NASA awards $3.47M contract for radiation-tolerant silicon carbide switches to CoolCAD Electronics
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,466,911 ($3.5M)
Contractor: Coolcad Electronics, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2026-01-20
End Date: 2028-01-19
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.8K/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 II SEQUENTIAL 80NSSC26C0025 MANUFACTURING RADIATION TOLERANT SILICON CARBIDE SWITCHES
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20770
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $3.5 million to COOLCAD ELECTRONICS, INC. for work described as: SBIR PHASE II SEQUENTIAL 80NSSC26C0025 MANUFACTURING RADIATION TOLERANT SILICON CARBIDE SWITCHES Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced materials for space applications, aligning with NASA's long-term exploration goals. 2. The award leverages Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program funding, indicating a focus on early-stage technology development. 3. Fixed-price contract structure aims to control costs and incentivize contractor efficiency. 4. The duration of the contract suggests a need for sustained development and testing of the specialized components. 5. This award represents a strategic investment in next-generation power electronics for harsh space environments.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $3.47 million for a definitive contract over two years appears reasonable for specialized R&D in advanced materials. Benchmarking against similar SBIR Phase II contracts for novel component development suggests this is within expected ranges. The firm fixed-price nature provides cost certainty for NASA, though it places the development risk on the contractor.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' which suggests a prior limited competition or a specific justification for excluding other sources. While not a sole-source award, the 'exclusion of sources' implies that not all potential offerors were considered, potentially limiting the breadth of competition and price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: This limited competition structure may mean taxpayers did not benefit from the lowest possible price achievable through a broader, more inclusive bidding process.
Public Impact
This contract directly benefits NASA's space exploration and research missions by advancing critical component technology. The services delivered involve the manufacturing and testing of radiation-tolerant silicon carbide switches. The geographic impact is primarily at the contractor's facility in Maryland, with ultimate benefits extending to NASA's national and international space programs. This contract supports specialized engineering and manufacturing jobs within the advanced electronics sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may have restricted the pool of potential suppliers, potentially impacting price competitiveness.
- The 'exclusion of sources' clause requires careful review to ensure fair and open practices were maintained.
- Reliance on a single awardee for this critical technology could pose supply chain risks if the contractor faces unforeseen issues.
Positive Signals
- Focus on SBIR Phase II indicates support for innovative small businesses and technology maturation.
- The firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability for the government.
- The contract duration allows for thorough development and validation of the advanced switches.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced semiconductor materials and power electronics. The market for radiation-hardened components is niche but critical for aerospace, defense, and nuclear applications. Spending in this area is driven by the need for higher reliability and performance in extreme environments, with NASA being a key procurer of such technologies.
Small Business Impact
While the contract itself is not a small business set-aside, the underlying SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) program is designed to foster small business innovation. CoolCAD Electronics, Inc. is likely a small business, and this award represents a significant opportunity for them to mature and commercialize their technology. Subcontracting opportunities for other small businesses are possible but not explicitly detailed in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be managed by NASA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration, likely through program managers and contracting officers. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of financial oversight by setting a ceiling on costs. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though detailed technical progress reports may be proprietary.
Related Government Programs
- SBIR Phase II Contracts
- NASA Research and Development Spending
- Advanced Materials Research
- Semiconductor Manufacturing Contracts
- Radiation-Hardened Electronics
Risk Flags
- Limited Competition
- Technology Maturation Risk
- Supply Chain Dependency
Tags
research-and-development, nasa, national-aeronautics-and-space-administration, maryland, definitive-contract, firm-fixed-price, sbir, semiconductors, aerospace, advanced-materials, limited-competition
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $3.5 million to COOLCAD ELECTRONICS, INC.. SBIR PHASE II SEQUENTIAL 80NSSC26C0025 MANUFACTURING RADIATION TOLERANT SILICON CARBIDE SWITCHES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is COOLCAD ELECTRONICS, 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 $3.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-01-20. End: 2028-01-19.
What is the specific technological advancement CoolCAD Electronics is expected to deliver under this contract?
Under this contract, CoolCAD Electronics is tasked with manufacturing radiation-tolerant silicon carbide (SiC) switches. Silicon carbide is a semiconductor material known for its superior properties compared to traditional silicon, including higher thermal conductivity, greater breakdown voltage, and better resistance to radiation. Radiation tolerance is crucial for electronic components used in space missions, where exposure to high levels of cosmic and solar radiation can degrade or destroy conventional electronics. The goal is to develop and produce SiC switches that can reliably operate in these harsh environments, potentially enabling more robust and longer-lasting spacecraft and instrumentation.
How does the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' procurement method compare to standard full and open competition?
The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' (FOUCAES) method is a variation of full and open competition. Standard full and open competition allows all responsible sources to submit an offer, ensuring the widest possible market reach and price competition. FOUCAES, however, implies that after an initial limited competition or a specific justification, certain sources were excluded from the competition. This could occur if, for example, a previous limited competition identified a preferred technology or contractor, and subsequent phases are opened more broadly but still exclude parties not previously involved or deemed unsuitable. While it aims for broader competition than a sole-source award, it is less competitive than a standard full and open process where all potential offerors are considered from the outset.
What are the potential risks associated with developing radiation-tolerant silicon carbide switches?
Developing radiation-tolerant silicon carbide (SiC) switches involves several risks. Firstly, the material science and fabrication processes for SiC are complex and can be challenging to scale, especially for high-reliability applications. Achieving consistent radiation tolerance requires precise control over material purity, crystal structure, and device design, which can be difficult to guarantee across multiple production runs. Secondly, testing and validation in simulated space radiation environments are expensive and time-consuming. Failures during testing can lead to significant delays and cost overruns. Finally, the market for such specialized components, while critical, is relatively niche, meaning that the commercial viability and long-term demand beyond specific government contracts need careful consideration.
What is the significance of this contract being a 'DEFINITIVE CONTRACT'?
A definitive contract is a contract that contains all the terms and clauses that will apply to the entire contract period. Unlike other contract types like basic ordering agreements or indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts, a definitive contract typically specifies all the details upfront, including the scope of work, delivery schedule, and total price. For this NASA contract, it means that the $3.47 million award represents the total value and commitment for the specified period (ending January 19, 2028). This provides clear financial and performance expectations for both NASA and CoolCAD Electronics, simplifying management and reducing ambiguity over the contract's life.
How does NASA's investment in radiation-tolerant SiC switches align with broader trends in space technology?
NASA's investment in radiation-tolerant silicon carbide (SiC) switches aligns with significant trends in space technology aimed at enhancing mission capabilities and longevity. As space missions venture further from Earth (e.g., Mars, outer planets) or operate in high-radiation zones (e.g., Jupiter's magnetosphere), the need for electronics that can withstand extreme radiation environments becomes paramount. SiC technology offers advantages over traditional silicon, such as higher operating temperatures, greater efficiency, and superior radiation hardness. By funding the development and manufacturing of these components, NASA is not only ensuring the reliability of its own future missions but also fostering the growth of a domestic supply chain for critical space-grade electronics, potentially reducing reliance on foreign sources and driving innovation across the aerospace industry.
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: 7850 WALKER DR STE 140, GREENBELT, MD, 20770
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $3,466,911
Exercised Options: $3,466,911
Current Obligation: $3,466,911
Actual Outlays: $50,000
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-01-20
Current End Date: 2028-01-19
Potential End Date: 2028-01-19 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-15
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