NASA Awards $3.6M Contract for Space-Based Drug Discovery Using Nanoligomers
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,595,236 ($3.6M)
Contractor: Sachi Bioworks, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2023-07-10
End Date: 2028-07-19
Contract Duration: 1,836 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.0K/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: E014042 SBIR PHASE III RAPID, LOW-COST NANOLIGOMERTM BASED DRUG-DISCOVERY IN SPACE
Place of Performance
Location: LOUISVILLE, BOULDER County, COLORADO, 80027
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $3.6 million to SACHI BIOWORKS, INC. for work described as: E014042 SBIR PHASE III RAPID, LOW-COST NANOLIGOMERTM BASED DRUG-DISCOVERY IN SPACE Key points: 1. Contract focuses on R&D for novel drug discovery methods in space. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a competitive process. 3. Risk is moderate, tied to the innovative and early-stage nature of the technology. 4. Sector is Research and Development, a high-risk, high-reward area.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $3.6 million for a 5-year period appears reasonable for a Phase III SBIR project focused on advanced R&D. Benchmarking is difficult due to the specialized nature of space-based drug discovery.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' indicates a competitive process was initiated, but specific sources were initially excluded. This method aims for broad participation while potentially streamlining the initial vendor pool, impacting price discovery by balancing competition with focused outreach.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting innovative research with potential long-term benefits in medicine and space exploration.
Public Impact
Advancement of drug discovery capabilities for space missions. Potential for breakthroughs in pharmaceutical development applicable on Earth. Support for small business innovation in a critical scientific field. Investment in technologies that could enhance astronaut health and safety.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Technological feasibility and scalability of nanoligomer-based drug discovery in space.
- Long-term viability and market adoption of the developed technology.
- Potential for cost overruns in complex R&D projects.
Positive Signals
- SBIR Phase III designation indicates prior successful research and potential for commercialization.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
- Focus on a high-impact area like drug discovery.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is characterized by high innovation potential but also inherent risks. Benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of space-based applications.
Small Business Impact
This award is to SACHI BIOWORKS, INC., a small business, through the SBIR Phase III program. This signifies a successful progression from earlier research phases, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in fostering small business innovation and commercialization potential.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by NASA, a federal agency with established oversight mechanisms for R&D contracts. The SBIR program itself includes review processes to ensure accountability and progress tracking.
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
- Technological uncertainty
- Commercialization risk
- Long development timeline
- Dependence on future funding
- Limited applicability outside of space context
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, co, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $3.6 million to SACHI BIOWORKS, INC.. E014042 SBIR PHASE III RAPID, LOW-COST NANOLIGOMERTM BASED DRUG-DISCOVERY IN SPACE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SACHI BIOWORKS, INC..
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 $3.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-07-10. End: 2028-07-19.
What is the specific scientific innovation of nanoligomers for drug discovery in space?
Nanoligomers are short DNA or RNA strands designed to interact with specific biological targets. In space, their unique properties may offer advantages for drug discovery by enabling precise molecular interactions in microgravity environments, potentially leading to more stable drug formulations or novel therapeutic approaches not feasible on Earth.
What are the primary risks associated with this R&D contract?
The primary risks involve the inherent uncertainty of research and development, particularly in a novel application like space-based drug discovery. Technical challenges in developing and scaling the nanoligomer technology, ensuring its efficacy and stability in space, and achieving commercial viability post-Phase III are significant concerns.
How does this contract contribute to NASA's broader mission objectives?
This contract aligns with NASA's mission to advance scientific knowledge and explore space. By developing technologies to support astronaut health and potentially enabling new pharmaceutical discoveries, it contributes to long-duration spaceflight capabilities and the broader goal of leveraging space for scientific and economic benefit.
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: 685 S ARTHUR AVE, LOUISVILLE, CO, 80027
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $9,595,716
Exercised Options: $9,595,716
Current Obligation: $3,595,236
Actual Outlays: $1,305,000
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-07-10
Current End Date: 2028-07-19
Potential End Date: 2028-07-19 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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