NASA Awards $445,869 Contract for Novel PM Sensor to Potsdam Sensors LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $445,869 ($445.9K)
Contractor: Potsdam Sensors LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2022-01-26
End Date: 2026-12-31
Contract Duration: 1,800 days
Daily Burn Rate: $248/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 500
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: COVID-EO14042 NOVEL REAL-TIME PARTICULAR MATTER (PM) SENSOR FOR AIR QUALITY MEASUREMENTS
Place of Performance
Location: POTSDAM, SAINT LAWRENCE County, NEW YORK, 13676
State: New York Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $445,869 to POTSDAM SENSORS LLC for work described as: COVID-EO14042 NOVEL REAL-TIME PARTICULAR MATTER (PM) SENSOR FOR AIR QUALITY MEASUREMENTS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on R&D for air quality monitoring technology. 2. Potsdam Sensors LLC is the sole awardee. 3. The contract value is relatively small, indicating a focused research effort. 4. Competition method suggests potential for limited market engagement.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $445,869 for R&D is within a reasonable range for specialized sensor development. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for novel sensor technology would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a limited competition. This method may impact price discovery by restricting the pool of potential bidders.
Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is minimal given the relatively small contract value, focused on research and development rather than large-scale procurement.
Public Impact
Advancement in air quality monitoring technology could benefit public health. Development of real-time PM sensors supports environmental research initiatives. Potential for future commercialization of the sensor technology.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may not yield the best price.
- Sole awardee raises questions about broader market availability of this technology.
Positive Signals
- Focus on innovative R&D.
- Potential for significant environmental monitoring improvements.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement but can be subject to long development cycles and uncertain outcomes.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, Potsdam Sensors LLC, is not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided data. Further analysis would be needed to determine its size status and impact on small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's oversight mechanisms for R&D contracts typically involve milestone reviews and technical evaluations to ensure progress and accountability. The definitive contract structure allows for flexibility during the research period.
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
- Sole awardee
- R&D inherent uncertainty
- Lack of detailed technical innovation description
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ny, definitive-contract, 100k-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $445,869 to POTSDAM SENSORS LLC. COVID-EO14042 NOVEL REAL-TIME PARTICULAR MATTER (PM) SENSOR FOR AIR QUALITY MEASUREMENTS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is POTSDAM SENSORS 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 $445,869.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-01-26. End: 2026-12-31.
What is the specific innovation or advantage of this 'novel' PM sensor compared to existing technologies?
The provided data does not detail the specific innovative aspects of the novel PM sensor. Further inquiry into the technical proposal or project scope would be necessary to understand its unique advantages over current air quality monitoring solutions. This information is critical for assessing the true value of the R&D investment.
What is the risk of this R&D project not yielding a viable or scalable sensor technology?
The primary risk is that the research and development may not result in a functional, reliable, or cost-effective PM sensor. R&D inherently carries uncertainty, and the 'novel' nature of the technology increases this risk. NASA's oversight and milestone payments are designed to mitigate this by allowing for project termination if progress is unsatisfactory.
How effectively will this sensor contribute to NASA's broader environmental or scientific objectives?
The effectiveness hinges on the sensor's performance and the successful integration into NASA's research programs. If the sensor proves accurate, durable, and cost-efficient, it could significantly enhance NASA's ability to monitor air quality for various scientific missions, climate studies, or even for use in space environments.
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 › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 500
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 65 MAIN ST STE 3102, POTSDAM, NY, 13676
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $445,869
Exercised Options: $445,869
Current Obligation: $445,869
Actual Outlays: $364,669
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-01-26
Current End Date: 2026-12-31
Potential End Date: 2026-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-01
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