NASA Awards $10M Contract to Motiv Space Systems for Foundational Robots
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $9,998,835 ($10.0M)
Contractor: Motiv Space Systems, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2025-06-25
End Date: 2027-07-01
Contract Duration: 736 days
Daily Burn Rate: $13.6K/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: PHASE III - FLY FOUNDATIONAL ROBOTS (FFR) DEVELOPMENT AND DEMONSTRATION MISSION
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91107
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $10.0 million to MOTIV SPACE SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: PHASE III - FLY FOUNDATIONAL ROBOTS (FFR) DEVELOPMENT AND DEMONSTRATION MISSION Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Motiv Space Systems, Inc. for Phase III FFR development. 2. Focus on nanotechnology R&D, a specialized and high-potential sector. 3. Full and open competition after exclusion of sources indicates a structured procurement process. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type aims to control costs for this R&D effort.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $9,998,835 for a 2-year R&D effort appears reasonable given the specialized nature of foundational robotics and nanotechnology. Benchmarking is difficult without more specific contract details and comparable projects.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The procurement method 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' suggests that while competition was sought, initial sources may have been narrowed down. This could impact price discovery if the exclusion criteria were overly restrictive.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in advanced robotics and nanotechnology research, which could yield long-term technological advancements and economic benefits, but the immediate return is research output.
Public Impact
Advancement in foundational robotics technology for potential future space exploration or terrestrial applications. Investment in nanotechnology research, a key area for future technological innovation. Potential for spin-off technologies and commercialization from the R&D outcomes.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition after source exclusion may impact optimal pricing.
- R&D projects inherently carry risk of not achieving desired outcomes.
- Long-term benefits are speculative and depend on successful development and application.
Positive Signals
- Focus on cutting-edge nanotechnology and robotics.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
- NASA's involvement suggests strategic importance and potential for significant impact.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in Nanotechnology (NAICS 541713). Spending in this sector is typically high-risk, high-reward, focusing on innovation and future capabilities rather than immediate product delivery.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Motiv Space Systems, Inc., a single entity. There is no indication of small business participation or subcontracting in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's procurement processes generally include oversight. The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' suggests a structured approach. Further oversight would focus on milestone achievement and technical progress.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in Nanotechnology
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for limited competition impacting price.
- Inherent R&D risks of technological failure or unmet objectives.
- Long-term return on investment is uncertain.
- Lack of explicit small business participation noted.
Tags
research-and-development-in-nanotechnolo, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $10.0 million to MOTIV SPACE SYSTEMS, INC.. PHASE III - FLY FOUNDATIONAL ROBOTS (FFR) DEVELOPMENT AND DEMONSTRATION MISSION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MOTIV SPACE SYSTEMS, 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 $10.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-06-25. End: 2027-07-01.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this Phase III development, and how do they align with NASA's long-term strategic goals?
This Phase III contract aims to mature foundational robotics technology, likely focusing on capabilities crucial for future space missions, such as advanced manipulation, mobility, or autonomous operation in challenging environments. These advancements are expected to align with NASA's strategic goals of deep space exploration, lunar bases, and Mars missions by providing the robotic systems necessary to support human and robotic endeavors.
What are the primary risks associated with the 'exclusion of sources' in the competition, and how might they affect the final cost and quality?
The primary risk of excluding sources is potentially limiting the pool of qualified bidders, which could reduce competitive pressure and lead to higher prices or less optimal solutions than might be achieved in a truly open competition. While the exclusion might be justified by specific technical requirements, it necessitates careful justification to ensure fair market value and that the selected vendor offers the best overall value proposition.
How will the effectiveness of the 'Foundational Robots' be measured, and what are the key performance indicators for this R&D contract?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through a series of technical demonstrations and performance tests against predefined requirements outlined in the contract. Key performance indicators could include metrics related to robot mobility, manipulation precision, operational autonomy, power efficiency, environmental resilience, and successful completion of specific mission-related tasks within simulated or actual environments.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in Nanotechnology
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: 350 N HALSTEAD ST, PASADENA, CA, 91107
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $9,998,835
Exercised Options: $9,998,835
Current Obligation: $9,998,835
Actual Outlays: $5,264,226
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-06-25
Current End Date: 2027-07-01
Potential End Date: 2027-07-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-14
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