NASA Awards $486.7M for Next-Gen Space Telescope NIRCAM Instrument Development
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $486,654,377 ($486.7M)
Contractor: University of Arizona
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2002-07-17
End Date: 2027-09-30
Contract Duration: 9,206 days
Daily Burn Rate: $52.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 21
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: NEXT GENERATION SPACE TELESCOPE NIRCAM THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE THE PERSONNEL, SERVICES, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND FACILITIES NEEDED TO MANAGE AND PERFORM PHASES A THROUGH E OF THE SELECTED NEAR-INFRARED CAMERA (NIRCAM) INSTRUMENT FLIGHT INVESTIGATION. THE CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT ALL THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE CONTRACT ARE MET. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES WITHIN EACH PHASE: PHASE A: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL DEFINE THE NIRCAM SCIENCE INVESTIGATION, SCIENCE PAYLOAD, AND MISSION OPERATIONS AND DATA SYSTEMS. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL DOCUMENT ITS FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS IN A CONCEPT STUDY REPORT THAT IT SHALL PREPARE AND DELIVER TO THE GOVERNMENT. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL DEFINE AND REFINE ITS EDUCATION AND PUBLIC OUTREACH PLAN DURING PHASE A. PHASES B-D: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL DESIGN, ANALYZE, DEVELOP, FABRICATE, CALIBRATE, INTEGRATE, TEST AND DELIVER THE NIRCAM SCIENCE INSTRUMENT TO NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA) GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER'S (GSFC) JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE (JWST) PROJECT. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL ALSO PLAN AND PREPARE FOR THE MISSION OPERATIONS PHASE DURING PHASES B-D. THIS SHALL INCLUDE DEVELOPING AN OPERATIONS AND CALIBRATION STRATEGY, DEFINING AND PLANNING THE GUARANTEED TIME OBSERVATIONS (GTO) SCIENCE PROGRAM, PREPARING AND TESTING GROUND SOFTWARE IN COLLABORATION WITH THE SCIENCE AND OPERATIONS CENTER, AND PARTICIPATING IN MISSION SIMULATIONS. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL EXECUTE ITS EDUCATION AND PUBLIC OUTREACH (E/PO) PLAN DURING PHASES B-D. PHASES E: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE THE NECESSARY PERSONNEL, SERVICES, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND FACILITIES NEEDED TO PERFORM MISSION OPERATIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS (MO&DA) ACTIVITIES. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL DIRECT THE EXECUTION OF ITS GTO SCIENCE PROGRAM DURING PHASE E. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL CONTINUE TO EXECUTE ITS E/PO PLAN DURING PHASE E.
Place of Performance
Location: TUCSON, PIMA County, ARIZONA, 85721
State: Arizona Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $486.7 million to UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA for work described as: NEXT GENERATION SPACE TELESCOPE NIRCAM THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE THE PERSONNEL, SERVICES, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND FACILITIES NEEDED TO MANAGE AND PERFORM PHASES A THROUGH E OF THE SELECTED NEAR-INFRARED CAMERA (NIRCAM) INSTRUMENT FLIGHT INVESTIGATION. THE CONTRACTOR IS RESP… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on comprehensive management of NIRCAM instrument development from concept to completion. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Risk is inherent in complex R&D projects like space telescope instruments. 4. Spending falls within the Research and Development sector (NAICS 541710).
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which can sometimes lead to less cost control compared to fixed-price contracts. The total award amount is substantial, but without specific cost breakdowns per phase or comparison data, a precise value assessment is difficult.
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 significant scientific endeavor, aiming for advancements in space observation capabilities.
Public Impact
Advancement of astronomical research through a powerful new infrared camera. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries in space science and cosmology. Educational and public outreach components aim to engage the public with space exploration.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost control with 'Cost No Fee' contract type.
- Long project duration (2002-2027) increases risk of cost overruns and scope creep.
- Complexity of developing advanced space instrumentation.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition promotes value.
- Potential for significant scientific return on investment.
- Experienced contractor (University of Arizona) likely brings expertise.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. Spending benchmarks for similar large-scale scientific instrument development projects can vary widely based on complexity and technological innovation.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the primary contractor is the University of Arizona, which is not typically classified as a small business. There is no explicit information on subcontracting to small businesses within this award notice.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by NASA, a federal agency with established oversight mechanisms. However, the long duration and complexity of the project necessitate continuous monitoring to ensure adherence to requirements and budget.
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
- Cost overruns due to project length and complexity.
- Technical feasibility and performance risks of advanced instrumentation.
- Potential delays in delivery impacting scientific timelines.
- Effectiveness of 'Cost No Fee' contract in managing expenditures.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, az, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $486.7 million to UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA. NEXT GENERATION SPACE TELESCOPE NIRCAM THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE THE PERSONNEL, SERVICES, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND FACILITIES NEEDED TO MANAGE AND PERFORM PHASES A THROUGH E OF THE SELECTED NEAR-INFRARED CAMERA (NIRCAM) INSTRUMENT FLIGHT INVESTIGATION. THE CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT ALL THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE CONTRACT ARE MET. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES WITHIN EACH PHASE: PHASE A: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL DEFINE THE NIRCAM SCIENCE INVESTIGATION, SC
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA.
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 $486.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2002-07-17. End: 2027-09-30.
What is the projected cost per phase, and how does it compare to similar instrument development projects?
The provided data does not break down the total award amount by phase. A detailed cost analysis per phase, benchmarked against comparable space instrument development contracts, would be necessary to assess cost-effectiveness and identify potential areas for efficiency improvements or cost overruns.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the NIRCAM instrument, and how will their achievement be measured throughout the project lifecycle?
The contract outlines phases A through E, implying a structured development process. Specific KPIs related to instrument performance, scientific capabilities, and reliability should be clearly defined and tracked. NASA's oversight should include regular reviews to ensure these KPIs are met and to address any deviations promptly.
What is the contingency plan for potential technological challenges or unforeseen issues during the development of the NIRCAM instrument?
Given the cutting-edge nature of space telescope instrumentation, unforeseen technical challenges are probable. A robust contingency plan, including risk mitigation strategies, alternative technical approaches, and budget reserves for unexpected issues, is crucial for project success and timely completion.
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
Solicitation ID: AO-01-OSS-05
Offers Received: 21
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Contractor Details
Address: 888 N EUCLID AVE, ROOM 510, TUCSON, AZ, 85721
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, U.S. Regional/State Government
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $466,115,825
Exercised Options: $466,115,825
Current Obligation: $486,654,377
Actual Outlays: $35,023,460
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2002-07-17
Current End Date: 2027-09-30
Potential End Date: 2027-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-15
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