NASA's GALEX Investigation: $100.9M Phase A Study for Space Exploration Feasibility
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $100,935,801 ($100.9M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 1999-11-15
End Date: 2013-02-22
Contract Duration: 4,848 days
Daily Burn Rate: $20.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: PHASE A STUDY FOR GALAXY EVOLUTION EXPLORER (GALEX)INVESTIGATION. THIS CONTRACT REQUIRES THE CONTRACTOR TO PERFORM A CONCEPT STUDY FOR THE GALEX INVESTIGATION IN ORDER TO PROVIDE NASA WITH MORE DEFINITIVE INFORMATION REGARDING THE COST, RISK, AND FEASIBILITY OF THE INVESTIGATION. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PREPARE AND DELIVER A CONCEPT STUDY REPORT DETAILING THE RESULTS OF THE STUDY IN ACCORDANCE WITH ATTACHMENT B OF THE CONTRACT. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL ALSO SUPPORT A NASA SITE VISIT AT ITS FACILITY TO DISCUSS THE CONCEPT STUDY REPORT. AT THE CONCLUSION OF THIS EFFORT, PHASES B, C, AND D OF THE CONTRACT WILL COMMENCE. PHASES B, C, AND D ARE FOR THE DEFINITION, DESIGN, AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE GALEX INVESTIGATION.
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $100.9 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: PHASE A STUDY FOR GALAXY EVOLUTION EXPLORER (GALEX)INVESTIGATION. THIS CONTRACT REQUIRES THE CONTRACTOR TO PERFORM A CONCEPT STUDY FOR THE GALEX INVESTIGATION IN ORDER TO PROVIDE NASA WITH MORE DEFINITIVE INFORMATION REGARDING THE COST, RISK, AND FEASIBILITY OF THE INVESTIGATION.… Key points: 1. The contract focuses on a crucial Phase A concept study for the GALEX investigation, assessing cost, risk, and feasibility. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust market for this specialized research and development. 3. The definitive contract type with cost-no-fee structure implies risk sharing and a focus on achieving defined objectives. 4. This R&D effort in physical sciences is critical for future space exploration missions.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $100.9M for a multi-year Phase A study appears reasonable given the scope of assessing cost, risk, and feasibility for a complex space investigation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was utilized, indicating that multiple qualified contractors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is expected to yield a fair price for the taxpayer, ensuring funds are used efficiently for critical research.
Public Impact
Advancement of space science through detailed investigation planning. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries in galaxy evolution. Development of advanced technologies for space observation. Long-term investment in scientific understanding and future missions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in subsequent phases (B, C, D) if initial feasibility is underestimated.
- Long contract duration (4848 days) increases exposure to changing technological landscapes and economic conditions.
- Reliance on a single contractor for subsequent, more complex phases could introduce future sole-source risks.
Positive Signals
- Clear definition of Phase A objectives focused on risk and cost assessment.
- Full and open competition at the study phase.
- Contract structure supports NASA's strategic goals for space exploration.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (NAICS 541710), a sector characterized by high innovation and significant government investment for scientific advancement and technological development.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, suggesting the scope and complexity likely favored larger, established research institutions or corporations.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract specifies a definitive contract type and includes detailed requirements for a concept study report and site visit support, providing clear milestones for oversight. Subsequent phases will require continued monitoring.
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-term duration of the contract.
- Potential for scope creep in subsequent phases.
- Dependency on contractor's ability to manage complex R&D.
- Uncertainty of technological advancements impacting mission objectives over time.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $100.9 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. PHASE A STUDY FOR GALAXY EVOLUTION EXPLORER (GALEX)INVESTIGATION. THIS CONTRACT REQUIRES THE CONTRACTOR TO PERFORM A CONCEPT STUDY FOR THE GALEX INVESTIGATION IN ORDER TO PROVIDE NASA WITH MORE DEFINITIVE INFORMATION REGARDING THE COST, RISK, AND FEASIBILITY OF THE INVESTIGATION. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PREPARE AND DELIVER A CONCEPT STUDY REPORT DETAILING THE RESULTS OF THE STUDY IN ACCORDANCE WITH ATTACHMENT B OF THE CONTRACT. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL ALSO SUPPORT A NASA SITE VISIT AT ITS FACILITY TO
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CALIFORNIA 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 $100.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 1999-11-15. End: 2013-02-22.
What is the projected cost and risk profile for the subsequent phases (B, C, D) based on this Phase A study?
The Phase A study is designed to provide NASA with definitive information on the cost, risk, and feasibility of the GALEX investigation. The results of this $100.9M study will directly inform the budget, timeline, and technical challenges anticipated for Phases B, C, and D, enabling more accurate projections and risk mitigation strategies for the subsequent definition, design, and development stages.
How will NASA ensure continued competitive pricing and technical innovation if subsequent phases are awarded to the same contractor?
While this Phase A was competitively awarded, NASA will need to carefully evaluate the need for re-competition or sole-source justification for Phases B, C, and D. To maintain competitive pricing and innovation, NASA could structure follow-on contracts with clear performance metrics, incentivize cost-saving measures, and explore opportunities for technology insertion or parallel development efforts if feasible.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the success of this Phase A study and its impact on the overall GALEX mission?
Key performance indicators for this Phase A study would include the timely delivery of a comprehensive concept study report that accurately assesses cost, risk, and feasibility. Success will be measured by the clarity and completeness of the findings, the identification of critical technical challenges, and the provision of actionable data that enables NASA to make informed decisions regarding the continuation and execution of Phases B, C, and D, ultimately impacting the mission's overall viability and success.
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 › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation ID: AO-97-OSS-03
Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Contractor Details
Address: 1201 E CALIFORNIA BLVD MAIL CODE 20, PASADENA, CA, 91125
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $121,299,801
Exercised Options: $121,299,801
Current Obligation: $100,935,801
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 1999-11-15
Current End Date: 2013-02-22
Potential End Date: 2013-02-22 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-09-13
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