NASA awards $117.7M contract to University of California for Compton Spectrometer and Imager (COSI) development

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $117,734,431 ($117.7M)

Contractor: Regents of the University of California, the

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2021-03-23

End Date: 2027-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,382 days

Daily Burn Rate: $49.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: THE COMPTON SPECTROMETER AND IMAGER (COSI)

Place of Performance

Location: BERKELEY, ALAMEDA County, CALIFORNIA, 94710

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $117.7 million to REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, THE for work described as: THE COMPTON SPECTROMETER AND IMAGER (COSI) Key points: 1. Contract awarded for a significant scientific instrument development project. 2. Focus on research and development in physical sciences. 3. Long contract duration suggests a complex and lengthy project lifecycle. 4. Awarded through full and open competition, indicating broad market engagement. 5. Contract type is 'Cost No Fee', implying performance incentives are tied to cost control. 6. Potential for significant scientific advancement and data generation.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $117.7 million for the Compton Spectrometer and Imager (COSI) appears reasonable for a complex scientific instrument development project of this scale and duration. Benchmarking against similar NASA instrument development contracts would provide a more precise assessment, but the cost-no-fee structure suggests the contractor bears some risk. The contract's duration of approximately 6.5 years also indicates a substantial undertaking.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple potential bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of 5 proposals indicates a healthy level of interest and competition for this NASA research and development opportunity. This competitive process is expected to have driven a more favorable price and technical solution for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to better value for taxpayers by ensuring that the government receives the most advantageous offer based on price and technical merit.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the scientific community and the public, who will gain new insights into cosmic phenomena. The contract will deliver the Compton Spectrometer and Imager (COSI), a sophisticated scientific instrument. The geographic impact is primarily at the contractor's location in California, with potential for national and international scientific collaboration. Workforce implications include employment for researchers, engineers, technicians, and support staff involved in instrument design, fabrication, and testing.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

• Cost-no-fee contracts can sometimes lead to scope creep if not managed tightly, as the contractor is not directly penalized for cost overruns.
• The long duration of the contract increases the risk of technological obsolescence or changes in scientific priorities.
• Reliance on a single institution for development may limit the diversity of approaches or innovations.

Positive Signals

• Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
• The contractor, the Regents of the University of California, likely has a strong track record in scientific research and instrument development.
• The project aims to advance fundamental scientific understanding, representing a significant public good.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical sciences. The market for developing advanced scientific instruments for space exploration is specialized, often involving academic institutions and dedicated aerospace firms. NASA's spending in this area is crucial for maintaining its scientific leadership and achieving its exploration goals. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large-scale instrument development contracts awarded by NASA or other space agencies.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication of a small business set-aside for this contract, and the prime contractor is a large academic institution. However, the prime contractor may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specialized components or services, contributing to the small business ecosystem. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be provided by NASA, likely through program managers and contracting officers. Accountability measures are inherent in the contract terms, particularly regarding milestones and deliverables. Transparency is generally maintained through NASA's public outreach and reporting on its scientific missions. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

• NASA Science Mission Directorate Programs
• Astrophysics Missions
• Space Science Instrument Development
• University Research Grants

Risk Flags

• Long contract duration
• Cost-No-Fee structure
• Potential for technological obsolescence

Tags

nasa, university-of-california, compton-spectrometer-and-imager, cosi, r&d, physical-sciences, definitive-contract, full-and-open-competition, cost-no-fee, california, research-and-development-in-the-physical-engineering-and-life-sciences-except-nanotechnology-and-biotechnology, nasa-headquarters

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $117.7 million to REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, THE. THE COMPTON SPECTROMETER AND IMAGER (COSI)

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 $117.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-03-23. End: 2027-09-30.

What is the specific scientific objective of the Compton Spectrometer and Imager (COSI)?

The Compton Spectrometer and Imager (COSI) is designed to observe and map the distribution of high-energy gamma-ray emissions from various cosmic sources. Its primary scientific objectives include studying the nature of dark matter annihilation signals, understanding the origin and evolution of the most energetic phenomena in the universe (like supernovae remnants and pulsars), and mapping the distribution of galactic and extragalactic gamma-ray sources. By precisely measuring the energy, direction, and polarization of gamma rays, COSI aims to provide unprecedented insights into fundamental physics and astrophysics.

How does the 'Cost No Fee' (Cost-Reimbursable, No Fee) contract type impact risk and incentive for the contractor?

A 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) contract is a type of cost-reimbursable contract where the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred in performing the contract, but receives no fee or profit. This structure places the primary financial risk on the government, as it bears the full cost of the effort regardless of profit. For the contractor, the incentive is primarily driven by factors other than profit, such as fulfilling a mission objective, maintaining a strong relationship with the government agency, gaining experience, or securing future contracts. While there's no direct financial gain, the contractor is still motivated to perform effectively to meet the contract's technical requirements and maintain its reputation.

What is the typical cost range for developing similar scientific instruments for space missions?

The cost of developing scientific instruments for space missions can vary dramatically based on complexity, technology readiness, size, and mission objectives. However, instruments comparable in scope and technological sophistication to the COSI, which involves advanced gamma-ray detection and imaging, often range from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars. For instance, instruments for major space telescopes or complex planetary probes can easily exceed $100 million. The $117.7 million awarded to the University of California for COSI aligns with the higher end of costs for sophisticated, research-focused instruments, reflecting the cutting-edge nature of the technology and the extensive development required.

What is the track record of the Regents of the University of California in developing scientific instruments for NASA?

The Regents of the University of California, particularly through its various campuses like UC Berkeley, has a long and distinguished history of contributing to NASA's scientific endeavors. They have been involved in the design, development, and operation of numerous scientific instruments and missions across various disciplines, including astrophysics, planetary science, and heliophysics. Their expertise often lies in areas requiring complex instrumentation and data analysis. While specific details for COSI's development team's prior experience would require deeper investigation, the institution's overall reputation suggests a strong capability in undertaking such advanced scientific projects for NASA.

What are the potential risks associated with a long-duration R&D contract like this?

Long-duration Research and Development (R&D) contracts, such as the COSI project spanning over 6 years, carry several inherent risks. Technological obsolescence is a significant concern; the scientific or engineering landscape might evolve rapidly, potentially making the developed technology less cutting-edge or even outdated by the time of deployment. Changes in scientific priorities or budget allocations within the funding agency (NASA) could lead to scope adjustments or even project cancellation. Furthermore, maintaining team cohesion and expertise over an extended period can be challenging, and the risk of key personnel departing increases. Finally, the longer the project, the greater the cumulative exposure to unforeseen technical challenges and cost fluctuations, even within a cost-reimbursable framework.

How does the geographic location of the contractor (California) influence the contract's execution or oversight?

The contractor's location in California places it within a region known for its strong aerospace and technology sectors, potentially offering access to a skilled workforce and specialized suppliers. For NASA oversight, having a contractor located on the West Coast might necessitate specific logistical arrangements for site visits, reviews, and communication, potentially involving more travel for government personnel compared to a contractor located closer to NASA headquarters. However, with modern communication tools, the geographic distance is often manageable. California's robust university system also provides a strong academic research environment that can be beneficial for R&D projects.

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 › Space R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: NNH19ZDA011O

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1608 4TH ST STE 201, BERKELEY, CA, 94710

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Higher Education (Minority Serving), Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $165,564,175

Exercised Options: $165,564,175

Current Obligation: $117,734,431

Actual Outlays: $91,829,350

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4

Total Subaward Amount: $59,431,468

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline

Start Date: 2021-03-23

Current End Date: 2027-09-30

Potential End Date: 2027-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2026-03-06

More Contracts from Regents of the University of California, the

• M&O of Lanl BR of U of CA — $35.3B (Department of Energy)
• Phase a Through F - Icon. This Contract IS for the University of California (UCB) AT Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory, the Prime Contractual Interface for Nasa for the Ionospheric Connection Explorer (lcon) Mission Investigation Team, That Covers Phase a of the Mission. the Nasa AO IS Nnhiizda0020. Under the Direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) DR. Thomas Immel, UCB Will BE the Principal Contractor to Nasa for Icon. UCB Shall Conduct the Phase a Concept Study in Accordance With the Concept Study Guidelines. in Performance of This Study, the Icon Team Shall: a. Conduct Trade and Risk Reduction Studies; B. Update and Refine the Existing Mission Cost Estimates and Financial Plan; C. Integrate and Deliver to Nasa ALL Subcontractor and UCB Financial Reports; D. Develop Plan for Earned Value Management to BE in Place During Phases C and D; E. Develop the Mission Implementation Plan for Phase B/Cid, and E; F. Defme the Risk Management Plan and Develop Mitigation Strategies; G. Outline the Fabrication, Integration, Test, and Operation of the System; H. Define the Education, Outreach, Technology, and Small Business Disadvantaged Business Plans; I. Develop a Preliminary Performance Assurance Implementation Plan (paip); J. Develop a Preliminary Systems Engineering Management Plan; K. Document the Results of the Studies in the Phase a Concept Study Report; and L. Present the Icon Concept to the Nasa Associate Administrator — $182.1M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
• Global Lyman-Alpha Imagers of the Dynamic Exosphere (glide) Instrument Program Development (phase B) Support — $78.5M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
• Phase a Concept Study for Hessi Investigation — $70.0M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
• Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (escapade) Mission -.phase a Concept Study — $66.7M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)

View all Regents of the University of California, the federal contracts →

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 →

Explore Related Government Spending