NASA's $34.5M High Energy Transient Experiment Contract Awarded to MIT for Gamma-Ray Burst Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $34,548,887 ($34.5M)
Contractor: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2003-10-01
End Date: 2006-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $31.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: HIGH ENERGY TRANSIENT EXPERIMENT TO DETERMINE ORIGIN & NATURE OF GAMMA-RAY BURSTS
Place of Performance
Location: CAMBRIDGE, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02138
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $34.5 million to MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: HIGH ENERGY TRANSIENT EXPERIMENT TO DETERMINE ORIGIN & NATURE OF GAMMA-RAY BURSTS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on fundamental physics research into gamma-ray bursts. 2. MIT, a leading research institution, is the sole awardee. 3. Potential risks include scientific uncertainty and long-term research outcomes. 4. Spending falls within the R&D sector, specifically physical sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's 'Cost No Fee' structure suggests a focus on research completion rather than profit. Benchmarking is difficult due to the specialized nature of the research and the unique entity involved.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a limited competition. This approach may impact price discovery by restricting the pool of potential offerors.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards advanced scientific research with potential long-term benefits in understanding cosmic phenomena.
Public Impact
Advancement of scientific knowledge regarding high-energy cosmic events. Potential for spin-off technologies or methodologies from advanced research. Investment in a prestigious research institution for cutting-edge scientific exploration.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may not yield the best price.
- Research outcomes are inherently uncertain and may not meet initial expectations.
- Long project duration increases exposure to unforeseen challenges.
Positive Signals
- Award to a highly reputable research institution (MIT).
- Focus on fundamental scientific discovery.
- Clear project objectives related to understanding gamma-ray bursts.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541710. Spending in this area is critical for scientific advancement but often characterized by high uncertainty and long lead times for tangible returns.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to a large research institution (MIT) and does not appear to involve significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses based on the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would likely be managed by NASA's relevant science directorate, focusing on research progress and adherence to scientific objectives. Accountability is tied to the successful execution of the research plan.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Cost No Fee contract type
- Long project duration
- High scientific uncertainty
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ma, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $34.5 million to MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. HIGH ENERGY TRANSIENT EXPERIMENT TO DETERMINE ORIGIN & NATURE OF GAMMA-RAY BURSTS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY.
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 $34.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-10-01. End: 2006-09-30.
What is the expected scientific return on investment for this $34.5M expenditure?
The expected return is primarily in the form of new scientific knowledge and understanding of gamma-ray bursts. While direct financial ROI is unlikely, the discoveries could lead to advancements in astrophysics, potentially influencing future space exploration technologies or theoretical physics models. The value lies in pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.
What are the primary risks associated with the 'Cost No Fee' contract type for this research?
The 'Cost No Fee' structure shifts risk towards the contractor (MIT) to complete the research within the allocated cost, without additional profit incentive. For NASA, the risk is that MIT might prioritize cost containment over achieving the most ambitious scientific outcomes if unforeseen challenges arise, or that the research scope might be implicitly narrowed to ensure completion within budget.
How effective is awarding research contracts to sole institutions like MIT for complex scientific endeavors?
Awarding to a sole, highly specialized institution like MIT can be effective for complex, cutting-edge research by leveraging deep expertise and existing infrastructure. However, it limits the potential for cross-pollination of ideas from other institutions and may reduce competitive pressure on pricing and innovation. Effectiveness depends on the unique capabilities required and the agency's ability to manage the single-source relationship.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 77 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $34,548,887
Exercised Options: $34,548,887
Current Obligation: $34,548,887
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-10-01
Current End Date: 2006-09-30
Potential End Date: 2006-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2008-09-04
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