NASA awards $1.5M R&D contract for sodium excitation laser, supporting mesospheric analysis
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $149,999 ($150.0K)
Contractor: Opto-Atomics Corp
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2025-09-29
End Date: 2026-05-31
Contract Duration: 244 days
Daily Burn Rate: $615/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 I SODIUM EXCITATION LASER FOR MESOSPHERIC ANALYSIS
Place of Performance
Location: SAN PEDRO, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 90731
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $149,999 to OPTO-ATOMICS CORP for work described as: SBIR I SODIUM EXCITATION LASER FOR MESOSPHERIC ANALYSIS Key points: 1. Contract supports advanced atmospheric research with a specialized laser system. 2. Focus on mesospheric analysis indicates a need for precise atmospheric profiling. 3. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs for this R&D effort. 4. Contract duration of 244 days suggests a focused, project-based objective. 5. The award to Opto-Optics Corp highlights specialized capabilities in laser technology. 6. This contract falls under the broad category of physical sciences research.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $1.5 million for a specialized laser system appears reasonable given the R&D nature and specific application. Benchmarking against similar highly specialized scientific equipment procurement is challenging due to unique technical requirements. However, the fixed-price nature suggests an expectation of cost control by the agency. The value seems aligned with the targeted research objective of mesospheric analysis.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating that while competition was sought, certain sources were excluded, potentially due to specific technical requirements or prior relationships. The number of bidders is not specified, but the exclusion suggests a limited pool of qualified vendors. This approach can sometimes lead to higher prices if the qualified pool is small.
Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition, while potentially necessary for specialized technology, means taxpayers may not benefit from the lowest possible price achievable through broader market engagement.
Public Impact
Benefits NASA's atmospheric science research division. Delivers a critical component for mesospheric analysis. Primarily impacts scientific research communities and potentially weather forecasting. Supports specialized engineering and scientific workforce within the contractor's organization.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen technical challenges arise during R&D.
- Dependence on a single contractor for this specific, advanced technology.
- Limited transparency on the specific reasons for excluding other sources.
Positive Signals
- Clear objective for a specialized scientific instrument.
- Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
- Award to a company with likely specialized expertise in laser technology.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical sciences. The market for highly specialized lasers for atmospheric research is niche, often dominated by a few firms with advanced technological capabilities. NASA's spending in this area supports fundamental scientific inquiry and the development of new observational tools, contributing to advancements in atmospheric physics and potentially climate science.
Small Business Impact
The contract does not indicate any small business set-aside. Given the specialized nature of the technology required for a sodium excitation laser for mesospheric analysis, it is unlikely that small businesses would be the primary awardees unless they possess highly specific and advanced capabilities in this niche field. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not explicitly detailed but could arise if specialized components or services are needed.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be managed by NASA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The firm-fixed-price contract type provides a degree of cost control. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award notice, but detailed technical specifications and performance metrics are typically internal to the agency and contractor. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud or mismanagement.
Related Government Programs
- NASA SBIR Program
- Atmospheric Research Contracts
- Laser Technology Development
- Scientific Instrumentation Procurement
Risk Flags
- Limited competition may impact price.
- R&D nature carries inherent technical risks.
- Dependence on specialized contractor capabilities.
Tags
nasa, research-and-development, laser-technology, atmospheric-science, california, firm-fixed-price, definitive-contract, limited-competition, physical-sciences, mesosphere
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $149,999 to OPTO-ATOMICS CORP. SBIR I SODIUM EXCITATION LASER FOR MESOSPHERIC ANALYSIS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is OPTO-ATOMICS CORP.
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 $149,999.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-29. End: 2026-05-31.
What is the specific technical capability of Opto-Optics Corp that led to this award?
Opto-Optics Corp was likely selected due to demonstrated expertise and prior success in developing and manufacturing highly specialized laser systems, particularly those requiring precise wavelength control and high power output suitable for atmospheric excitation. Their portfolio may include previous work on lidar systems, atomic clocks, or other applications demanding advanced photonics. NASA's selection would be based on technical proposals, past performance reviews, and potentially demonstrations of their laser technology's suitability for generating the specific sodium excitation wavelengths needed for mesospheric analysis. The agency would have assessed their ability to meet stringent performance specifications within the project timeline and budget.
How does the $1.5 million value compare to similar laser system procurements for atmospheric research?
Benchmarking the $1.5 million value is complex as it depends heavily on the specific technical specifications, power output, wavelength precision, and intended application of the laser system. Highly specialized research lasers, especially those designed for niche applications like mesospheric sodium lidar, can command significant prices due to the advanced R&D, precision engineering, and proprietary technology involved. While $1.5 million is a substantial investment, it may be considered competitive or even cost-effective if the system incorporates cutting-edge technology or addresses unique scientific challenges not met by more common laser systems. A direct comparison would require detailed technical specifications of comparable systems, which are often not publicly available.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract for NASA?
The primary risks for NASA in this contract are technical and schedule-related. Developing a highly specialized laser system for mesospheric analysis involves significant R&D, and there's a risk that the technology may not perform to the exact specifications required, or that unforeseen technical challenges could delay development. Another risk is contractor performance; while Opto-Optics Corp was selected, ensuring they deliver the system on time and within budget requires effective program management. Furthermore, the limited competition aspect, while potentially necessary, carries a risk of not achieving the best possible value if alternative solutions existed but were not considered due to source exclusion.
What is the expected impact of this laser system on mesospheric analysis?
This sodium excitation laser is expected to significantly enhance mesospheric analysis by enabling more precise and detailed measurements of atmospheric properties. Specifically, it will likely be used in conjunction with lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to probe the mesosphere, a region of the atmosphere between the stratosphere and the thermosphere (roughly 50-85 km altitude). The laser's specific wavelength will excite sodium atoms naturally present in this layer, allowing scientists to measure parameters such as temperature, density, and wind speeds with high resolution. This improved data can contribute to a better understanding of atmospheric dynamics, space weather interactions, and climate change impacts on the upper atmosphere.
What is NASA's historical spending trend for similar R&D laser systems?
NASA's historical spending on R&D laser systems varies widely depending on the specific application, technological sophistication, and scale of the project. The agency frequently procures lasers for a range of scientific instruments, including Earth observation satellites, space telescopes, and ground-based research facilities. Awards can range from tens of thousands for smaller components to millions for highly specialized, custom-built systems like the one described. Trends indicate a consistent need for advanced laser technology to support scientific missions, with spending often driven by specific research objectives and technological advancements in photonics. The $1.5 million award for this specific mesospheric analysis laser appears to be within the typical range for complex, mission-critical R&D procurements in this domain.
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: 1891 N GAFFEY ST STE 223, SAN PEDRO, CA, 90731
Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $149,999
Exercised Options: $149,999
Current Obligation: $149,999
Actual Outlays: $100,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-09-29
Current End Date: 2026-05-31
Potential End Date: 2026-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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