NASA Awards $2.9M for In-Space Stem Cell Therapy Production to Cedars-Sinai
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,930,391 ($2.9M)
Contractor: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2022-09-21
End Date: 2026-12-30
Contract Duration: 1,561 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.9K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IN-SPACE PRODUCTION OF STEM CELL THERAPIES
Place of Performance
Location: WEST HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 90048
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $2.9 million to CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER for work described as: IN-SPACE PRODUCTION OF STEM CELL THERAPIES Key points: 1. Focus on advanced biomedical research with potential for significant health breakthroughs. 2. Limited competition raises questions about price discovery and potential cost efficiencies. 3. High-risk, high-reward project with long-term implications for space exploration and medicine. 4. Sector is R&D, specifically life sciences, a critical area for future innovation.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $2.9M over approximately 4 years appears reasonable for specialized R&D. However, without a competitive process, it's difficult to benchmark against similar contracts or assess if the best possible price was achieved.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a potential limitation in competition. This lack of broad competition may have impacted the government's ability to secure the most advantageous pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting cutting-edge research. While the potential benefits are high, the lack of competition warrants scrutiny to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Advancement of medical treatments that could benefit astronauts and potentially patients on Earth. Pioneering new manufacturing capabilities in the unique environment of space. Potential for long-term cost savings in healthcare through novel therapies.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition
- Long project duration
- High R&D risk
Positive Signals
- Innovative technology development
- Potential for significant health impact
- Supports space exploration goals
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but often involves higher risk and longer timelines compared to more established sectors.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, a large research institution. There is no explicit indication of small business involvement in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The award was made by NASA, a federal agency with established oversight mechanisms. However, the limited competition aspect suggests a need for thorough review of the justification for sole-source or limited-source procurement.
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
- Lack of full and open competition
- Long contract duration with potential for cost overruns
- High inherent risk in R&D projects
- Uncertainty of successful translation to terrestrial applications
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, purchase-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $2.9 million to CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER. IN-SPACE PRODUCTION OF STEM CELL THERAPIES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER.
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 $2.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-09-21. End: 2026-12-30.
What is the projected long-term impact of in-space stem cell production on terrestrial healthcare?
In-space stem cell production could lead to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine by leveraging microgravity for enhanced cell growth and differentiation. This may result in more effective therapies for diseases like Parkinson's, heart disease, and spinal cord injuries, potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes on Earth.
What are the primary risks associated with the limited competition for this R&D contract?
The primary risks of limited competition include potentially higher costs due to the absence of market pressure, a reduced pool of innovative solutions, and the possibility that the government did not secure the most advantageous terms. It also raises concerns about fairness and transparency in the procurement process.
How will the effectiveness of this R&D investment be measured and ensured?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through milestone achievements, scientific publications, successful cell culture and differentiation in space, and the development of viable therapeutic candidates. NASA will monitor progress against the contract's technical objectives and deliverables, with potential for follow-on funding based on demonstrated success.
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: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: NNJ13ZBG001N
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 8700 BEVERLY BLVD, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA, 90048
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Hospital, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $3,530,300
Exercised Options: $3,530,300
Current Obligation: $2,930,391
Actual Outlays: $1,880,391
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-09-21
Current End Date: 2026-12-30
Potential End Date: 2026-12-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-27
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