NASA's $112M R&D Contract for Ion-Neutral Dynamics Investigation Awarded to University of Texas at Dallas
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,242,031 ($11.2M)
Contractor: University of Texas AT Dallas
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2000-12-15
End Date: 2010-12-31
Contract Duration: 3,668 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE COUPLED ION-NEUTRAL DYNAMICS INVESTIGATION.
Place of Performance
Location: RICHARDSON, COLLIN County, TEXAS, 75080
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $11.2 million to UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS for work described as: THE COUPLED ION-NEUTRAL DYNAMICS INVESTIGATION. Key points: 1. Contract value of $112.4 million over 10 years suggests significant investment in fundamental research. 2. Full and open competition indicates a robust bidding process, potentially leading to competitive pricing. 3. The contract's long duration (10 years) may present risks related to evolving research needs and technological advancements. 4. Performance context is within the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' NAICS code. 5. Sector positioning is in R&D, a critical area for NASA's scientific exploration and technological innovation. 6. The contract type is 'Cost No Fee', which shifts risk to the government but allows for flexibility in research. 7. The award amount of $112.4 million is substantial for a single R&D contract in this domain.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this R&D contract is challenging due to its specialized nature and long duration. The 'Cost No Fee' structure means the government bears the financial risk if costs exceed projections, but it also allows the contractor to pursue research without profit motive, potentially focusing on scientific discovery. Without specific performance metrics or comparable contracts for similar ion-neutral dynamics research, a definitive value-for-money assessment is difficult. However, the significant investment over a decade signals NASA's commitment to this research area.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple entities were eligible to bid. This process is designed to foster a competitive environment, theoretically leading to better pricing and innovative solutions. The number of bidders (51) is substantial and indicates strong interest in the research area, further supporting the notion of a competitive award. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives the best possible value.
Taxpayer Impact: The extensive competition for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely drove down costs and encouraged a wide range of research approaches. A large pool of bidders increases the probability that the most cost-effective and scientifically sound proposal was selected.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA's scientific research initiatives, aiming to advance understanding in plasma physics and space environments. The services delivered are fundamental research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences, specifically focusing on ion-neutral dynamics. The geographic impact is primarily within Texas, where the University of Texas at Dallas is located, but the research findings have global implications for space science. Workforce implications include the potential for highly skilled researchers, scientists, and engineers to be employed on this long-term project.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration (10 years) increases the risk of cost overruns if research objectives or methodologies need significant adjustments.
- The 'Cost No Fee' contract type places the financial risk on the government, which could be substantial if unforeseen expenses arise.
- The specialized nature of the research may limit the pool of contractors capable of performing the work effectively, despite open competition.
- Potential for scope creep over a decade-long project, leading to increased costs beyond initial estimates.
- Dependence on a single academic institution for a decade could pose risks if institutional priorities shift or key personnel depart.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition with 51 bidders, indicating a strong and competitive selection process.
- The University of Texas at Dallas is a reputable institution with a track record in relevant scientific fields.
- The contract's long-term nature allows for sustained focus and deep exploration of complex scientific questions.
- The research area is critical for NASA's mission objectives, suggesting high strategic importance and potential for groundbreaking discoveries.
- The 'Cost No Fee' structure, while risky for the government, can foster a collaborative research environment focused on scientific advancement rather than profit.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical sciences and engineering. The R&D sector is characterized by innovation and the pursuit of new knowledge, often with long lead times and uncertain outcomes. NASA's spending in this area is crucial for advancing space exploration capabilities and understanding fundamental scientific principles. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish for highly specialized R&D projects, but the $112.4 million award over 10 years indicates a significant investment in a critical scientific domain.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside, as indicated by 'sb': false. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal, with opportunities primarily arising if the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for specialized support or supplies.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As a 'Cost No Fee' contract, NASA would be responsible for monitoring expenditures to ensure they align with the research objectives and are reasonable and allocable. Transparency would be facilitated through regular reporting requirements from the contractor. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract funds.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research Grants
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Programs
- Department of Energy (DOE) Basic Energy Sciences
- University Research Partnerships
- Aerospace Research and Development
Risk Flags
- Long-term contract duration may increase risk of obsolescence or scope creep.
- Cost-reimbursable contract type (Cost No Fee) shifts financial risk to the government.
- Specialized research area may limit contractor pool for future needs.
- Potential for budget fluctuations impacting long-term research continuity.
Tags
nasa, research-and-development, physical-sciences, engineering, life-sciences, full-and-open-competition, cost-no-fee, university-contractor, texas, long-term-contract, scientific-research, ion-neutral-dynamics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $11.2 million to UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS. THE COUPLED ION-NEUTRAL DYNAMICS INVESTIGATION.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS.
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 $11.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2000-12-15. End: 2010-12-31.
What is the specific scientific objective of the 'The Coupled Ion-Neutral Dynamics Investigation' contract?
The 'The Coupled Ion-Neutral Dynamics Investigation' contract, awarded to the University of Texas at Dallas by NASA, aims to conduct fundamental research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. While the provided data does not detail the specific scientific objectives, the title suggests a focus on understanding the complex interactions between charged particles (ions) and neutral particles in various environments, likely relevant to space plasma physics, atmospheric science, or astrophysical phenomena. Such research is crucial for NASA's missions related to space weather, planetary atmospheres, and the fundamental physics of the universe. The 'Cost No Fee' structure implies the research is exploratory and may not have immediate commercial applications, prioritizing scientific discovery.
How does the 'Cost No Fee' contract type impact the government's financial risk and the contractor's incentives?
The 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) contract type means the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable, allocable, and reasonable costs incurred in performing the contract, but receives no fee or profit. This structure shifts the primary financial risk to the government, as it is obligated to cover all legitimate expenses, regardless of whether the project meets its objectives or stays within budget projections. For the contractor, the incentive is not profit maximization but rather the successful completion of the research objectives and the advancement of scientific knowledge. This can foster a more collaborative and less commercially driven approach, potentially leading to more innovative or fundamental discoveries, but it requires robust government oversight to manage costs effectively.
What are the potential risks associated with a 10-year research and development contract?
A 10-year duration for a research and development contract presents several significant risks. Firstly, the scientific landscape can evolve rapidly; discoveries made early in the contract could render later research phases obsolete or require substantial redirection. Secondly, technological advancements might offer more efficient or effective research methods that were not anticipated at the outset. Thirdly, long-term funding commitments can be subject to shifting governmental priorities or budget constraints, potentially leading to reduced funding or premature termination. Fourthly, maintaining consistent focus and motivation among research personnel over such an extended period can be challenging. Finally, the risk of cost escalation due to inflation, unforeseen technical hurdles, or scope creep increases substantially over a decade.
Given the 'full and open competition' and 51 bidders, what does this imply about the market for ion-neutral dynamics research?
The fact that NASA received 51 bids for this 'The Coupled Ion-Neutral Dynamics Investigation' contract under full and open competition strongly suggests a vibrant and competitive market for research in this specialized scientific domain. A large number of bidders indicates that numerous institutions possess the requisite expertise, facilities, and personnel to undertake such complex R&D. This high level of interest is beneficial for NASA, as it allows for a broader selection of innovative approaches and potentially more competitive pricing. It implies that the field is active, well-supported by academic and research institutions, and that there is significant interest in advancing knowledge in ion-neutral dynamics, likely driven by its relevance to NASA's broader scientific and exploration goals.
How does the NAICS code 541710 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) typically perform in terms of contract value and duration?
NAICS code 541710 encompasses a broad range of R&D activities across various scientific disciplines. Contracts under this code can vary significantly in value and duration. However, fundamental research projects, especially those undertaken by agencies like NASA or NSF, often involve substantial long-term investments to achieve significant scientific breakthroughs. A 10-year duration, as seen in this contract, while lengthy, is not uncommon for ambitious R&D initiatives that require sustained effort and exploration. The $112.4 million award is also substantial, reflecting the complexity and importance of the research. While many contracts in this category might be shorter or smaller, large-scale, foundational research projects frequently command significant funding over extended periods.
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
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: University of Texas System (UEI: 042000273)
Address: 2601 N FLOYD RD, RICHARDSON, TX, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $11,242,031
Exercised Options: $11,242,031
Current Obligation: $11,242,031
Timeline
Start Date: 2000-12-15
Current End Date: 2010-12-31
Potential End Date: 2010-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2010-09-21
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