NASA Awards $3.24M for Nanobioreactor R&D to Aspera Biomedicines
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,240,000 ($3.2M)
Contractor: Aspera Biomedicines, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2024-12-05
End Date: 2027-12-31
Contract Duration: 1,121 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.9K/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR IN-SPACE PRODUCTION CONCEPTS OF NANOBIOREACTOR MODELS. THIS WAS AWARDED OFF OF THE NASA RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENT NNJ13ZBG001N. NOTE THAT "BASIC RESEARCH" IS NOT A SELECTABLE SOLICITATION TYPE FOR PURCHASE ORDERS IN FPDS.
Place of Performance
Location: LA JOLLA, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92037
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $3.2 million to ASPERA BIOMEDICINES, INC. for work described as: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR IN-SPACE PRODUCTION CONCEPTS OF NANOBIOREACTOR MODELS. THIS WAS AWARDED OFF OF THE NASA RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENT NNJ13ZBG001N. NOTE THAT "BASIC RESEARCH" IS NOT A SELECTABLE SOLICITATION TYPE FOR PURCHASE ORDERS IN FPDS. Key points: 1. Focuses on advanced biotechnology R&D for space applications. 2. Awarded via NASA Research Announcement, indicating a specific call for proposals. 3. Potential for significant advancements in in-space manufacturing and life support. 4. Limited direct competition data available, but the award mechanism suggests a focused search.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The $3.24M award for a 3-year R&D project appears reasonable given the specialized nature of nanobioreactor development for space. Benchmarking is difficult without more specific contract details, but the price seems aligned with advanced research initiatives.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a competitive process, but the specific solicitation type (NASA Research Announcement) implies a targeted approach to a specific research need rather than broad market competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting cutting-edge research with potential long-term benefits for space exploration and technology.
Public Impact
Advancing biotechnology capabilities for future space missions. Potential for new manufacturing techniques in orbit. Supports scientific innovation and the growth of the space technology sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited public data on the competitive landscape.
- Specific R&D focus may limit immediate commercial applicability.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical NASA research objectives.
- Invests in advanced technological development.
- Long-term project duration allows for thorough research.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector, specifically focusing on advanced nanobioreactor models for in-space production. Spending in this niche area is driven by government space exploration initiatives and is characterized by high innovation and specialized expertise.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, Aspera Biomedicines, Inc., is not indicated as a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought or achieved through subcontracting.
Oversight & Accountability
Awarded under a NASA Research Announcement, suggesting a structured process. Oversight will be critical to ensure milestones are met and funds are used effectively for the intended R&D objectives.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for technology to not mature as expected.
- Limited visibility into the full competitive process.
- High R&D costs with uncertain return on investment.
- Dependence on a single awardee for critical research.
Tags
research-and-development-in-biotechnolog, 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 $3.2 million to ASPERA BIOMEDICINES, INC.. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR IN-SPACE PRODUCTION CONCEPTS OF NANOBIOREACTOR MODELS. THIS WAS AWARDED OFF OF THE NASA RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENT NNJ13ZBG001N. NOTE THAT "BASIC RESEARCH" IS NOT A SELECTABLE SOLICITATION TYPE FOR PURCHASE ORDERS IN FPDS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ASPERA BIOMEDICINES, 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 $3.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-12-05. End: 2027-12-31.
What is the specific technological advancement expected from these nanobioreactor models?
The nanobioreactor models are expected to enable the production of biological materials, such as pharmaceuticals or nutrients, in the microgravity environment of space. This could revolutionize long-duration space missions by reducing reliance on Earth-based resupply and supporting closed-loop life support systems.
What are the primary risks associated with this R&D project?
Key risks include the inherent scientific and technical challenges of developing novel bioreactor technology for space, potential delays in research progress, and the possibility that the developed technology may not meet the stringent requirements for spaceflight. Ensuring long-term viability and scalability of the nanobioreactor models also presents a significant risk.
How does this investment contribute to NASA's broader mission objectives?
This investment directly supports NASA's goals of enabling long-duration human spaceflight and establishing a sustainable presence beyond Earth. By developing capabilities for in-space production, it reduces logistical burdens and enhances crew autonomy, crucial for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: 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: 7510 HILLSIDE DR, LA JOLLA, CA, 92037
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $4,000,000
Exercised Options: $4,000,000
Current Obligation: $3,240,000
Actual Outlays: $1,440,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-12-05
Current End Date: 2027-12-31
Potential End Date: 2027-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-17
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 →