NASA awards $290K R&D contract to University of Colorado for megakaryocyte research, supporting mission integration
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $290,423 ($290.4K)
Contractor: THE Regents of the University of Colorado
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2025-12-02
End Date: 2026-10-30
Contract Duration: 332 days
Daily Burn Rate: $875/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THIS TASK ORDER COVERS THE WORK REQUIRED TO SUPPORT THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OUTLINED BELOW AND COVERS THE GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR MISSION INTEGRATION & OPERATIONS FOR THE INVESTIGATION TITLED MEGAKARYOCYTES FLYING TWO PAYLOAD NAME: MEF2
Place of Performance
Location: BOULDER, BOULDER County, COLORADO, 80309
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $290,423.13 to THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO for work described as: THIS TASK ORDER COVERS THE WORK REQUIRED TO SUPPORT THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OUTLINED BELOW AND COVERS THE GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR MISSION INTEGRATION & OPERATIONS FOR THE INVESTIGATION TITLED MEGAKARYOCYTES FLYING TWO PAYLOAD NAME: MEF2 Key points: 1. Contract focuses on scientific research and mission integration for a specific investigation. 2. Value-for-money assessment is pending further benchmarking against similar R&D efforts. 3. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 4. Risk indicators are currently low, with a fixed-price contract type mitigating cost overrun risks. 5. Performance context is tied to a specific scientific investigation, requiring specialized expertise. 6. Sector positioning is within the R&D space, specifically physical, engineering, and life sciences. 7. The contract duration is approximately one year, aligning with research project timelines.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $290,423.13 for a period of approximately one year appears reasonable for specialized scientific research and mission integration. However, a definitive value-for-money assessment requires comparison with similar R&D contracts awarded by NASA or other agencies for comparable scientific investigations. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, but the ultimate value will depend on the successful completion of the research objectives and the quality of the scientific output.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple potential bidders were allowed to submit proposals. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and innovative solutions. The agency sought proposals from qualified sources across the market.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages a wider range of offers, potentially driving down costs and improving the quality of services received.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA and the scientific community, advancing knowledge in megakaryocyte research. Services delivered include scientific research, mission integration, and operational support for a specific investigation. The geographic impact is primarily at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where the research will be conducted. Workforce implications include support for researchers, scientists, and technical staff at the university.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if research objectives evolve significantly beyond the initial outline.
- Dependence on the specific expertise of the awarded contractor for successful research outcomes.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed-price contract type limits financial risk for the government.
- Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
- Contract duration aligns with typical research project timelines.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for such specialized scientific research is often characterized by a mix of academic institutions and specialized R&D firms. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other NASA or federal R&D contracts in areas like cell biology, aerospace medicine, or life support systems.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate any small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this contract. As it was awarded to a university, the focus is likely on academic research capabilities rather than small business participation goals. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any small businesses are involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), specifically the awarding office within the agency. Accountability measures will be tied to the successful completion of research milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases and public reporting, though specific research findings may have publication embargoes.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Biological and Physical Sciences Research
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) Research Grants
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Awards
Risk Flags
- Potential for research outcomes to be less impactful than anticipated.
- Dependence on specialized contractor expertise.
Tags
research-and-development, life-sciences, nasa, university-of-colorado, delivery-order, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, colorado, scientific-research, mission-integration
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $290,423.13 to THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO. THIS TASK ORDER COVERS THE WORK REQUIRED TO SUPPORT THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OUTLINED BELOW AND COVERS THE GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR MISSION INTEGRATION & OPERATIONS FOR THE INVESTIGATION TITLED MEGAKARYOCYTES FLYING TWO PAYLOAD NAME: MEF2
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO.
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 $290,423.13.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-12-02. End: 2026-10-30.
What is the specific scientific objective of the megakaryocyte research supported by this contract?
The contract supports scientific research related to megakaryocytes, which are large bone marrow cells responsible for producing platelets. The specific investigation is titled 'MEGAKARYOCYTES FLYING'. While the exact scientific objectives are not detailed in the provided data, megakaryocyte research is crucial for understanding blood disorders, platelet function, and potentially for developing new therapies. The contract also covers government requirements for mission integration and operations for this investigation, suggesting it may involve space-based research or applications.
How does the $290,423.13 contract value compare to similar R&D contracts for life sciences research at NASA?
Benchmarking this $290,423.13 contract requires access to a database of similar NASA R&D awards in life sciences. Generally, R&D contracts can vary significantly in price based on scope, duration, and complexity. For a one-year project focused on specific cell biology research and mission integration, this amount appears to be within a moderate range. However, without specific comparable contract data, it's difficult to definitively assess if it represents excellent or questionable value. Factors like the novelty of the research, the required expertise, and the potential for groundbreaking discoveries would influence its perceived value.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will success be measured?
The provided data does not explicitly list Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. However, for a research and development contract of this nature, success is typically measured by the achievement of specific research milestones, the timely delivery of scientific data and reports, the successful integration of research into the mission, and the quality of the scientific findings. The firm fixed-price nature implies that meeting the defined scope of work and deliverables within the agreed-upon price is a primary measure of success. The government will likely monitor progress through regular reporting and review meetings.
What is the track record of The Regents of the University of Colorado in securing and executing federal R&D contracts?
The Regents of the University of Colorado is a well-established academic institution with a significant history of securing and executing federal research and development contracts across various agencies, including NASA, NSF, and NIH. Universities of this caliber typically have robust research infrastructure, experienced principal investigators, and dedicated administrative support for managing federal awards. Their track record generally indicates a strong capacity for conducting complex scientific research and meeting federal compliance requirements. Specific performance on past NASA contracts would provide a more granular view, but their institutional standing suggests a reliable partner.
What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
Potential risks include scientific challenges where the research may not yield expected results, technical difficulties in mission integration, or potential delays in data acquisition or analysis. Given the firm fixed-price nature, a key risk is the contractor exceeding the budget if unforeseen issues arise, although the contract structure aims to place this risk on the contractor. Mitigation strategies are inherent in the contract type (fixed-price limits financial risk to the government) and the selection process (full and open competition implies choosing a capable contractor). NASA's oversight and regular progress reviews also serve as mitigation measures to identify and address issues early.
How does this contract align with NASA's broader strategic goals in space exploration or scientific discovery?
This contract aligns with NASA's strategic goals by supporting fundamental scientific research in the life sciences, which is increasingly relevant for understanding human health in space and for potential long-duration missions. Research into cell behavior, such as that of megakaryocytes, can provide insights into physiological responses to microgravity or radiation. Furthermore, the 'mission integration & operations' aspect suggests this research may be directly contributing to an ongoing or planned space mission, enhancing NASA's scientific return from its space-based platforms and contributing to the broader objective of advancing scientific knowledge through space exploration.
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
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3100 MARINE ST, BOULDER, CO, 80309
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $290,423
Exercised Options: $290,423
Current Obligation: $290,423
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80JSC025DA003
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-12-02
Current End Date: 2026-10-30
Potential End Date: 2026-10-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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