NASA's SDO EVE Contract: $58.8M for Solar Research, Full & Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $58,862,222 ($58.9M)
Contractor: THE Regents of the University of Colorado
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2002-10-15
End Date: 2027-09-30
Contract Duration: 9,116 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: EXTREME ULTRAVIOLET VARIABILITY EXPERIMENT (EVE) FOR THE SOLAR DYNAMICS OBSERVATORY(SDO)
Place of Performance
Location: BOULDER, BOULDER County, COLORADO, 80302
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $58.9 million to THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO for work described as: EXTREME ULTRAVIOLET VARIABILITY EXPERIMENT (EVE) FOR THE SOLAR DYNAMICS OBSERVATORY(SDO) Key points: 1. Contract awarded to the Regents of the University of Colorado for solar research. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is over 9000 days, indicating a long-term research effort. 4. Primary agency is NASA, with NASA also serving as the source administration. 5. The contract type is 'Cost No Fee', common in research and development.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The 'Cost No Fee' contract type suggests the focus is on achieving research objectives rather than profit. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables and comparable R&D contracts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was employed, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is positive for taxpayer value, as it aims to secure the best possible price and quality for the research services.
Public Impact
Supports critical scientific research into solar activity and its impact on Earth. Long-term funding for a university research program, fostering scientific expertise. NASA's continued investment in space-based solar observation capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration may require ongoing oversight to ensure continued value.
- Cost No Fee structure needs careful monitoring of expenditures against objectives.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Awarded to a reputable research institution.
- Supports important scientific research for NASA.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (NAICS 541710). Spending in this sector is often characterized by long project timelines and specialized expertise.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific involvement or set-asides for small businesses in this contract. The awardee is a university, not typically a small business entity.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's oversight mechanisms would be crucial for managing this long-term R&D contract, ensuring milestones are met and funds are used effectively towards research goals.
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 (over 24 years).
- Cost No Fee contract type.
- Potential for scope creep in long-term R&D.
- Reliance on a single institution for a critical instrument.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, co, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $58.9 million to THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO. EXTREME ULTRAVIOLET VARIABILITY EXPERIMENT (EVE) FOR THE SOLAR DYNAMICS OBSERVATORY(SDO)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO.
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 $58.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2002-10-15. End: 2027-09-30.
What are the specific research objectives and expected scientific outcomes for the EVE instrument on SDO?
The Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment (EVE) aims to measure the Sun's ultraviolet output with high precision. Its objectives include understanding solar variability, its impact on Earth's atmosphere and climate, and improving space weather forecasting. Expected outcomes involve detailed datasets and models of solar UV radiation, contributing to fundamental solar physics and applied space weather research.
How does the 'Cost No Fee' contract structure impact the contractor's incentive to control costs and deliver results?
In a 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) contract, the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs but receives no fee or profit. This structure incentivizes the contractor to focus solely on achieving the contract's technical objectives rather than maximizing profit. However, it can reduce the incentive for aggressive cost control, making robust government oversight essential to ensure efficient use of funds.
What is the long-term scientific and technological impact of the SDO EVE project beyond its contract duration?
The SDO EVE project's long-term impact lies in its contribution to our fundamental understanding of solar physics and its influence on Earth. The data collected will inform climate models, space weather prediction, and the design of future space missions. The expertise developed at the University of Colorado will also foster continued innovation in solar observation technology and analysis, benefiting the scientific community for years to come.
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 ID: AO-02-OSS-01
Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Contractor Details
Address: 914 BROADWAY ST, BOULDER, CO, 80302
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $61,617,391
Exercised Options: $61,617,391
Current Obligation: $58,862,222
Actual Outlays: $9,252,696
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2002-10-15
Current End Date: 2027-09-30
Potential End Date: 2027-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-01
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