NASA's Mars Sample Return Phase A contract awarded to Caltech for $159M, focusing on R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $1,593,516,202 ($1.6B)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2020-12-17
End Date: 2028-09-24
Contract Duration: 2,838 days
Daily Burn Rate: $561.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: MARS SAMPLE RETURN (MSR) PROGRAM - PHASE A 40-108270
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91109
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $1.59 billion to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: MARS SAMPLE RETURN (MSR) PROGRAM - PHASE A 40-108270 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single entity, raising questions about competition. 2. Significant funding allocated for a research and development program. 3. Long contract duration suggests a complex, multi-year undertaking. 4. Focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables and comparable contracts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially increases costs for taxpayers as competitive pressure is absent.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in a higher overall cost to taxpayers compared to a competitively awarded contract.
Public Impact
Advancement of space exploration and scientific understanding of Mars. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries about Martian geology and potential for life. Development of new technologies for sample collection and return missions. Long-term investment in national scientific and technological capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- Focus on critical scientific R&D
- Award to a reputable research institution
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation but requires careful oversight to ensure value for money.
Small Business Impact
The contract data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses. The award to a large research institution suggests limited direct opportunities for SMBs on this specific contract.
Oversight & Accountability
As a sole-source award for a significant R&D program, robust oversight from NASA is critical to monitor costs, progress, and adherence to fixed fee objectives. Independent reviews may be warranted.
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
- Lack of competitive bidding
- Potential for cost overruns with Cost Plus Fixed Fee
- Long contract duration increases risk exposure
- Limited transparency on sole-source justification
- Unclear long-term program funding stability
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, delivery-order, billion-dollar
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $1.59 billion to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. MARS SAMPLE RETURN (MSR) PROGRAM - PHASE A 40-108270
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 $1.59 billion.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-12-17. End: 2028-09-24.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and what steps are being taken to ensure fair pricing without competition?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities or critical national interest. NASA should provide detailed documentation for this decision. To mitigate pricing risks, they should employ rigorous cost analysis, independent government cost estimates, and potentially negotiate performance-based incentives within the fixed fee structure to align contractor performance with taxpayer interests.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and milestones for this Phase A contract, and how will progress be measured?
Key performance indicators for a Phase A R&D contract would likely include the successful completion of feasibility studies, preliminary design reviews, technology maturation milestones, and risk assessments. NASA should establish clear, measurable milestones with defined deliverables and timelines. Regular progress reviews, independent technical assessments, and transparent reporting mechanisms are essential to track performance and ensure the program stays on track.
What is the long-term strategy and budget for the entire Mars Sample Return program, and how does this Phase A contract fit into the larger picture?
This Phase A contract represents the initial foundational stage of a much larger, multi-phase program. NASA needs to clearly articulate the overall program roadmap, including subsequent phases (B, C, D, etc.), associated budgets, and timelines. Understanding how this initial $159M investment contributes to the ultimate goal of returning Martian samples is crucial for assessing the program's strategic value and ensuring sustained funding and political support.
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: $2,411,175,864
Exercised Options: $2,411,175,864
Current Obligation: $1,593,516,202
Actual Outlays: $1,547,927,133
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: 2020-12-17
Current End Date: 2028-09-24
Potential End Date: 2028-09-24 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-08
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