NASA's NISAR Mission Awarded $775M to Caltech for Physical Science R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $775,059,791 ($775.1M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2018-10-01
End Date: 2028-09-30
Contract Duration: 3,652 days
Daily Burn Rate: $212.2K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: NASA ISRO SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR (NISAR) MISSION 89-17620
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91109
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $775.1 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: NASA ISRO SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR (NISAR) MISSION 89-17620 Key points: 1. Significant investment in Earth observation technology. 2. Sole-source award to Caltech raises questions about competition. 3. Long-term contract (10 years) indicates complex project scope. 4. Focus on physical sciences R&D, a key area for scientific advancement.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $775,059,791 is substantial for a 10-year R&D project. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this represents fair market value compared to similar large-scale scientific instrument development contracts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning NASA did not conduct a competitive procurement. This limits price discovery and may result in higher costs than if multiple vendors had competed.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for a high-value, long-term research and development project. The lack of competition means potential savings for taxpayers may have been forgone.
Public Impact
Advancing Earth science understanding through advanced radar technology. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries in climate change and natural disaster monitoring. Long-term commitment to a single research institution for a critical mission.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- High contract value
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- Supports critical scientific research
- Potential for significant scientific breakthroughs
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. NASA's spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement and scientific understanding, often involving large, complex, and long-term projects.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to the California Institute of Technology, a large research institution, not a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's oversight is critical for a project of this magnitude and duration. Ensuring milestones are met, costs are controlled, and the scientific objectives are achieved will require robust program management and accountability mechanisms.
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
- Sole-source procurement
- Cost-plus contract type
- Long contract duration (10 years)
- High total contract value
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $775.1 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. NASA ISRO SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR (NISAR) MISSION 89-17620
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY.
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 $775.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-10-01. End: 2028-09-30.
What is the justification for the sole-source award to Caltech for the NISAR mission?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, specialized knowledge, or prior development that makes a specific entity the only viable option. For the NISAR mission, Caltech may possess unique expertise or intellectual property related to synthetic aperture radar technology or specific scientific objectives that NASA deems essential and irreplaceable by other potential contractors.
What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source, cost-plus contract for a decade-long R&D project?
The primary risks include potential cost overruns due to the absence of competitive pressure to control expenses, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. There's also a risk of reduced innovation if the contractor faces no competitive incentive to find more efficient methods. Furthermore, the long duration increases the risk of scope creep or changes in scientific priorities that may not be efficiently managed without competitive re-evaluation.
How will the effectiveness of the NISAR mission be measured given its R&D nature and sole-source award?
Effectiveness will be measured against predefined scientific objectives and technical performance metrics outlined in the contract. NASA will likely track the successful development and deployment of the NISAR instrument, the quality and quantity of scientific data produced, and the resulting peer-reviewed publications and discoveries. Regular technical reviews and milestone achievements will serve as key indicators of progress and ultimate mission success.
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: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4800 OAK GROVE DR, PASADENA, CA, 91109
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $812,209,401
Exercised Options: $812,209,401
Current Obligation: $775,059,791
Actual Outlays: $609,528,834
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80NM0018D0004
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-10-01
Current End Date: 2028-09-30
Potential End Date: 2028-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-03
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