NASA awards $1.96M contract to Supercool Metals Inc. for advanced robotics component manufacturing
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $1,955,000 ($2.0M)
Contractor: Supercool Metals Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2026-04-01
End Date: 2028-03-31
Contract Duration: 730 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 25
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: FY25 CCRPP - SUPERCOOL METALS INC. - ADVANCING COMMERCIALIZATION AND MANUFACTURING OF PRECISION ROBOTICS COMPONENTS THROUGH THERMOPLASTIC FORMING OF BULK METALLIC GLASSES
Place of Performance
Location: BRANFORD, NEW HAVEN County, CONNECTICUT, 06405
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $2.0 million to SUPERCOOL METALS INC. for work described as: FY25 CCRPP - SUPERCOOL METALS INC. - ADVANCING COMMERCIALIZATION AND MANUFACTURING OF PRECISION ROBOTICS COMPONENTS THROUGH THERMOPLASTIC FORMING OF BULK METALLIC GLASSES Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advancing commercialization and manufacturing of precision robotics components. 2. Thermoplastic forming of bulk metallic glasses is the core technology. 3. The contract duration is 730 days, ending March 31, 2028. 4. This award represents a significant investment in next-generation manufacturing capabilities. 5. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is the awarding agency. 6. The contract type is a Definitive Contract with a Firm Fixed Price. 7. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541713 (Research and Development in Nanotechnology).
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $1.96 million for a two-year period appears reasonable for specialized R&D in advanced materials and manufacturing. Benchmarking against similar contracts for nanotechnology-focused R&D or advanced materials development would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, given the niche and cutting-edge nature of the technology (thermoplastic forming of bulk metallic glasses for robotics), the price is likely competitive within this specialized field.
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,' indicating that while the competition was broad, specific circumstances led to the exclusion of certain potential bidders. This suggests a competitive process was initiated, but the final selection might have been narrowed based on specific technical qualifications or prior relationships. The number of bidders (25) is substantial, implying a healthy level of interest and competition for this specialized R&D.
Taxpayer Impact: A competitive process with 25 bidders generally benefits taxpayers by driving down costs and encouraging innovation. Even with exclusions, a broad initial competition suggests that the government sought the best value, potentially leading to more efficient use of taxpayer funds.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the aerospace and robotics industries, which will gain access to advanced manufacturing techniques for critical components. The contract will deliver advancements in the production of precision robotics components, potentially enhancing the capabilities of future space missions and terrestrial applications. The geographic impact is centered in Connecticut, where Supercool Metals Inc. is located, potentially creating or sustaining high-skilled jobs in the region. Workforce implications include the need for specialized engineers and technicians skilled in materials science, advanced manufacturing, and robotics.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for technology lock-in if the 'exclusion of sources' significantly limited the competitive pool.
- Risk of cost overruns if the novel thermoplastic forming process encounters unforeseen technical challenges.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical advancements in bulk metallic glass forming for robotics.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a broad search for qualified vendors.
- Significant number of bidders (25) suggests strong market interest and potential for innovation.
- Firm Fixed Price contract structure incentivizes contractor efficiency and cost control.
- Focus on commercialization and manufacturing implies a path towards practical application and scalability.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced materials and manufacturing technologies relevant to nanotechnology and robotics. The market for specialized materials like bulk metallic glasses is niche but growing, driven by demand for high-performance components in aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing. NASA's investment aligns with broader government initiatives to bolster domestic manufacturing capabilities and technological innovation in critical sectors.
Small Business Impact
The contract does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions (ss: false, sb: false). The substantial number of bidders (25) suggests that larger, established firms may have been the primary participants. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses, which could be a missed opportunity to engage the small business ecosystem in this advanced manufacturing initiative.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As a Definitive Contract with a Firm Fixed Price, there are built-in accountability measures related to performance and delivery. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases, but specific details of the R&D process and outcomes may be subject to proprietary considerations. NASA's Inspector General would have jurisdiction over potential fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Programs
- Robotics Research and Development Initiatives
- Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development
- Nanotechnology Research Grants
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Materials Science Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential limited competition due to source exclusion.
- Novel technology carries inherent R&D risks.
- Dependence on specific material properties (bulk metallic glasses).
Tags
nasa, research-and-development, advanced-materials, robotics, manufacturing, nanotechnology, definitive-contract, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, connecticut, supercool-metals-inc
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $2.0 million to SUPERCOOL METALS INC.. FY25 CCRPP - SUPERCOOL METALS INC. - ADVANCING COMMERCIALIZATION AND MANUFACTURING OF PRECISION ROBOTICS COMPONENTS THROUGH THERMOPLASTIC FORMING OF BULK METALLIC GLASSES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SUPERCOOL METALS 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 $2.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2028-03-31.
What is the specific technological innovation Supercool Metals Inc. brings to thermoplastic forming of bulk metallic glasses for robotics?
The provided data does not detail the specific technological innovation. However, 'thermoplastic forming of bulk metallic glasses' suggests a process that heats and shapes metallic glass materials, which possess unique properties like high strength and elasticity, into complex forms suitable for robotic components. This could involve novel techniques for controlling temperature, pressure, and mold design to achieve desired precision and material integrity, potentially overcoming challenges associated with traditional metal forming or additive manufacturing for these specialized alloys. The 'advancing commercialization and manufacturing' aspect implies the company is moving beyond basic research towards scalable production methods.
How does the $1.96 million award compare to typical R&D spending in nanotechnology and advanced materials by NASA?
The $1.96 million award is a moderate sum for a specific R&D project within nanotechnology and advanced materials. NASA's overall R&D budget is substantial, encompassing numerous projects across various scientific disciplines. Awards for cutting-edge research in specialized fields like bulk metallic glasses for robotics can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars, depending on the project's scope, duration, and technological maturity. This particular contract's value suggests a focused effort on a specific phase of development, likely moving towards prototyping or pilot-scale manufacturing, rather than foundational, broad-spectrum research.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will success be measured?
The provided data does not specify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. However, typical KPIs for such an R&D and manufacturing advancement contract would likely include metrics related to the successful formation of defect-free components, achievement of specific material properties (e.g., tensile strength, elasticity, fatigue resistance), dimensional accuracy and precision of the manufactured parts, scalability of the thermoplastic forming process, and potentially the cost-effectiveness of the production method compared to alternatives. NASA would monitor progress against defined milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract's statement of work.
What is Supercool Metals Inc.'s track record in government contracting, particularly with NASA?
The provided data does not include information on Supercool Metals Inc.'s specific track record with government contracting or NASA. To assess this, one would need to consult federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) to review past awards, contract performance history, and any reported issues. A company's history with similar R&D projects, its financial stability, and its ability to meet previous contract obligations are crucial factors in evaluating its suitability for new awards.
What are the potential risks associated with the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' designation?
The designation 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' implies that while the initial solicitation was open, certain potential offerors were excluded from the final competition phase. This could occur due to specific technical requirements, security clearances, or unique capabilities possessed by the remaining bidders. The risk for taxpayers is that this exclusion might have inadvertently limited the pool of innovative solutions or competitive pricing, potentially leading to a less optimal outcome than a truly unrestricted competition. However, if the exclusions were justified by stringent technical needs, it could ensure the selection of the most capable vendor for a highly specialized task.
How does this contract align with NASA's broader strategic goals in robotics and advanced manufacturing?
This contract directly aligns with NASA's strategic goals by fostering advancements in robotics and advanced manufacturing. NASA relies heavily on sophisticated robotic systems for space exploration, satellite servicing, and in-space assembly. Developing more efficient and cost-effective methods for manufacturing high-performance robotic components, particularly using novel materials like bulk metallic glasses, is crucial for enhancing mission capabilities, reducing payload mass, and improving the durability of hardware operating in extreme environments. Investing in domestic advanced manufacturing also supports broader economic and national security objectives.
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: 25
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 21 BUSINESS PARK DR STE 5B, BRANFORD, CT, 06405
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $1,955,000
Exercised Options: $1,955,000
Current Obligation: $1,955,000
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-01
Current End Date: 2028-03-31
Potential End Date: 2028-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-01
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