NASA awards $19.66M for torquemeter signal processors and repair services to Torquemeters Limited
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,663 ($19.7K)
Contractor: Torquemeters Limited
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2026-02-24
End Date: 2026-04-21
Contract Duration: 56 days
Daily Burn Rate: $351/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: TORQUEMETER SIGNAL PROCESSOR, CABLES, & INSPECT/REPAIR SERVICES
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $19,663.44 to TORQUEMETERS LIMITED for work described as: TORQUEMETER SIGNAL PROCESSOR, CABLES, & INSPECT/REPAIR SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, limiting price competition. 2. Short performance period of 56 days suggests a focused need. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract type shifts risk to the contractor. 4. No indication of small business participation. 5. Services include inspection and repair, indicating a focus on maintenance. 6. The contract falls under instruments for measuring and controlling industrial process variables.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $19.66 million for a 56-day period appears high, especially given the sole-source nature. Without competitive bids, it is difficult to benchmark the pricing against market rates or similar contracts. The firm-fixed-price structure is standard, but the overall value proposition is unclear due to the lack of competition and limited performance duration.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a sole-source award. The absence of competition means that NASA did not solicit bids from multiple vendors, which can lead to higher prices and reduced innovation. The specific justification for the sole-source award is not provided, but it typically implies a unique capability or urgent need.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the lack of competitive bidding. Without multiple offers, the government has less leverage to negotiate favorable pricing.
Public Impact
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is the primary beneficiary, receiving essential equipment and services. Services include inspection and repair of torquemeter signal processors and associated cables. The contract supports NASA's operational needs, likely related to testing or research facilities. The geographic impact is likely limited to NASA facilities where these components are utilized.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and potentially increases cost to taxpayers.
- Short contract duration may indicate an urgent need or a specific, limited scope of work.
- Lack of transparency regarding the justification for sole-source procurement.
- No small business set-aside or subcontracting information provided.
Positive Signals
- Firm Fixed Price contract shifts cost overrun risk to the contractor.
- Award to a specialized company (Torquemeters Limited) may indicate access to unique expertise.
- Contract supports critical NASA operations.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing sector, specifically for measuring, displaying, and controlling industrial process variables. This is a niche market often characterized by specialized engineering and high-quality manufacturing. Spending in this sector can vary significantly based on the specific technological needs of government agencies and research institutions.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that this contract included a small business set-aside. Furthermore, no information is provided regarding subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. This suggests that the primary contractor, Torquemeters Limited, is likely a larger entity, and the contract may not directly benefit the small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is a Purchase Order awarded by NASA. Oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within NASA. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature and lack of public justification. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud or mismanagement were suspected.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Contracts
- Aerospace Instrumentation Procurement
- Industrial Process Control Systems
- Maintenance and Repair Services for Scientific Equipment
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award raises concerns about price reasonableness.
- Lack of competition may limit options and increase costs.
- Short contract duration requires efficient execution.
- No small business participation identified.
Tags
nasa, torquemeter-signal-processor, instruments-and-related-products-manufacturing, purchase-order, firm-fixed-price, sole-source, inspection-and-repair-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administration, limited-competition, maintenance-and-repair
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $19,663.44 to TORQUEMETERS LIMITED. TORQUEMETER SIGNAL PROCESSOR, CABLES, & INSPECT/REPAIR SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TORQUEMETERS LIMITED.
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 $19,663.44.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-02-24. End: 2026-04-21.
What is the track record of Torquemeters Limited with NASA or other government agencies?
Information regarding Torquemeters Limited's specific track record with NASA or other government agencies is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive review would require searching federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS for past awards, performance evaluations, and any reported issues. Understanding their history of delivering similar products or services, adherence to schedules, and quality of work would be crucial for assessing future performance risk. Without this historical context, it's difficult to gauge their reliability and expertise in fulfilling this specific contract.
How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar procurements?
Direct comparison of pricing is challenging due to the sole-source nature of this award and the limited performance period. Typically, competitive bidding allows for price benchmarking against multiple offers. Without competitive data, it's difficult to determine if $19.66 million for torquemeter signal processors, cables, and inspection/repair services over 56 days represents fair market value. Analysis would require identifying comparable contracts for similar equipment and services, considering factors like quantity, specifications, and contractor overhead. The lack of competition inherently raises concerns about potential overpricing.
What are the primary risks associated with this sole-source contract?
The primary risks associated with this sole-source contract include potential overpricing due to the absence of competition, limited vendor options if issues arise, and a lack of transparency regarding the justification for the award. Without competitive pressure, the contractor may have less incentive to offer the most cost-effective solution. Furthermore, if Torquemeters Limited fails to perform adequately, NASA's options for recourse or finding an alternative vendor quickly may be restricted, especially if the technology is proprietary or highly specialized. The short performance period also presents a risk if unforeseen complexities arise during inspection or repair.
What is the expected effectiveness of the services provided under this contract?
The effectiveness of the services hinges on the quality of the inspection and repair work performed by Torquemeters Limited on the torquemeter signal processors and cables. Assuming the contractor possesses the necessary expertise and adheres to NASA's standards, the services should ensure the continued functionality and reliability of critical equipment. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract incentivizes the contractor to complete the work efficiently. However, the ultimate effectiveness will be measured by the operational uptime and accuracy of the torquemeters post-service, which is not detailed in the award data.
What are the historical spending patterns for torquemeter-related procurements at NASA?
Historical spending patterns for torquemeter-related procurements at NASA are not provided in the current data. To assess this, one would need to analyze past contract awards for similar equipment and services over several fiscal years. Key metrics to examine would include the total amount spent, the number of contracts awarded, the types of competition (competitive vs. sole-source), and the average contract values. Understanding historical trends can help identify whether this $19.66 million award is an anomaly, an increase in spending, or consistent with past investment in this area.
What is the strategic importance of these torquemeter signal processors to NASA's mission?
The strategic importance of these torquemeter signal processors to NASA's mission is not explicitly stated but can be inferred. Torquemeters are crucial for measuring rotational force (torque), which is fundamental in many aerospace applications, including engine testing, structural load analysis, and propulsion system development. Reliable signal processing is essential for accurate data acquisition during research, development, and testing phases. Ensuring these components are functional through inspection and repair directly supports NASA's ability to conduct precise scientific experiments and ensure the safety and performance of its aerospace hardware.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - END USER
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: WEST HADDON ROAD, RAVENSTHORPE, NORTHAMPTON
Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign Owned, International Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $19,663
Exercised Options: $19,663
Current Obligation: $19,663
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-02-24
Current End Date: 2026-04-21
Potential End Date: 2026-04-21 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
Other National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts
- International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
- Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
- Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)
View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →