NASA awards $2.67M contract for in-space semiconductor crystal production, focusing on R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,672,533 ($2.7M)
Contractor: United Semiconductors, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2022-08-10
End Date: 2027-06-30
Contract Duration: 1,785 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 20
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IN-SPACE PRODUCTION OF SEMIMETAL-SEMICONDUCTOR COMPOSITE (SSC) CRYSTALS
Place of Performance
Location: LOS ALAMITOS, ORANGE County, CALIFORNIA, 90720
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $2.7 million to UNITED SEMICONDUCTORS, LLC for work described as: IN-SPACE PRODUCTION OF SEMIMETAL-SEMICONDUCTOR COMPOSITE (SSC) CRYSTALS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on novel research and development for advanced materials. 2. Firm Fixed Price contract type suggests clear scope and cost control. 3. Long performance period indicates a complex, multi-year research effort. 4. Competition was open, suggesting potential for fair market pricing. 5. Contractor has a track record in semiconductor-related work. 6. Small business set-aside was not utilized for this award.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $2.67 million for R&D in specialized materials appears reasonable given the long performance period and the niche nature of in-space production. Benchmarking is difficult due to the unique focus on extraterrestrial manufacturing. However, the firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government. The award amount is not excessively high compared to other advanced materials R&D contracts of similar scope and duration.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The presence of 20 offers suggests a competitive environment for this specialized R&D. A robust number of bidders generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more innovative solutions, as contractors vie for the award.
Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition likely resulted in a more favorable price for taxpayers by encouraging multiple companies to submit proposals and compete on cost and technical merit.
Public Impact
Benefits NASA's research into advanced materials and space-based manufacturing capabilities. Services delivered include the development and testing of in-space production techniques for semiconductor crystals. Geographic impact is primarily within the United States, with potential for future space-based operations. Workforce implications include specialized roles in materials science, engineering, and space technology.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if research proves more complex than anticipated, despite FFP.
- Dependence on a single contractor for this specific R&D could limit future options.
- Technological risks associated with novel in-space manufacturing processes.
Positive Signals
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
- Long contract duration allows for thorough research and development.
- Open competition suggests a healthy market interest in this technology.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced materials and manufacturing technologies relevant to space exploration. The market for in-space manufacturing is nascent but growing, driven by the need for specialized components and reduced reliance on Earth-based supply chains. Comparable spending benchmarks are scarce due to the novelty, but R&D spending in advanced materials by agencies like NASA and DoD often runs into millions for complex projects.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned in the provided data. The award to a larger entity suggests the scope or technical requirements may have favored established players in the semiconductor or aerospace R&D fields. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved in the supply chain or as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is subject to standard NASA oversight for R&D projects. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price structure and the defined performance period. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases. The Inspector General's office would have jurisdiction over any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this award.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Advanced Materials Research
- Space-Based Manufacturing Initiatives
- Semiconductor Research and Development
- Materials Science Research Contracts
Risk Flags
- Novel Technology Risk
- Long Performance Period
- Specialized R&D Focus
Tags
nasa, research-and-development, advanced-materials, semiconductors, space-based-manufacturing, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, definitive-contract, california, united-states
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $2.7 million to UNITED SEMICONDUCTORS, LLC. IN-SPACE PRODUCTION OF SEMIMETAL-SEMICONDUCTOR COMPOSITE (SSC) CRYSTALS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNITED SEMICONDUCTORS, LLC.
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 $2.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-08-10. End: 2027-06-30.
What is the track record of UNITED SEMICONDUCTORS, LLC in performing government contracts, particularly those related to R&D and advanced materials?
UNITED SEMICONDUCTORS, LLC has a history of performing government contracts, though specific details on their track record for advanced materials R&D are not fully detailed in the provided summary. Their involvement in this NASA contract suggests they possess the requisite technical capabilities and experience in semiconductor-related fields. A deeper dive into their contract performance history, including past performance evaluations and any prior awards in similar technological domains, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and expertise for this specific project. Examining their portfolio of previous government work can indicate their success rate in meeting deadlines, budget constraints, and technical specifications for complex research endeavors.
How does the $2.67 million contract value compare to similar R&D efforts in advanced materials or space-based manufacturing?
The $2.67 million contract value for in-space production of semiconductor crystals appears to be within a reasonable range for a specialized Research and Development (R&D) effort with a long performance period (over 4 years). Benchmarking is challenging due to the unique nature of 'in-space production.' However, R&D contracts for novel materials and manufacturing processes, especially those involving space applications, often require significant investment. For context, similar advanced materials R&D projects funded by agencies like the Department of Defense or NASA can range from a few million to tens of millions of dollars, depending on the complexity, technological maturity, and scale of the research. The firm fixed-price nature of this contract also suggests a defined scope, which helps in cost management compared to cost-plus contracts.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?
The primary risks associated with this contract revolve around the inherent uncertainties of R&D, particularly in a novel area like in-space semiconductor crystal production. Technological risks include the possibility that the proposed methods may not be feasible or scalable in a space environment, leading to delays or failure to meet objectives. Performance risks could arise if the contractor, UNITED SEMICONDUCTORS, LLC, encounters unforeseen technical challenges or resource limitations. Mitigation strategies include the firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type, which incentivizes the contractor to manage costs effectively. The long performance period allows for iterative development and testing. NASA's oversight and the contractor's presumed expertise in semiconductor R&D also serve as risk mitigation factors. However, the specific technical challenges of space-based manufacturing remain a significant risk.
What is the expected effectiveness of this contract in advancing NASA's goals for space-based manufacturing?
This contract is expected to be effective in advancing NASA's goals by directly funding research into a critical area for future space exploration and utilization: in-space production of essential materials like semiconductor crystals. Success in this R&D effort could pave the way for manufacturing components in orbit, reducing the need to transport heavy raw materials from Earth, thereby lowering mission costs and enabling more complex, long-duration space missions. It contributes to developing a domestic capability for space-based manufacturing, enhancing technological independence and potentially creating new economic opportunities. The research outcomes will inform future technology development and operational strategies for sustained human presence and industrial activity in space.
How does historical spending on similar R&D contracts by NASA compare to this award?
Historical spending by NASA on R&D contracts for advanced materials and manufacturing technologies varies significantly based on project scope and duration. While specific figures for 'in-space semiconductor crystal production' are not readily available due to its novelty, NASA consistently invests in materials science and advanced manufacturing research. Contracts in related fields, such as developing new alloys, composites, or additive manufacturing techniques for space applications, have historically ranged from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars. This $2.67 million award for a multi-year R&D effort aligns with the typical investment scale for foundational research in cutting-edge technologies aimed at enabling future space missions and capabilities. The number of offers (20) suggests this is an area of active interest and investment within the broader R&D landscape.
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: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: NNJ13BG001N
Offers Received: 20
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 10571 CALLE LEE STE C-171, LOS ALAMITOS, CA, 90720
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,712,533
Exercised Options: $2,712,533
Current Obligation: $2,672,533
Actual Outlays: $2,079,347
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-08-10
Current End Date: 2027-06-30
Potential End Date: 2027-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-20
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