NASA's THEMIS Mission Concept Study Awarded $199.6M to University of California for Space Vehicle Parts
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $199,537,577 ($199.5M)
Contractor: THE Regents of the University of California
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2002-07-15
End Date: 2028-09-30
Contract Duration: 9,574 days
Daily Burn Rate: $20.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: TIME HISTORY OF EVENTS&MACROSCALE INTERACTIONS DURING SUBSTORMS (THEMIS) MISSION PHASE A EFFORT THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE A CONCEPT STUDY FOR THE THEMIS MISSION 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 ENTITLED "MEDIUM-CLASS EXPLORER PROGRAM GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA FOR THE PHASE A CONCEPT STUDY". THE CONTRACTOR SHALL ALSO SUPPORT A NASA SITE VISIT AT ITS FACILITY TO DISCUSS THE CONCEPT STUDY REPORT AND ATTEND A PHASE A CONCEPT STUDY REVIEW MEETING, BRIDGE PHASE OPTION: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL COMMENCE INITIAL DEFINITION PHASE ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING LONG LEAD PARTS PROCUREMENTS. AND THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES: - PROVIDE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT FOR THEMIS; - BEGIN SCIENTIFIC STUDIES AND SIMULATIONS TO PROVIDE SCIENTIFIC INPUT FOR INSTRUMENT AND ORBIT DESIGN ENSURING THEY MEET SCIENCE GOALS; - BEGIN THE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT AND INSTRUMENTS, OTHER HARDWARE, AND ELECTRONICS; AND - BEGIN FLIGHT SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
Place of Performance
Location: OAKLAND, ALAMEDA County, CALIFORNIA, 94607
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $199.5 million to THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA for work described as: TIME HISTORY OF EVENTS&MACROSCALE INTERACTIONS DURING SUBSTORMS (THEMIS) MISSION PHASE A EFFORT THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE A CONCEPT STUDY FOR THE THEMIS MISSION IN ORDER TO PROVIDE NASA WITH MORE DEFINITIVE INFORMATION REGARDING THE COST, RISK, AND FEASIBILITY OF THE INVESTIGA… Key points: 1. Contract awarded for a crucial Phase A concept study for the THEMIS mission. 2. Focus on defining cost, risk, and feasibility for NASA's Medium-Class Explorer Program. 3. Potential for long-lead parts procurement indicates early-stage mission development. 4. The University of California is the contractor for this significant space exploration effort.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $199.6M for a concept study is exceptionally high. Without detailed breakdowns of the study's scope and deliverables, it's difficult to benchmark against similar concept studies. The 'Cost No Fee' (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) contract type suggests potential for cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the high value for a concept study raises questions about whether the competition adequately assessed the value proposition for the defined scope.
Taxpayer Impact: The significant investment in a concept study, while necessary for risk assessment, represents a substantial taxpayer outlay before mission execution. The ultimate value to taxpayers depends on the mission's success and scientific return.
Public Impact
Taxpayers are funding a critical early-stage assessment for a potentially groundbreaking space mission. The study's findings will directly influence future NASA funding and mission architecture decisions. This contract supports advanced research and development in space exploration technology and science.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- High contract value for a concept study phase.
- Extended contract duration (2002-2028) for a concept study.
- Cost-plus contract type can lead to cost escalation.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition ensures broad participation.
- Focus on risk and feasibility assessment is prudent.
- Potential for significant scientific discovery.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the 'Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this sector is highly specialized and often involves large, complex, and long-duration projects with significant R&D components, as exemplified by NASA's space exploration initiatives.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the contract was awarded to 'The Regents of the University of California', which is not a small business. There is no indication of small business subcontracting goals or participation in this specific award notice.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by NASA, a federal agency with established oversight mechanisms. The requirement for a detailed concept study report and review meetings suggests a structured approach to monitoring progress and ensuring accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Unusually high value for a concept study.
- Extended contract duration for a study phase.
- Cost-plus contract type.
- Lack of clear small business participation.
- Potential for scope creep in a long-duration study.
Tags
other-guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-p, 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 $199.5 million to THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. TIME HISTORY OF EVENTS&MACROSCALE INTERACTIONS DURING SUBSTORMS (THEMIS) MISSION PHASE A EFFORT THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE A CONCEPT STUDY FOR THE THEMIS MISSION 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 ENTITLED "MEDIUM-CLASS EXPLORER PROGRAM GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA FOR
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA.
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 $199.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2002-07-15. End: 2028-09-30.
What specific deliverables justify the $199.6M cost for a Phase A concept study?
The high cost for a concept study suggests the scope likely includes extensive research, multiple design iterations, advanced simulations, detailed risk assessments, and potentially preliminary hardware/software prototyping. The 'Medium-Class Explorer Program Guidelines' likely outline rigorous requirements that necessitate significant contractor effort and expertise, justifying a substantial investment to ensure mission feasibility and cost-effectiveness before full-scale development.
What are the primary risks associated with this high-value concept study contract?
The primary risks include potential cost overruns due to the 'Cost No Fee' contract type, scope creep if the study's objectives are not tightly managed, and the possibility that the study's findings may reveal insurmountable technical or financial challenges, leading to project cancellation after significant expenditure. The long duration also introduces risks related to evolving technology and changing program priorities.
How does this contract ensure effective use of taxpayer funds for future space exploration?
This contract aims to ensure effective use of funds by thoroughly evaluating the mission's cost, risk, and feasibility upfront. By investing in a comprehensive concept study, NASA can make informed decisions, potentially avoiding much larger expenditures on missions that are technically unviable or economically unsound. The competitive award process also contributes to achieving value for money.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
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
Address: 1111 FRANKLIN ST FL 12, OAKLAND, CA, 94607
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $211,537,868
Exercised Options: $211,537,868
Current Obligation: $199,537,577
Actual Outlays: $35,574,097
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2002-07-15
Current End Date: 2028-09-30
Potential End Date: 2028-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-18
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