NASA Awards $5.2M for ISS Space Biology Hardware Mission Integration and Operations to AEGIS AEROSPACE INC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $5,242,613 ($5.2M)
Contractor: Aegis Aerospace Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2018-12-18
End Date: 2024-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,113 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: REMIS MULTI-USE SPACE BIOLOGY HARDWARE MISSION INTEGRATION AND OPERATIONS AND SUSTAINING ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR RESEARCH ON THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
Place of Performance
Location: HOUSTON, HARRIS County, TEXAS, 77058
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $5.2 million to AEGIS AEROSPACE INC for work described as: REMIS MULTI-USE SPACE BIOLOGY HARDWARE MISSION INTEGRATION AND OPERATIONS AND SUSTAINING ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR RESEARCH ON THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION Key points: 1. Contract awarded to AEGIS AEROSPACE INC for critical ISS research support. 2. Focus on multi-use space biology hardware, integration, operations, and sustaining engineering. 3. Competition method was Full and Open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. Sector is R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, vital for space exploration.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $5.2M over approximately 6 years appears reasonable for specialized space biology hardware support. Benchmarking against similar NASA contracts for ISS operations and research services would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under Full and Open Competition, indicating multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential space research infrastructure and operations.
Public Impact
Supports ongoing scientific research on the International Space Station. Ensures the operational readiness and sustainability of critical space biology hardware. Contributes to advancements in space biology and potential applications on Earth. Maintains U.S. leadership in space exploration and scientific discovery.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in long-term sustaining engineering.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical ISS operations.
- Scope creep risk if research requirements evolve significantly.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports vital scientific research on the ISS.
- Long-term contract duration ensures continuity of operations.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences for space applications. Spending in this area is crucial for NASA's mission objectives and scientific advancement, with benchmarks varying widely based on project scope and complexity.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and was awarded under full and open competition. Therefore, small business participation is not explicitly guaranteed by the contract structure, though they may have participated as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's procurement processes and contract management teams are responsible for overseeing this contract. Regular performance reviews and financial oversight are expected to ensure AEGIS AEROSPACE INC meets its obligations and taxpayer funds are managed effectively.
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 can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- Long contract duration (over 5 years) increases exposure to market changes and unforeseen issues.
- Reliance on sustaining engineering for aging hardware presents technical and cost risks.
- No explicit small business set-aside may limit opportunities for smaller innovative firms.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, tx, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $5.2 million to AEGIS AEROSPACE INC. REMIS MULTI-USE SPACE BIOLOGY HARDWARE MISSION INTEGRATION AND OPERATIONS AND SUSTAINING ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR RESEARCH ON THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AEGIS AEROSPACE 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 $5.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-12-18. End: 2024-09-30.
What is the projected cost per year for this contract, and how does it compare to similar ISS hardware support contracts?
The total contract value is $5.2M over approximately 2113 days (about 5.8 years), averaging roughly $897,000 per year. Direct comparison is difficult without specific details on the scope of work for other ISS hardware support contracts, as complexity and services rendered can vary significantly. However, this annual figure seems within a reasonable range for specialized engineering and operational support for complex scientific hardware.
What are the primary risks associated with the 'sustaining engineering' aspect of this contract, and how are they mitigated?
Risks in sustaining engineering include unforeseen technical challenges, aging hardware requiring extensive refurbishment, and the potential for escalating costs due to the need for specialized expertise or parts. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust technical reviews, proactive maintenance schedules, clear change order processes, and performance incentives within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure to manage costs effectively.
How effectively does this contract support the overall scientific goals of the International Space Station research program?
This contract is designed to directly support the scientific goals by ensuring the reliable operation and integration of space biology hardware. By providing essential mission integration, operations, and sustaining engineering, it minimizes downtime and technical issues, allowing researchers to focus on their experiments. The continuity provided by this long-term contract is crucial for the success of multi-year research projects on the ISS.
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: SEALED BID
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 18050 SATURN LN, HOUSTON, TX, 77058
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $5,242,613
Exercised Options: $5,242,613
Current Obligation: $5,242,613
Actual Outlays: $5,052,871
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80JSC017D0008
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-12-18
Current End Date: 2024-09-30
Potential End Date: 2024-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-30
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