NASA's Messenger Discovery Project awarded $42.9M to University System of Maryland for Mercury exploration
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $42,916,470 ($42.9M)
Contractor: University System of Maryland
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2000-01-04
End Date: 2006-12-31
Contract Duration: 2,553 days
Daily Burn Rate: $16.8K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 999
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: MESSENGER DISCOVERY PROJECT (PTS TO MANAGE PROJECT TO ORBIT & EXPLORE PLANET MERCURY).
Place of Performance
Location: COLLEGE PARK, PRINCE GEORGE'S County, MARYLAND, 20742
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $42.9 million to UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF MARYLAND for work described as: MESSENGER DISCOVERY PROJECT (PTS TO MANAGE PROJECT TO ORBIT & EXPLORE PLANET MERCURY). Key points: 1. Significant investment in planetary science and exploration. 2. Sole-source award to a single academic institution. 3. Long-duration project spanning over 6 years. 4. Focus on advanced research and development in space science.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's cost of $42.9M for a 6-year planetary mission appears reasonable given the complexity and specialized nature of space exploration. Benchmarking is difficult without comparable sole-source academic research contracts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, likely due to the specialized expertise required by the University System of Maryland for the Messenger mission. The lack of competition may limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs than a competed contract.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated to a specific research institution for a high-profile scientific endeavor, with the expectation of valuable scientific return.
Public Impact
Advancement of scientific knowledge about Mercury. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries in planetary science. Inspiration for future generations in STEM fields. Development of advanced technologies for space exploration.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Long project duration
- High cost for a single entity
Positive Signals
- Significant scientific objective
- Award to a reputable academic institution
- Potential for major scientific breakthroughs
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on space exploration and planetary science. Spending in this area is often characterized by long-term investments, specialized expertise, and unique procurement methods due to the nature of scientific discovery.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded directly to the University System of Maryland, a large academic institution, and does not appear to involve significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The focus is on institutional research capabilities.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's oversight would focus on project milestones, scientific data acquisition, and adherence to budget. The long duration necessitates consistent monitoring to ensure project goals are met and funds are used effectively.
Related Government Programs
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits price competition.
- Long project duration increases risk of cost overruns or scope creep.
- Reliance on a single entity for critical mission components.
- Potential for scientific objectives to be unmet.
- Complexity of space mission operations.
Tags
colleges-universities-and-professional-s, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, md, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $42.9 million to UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF MARYLAND. MESSENGER DISCOVERY PROJECT (PTS TO MANAGE PROJECT TO ORBIT & EXPLORE PLANET MERCURY).
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF MARYLAND.
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 $42.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2000-01-04. End: 2006-12-31.
What was the justification for awarding this contract sole-source, and were alternative approaches considered?
The sole-source justification likely stems from the University System of Maryland's unique capabilities and established role in the Messenger mission's scientific and technical planning. NASA would have assessed if other institutions possessed the equivalent specialized expertise and prior involvement necessary for such a complex, long-term project. The decision prioritizes continuity and specific institutional knowledge over broad competition.
How will NASA ensure accountability and effective use of funds over the 6-year duration of this project?
NASA employs rigorous oversight mechanisms for long-duration research contracts. This includes regular progress reports, scientific reviews, budget audits, and milestone-based funding releases. The agency monitors adherence to the scientific plan, technical performance, and financial expenditures to ensure accountability and the efficient use of taxpayer dollars towards mission objectives.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the scientific success of the Messenger Discovery Project?
Key performance indicators would likely include the successful orbital insertion of the spacecraft, the collection of a predetermined volume and quality of scientific data on Mercury's surface, atmosphere, and magnetic field, and the publication of significant findings in peer-reviewed journals. Meeting mission objectives related to understanding Mercury's composition and evolution are paramount.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Educational Services › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Offers Received: 999
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Contractor Details
Address: 3300 METZEROTT RD, HYATTSVILLE, MD, 04
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Higher Education (Minority Serving), Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $46,055,379
Exercised Options: $46,055,379
Current Obligation: $42,916,470
Timeline
Start Date: 2000-01-04
Current End Date: 2006-12-31
Potential End Date: 2006-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2013-02-11
Other National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts
- International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
- Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
- Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)
View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →