NASA's $2.5M APEX Concept Study Awarded to Cornell Technical Services for Astrophysics Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,500,000 ($2.5M)
Contractor: Cornell Technical Services LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2025-09-15
End Date: 2026-10-30
Contract Duration: 410 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: 2023 ASTROPHYSICS PROBE EXPLORER (APEX) CONCEPT STUDY REPORT (CSR) EVALUATION
Place of Performance
Location: COLUMBIA, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 21046
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $2.5 million to CORNELL TECHNICAL SERVICES LLC for work described as: 2023 ASTROPHYSICS PROBE EXPLORER (APEX) CONCEPT STUDY REPORT (CSR) EVALUATION Key points: 1. The contract focuses on R&D in physical sciences, specifically astrophysics. 2. Cornell Technical Services LLC is the awardee for this concept study. 3. The contract value is $2.5 million with a duration of 410 days. 4. This award falls under NASA's extensive research and development portfolio.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $2.5 million for a concept study is within a reasonable range for specialized R&D. Benchmarking against similar early-stage research contracts is difficult due to unique project scopes.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a limited competition where specific sources were considered after an initial exclusion. This method may impact price discovery compared to unrestricted full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated to advance scientific understanding in astrophysics through a focused concept study.
Public Impact
Advancement of astrophysics research through a dedicated concept study. Potential for future missions and technological developments stemming from this study. Investment in scientific exploration and understanding of the universe.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may not yield the best possible price.
- Scope of 'concept study' needs clear definition to manage expectations.
Positive Signals
- Focus on cutting-edge astrophysics research.
- Award to a specialized technical services provider.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical sciences. Spending in this area is critical for scientific advancement and technological innovation, often characterized by high upfront investment and long-term payoff.
Small Business Impact
The awardee is Cornell Technical Services LLC, which is not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided data. The contract does not indicate specific set-asides for small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's procurement processes are subject to oversight by the Inspector General and relevant congressional committees. The contract's performance will be monitored to ensure adherence to scope and budget.
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
- Limited competition raises concerns about optimal pricing.
- Potential for scope creep in a 'concept study'.
- Dependence on a single awardee for initial research phase.
- Long-term impact relies on successful follow-on funding and execution.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, md, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $2.5 million to CORNELL TECHNICAL SERVICES LLC. 2023 ASTROPHYSICS PROBE EXPLORER (APEX) CONCEPT STUDY REPORT (CSR) EVALUATION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CORNELL TECHNICAL SERVICES 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 $2.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-15. End: 2026-10-30.
What is the expected scientific return on investment for this $2.5 million concept study?
The expected scientific return is the generation of foundational research and feasibility assessments for future astrophysics missions. This includes defining scientific objectives, preliminary mission architectures, and technology roadmaps. While direct ROI is difficult to quantify early on, successful concept studies are crucial for identifying high-impact research avenues and informing future, larger investments in space exploration.
What are the primary risks associated with this limited competition award?
The primary risks include potential limitations in innovation and cost-effectiveness due to a restricted pool of bidders. If the exclusion of sources was not thoroughly justified, it could lead to suboptimal pricing or missed opportunities from a broader range of qualified contractors. Ensuring the selected contractor possesses the unique capabilities required is paramount to mitigating these risks.
How effectively will this concept study contribute to NASA's long-term astrophysics goals?
This concept study is designed to be a critical early step in NASA's long-term astrophysics roadmap. By exploring novel ideas and technologies, it aims to lay the groundwork for future, more ambitious missions. Its effectiveness will be measured by the quality of the research output, its ability to inform subsequent mission planning, and its contribution to advancing the scientific frontiers within NASA's strategic objectives.
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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 9700 PATUXENT WOODS DR, COLUMBIA, MD, 21046
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $3,576,819
Exercised Options: $3,576,819
Current Obligation: $2,500,000
Actual Outlays: $29,465
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80LARC20D0007
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-09-15
Current End Date: 2026-10-30
Potential End Date: 2026-10-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-27
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