NASA awards $1.9M for lunar habitat research to Florida Institute of Technology
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $189,643 ($189.6K)
Contractor: Florida Institute of Technology Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2023-09-18
End Date: 2026-06-30
Contract Duration: 1,016 days
Daily Burn Rate: $187/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SVGS AND LUNAR HABITAT - JOHN INNESS (MSFC, ED10)
Place of Performance
Location: MELBOURNE, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32901
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $189,643 to FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY INC for work described as: SVGS AND LUNAR HABITAT - JOHN INNESS (MSFC, ED10) Key points: 1. Contract awarded for specialized research and development in lunar habitat technologies. 2. Focus on advancing capabilities for future space exploration missions. 3. Single award indicates a specific need or unique capability sought. 4. Performance period spans over two years, suggesting a phased research approach. 5. Research aligns with broader agency goals for sustainable space presence.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $1.9 million for lunar habitat research appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in space exploration is challenging due to unique technical requirements. However, the fixed-price nature of the award suggests a defined scope and budget, which can be a positive indicator of value if the deliverables are met. Further analysis would require understanding the specific research objectives and deliverables.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed under simplified acquisition procedures, indicating it was likely awarded on a sole-source basis. This suggests that Florida Institute of Technology may possess unique expertise, intellectual property, or facilities essential for this specific lunar habitat research. The lack of competition means NASA did not explore alternative solutions or pricing from other potential offerors, which could limit price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can sometimes lead to higher costs for taxpayers if competitive bidding could have driven down prices. However, if the unique capabilities of the selected contractor are critical for mission success, the investment may be justified.
Public Impact
Benefits academic and research institutions by funding advanced space technology development. Services delivered include research and development for lunar habitat solutions. Geographic impact is primarily within Florida, where the institute is located. Workforce implications include opportunities for researchers, engineers, and students in aerospace.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition may limit cost savings for taxpayers.
- Scope and deliverables need close monitoring to ensure research objectives are met.
- Reliance on a single source could pose risks if performance issues arise.
Positive Signals
- Focus on critical lunar habitat research aligns with NASA's long-term goals.
- Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for this research effort.
- Leverages academic expertise for innovative solutions in space exploration.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on aerospace and space exploration technologies. The market for lunar habitat development is nascent but growing, driven by national space agencies and private companies aiming for a sustained presence on the Moon. Spending in this area is highly specialized, often involving universities and research institutions with unique scientific and engineering capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the novelty and specific technical requirements of such research.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides, as indicated by the 'ss' and 'sb' fields being false. The primary contractor is a university, which typically does not qualify as a small business. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data, suggesting that opportunities for small businesses may be limited on this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), specifically the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). As a purchase order for research, oversight would focus on monitoring research progress, adherence to the statement of work, and timely delivery of research outcomes. Transparency is generally maintained through NASA's public contract databases, and accountability rests with the contracting officers and the research team at Florida Institute of Technology.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Lunar Exploration Programs
- Space Technology Research Grants
- Advanced Habitation Systems Research
- University Research Partnerships
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award may limit cost competition.
- Research outcomes are subject to scientific validation and may not yield immediate deployable solutions.
- Contract duration is fixed, requiring potential follow-on funding for continued development.
Tags
research-and-development, space-exploration, lunar-habitat, nasa, florida-institute-of-technology, purchase-order, firm-fixed-price, sole-source, academic-research, aerospace
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $189,643 to FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY INC. SVGS AND LUNAR HABITAT - JOHN INNESS (MSFC, ED10)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 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 $189,643.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-09-18. End: 2026-06-30.
What is the specific technical scope of the 'SVGS AND LUNAR HABITAT' research being funded?
The provided data does not detail the specific technical scope of the 'SVGS AND LUNAR HABITAT' research. The description 'SVGS AND LUNAR HABITAT - JOHN INNESS (MSFC, ED10)' suggests a project related to developing or researching systems for lunar habitats, potentially involving 'SVGS' which could refer to various systems like life support, power, or structural components. The 'JOHN INNESS' likely refers to the principal investigator or a key personnel involved, and '(MSFC, ED10)' indicates the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and potentially an organizational element or directorate. A full understanding would require access to the contract's statement of work or technical exhibits.
How does the $1.9 million award compare to other NASA investments in lunar habitat research?
Direct comparison of the $1.9 million award to other NASA investments in lunar habitat research is difficult without a comprehensive database of all related contracts and grants. NASA's overall budget for lunar exploration and technology development is substantial, encompassing various initiatives like the Artemis program. This specific award to Florida Institute of Technology appears to be for a focused research effort. Larger contracts might exist for hardware development or mission operations, while smaller grants could fund more fundamental scientific inquiries. This $1.9 million award likely represents a significant but specific investment within NASA's broader lunar research portfolio.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or deliverables expected from Florida Institute of Technology for this contract?
The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) or deliverables for this contract. As a research and development award, expected outcomes would typically include research reports, technical data packages, prototypes, simulations, or scientific publications detailing advancements in lunar habitat technology. The specific metrics for success would be defined in the contract's statement of work (SOW) and would likely focus on the novelty, feasibility, and potential impact of the developed solutions for future lunar missions. NASA's contracting officers would monitor progress against these defined deliverables.
What is the track record of Florida Institute of Technology in securing and performing on NASA contracts, particularly in R&D?
Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) has a history of engaging in research and development, often in collaboration with government agencies like NASA. While specific details on their past NASA contract performance are not in the provided data, universities like FIT frequently receive grants and contracts for specialized research. Their track record would typically be assessed based on successful completion of previous projects, scientific contributions, and adherence to grant/contractual terms. FIT's established aerospace engineering programs and research centers suggest a capacity to undertake complex R&D projects for NASA.
Given this is a sole-source award, what due diligence did NASA perform to ensure the price was fair and reasonable?
For sole-source awards, federal acquisition regulations require the agency to perform adequate price, cost, and financial responsibility analysis to ensure the negotiated price is fair and reasonable. This typically involves reviewing the contractor's cost proposals, historical pricing data (if available), market research on similar goods/services, and potentially independent government cost estimates. For a university research contract, NASA would likely assess the reasonableness of labor rates, indirect costs, and material costs proposed by Florida Institute of Technology, ensuring they align with industry standards for academic research institutions.
What is the potential long-term impact of this research on NASA's broader lunar exploration objectives?
This research award has the potential to significantly impact NASA's long-term lunar exploration objectives by contributing to the foundational technologies required for sustainable human presence on the Moon. Advances in lunar habitat design, materials, and life support systems are critical for enabling longer duration missions, establishing research outposts, and supporting future commercial activities. By investing in specialized R&D through institutions like Florida Institute of Technology, NASA aims to de-risk future missions, reduce operational costs, and accelerate the development of reliable and efficient habitats necessary for achieving ambitious exploration goals under programs like Artemis.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Educational Services › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - END USER
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 80NSSC23843449Q
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 150 W UNIVERSITY BLVD, MELBOURNE, FL, 32901
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private)
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $189,643
Exercised Options: $189,643
Current Obligation: $189,643
Actual Outlays: $26,250
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-09-18
Current End Date: 2026-06-30
Potential End Date: 2026-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-09
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