NASA awards $2.2M R&D contract to Sachi Bioworks for spaceflight immune research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,234,767 ($2.2M)
Contractor: Sachi Bioworks, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2024-03-18
End Date: 2026-03-17
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.1K/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: SBIR PHASE III - REVERSING IMMUNE DYSREGULATION DURING SPACEFLIGHT MISSIONS
Place of Performance
Location: LOUISVILLE, BOULDER County, COLORADO, 80027
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $2.2 million to SACHI BIOWORKS, INC. for work described as: SBIR PHASE III - REVERSING IMMUNE DYSREGULATION DURING SPACEFLIGHT MISSIONS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical research for astronaut health during long-duration space missions. 2. The award leverages Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III, indicating prior successful innovation. 3. Research and Development sector, specifically life sciences, is a key area for NASA's mission. 4. The contract duration of 729 days suggests a substantial research effort. 5. Firm Fixed Price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 6. The award was made under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, suggesting a specific justification for the procurement approach.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $2.23 million for a 729-day research and development project appears reasonable within the context of specialized scientific endeavors. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in life sciences and aerospace would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure helps mitigate cost overruns, which is a positive indicator for value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources.' This specific procurement method suggests that while the competition was intended to be broad, there were particular circumstances or justifications that led to excluding certain sources. The number of bidders is not specified, but the approach implies a deliberate selection process to ensure the best value was obtained under the given constraints.
Taxpayer Impact: This procurement approach, while aiming for broad competition, indicates specific criteria were met to justify the exclusion of some potential sources. Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that seeks to ensure fair pricing and access to innovative solutions, even with specific exclusions.
Public Impact
Astronauts and future space explorers will benefit from advancements in understanding and mitigating immune system dysregulation during spaceflight. The research aims to deliver critical insights into biological responses to the space environment. This contract supports the advancement of NASA's long-term goals for human space exploration, including missions to Mars and beyond. The project contributes to the scientific knowledge base in biotechnology and space medicine.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in complex R&D projects if not managed tightly.
- Reliance on a single contractor for this specific research phase could pose a risk if performance falters.
Positive Signals
- SBIR Phase III designation indicates prior successful innovation and validation of technology by the contractor.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
- Focus on a critical area of astronaut health directly supports NASA's core mission objectives.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for space-related biomedical research is specialized, driven by government agencies like NASA and its contractors. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found within NASA's broader R&D portfolio and other agencies funding advanced life science research for extreme environments.
Small Business Impact
While this is an SBIR Phase III contract, the data does not explicitly state if Sachi Bioworks is a small business. SBIR Phase III contracts are designed to transition technologies developed under earlier SBIR phases into commercial products or services. If Sachi Bioworks is a small business, this award represents a significant opportunity for them to further develop and commercialize their innovations, potentially leading to future subcontracting opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by NASA's contracting officers and program managers responsible for space life sciences research. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract's performance requirements and deliverables. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases and public reporting, though specific research methodologies and findings may be subject to proprietary or national security considerations.
Related Government Programs
- NASA SBIR Program
- Human Research Program
- Space Biology and Astrobiology Research
Risk Flags
- SBIR Phase III designation implies prior successful innovation.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type offers cost certainty.
- Research area is critical for long-duration spaceflight.
Tags
research-and-development, nasa, life-sciences, spaceflight, sbir, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, small-business-innovation-research, biotechnology, astronaut-health, colorado, definitive-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $2.2 million to SACHI BIOWORKS, INC.. SBIR PHASE III - REVERSING IMMUNE DYSREGULATION DURING SPACEFLIGHT MISSIONS
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 $2.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-03-18. End: 2026-03-17.
What is the track record of Sachi Bioworks with NASA or similar agencies?
Sachi Bioworks, Inc. has a history with NASA, as indicated by this being an SBIR Phase III contract. SBIR Phase III awards signify that the company has successfully completed earlier phases of the Small Business Innovation Research program, which involves rigorous technical and commercialization milestones. This suggests a proven ability to innovate and meet program objectives. Further investigation into their specific project history, past performance reviews, and any prior contract awards from NASA or other federal agencies would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their track record and reliability for this specific research domain.
How does the value of this contract compare to similar R&D efforts in spaceflight immunology?
The $2.23 million contract value for a 729-day research project on immune dysregulation during spaceflight is within a typical range for specialized R&D efforts funded by agencies like NASA. Similar projects focusing on advanced biomedical research, particularly those addressing the unique challenges of the space environment, often require significant investment over extended periods. Benchmarking against other NASA Human Research Program grants or contracts, or similar research funded by agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for complex biological systems, would provide a more precise comparison. The firm fixed-price nature of this contract also suggests a focus on cost control relative to the defined scope.
What are the primary risks associated with this specific R&D contract?
The primary risks associated with this R&D contract include the inherent scientific uncertainty in achieving breakthrough results within the defined timeframe and budget. Complex biological systems are difficult to predict, and research outcomes can be unpredictable. Another risk is potential performance issues with the contractor, Sachi Bioworks, Inc., although the SBIR Phase III designation suggests a degree of proven capability. Furthermore, changes in NASA's research priorities or budget fluctuations could impact the project's continuity. Ensuring robust project management, clear communication, and well-defined milestones are crucial to mitigating these risks.
How effective is the SBIR program in driving innovation for NASA's mission?
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is generally considered highly effective in driving innovation for NASA's mission by fostering technological advancements within small businesses. The program's phased approach allows for initial research and development (Phase I), followed by more extensive R&D (Phase II), and finally, commercialization and application (Phase III). This specific contract being a Phase III indicates that Sachi Bioworks has already demonstrated significant innovation and potential. The SBIR program helps NASA access cutting-edge technologies that might not be developed through traditional large-scale contracts, thereby enhancing mission capabilities and supporting the growth of the small business technology sector.
What has been NASA's historical spending on R&D related to astronaut health and space biology?
NASA has consistently allocated significant funding towards R&D related to astronaut health and space biology, recognizing its critical importance for long-duration space missions. Historical spending data reveals substantial investments in areas such as radiation effects, microgravity countermeasures, psychological health, and physiological adaptation. The agency's Human Research Program and various mission directorates fund a portfolio of research aimed at ensuring crew safety and performance. While specific annual figures fluctuate based on budgetary priorities and program needs, R&D in these areas represents a core component of NASA's overall budget, often amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars annually across various research initiatives and grants.
What does the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' procurement method imply for this contract?
The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method implies that NASA initially intended to solicit proposals from all responsible sources but subsequently excluded specific sources based on defined criteria or justifications. This could occur for various reasons, such as the need for a specific technology already developed by a particular entity, national security concerns, or unique capabilities required for the research. While it aims for broad competition, the exclusion suggests a tailored approach. The implication for taxpayers is that while competition was sought, the specific exclusions might limit the range of potential solutions or price points compared to a truly unrestricted full and open competition. However, it also suggests NASA had a rationale for this approach to best meet its specific needs.
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: $2,234,767
Exercised Options: $2,234,767
Current Obligation: $2,234,767
Actual Outlays: $2,061,392
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-03-18
Current End Date: 2026-03-17
Potential End Date: 2026-03-17 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-09
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