NASA awards $32.6M for Low Temperature Positioning Systems to Attocube Systems GmbH
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $32,565 ($32.6K)
Contractor: Attocube Systems Gmbh
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2026-04-02
End Date: 2026-06-11
Contract Duration: 70 days
Daily Burn Rate: $465/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: 2 LOW TEMPERATURE POSITIONING SYSTEMS
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $32,564.78 to ATTOCUBE SYSTEMS GMBH for work described as: 2 LOW TEMPERATURE POSITIONING SYSTEMS Key points: 1. Single award to Attocube Systems GmbH for specialized positioning systems. 2. High-value contract for critical scientific instrumentation. 3. Limited competition raises questions about price discovery and potential cost savings. 4. Spending falls within the Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $32.6M for 70 days of service is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price is optimal compared to similar specialized positioning systems.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not competed under SAP, indicating a limited competition approach. This likely restricted price discovery and may have led to a higher overall cost for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these specialized systems.
Public Impact
Supports critical NASA research and development activities. Procurement of advanced scientific instrumentation. Potential for future sole-source awards if performance is satisfactory.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 46 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition
- Lack of price benchmark
- Potential for cost overruns
Positive Signals
- Supports critical NASA mission
- Specialized technology acquisition
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, a sector that often involves highly specialized and expensive equipment. Benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of the components.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific provisions or considerations for small business participation in this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The award was made via Purchase Order, which typically involves less stringent oversight than other contract types. Further review of the specific oversight mechanisms for this PO is recommended.
Related Government Programs
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Lack of competitive pricing
- Potential for sole-source escalation
- High contract value for specialized equipment
Tags
analytical-laboratory-instrument-manufac, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $32,564.78 to ATTOCUBE SYSTEMS GMBH. 2 LOW TEMPERATURE POSITIONING SYSTEMS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ATTOCUBE SYSTEMS GMBH.
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 $32,564.78.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-06-11.
What is the specific technical capability that necessitates a limited competition approach for these positioning systems?
The specialized nature of low-temperature positioning systems often requires unique engineering and manufacturing expertise. Attocube Systems GmbH may possess proprietary technology or specific certifications essential for NASA's scientific instruments, justifying a limited competition to ensure the required performance and reliability for extreme environmental conditions.
What steps can NASA take to ensure fair pricing in future procurements of similar specialized equipment?
NASA could explore market research more thoroughly to identify potential competitors, even those with less established profiles. Utilizing mechanisms like Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) for research and development could foster innovation and competition. For follow-on procurements, requiring vendors to provide detailed cost breakdowns can aid in price analysis.
How will the performance of these positioning systems be evaluated to ensure effectiveness and justify the investment?
NASA will likely establish key performance parameters (KPPs) and metrics within the purchase order. Regular technical reviews, performance testing in simulated or actual operational environments, and adherence to strict quality control standards will be crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of the positioning systems and ensuring they meet mission-critical requirements.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 80NSSC26921261Q
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: EGLFINGER WEG 2, HAAR
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $32,565
Exercised Options: $32,565
Current Obligation: $32,565
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-02
Current End Date: 2026-06-11
Potential End Date: 2026-06-11 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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