NASA Awards $1.5M for Reconfigurable Lidar to Advanced Scientific Concepts, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $149,928 ($149.9K)
Contractor: Advanced Scientific Concepts, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2025-09-29
End Date: 2026-06-17
Contract Duration: 261 days
Daily Burn Rate: $574/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 1 ON-ORBIT RECONFIGURABLE LIDAR FOR MAPPING AND HAZARD DETECTION
Place of Performance
Location: GOLETA, SANTA BARBARA County, CALIFORNIA, 93117
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $149,928 to ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS, LLC for work described as: SBIR 1 ON-ORBIT RECONFIGURABLE LIDAR FOR MAPPING AND HAZARD DETECTION Key points: 1. Focuses on advanced lidar technology for space mapping and hazard detection. 2. Contract awarded via full and open competition after source exclusion. 3. Potential for significant advancements in space exploration and safety. 4. Sector is R&D, specifically physical and engineering sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $1.5M appears reasonable for a research and development project of this nature. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for advanced 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 competitive process but with specific initial exclusions. This method aims to ensure fair pricing while potentially leveraging specialized capabilities.
Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is primarily through investment in advanced technology development with potential long-term benefits for space exploration and scientific understanding.
Public Impact
Enhances NASA's capabilities in mapping and identifying space hazards. Supports innovation in lidar technology for potential commercial and scientific applications. Contributes to the advancement of space exploration safety and efficiency.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition after source exclusion could potentially limit broader innovation.
- Technology maturity and integration risks for on-orbit deployment.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical need for advanced hazard detection in space.
- Potential for significant technological advancement in lidar systems.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
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 and maintaining a competitive edge in scientific exploration.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this specific contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's procurement processes are subject to oversight from various government bodies to ensure compliance and responsible spending. The 'exclusion of sources' clause warrants scrutiny to confirm its justification.
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 after source exclusion.
- Potential for technology integration and operational risks.
- Reliance on a single awardee for specialized R&D.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, definitive-contract, 100k-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $149,928 to ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS, LLC. SBIR 1 ON-ORBIT RECONFIGURABLE LIDAR FOR MAPPING AND HAZARD DETECTION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS, 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 $149,928.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-29. End: 2026-06-17.
What specific hazards will this reconfigurable lidar system be designed to detect, and what is the expected improvement in detection capability compared to existing technologies?
The system is intended for mapping and hazard detection in space. Specific hazards could include orbital debris, micrometeoroids, or surface anomalies on celestial bodies. The reconfigurable nature suggests adaptability to detect a wider range of threats or features with potentially higher resolution or accuracy than current static lidar systems, though specific performance metrics would require detailed technical documentation.
What was the rationale for excluding other sources prior to the full and open competition, and how was the fairness of this exclusion assessed?
The rationale for excluding sources prior to full and open competition typically involves specific technical requirements, proprietary technology, or unique capabilities possessed by a limited number of entities. NASA would have assessed the fairness by ensuring the exclusion was justified by demonstrable needs and that the subsequent competition, even if limited, was conducted transparently and competitively among eligible bidders.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the success of this SBIR project, and how will NASA measure the effectiveness of the reconfigurable lidar technology?
Key performance indicators would likely include successful demonstration of reconfigurability, accuracy in mapping and hazard detection, operational reliability in a simulated space environment, and power/data efficiency. NASA will measure effectiveness through rigorous testing, validation against known data, and potentially in-orbit demonstrations, comparing results against pre-defined technical objectives and performance benchmarks.
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: 125 CREMONA DR, GOLETA, CA, 93117
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $149,928
Exercised Options: $149,928
Current Obligation: $149,928
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-09-29
Current End Date: 2026-06-17
Potential End Date: 2026-06-17 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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