR WORK TO BE PERFORMED BY THE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR IN SUPPORT OF THE PHASE A CONCEPT DEFINITION PORTION OF THE NASA DISCOVERY PROGRAM 2014 ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPPORTUNITY (AO) (NNH14ZDA014O) SOLICITATION DAT… Key points: 1. Contract supports Phase A concept definition for NASA's Psyche mission. 2. Arizona State University, led by Dr. Linda Elkins-Tanton, is responsible for scientific integrity. 3. The contract value is $45.5 million, with a long performance period. 4. This falls under R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $45.5 million appears to be a reasonable estimate for a Phase A concept study of this complexity. Benchmarking against similar NASA Discovery Program concept studies would provide a more definitive assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple proposals were likely considered. This competitive process generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for scientific exploration.
Public Impact
Supports a significant NASA Discovery Program mission with potential for scientific breakthroughs. Funds advanced research and development in space exploration technology and science. Long-term contract duration suggests sustained investment in the project.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration (over 15 years) may present budget uncertainty.
- Scope of work for Phase A is clearly defined, but future phases are not detailed.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Principal Investigator has clear responsibility for mission success.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically for physical, engineering, and life sciences. NASA's Discovery Program funds innovative, cost-capped science missions, and this award aligns with that objective.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific provisions or impacts related to small business participation in this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Principal Investigator is directly responsible for the success and scientific integrity of the mission, implying a high level of accountability. NASA's oversight will be crucial throughout the project lifecycle.
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 may increase cost uncertainty.
- Potential for scope creep in future mission phases.
- Reliance on a single Principal Investigator for overall mission success.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, az, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $45.5 million to ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY. IGF::CL,CT::IGF PSYCHE: JOURNEY TO A METAL WORLD THIS CONTRACT PROVIDES FOR WORK TO BE PERFORMED BY THE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR IN SUPPORT OF THE PHASE A CONCEPT DEFINITION PORTION OF THE NASA DISCOVERY PROGRAM 2014 ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPPORTUNITY (AO) (NNH14ZDA014O) SOLICITATION DATED NOVEMBER 5, 2014. THE MISSION PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (PI), DR. LINDA ELKINS-TANTON, OF THE SCHOOL OF EARTH AND SPACE EXPLORATION AT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY (ASU), IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUCCESS AND SCIENTIFIC INTEGR
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY.
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 $45.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2015-11-13. End: 2032-08-31.
What is the total estimated cost for the entire Psyche mission, and how does this Phase A funding compare to similar missions?
The provided data only details the Phase A concept definition contract value of $45.5 million. The total estimated cost for the entire Psyche mission is not available in this dataset. Benchmarking this Phase A cost against other NASA Discovery Program missions would be necessary to assess its relative value and efficiency for this early stage of development.
What are the key performance indicators and milestones for Phase A, and how will NASA measure the scientific integrity of the mission?
The contract specifies that the PI will lead the mission team in conducting the concept study report and associated site visits during Phase A. NASA will likely measure scientific integrity through regular progress reviews, adherence to scientific objectives, and the quality of the final concept study report. Specific performance indicators and milestones would typically be detailed in the contract's statement of work.
Are there any identified risks associated with the long contract duration and the complexity of the mission concept?
A contract duration extending to 2032 presents inherent risks related to technological obsolescence, evolving scientific understanding, and potential budget fluctuations over such a long period. The complexity of defining a mission concept for a metal world also carries scientific and engineering risks that will need to be managed proactively by the PI and NASA.
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 NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Arizona Board of Regents
Address: 660 S MILL AVE STE 312, TEMPE, AZ, 85281
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: $93,003,466
Exercised Options: $93,003,466
Current Obligation: $45,529,122
Actual Outlays: $27,703,687
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $2,899,021
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2015-11-13
Current End Date: 2032-08-31
Potential End Date: 2032-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-31
More Contracts from Arizona State University
- THE Robotic Lunar Explorationlunar Precursor Robotic Program (rleplprp) Consists of a Series of Robotic Lunar Exploration Missions to Prepare for and to Support Future Human Exploration Activities. the Primary Purpose of the Robotic Preparation IS to Reduce Risk, Enhance Mission Success, and Reduce the Cost of Future Human Missions. the LRO Payload Used to Accomplish the Mission Objectives Consists of the Following SIX Instruments: 1. Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (lola) Measurement Investigation Shall Determine the Global Topography of the Lunar Surface AT High Resolution, Measure Landing Site Slopes and Search for Polar Ices in Shadowed Regions; 2. Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (lroc) Shall Acquire Targeted Images of the Lunar Surface Capable of Resolving Small-Scale Features That Could BE Landing Site Hazards, AS Well AS Wide-Angle Images AT Multiple Wavelengths of the Lunar Poles to Document Changing Illumination Conditions and Potential Resources; 3. Lunar Exploration Neutron Detector (lend) Shall MAP the Flux of Neutrons From the Lunar Surface to Search for Evidence of Water ICE and Provide Measurements of the Space Radiation Environment Which CAN BE Useful for Future Human Exploration; 4. Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment (dlre) Shall MAP the Temperature of the Entire Lunar Surface AT 300 Meter Horizontal Scales to Identify Cold-Traps and Potential ICE Deposits; 5. Lyman-Alpha Mapping Project (lamp) Shall Observe the Entire Lunar Surface in the FAR Ultraviolet to Search for Surface Ices and Frosts in the Polar Regions and to Provide Images of Permanently Shadowed Regions Illuminated Only by Starlight; 6. Cosmic RAY Telescope for the Effects of Radiation (crater) Shall Investigate the Effect of Galactic Cosmic Rays on Tissue-Equivalent Plastics AS a Constraint on Models of Biological Response to Background Space Radiation. Each Instrument Will BE Managed by a Principal Investigator (PI), WHO Will BE Responsible for Delivering the Flight Instrument to the LRO Project, AS Well AS Producing the Instrument's Data Products and Delivering Them to the Planetary Data System (PDS) in Accordance With Their Data Product Specification Document — $92.8M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- TAS::75 0140::TAS — $25.3M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- Nasa IS Soliciting Proposals for Scientific Instruments That Might Reveal Answers About Lunar Resources That Could Support the Agency's Journey to Mars. Nasa Would Sponsor the Instruments to FLY on a Lunar Orbiter Designed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (kari). the Spacecraft, the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (kplo), IS Scheduled to Launch in December 2018, and IS Part of Kari's Korea Lunar Exploration Program, Which Aims to Robotically Explore the Moon Through a Series of Orbiter and Lander Missions, Starting With the Kplo. Kari, Headquartered in Daejeon, South Korea, Provided Nasa With About 33 Pounds (15 Kilograms) of Payload Mass Aboard the Kplo, Which IS Scheduled to Launch Into Lunar Orbit in December 2018. in September 2016, Nasa Issued a Solicitation Seeking Science Instruments That Could Increase OUR Understanding of the Distribution of Volatiles, Such AS Water, Including the Movement of Such Resources Toward Permanently Shadowed Regions and HOW They Become Trapped There. Shadowcam Will MAP the Reflectance Within the Permanently Shadowed Regions to Search for Evidence of Frost or ICE Deposits. the Instrument's Optical Camera IS Based on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Narrow Angle Camera, BUT IS 800 Times More Sensitive, Allowing IT to Obtain High-Resolution, High Signal-To-Noise Imaging of the Moon's Permanently Shadowed Regions. Shadowcam Will Observe the Psrs Monthly to Detect Seasonal Changes and Measure the Terrain Inside the Craters, Including the Distribution of Boulders. Nasa's Advanced Exploration Systems Division (AES) LED the Payload Solicitation and Selection for the Nasa Instrument on Kplo. a Division of the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, AES Uses Innovative Approaches and Public-Private Partnerships to Rapidly Develop Prototype Systems, Advance KEY Capabilities, and Validate Operational Concepts for Future Human Missions Beyond Earth Orbit. Through This Partnership Opportunity With Kari, AES IS Addressing KEY Lunar Skgs While Complementing Kari's Primary Mission Objectives and Instruments — $21.0M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Start Up/Enrollment Period — $6.2M (Department of Defense)
- Military Studies Curriculum - Base Year — $2.8M (Department of Defense)
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 →