NASA awards $7.7M for Bedrest Studies to Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $7,729,893 ($7.7M)
Contractor: Deutsches Zentrum FÜR Luft- UND Raumfahrt E.V.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2023-12-21
End Date: 2026-12-31
Contract Duration: 1,106 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: BEDREST STUDIES
Place of Performance
Location: HOUSTON, HARRIS County, TEXAS, 77058
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $7.7 million to DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FÜR LUFT- UND RAUMFAHRT E.V. for work described as: BEDREST STUDIES Key points: 1. The contract focuses on specialized testing services, indicating a niche requirement. 2. The awardee is a foreign entity, potentially limiting domestic competition. 3. The duration of the contract is substantial, suggesting ongoing research needs. 4. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $7.7M over approximately three years for specialized testing is difficult to benchmark without more specific details on the scope of 'Bedrest Studies'. However, the duration and nature of the service suggest a potentially fair price for unique research.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in a higher cost than if competitive bids were solicited.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for these specialized research services.
Public Impact
Research into human physiology under simulated space conditions. Potential advancements in understanding long-term health effects of inactivity. Supports NASA's broader space exploration and astronaut health initiatives.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 100 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price negotiation.
- Foreign awardee may present logistical or geopolitical considerations.
- Long contract duration could be subject to scope creep or changing research needs.
Positive Signals
- Clear alignment with NASA's research objectives.
- Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
- Awardee has specialized expertise in aerospace research.
Sector Analysis
The award falls under scientific research and development, specifically focusing on human factors in space. Spending in this sector is often driven by specific mission requirements and can involve unique, non-standard services.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to a foreign entity and was not competed, therefore offering no direct opportunities or analysis for small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the services provided are necessary and priced appropriately. NASA's internal review processes should confirm the justification for non-competition.
Related Government Programs
- Testing Laboratories and Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition
- Foreign awardee
- Long contract duration
- Potential for cost overruns due to sole-source nature
- Limited transparency on specific research outcomes
Tags
testing-laboratories-and-services, 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 $7.7 million to DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FÜR LUFT- UND RAUMFAHRT E.V.. BEDREST STUDIES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FÜR LUFT- UND RAUMFAHRT E.V..
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 $7.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-12-21. End: 2026-12-31.
What is the specific scientific value derived from these 'Bedrest Studies' that justifies a sole-source award?
The 'Bedrest Studies' are crucial for simulating the physiological effects of microgravity and prolonged inactivity experienced by astronauts. Understanding these effects, such as bone density loss and muscle atrophy, allows NASA to develop countermeasures and ensure astronaut health and safety during long-duration space missions. The unique experimental setup and expertise required may justify the specialized nature of the award.
What are the potential risks associated with awarding a significant contract to a foreign entity for critical research?
Potential risks include challenges in oversight, intellectual property protection, and geopolitical sensitivities. Ensuring data security and compliance with US regulations can be more complex. Furthermore, reliance on foreign entities might impact the continuity of research if international relations shift or if the entity faces internal operational issues.
How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of NASA's human spaceflight program?
This contract is directly linked to the effectiveness of NASA's human spaceflight program by providing essential data on human physiological responses to space-like conditions. The insights gained inform the design of life support systems, medical protocols, and training regimens for astronauts, ultimately enhancing mission success and crew well-being.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Testing Laboratories and Services
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: LINDER HOHE, KOLN
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $12,671,281
Exercised Options: $12,671,281
Current Obligation: $7,729,893
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80JSC022DA004
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-12-21
Current End Date: 2026-12-31
Potential End Date: 2026-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-04
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