NASA's ESCAPADE mission concept study awarded $66.7M to UC Regents for physical sciences R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $66,734,963 ($66.7M)
Contractor: Regents of the University of California, the
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2019-08-21
End Date: 2026-08-31
Contract Duration: 2,567 days
Daily Burn Rate: $26.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 12
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ESCAPE AND PLASMA ACCELERATION AND DYNAMICS EXPLORERS (ESCAPADE) MISSION -.PHASE A CONCEPT STUDY.
Place of Performance
Location: BERKELEY, ALAMEDA County, CALIFORNIA, 94710
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $66.7 million to REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, THE for work described as: ESCAPE AND PLASMA ACCELERATION AND DYNAMICS EXPLORERS (ESCAPADE) MISSION -.PHASE A CONCEPT STUDY. Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in early-stage space exploration research. 2. Competition dynamics for this R&D contract are crucial for ensuring cost-effectiveness. 3. Performance risks are inherent in early-phase concept studies, requiring close monitoring. 4. This contract positions the University of California as a key player in NASA's scientific endeavors. 5. The R&D focus aligns with national priorities in understanding physical and engineering sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $66.7 million for a Phase A concept study appears reasonable given the scope of research and development involved in space missions. Benchmarking against similar early-stage space science concept studies would provide a more precise assessment, but the amount is not immediately indicative of overpricing. The 'Cost No Fee' (CPFF) contract type suggests that costs will be reimbursed, with the contractor bearing the risk of cost overruns, which can be a positive indicator for value if managed effectively.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of 12 bidders suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this NASA research initiative. This broad competition is generally expected to drive innovation and encourage competitive pricing, leading to better value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process for this research contract helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by selecting the most capable and cost-effective solution.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA and the scientific community, gaining insights from the ESCAPADE mission's findings. The services delivered include critical research and development for a space exploration mission. The geographic impact is centered in California, where the University of California is based. Workforce implications include opportunities for researchers, engineers, and support staff at the University of California.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in early-stage R&D projects.
- Ensuring continued competitive pricing throughout the contract lifecycle.
- Managing the transition from concept study to subsequent mission phases.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, indicating broad market interest.
- University of California's established track record in research and development.
- Clear definition of research objectives for the ESCAPADE mission.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically focusing on space exploration. The market for such specialized R&D is often dominated by universities and research institutions with proven expertise. NASA's spending in this area is critical for advancing scientific knowledge and technological capabilities, with comparable contracts often involving significant funding for mission concept and design phases.
Small Business Impact
As this contract was awarded under full and open competition to a university, it is unlikely to have a direct small business set-aside component. However, the University of California may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specialized services or equipment, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be provided by NASA, likely through program managers and contracting officers who will monitor progress, costs, and adherence to research objectives. Transparency is expected through regular reporting requirements and potential public dissemination of research findings. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Science Mission Directorate Programs
- University Research Grants
- Space Exploration Technology Development
- Physical Sciences Research Initiatives
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in R&D
- Uncertainty in achieving research objectives
- Dependence on future funding for mission continuation
Tags
research-and-development, space-exploration, nasa, university-contract, definitive-contract, full-and-open-competition, california, physical-sciences, concept-study, cost-reimbursement
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $66.7 million to REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, THE. ESCAPE AND PLASMA ACCELERATION AND DYNAMICS EXPLORERS (ESCAPADE) MISSION -.PHASE A CONCEPT STUDY.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, THE.
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 $66.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-08-21. End: 2026-08-31.
What is the University of California's track record with NASA on similar research contracts?
The University of California has a long and distinguished history of collaborating with NASA on numerous scientific and engineering projects. As a major research institution, it has consistently secured funding for various space science missions, instrument development, and theoretical research. Specific examples include contributions to planetary science missions, astrophysics observatories, and Earth science satellites. Their success in obtaining this ESCAPADE Phase A contract suggests a strong proposal and a demonstrated capability to manage complex research endeavors, aligning with NASA's requirements for scientific rigor and project execution. Detailed historical data on their performance metrics, such as on-time delivery and budget adherence for past NASA contracts, would further illuminate their reliability.
How does the $66.7 million contract value compare to similar Phase A concept studies for space missions?
The $66.7 million awarded for the ESCAPADE Phase A concept study is substantial, reflecting the complexity and ambition of space exploration research. Phase A studies typically involve defining mission objectives, preliminary design, feasibility assessments, and technology development roadmaps. The cost can vary significantly based on the mission's scientific goals, the technologies involved, and the duration of the study. For missions with significant scientific return or requiring novel technological advancements, values in the tens of millions are not uncommon. Benchmarking against other NASA Phase A studies for comparable missions (e.g., planetary probes, space telescopes) would provide a clearer picture of whether this represents a particularly high or standard investment. Factors like the number of bidders and the proposed technical approach also influence the perceived value.
What are the primary risks associated with this early-stage R&D contract?
The primary risks associated with this early-stage R&D contract are inherent to the nature of concept studies and space mission development. Technical risks include the possibility that the proposed scientific objectives may prove unachievable with current or near-term technology, or that unforeseen scientific challenges arise during the study. Schedule risks could emerge if the research encounters delays due to experimental complexities or data analysis challenges, potentially impacting the overall mission timeline. Cost risks, while mitigated by the 'Cost No Fee' structure which places some burden on the contractor, can still arise if research proves more expensive than anticipated or if scope creep occurs. Programmatic risks involve the potential for shifting NASA priorities or budget constraints that could affect the continuation of the project beyond Phase A.
How effective is the 'Cost No Fee' (CPFF) contract type in ensuring value for money in R&D?
The 'Cost No Fee' (CPFF) contract type is a common mechanism for R&D efforts where the final cost is uncertain. In this structure, the government reimburses the contractor for all allowable costs incurred, plus a pre-negotiated fixed fee. For value for money, the effectiveness hinges on robust cost monitoring and control by the government. While the contractor does not receive an additional fee for exceeding the estimated cost, they are still incentivized to manage costs efficiently to avoid depleting their fee on cost overruns. The government benefits from flexibility in adapting the research scope as needed. However, it requires diligent oversight to prevent unnecessary expenditures and ensure the contractor remains focused on achieving the research objectives within reasonable cost parameters.
What does the presence of 12 bidders signify for this contract's competition level?
The presence of 12 bidders for this NASA contract signifies a high level of competition. This indicates that the opportunity was attractive to a broad range of research institutions and organizations capable of undertaking such a study. A robust competition typically leads to more innovative proposals, better technical solutions, and more competitive pricing as bidders strive to differentiate themselves. For taxpayers, this generally translates to better value for money, as the government is likely to select a proposal that offers the best combination of technical merit and cost-effectiveness. It also suggests that the barriers to entry for competing on this type of NASA R&D are not excessively high, fostering a healthy market.
What are the potential long-term implications of the ESCAPADE mission's success for NASA's scientific goals?
The potential long-term implications of the ESCAPADE mission's success are significant for NASA's scientific goals, particularly in understanding planetary environments and space weather. If the Phase A concept study leads to a successful mission, it could provide unprecedented data on plasma acceleration and dynamics, crucial for understanding phenomena like magnetospheric substorms and their impact on Earth and other celestial bodies. This knowledge is vital for improving space weather forecasting, which has implications for satellite operations, communication systems, and astronaut safety. Furthermore, successful missions often pave the way for future, more ambitious endeavors, building scientific expertise and technological capabilities within NASA and the broader research community.
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 › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: NNH17ZDA004O
Offers Received: 12
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1608 4TH ST STE 220, BERKELEY, CA, 94710
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public)
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $67,950,351
Exercised Options: $67,950,351
Current Obligation: $66,734,963
Actual Outlays: $61,629,677
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 3
Total Subaward Amount: $35,878,328
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-08-21
Current End Date: 2026-08-31
Potential End Date: 2026-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-31
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