NASA's $70M HESSI Investigation Concept Study Awarded to UC Regents Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $70,009,178 ($70.0M)
Contractor: Regents of the University of California, the
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 1997-11-19
End Date: 2019-04-30
Contract Duration: 7,832 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: PHASE A CONCEPT STUDY FOR HESSI INVESTIGATION
Place of Performance
Location: OAKLAND, ALAMEDA County, CALIFORNIA, 94607
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $70.0 million to REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, THE for work described as: PHASE A CONCEPT STUDY FOR HESSI INVESTIGATION Key points: 1. The contract awarded to the Regents of the University of California represents a significant investment in scientific research and development. 2. Competition was open, suggesting a robust process for selecting the best proposal for the HESSI investigation. 3. The long duration (7832 days) and high value indicate a complex, long-term research project. 4. The sector is R&D, specifically focusing on physical sciences, aligning with NASA's mission.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $70M over a long period suggests a substantial investment. Without specific benchmarks for similar concept studies, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing, but the 'COST NO FEE' structure implies the government is covering allowable costs.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for a scientific research initiative, with the expectation of advancing knowledge in space science.
Public Impact
Advancement of scientific understanding in space physics through the HESSI investigation. Potential for technological spin-offs or innovations stemming from the research. Investment in academic research institutions, supporting scientific infrastructure and expertise.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration may pose management challenges.
- Cost-plus contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical scientific research.
- Awarded through open competition.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541710. NASA's R&D spending is crucial for space exploration and scientific discovery, often involving large, long-term projects.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to the Regents of the University of California, a large research institution. There is no indication of specific subcontracting goals for small businesses in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by NASA, a federal agency with established oversight mechanisms. The long duration necessitates ongoing monitoring to ensure progress and fiscal responsibility.
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
- Long contract duration
- Cost-plus contract type
- Potential for scope creep
- Reliance on a single large institution
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $70.0 million to REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, THE. PHASE A CONCEPT STUDY FOR HESSI INVESTIGATION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, THE.
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 $70.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 1997-11-19. End: 2019-04-30.
What is the expected scientific return on investment for this $70M HESSI investigation concept study?
The expected scientific return involves advancing our understanding of solar phenomena, specifically the origin and acceleration of energetic particles during solar flares. This research aims to provide crucial data for heliophysics, potentially leading to improved space weather prediction models and a deeper comprehension of fundamental plasma physics in astrophysical environments.
What are the primary risks associated with a 'COST NO FEE' contract for a long-duration R&D project?
The primary risks with a 'COST NO FEE' contract for long-duration R&D include potential cost overruns if the research scope expands or encounters unforeseen technical challenges. The government bears the risk of covering all allowable costs, which could exceed initial estimates. Effective oversight is critical to manage scope creep and ensure efficient use of funds.
How does this contract contribute to NASA's broader strategic goals in heliophysics and space science?
This contract directly supports NASA's strategic goals by funding fundamental research into solar physics, a key component of heliophysics. The HESSI investigation aims to gather data critical for understanding solar flares and energetic particle events, which have implications for space weather impacting technology and astronauts. This contributes to NASA's mission of exploring the unknown and advancing scientific knowledge.
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
Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: State of California Controllers Office
Address: 336 SPROUL HALL, BERKELEY, CA, 94720
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Higher Education (Minority Serving), Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $70,534,758
Exercised Options: $70,534,758
Current Obligation: $70,009,178
Actual Outlays: $-118,640
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 1997-11-19
Current End Date: 2019-04-30
Potential End Date: 2019-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-09-26
More Contracts from Regents of the University of California, the
- M&O of Lanl BR of U of CA — $35.3B (Department of Energy)
- Phase a Through F - Icon. This Contract IS for the University of California (UCB) AT Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory, the Prime Contractual Interface for Nasa for the Ionospheric Connection Explorer (lcon) Mission Investigation Team, That Covers Phase a of the Mission. the Nasa AO IS Nnhiizda0020. Under the Direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) DR. Thomas Immel, UCB Will BE the Principal Contractor to Nasa for Icon. UCB Shall Conduct the Phase a Concept Study in Accordance With the Concept Study Guidelines. in Performance of This Study, the Icon Team Shall: a. Conduct Trade and Risk Reduction Studies; B. Update and Refine the Existing Mission Cost Estimates and Financial Plan; C. Integrate and Deliver to Nasa ALL Subcontractor and UCB Financial Reports; D. Develop Plan for Earned Value Management to BE in Place During Phases C and D; E. Develop the Mission Implementation Plan for Phase B/Cid, and E; F. Defme the Risk Management Plan and Develop Mitigation Strategies; G. Outline the Fabrication, Integration, Test, and Operation of the System; H. Define the Education, Outreach, Technology, and Small Business Disadvantaged Business Plans; I. Develop a Preliminary Performance Assurance Implementation Plan (paip); J. Develop a Preliminary Systems Engineering Management Plan; K. Document the Results of the Studies in the Phase a Concept Study Report; and L. Present the Icon Concept to the Nasa Associate Administrator — $182.1M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- THE Compton Spectrometer and Imager (cosi) — $117.7M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Global Lyman-Alpha Imagers of the Dynamic Exosphere (glide) Instrument Program Development (phase B) Support — $78.5M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (escapade) Mission -.phase a Concept Study — $66.7M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
View all Regents of the University of California, the federal contracts →
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 →