NASA's GLIDE Instrument Program Receives $78.5M for Exosphere Imaging Development
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $78,483,864 ($78.5M)
Contractor: Regents of the University of California, the
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2021-02-10
End Date: 2026-05-05
Contract Duration: 1,910 days
Daily Burn Rate: $41.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 14
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: GLOBAL LYMAN-ALPHA IMAGERS OF THE DYNAMIC EXOSPHERE (GLIDE) INSTRUMENT PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT (PHASE B) SUPPORT.
Place of Performance
Location: BERKELEY, ALAMEDA County, CALIFORNIA, 94710
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $78.5 million to REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, THE for work described as: GLOBAL LYMAN-ALPHA IMAGERS OF THE DYNAMIC EXOSPHERE (GLIDE) INSTRUMENT PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT (PHASE B) SUPPORT. Key points: 1. The contract supports Phase B development of the GLIDE instrument program. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract value is substantial, indicating a significant investment in R&D. 4. The sector is Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $78.5 million for Phase B development appears reasonable given the scope of developing a scientific instrument program. Benchmarking against similar NASA instrument development contracts would provide further context.
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 and allows for the best value to be selected. The use of a definitive contract indicates a clear scope of work.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced scientific research and development, aiming to enhance our understanding of Earth's exosphere.
Public Impact
Advancement in space science and Earth observation capabilities. Potential for new discoveries about atmospheric dynamics. Development of cutting-edge imaging technology.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in long-term R&D projects.
- Dependency on specific research outcomes and technological advancements.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical scientific research objectives.
- Leverages competitive procurement for potential cost efficiencies.
- Invests in advanced technology development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical sciences and engineering for space applications. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement and technological innovation, often characterized by high upfront investment and long development cycles.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-asides or participation goals for small businesses in this contract. Further investigation would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by NASA, a federal agency with established oversight mechanisms for research and development programs. Accountability will likely be tied to project milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Long-term R&D project with inherent uncertainties.
- Potential for scope creep or requirement changes.
- Dependency on technological breakthroughs.
- Contract duration extends over several years.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $78.5 million to REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, THE. GLOBAL LYMAN-ALPHA IMAGERS OF THE DYNAMIC EXOSPHERE (GLIDE) INSTRUMENT PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT (PHASE B) SUPPORT.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, THE.
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 $78.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-02-10. End: 2026-05-05.
What are the specific scientific objectives of the GLIDE instrument program and how will its development contribute to NASA's broader mission?
The GLIDE instrument program aims to develop advanced imaging capabilities to study Earth's dynamic exosphere. Its primary scientific objective is to gain a deeper understanding of the processes governing this outermost layer of the atmosphere, which influences space weather and satellite operations. This contributes to NASA's mission by enhancing our knowledge of Earth's environment and its interaction with space.
What are the key technical risks associated with developing the GLIDE instrument, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
Key technical risks likely include achieving the required imaging resolution and sensitivity, ensuring instrument durability in the space environment, and integrating complex sensor technologies. Mitigation strategies would typically involve rigorous testing, phased development with clear go/no-go decision points, and contingency planning for potential component failures or performance shortfalls.
How will the success of the GLIDE instrument program be measured, and what are the expected long-term benefits for scientific research and potential commercial applications?
Success will be measured by the instrument's ability to meet its performance specifications, achieve its scientific data acquisition goals, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications. Long-term benefits include advancing fundamental atmospheric science, improving space weather forecasting, and potentially enabling new remote sensing technologies for environmental monitoring or other applications.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNH17ZDA004O-HPSMO
Offers Received: 14
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1608 4TH ST STE 220, BERKELEY, CA, 94710
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public)
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $83,431,214
Exercised Options: $83,431,214
Current Obligation: $78,483,864
Actual Outlays: $76,043,157
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $3,148,735
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-02-10
Current End Date: 2026-05-05
Potential End Date: 2026-05-05 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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