NASA contract awarded for Wide Field Instrument opto-mechanical assembly for WFIRST mission
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $307,899,595 ($307.9M)
Contractor: BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2018-05-24
End Date: 2027-01-31
Sector: Other
Official Description: THE WOMA REQUIREMENT WAS ISSUED AS A FULL AND OPEN COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT TO DESIGN, ANALYZE, DEVELOP, FABRICATE, INTEGRATE, TEST, AND EVALUATE THE WIDE FIELD INSTRUMENT (WFI) OPTO-MECHANICAL ASSEMBLY (WOMA) FOR THE WIDE FIELD INFRARED SURVEY TELESCOPE (WFIRST) MISSION. IN ADDITION, IT DEFINES THE TASKS NECESSARY TO SUPPORT THE SUBSEQUENT INTEGRATION, TEST, EVALUATION, AND VALIDATION OF THE WFI. IT DEFINES THE POST-DELIVERY SUPPORT TO PAYLOAD AND OBSERVATORY INTEGRATION AND TEST, AND TO PRE-LAUNCH, LAUNCH AND COMMISSIONING ACTIVITIES AT THE MISSION OPERATIONS CENTER (MOC) AND TO SUPPLY AND MAINTAIN THE INSTRUMENT GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT (GSE).
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $307.9 million to BAE SYSTEMS SPACE & MISSION SYSTEMS INC. for work described as: THE WOMA REQUIREMENT WAS ISSUED AS A FULL AND OPEN COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT TO DESIGN, ANALYZE, DEVELOP, FABRICATE, INTEGRATE, TEST, AND EVALUATE THE WIDE FIELD INSTRUMENT (WFI) OPTO-MECHANICAL ASSEMBLY (WOMA) FOR THE WIDE FIELD INFRARED SURVEY TELESCOPE (WFIRST) MISSION. IN ADDIT… Key points: 1. Contract supports design, development, and testing of a key telescope component. 2. BAE Systems is the primary contractor for this significant space mission element. 3. The project spans several years, indicating a complex and long-term endeavor. 4. Procurement was conducted through full and open competition, promoting broad industry participation.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value is substantial, reflecting the complexity and importance of the Wide Field Instrument opto-mechanical assembly. The duration suggests a well-defined scope of work.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The requirement was issued as a full and open competitive procurement. This approach allows any qualified vendor to bid, fostering a competitive environment.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition aims to secure the best value for taxpayer dollars by encouraging a wide range of potential suppliers.
Public Impact
Advancement of space-based infrared astronomy capabilities. Potential for new scientific discoveries through advanced telescope technology. Supports NASA's long-term goals in space exploration and observation.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for schedule delays in complex space hardware development.
- Integration challenges with other telescope components.
- Ensuring long-term reliability of critical space hardware.
Positive Signals
- Experienced contractor with a history in space systems.
- Clear definition of tasks from design through post-delivery support.
- Competitive procurement process likely to yield high-quality results.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on the development of advanced scientific instruments for space telescopes. Such projects require specialized engineering and manufacturing capabilities.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, which typically does not prioritize small business set-asides unless specific circumstances apply. Further details on small business participation would require a deeper dive into the contract's specific clauses.
Oversight & Accountability
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is the awarding agency, indicating a high level of oversight. The multi-year duration and complexity of the project suggest ongoing monitoring and reporting requirements.
Related Government Programs
- Wide Field Instrument (WFI)
- Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) Mission
- Opto-Mechanical Assembly (WOMA)
Risk Flags
- Technology Readiness Level
- Supply Chain Risk
- Integration Complexity
Tags
space-telescope, infrared-astronomy, optics, mechanical-engineering, nasa, wfirst, bae-systems, procurement, contract-award, space-mission
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $307.9 million to BAE SYSTEMS SPACE & MISSION SYSTEMS INC.. THE WOMA REQUIREMENT WAS ISSUED AS A FULL AND OPEN COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT TO DESIGN, ANALYZE, DEVELOP, FABRICATE, INTEGRATE, TEST, AND EVALUATE THE WIDE FIELD INSTRUMENT (WFI) OPTO-MECHANICAL ASSEMBLY (WOMA) FOR THE WIDE FIELD INFRARED SURVEY TELESCOPE (WFIRST) MISSION. IN ADDITION, IT DEFINES THE TASKS NECESSARY TO SUPPORT THE SUBSEQUENT INTEGRATION, TEST, EVALUATION, AND VALIDATION OF THE WFI. IT DEFINES THE POST-DELIVERY SUPPORT TO PAYLOAD AND OBSERVATORY INTEGRATION AND TEST, AND TO PRE-LAU
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BAE SYSTEMS SPACE & MISSION SYSTEMS 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 $307.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-05-24. End: 2027-01-31.
Analysis insight 1
The WOMA is a critical component for the WFIRST mission's infrared survey capabilities.
Analysis insight 2
The contract covers the entire lifecycle from initial design to post-launch support.
Analysis insight 3
BAE Systems' role highlights the significant capabilities required for advanced space instrumentation.