NASA's ICON mission Phase A study awarded to UC Berkeley for over $182 million, focusing on ionospheric research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $182,059,179 ($182.1M)

Contractor: Regents of the University of California, the

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2012-01-11

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 5,284 days

Daily Burn Rate: $34.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 22

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: PHASE A THROUGH F - ICON. THIS CONTRACT IS FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA (UCB) AT BERKELEY SPACE SCIENCES LABORATORY, THE PRIME CONTRACTUAL INTERFACE FOR NASA FOR THE IONOSPHERIC CONNECTION EXPLORER (LCON) MISSION INVESTIGATION TEAM, THAT COVERS PHASE A OF THE MISSION. THE NASA AO IS NNHIIZDA0020. UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (PI) DR. THOMAS IMMEL, UCB WILL BE THE PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR TO NASA FOR ICON. UCB SHALL CONDUCT THE PHASE A CONCEPT STUDY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONCEPT STUDY GUIDELINES. IN PERFORMANCE OF THIS STUDY, THE ICON TEAM SHALL: A. CONDUCT TRADE AND RISK REDUCTION STUDIES; B. UPDATE AND REFINE THE EXISTING MISSION COST ESTIMATES AND FINANCIAL PLAN; C. INTEGRATE AND DELIVER TO NASA ALL SUBCONTRACTOR AND UCB FINANCIAL REPORTS; D. DEVELOP PLAN FOR EARNED VALUE MANAGEMENT TO BE IN PLACE DURING PHASES C AND D; E. DEVELOP THE MISSION IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR PHASE B/CID, AND E; F. DEFME THE RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN AND DEVELOP MITIGATION STRATEGIES; G. OUTLINE THE FABRICATION, INTEGRATION, TEST, AND OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM; H. DEFINE THE EDUCATION, OUTREACH, TECHNOLOGY, AND SMALL BUSINESS DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS PLANS; I. DEVELOP A PRELIMINARY PERFORMANCE ASSURANCE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (PAIP); J. DEVELOP A PRELIMINARY SYSTEMS ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT PLAN; K. DOCUMENT THE RESULTS OF THE STUDIES IN THE PHASE A CONCEPT STUDY REPORT; AND L. PRESENT THE ICON CONCEPT TO THE NASA ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR.

Place of Performance

Location: BERKELEY, ALAMEDA County, CALIFORNIA, 94704

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $182.1 million to REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, THE for work described as: PHASE A THROUGH F - ICON. THIS CONTRACT IS FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA (UCB) AT BERKELEY SPACE SCIENCES LABORATORY, THE PRIME CONTRACTUAL INTERFACE FOR NASA FOR THE IONOSPHERIC CONNECTION EXPLORER (LCON) MISSION INVESTIGATION TEAM, THAT COVERS PHASE A OF THE MISSION. THE NA… Key points: 1. Contract supports critical early-stage research for NASA's Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) mission. 2. Value-for-money assessment is pending as this is a concept study phase. 3. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 4. Risk indicators are inherent in early-stage R&D, with trade and risk reduction studies planned. 5. Performance context is set by the University of California, Berkeley's Space Sciences Laboratory, a known NASA partner. 6. Sector positioning is within the physical sciences R&D, a key area for space exploration.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

This contract represents a significant investment in the early conceptualization phase of a NASA mission. Benchmarking is difficult as it's a research and development contract for a specific mission's initial study. The 'cost no fee' (CPFF) contract type suggests that costs are reimbursed, but profit is not a component, which can be a cost-saving measure for the government in R&D. However, the total value of $182 million for a Phase A study warrants close monitoring of cost efficiency throughout the performance period.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive environment is generally favorable for price discovery and achieving a fair market price. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the open competition suggests a robust process was followed.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the competitive process, which aims to ensure that NASA receives the best value for its investment in this early-stage research.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are NASA and the scientific community, gaining insights into the Earth's ionosphere. Services delivered include concept study, trade and risk reduction analysis, and cost estimation for the ICON mission. Geographic impact is national, supporting a key U.S. space science initiative. Workforce implications include employment for researchers, engineers, and support staff at UC Berkeley and its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns in early-stage R&D projects.
Scope creep during the concept study phase could increase overall costs.
Reliance on a single academic institution for a mission-critical study.
Uncertainty in achieving mission objectives during the initial concept phase.

Positive Signals

Award to a reputable institution (UC Berkeley) with a history in space science.
Clear definition of study phases (Phase A) and objectives.
Use of full and open competition to ensure market engagement.
Focus on risk reduction studies as part of the concept phase.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically focusing on space science and atmospheric research. The market for such specialized R&D is often dominated by universities and research institutions with unique expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the unique nature of mission-specific concept studies, but NASA's overall R&D budget provides a broader context for this type of investment.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-asides for this contract. As a research and development contract primarily awarded to a university, the focus is likely on specialized scientific and technical expertise rather than broad service provision where small business subcontracting is typically mandated. Further review of subcontracting plans would be needed to assess small business impact.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is provided by NASA through its contracting officers and program management. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) implies detailed financial reporting requirements from the contractor. Transparency is expected through NASA's public communications regarding the ICON mission. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

NASA Earth Science Division Programs
University Research Grants
Space Science Missions
Atmospheric Research Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns in R&D
Schedule delays in research progress
Technical challenges in mission development

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $182.1 million to REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, THE. PHASE A THROUGH F - ICON. THIS CONTRACT IS FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA (UCB) AT BERKELEY SPACE SCIENCES LABORATORY, THE PRIME CONTRACTUAL INTERFACE FOR NASA FOR THE IONOSPHERIC CONNECTION EXPLORER (LCON) MISSION INVESTIGATION TEAM, THAT COVERS PHASE A OF THE MISSION. THE NASA AO IS NNHIIZDA0020. UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (PI) DR. THOMAS IMMEL, UCB WILL BE THE PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR TO NASA FOR ICON. UCB SHALL CONDUCT THE PHASE A CONCEPT STUDY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CO

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, THE.

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 $182.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-01-11. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the track record of the University of California, Berkeley's Space Sciences Laboratory with NASA contracts?

The University of California, Berkeley (UCB), and specifically its Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL), has a long and established history of collaborating with NASA on various space science missions and research projects. SSL has been involved in developing instruments and conducting research for numerous NASA missions, including those related to space physics, astrophysics, and planetary science. Their expertise in building scientific instruments and managing complex space-related projects is well-recognized within the scientific community. This extensive experience positions UCB SSL as a capable and reliable partner for NASA, suggesting a strong track record in delivering on research and development objectives for space exploration initiatives.

How does the $182 million cost for Phase A compare to similar mission concept studies?

Directly comparing the $182 million cost for Phase A of the ICON mission to similar studies is challenging due to the highly specialized and unique nature of each space mission. Phase A, the concept study phase, involves significant foundational research, preliminary design, risk assessment, and cost estimation. The complexity of the scientific objectives, the required technology, and the scope of the research team all influence the cost. While $182 million is a substantial figure for an initial study, it reflects the intricate scientific goals of understanding the ionosphere and the extensive research required. NASA's internal cost estimation and benchmarking processes would provide a more precise comparison against other missions of comparable scientific ambition and technical scope.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract and how are they being managed?

The primary risks associated with this contract are typical of early-stage R&D and space mission development. These include technical risks (e.g., unforeseen challenges in instrument design or data analysis), cost risks (e.g., underestimation of resources needed, leading to budget overruns), schedule risks (e.g., delays in research progress or approvals), and programmatic risks (e.g., changes in NASA priorities or funding). The contract explicitly addresses risk management by requiring UCB to 'Conduct trade and risk reduction studies.' This proactive approach aims to identify potential issues early, evaluate mitigation strategies, and refine the mission's technical and financial plans accordingly. Regular reporting and NASA oversight are also key to managing these inherent risks.

How effective is the 'Cost No Fee' (CPFF) contract type in ensuring value for money for NASA on this R&D project?

The 'Cost No Fee' (CPFF) contract type, while not explicitly stated in the provided data (it appears to be a Cost Plus Fixed Fee - CPFF, based on 'pt': 'COST NO FEE' which is unusual phrasing, assuming it means CPFF), is generally used for research and development efforts where the scope is not fully defined or is subject to change. In a CPFF structure, the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. The 'No Fee' aspect, if literal, would mean the contractor receives no profit, which is uncommon for non-profit entities like universities unless it's a specific grant mechanism. If it's a standard CPFF, the fixed fee provides some incentive for cost control, as the fee is predetermined. However, the primary mechanism for value for money in R&D often relies on the contractor's expertise, the competitive process, and NASA's oversight to ensure the research objectives are met efficiently and effectively, rather than solely on the contract type's profit structure.

What are the historical spending patterns for similar NASA space science R&D initiatives?

Historical spending patterns for NASA's space science R&D initiatives show significant variation depending on the mission's complexity, duration, and technological requirements. Early-stage concept and design phases, like Phase A, typically represent a smaller fraction of the total mission lifecycle cost, which can extend over many years and involve billions of dollars for large observatories or probes. For instance, major missions like the James Webb Space Telescope or the Mars Perseverance rover involved substantial R&D funding across multiple phases, from initial studies through development, launch, and operations. Funding for atmospheric science missions, such as ICON, might be less than flagship astrophysics missions but still requires significant investment in specialized research and instrument development. NASA's budget allocations to different science directorates and specific missions provide a historical context for such expenditures.

What are the implications of awarding this contract to a university versus a traditional aerospace contractor?

Awarding this contract to a university like UC Berkeley has several implications compared to a traditional aerospace contractor. Universities often bring deep scientific expertise and a focus on fundamental research, potentially leading to innovative discoveries. They may also have lower overhead costs compared to for-profit companies. However, universities might have less experience with the rigorous project management, rapid prototyping, and stringent production schedules often required for aerospace hardware development. NASA's oversight and support become crucial to ensure the project meets the demanding requirements of space missions. Traditional contractors typically have established supply chains, manufacturing capabilities, and extensive experience with flight hardware, but may have higher profit margins and potentially less direct engagement with cutting-edge academic research.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: SPACE VEHICLES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: NNH11ZDA002O

Offers Received: 22

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1608 4TH ST STE 220, BERKELEY, CA, 94710

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $182,059,179

Exercised Options: $182,059,179

Current Obligation: $182,059,179

Actual Outlays: $27,674,908

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 55

Total Subaward Amount: $91,114,297

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline