NASA Awards $4.03M for SmallSat Laser Transmitters to Litespar Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $4,031,389 ($4.0M)
Contractor: Litespar Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2023-09-29
End Date: 2026-07-28
Contract Duration: 1,033 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.9K/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: LASER TRANSMITTERS FOR SMALLSATS IN SUPPORT OF AOS MISSION
Place of Performance
Location: TUCSON, PIMA County, ARIZONA, 85737
State: Arizona Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $4.0 million to LITESPAR INC for work described as: LASER TRANSMITTERS FOR SMALLSATS IN SUPPORT OF AOS MISSION Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Litespar Inc. for laser transmitters. 2. Supports the AOS mission for small satellites. 3. Research and Development sector, specifically physical sciences. 4. Potential for advancements in satellite communication technology.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $4.03M for 500 units appears reasonable given the specialized nature of laser transmitters for smallsats. However, without specific per-unit cost data or comparison to similar R&D contracts, a precise valuation is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a limited competition. This method may impact price discovery, potentially leading to higher costs than a broader competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting R&D for advanced satellite technology, which could yield long-term benefits but represents an investment with uncertain immediate returns.
Public Impact
Enhances capabilities for NASA's AOS mission. Advances laser communication technology for small satellites. Potential for improved data transmission speeds and security in space. Supports innovation in the aerospace sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may impact cost-effectiveness.
- R&D contracts carry inherent risks of technological feasibility and market adoption.
- Small business participation is not indicated.
Positive Signals
- Supports a critical NASA mission.
- Invests in cutting-edge space technology.
- Potential for significant technological advancement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement but often involves higher risk and longer payoff periods compared to established service contracts.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this award, as the 'sb' field is false. Further analysis would be needed to determine if opportunities for small businesses were overlooked or if the nature of the requirement precluded their involvement.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), a federal agency with established oversight mechanisms. However, the specific oversight for this R&D contract, particularly regarding milestone achievement and technological progress, requires further examination.
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
- Potential for cost overruns in R&D.
- Risk of technological obsolescence.
- Dependency on a single contractor (Litespar Inc.).
- Uncertainty of mission success based on technology development.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, az, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $4.0 million to LITESPAR INC. LASER TRANSMITTERS FOR SMALLSATS IN SUPPORT OF AOS MISSION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LITESPAR 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 $4.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-09-29. End: 2026-07-28.
What is the projected technological readiness level (TRL) for these laser transmitters upon contract completion?
The contract aims to develop laser transmitters for smallsats, implying a focus on advancing technology from an early research stage towards a more mature application. Without specific milestones or reporting requirements outlined, it's difficult to ascertain the exact TRL target. However, R&D contracts of this nature typically aim to move technologies from TRL 3-4 towards TRL 6-7, demonstrating prototype functionality in a relevant environment.
How does the cost per unit compare to commercially available laser communication systems for similar applications?
Direct comparison of per-unit cost is challenging without detailed specifications and volume. Commercial systems may offer lower per-unit costs due to mass production, but they might not meet the stringent requirements (size, weight, power, radiation hardening) for space applications. This contract's value reflects the specialized R&D and customization needed for smallsat missions, likely resulting in a higher per-unit cost than COTS solutions.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the AOS mission that this contract directly supports?
The contract supports the AOS mission by providing advanced laser transmitters, crucial for high-bandwidth, secure communication. Key performance indicators likely include data transmission rates, link reliability, latency, power efficiency, and the system's ability to withstand the space environment. Successful delivery of these transmitters is expected to enhance the mission's overall data downlink capabilities and operational effectiveness.
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: 10141 N RANCHO SONORA DR, TUCSON, AZ, 85737
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $4,031,389
Exercised Options: $4,031,389
Current Obligation: $4,031,389
Actual Outlays: $3,417,848
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-09-29
Current End Date: 2026-07-28
Potential End Date: 2026-07-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-17
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