NASA's ExO Mars TGO Mission Phase A: $57M for R&D, awarded to Caltech
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $57,033,211 ($57.0M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2010-04-26
End Date: 2012-09-30
Contract Duration: 888 days
Daily Burn Rate: $64.2K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: EXOMARS TRACE GAS ORBITER (TGO) MISSION: PHASE A
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $57.0 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: EXOMARS TRACE GAS ORBITER (TGO) MISSION: PHASE A Key points: 1. Significant R&D investment for a complex space mission. 2. Sole-source award to a leading research institution. 3. Potential for high scientific return, but also high technical risk. 4. Focus on physical sciences and engineering development.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, which allows for flexibility but can lead to higher costs if not managed tightly. The award fee structure incentivizes performance, but the final cost is subject to performance outcomes.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This was a sole-source award, meaning competition was not sought. This approach is often used for highly specialized research or when a specific entity possesses unique capabilities, but it limits price discovery and potential cost savings from competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed to a specific research institution for a high-cost, high-risk scientific endeavor, with the ultimate value dependent on mission success.
Public Impact
Advancement of space exploration and scientific understanding. Development of advanced technologies for planetary science. Potential for international collaboration and scientific discovery. Investment in cutting-edge research and development.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing.
- Cost-plus contract type can lead to cost overruns.
- High technical complexity increases risk of failure.
- Long duration for Phase A may indicate scope creep potential.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable institution (Caltech).
- Focus on critical scientific research.
- Potential for significant scientific breakthroughs.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and scientific discovery, often involving high upfront costs and inherent risks.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not awarded to small businesses. The nature of the work, requiring specialized expertise and significant resources, typically favors larger research institutions or established aerospace contractors.
Oversight & Accountability
As a sole-source award for a research and development contract, oversight would focus on performance metrics, adherence to scientific objectives, and cost control within the flexible contract structure. NASA's internal review processes are critical.
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
- Sole-source award
- Cost Plus Award Fee contract
- High technical complexity
- Long Phase A duration
- No small business participation
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $57.0 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. EXOMARS TRACE GAS ORBITER (TGO) MISSION: PHASE A
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY.
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 $57.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-04-26. End: 2012-09-30.
What is the projected scientific return on investment for the $57M Phase A funding?
The projected scientific return is high, focusing on understanding Mars's atmospheric history and potential for past life through trace gas analysis. Phase A aims to define mission architecture, scientific instruments, and operational concepts, laying the groundwork for future mission phases. Success hinges on achieving key scientific objectives related to methane detection and isotopic analysis.
What are the primary technical risks associated with this sole-source R&D contract?
Primary technical risks include the complexity of developing and operating sensitive instruments in the Martian environment, ensuring long-term mission reliability for orbital operations, and accurately interpreting trace gas data. The sole-source nature means these risks are borne by the awarded contractor without competitive mitigation strategies.
How effectively does the Cost Plus Award Fee structure ensure mission effectiveness within budget?
The Cost Plus Award Fee structure aims to balance cost control with mission effectiveness by incentivizing performance through award fees tied to specific objectives. However, its effectiveness depends heavily on robust oversight and clearly defined performance metrics. Without strong management, the flexibility can lead to cost overruns, impacting overall value.
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: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4800 OAK GROVE DR, PASADENA, CA, 91109
Business Categories: Category Business, Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $63,486,694
Exercised Options: $63,486,694
Current Obligation: $57,033,211
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-04-26
Current End Date: 2012-09-30
Potential End Date: 2012-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-02-17
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