NASA's Mars Exploration Program contract awarded to University of Colorado for $117M, spanning over a decade

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $117,283,142 ($117.3M)

Contractor: THE Regents of the University of Colorado

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2009-12-23

End Date: 2029-01-31

Contract Duration: 6,979 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 20

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: NASA HEADQUARTERS (HQ) MANAGES THE MARS EXPLORATION PROGRAM (MEP), WHICH SELECTED THE MARS ATMOSPHERE AND VOLATILE EVOLUTION (MAVEN) PROJECT AS A MARS SCOUT MISSION. THE MAVEN PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (PI) IS DR. BRUCE JAKOSKY, OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, LABORATORY FOR ATMOSPHERIC AND SPACE PHYSICS (LASP) IN BOULDER, CO. THE PI WILL HAVE OVERALL CONTROL OF THE MAVEN PROJECT. HE WILL PROVIDE SCIENCE LEADERSHIP FOR THE MAVEN MISSION AND MANAGE EDUCATION AND PUBLIC OUTREACH. THIS EFFORT APPLIES TO LASP AND COVERS PHASES A, B, C, D, AND E OF THE MAVEN MISSION. UNDER PHASE A OF THIS CONTRACT, THE CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SCHEDULE MANAGEMENT, PROVIDING TECHNICAL PROGRESS REPORTS, AND MISSION REVIEWS. UNDER PHASE B, THE CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SUPPORTING REQUIREMENTS ANALYSIS, PROJECT PLANS, PRELIMINARY DESIGN REVIEWS, MONTHLY STATUS REVIEWS, QUARTERLY TEAM MEETINGS, E/PO ACTIVITIES, AND THE PRELIMINARY SCIENCE DATA MANAGEMENT PLAN. UNDER PHASES C AND D, THE CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SUPPORTING MONTHLY STATUS REVIEWS, QUARTERLY TEAM REVIEWS, RESPONDING TO ACTION ITEMS THAT RESULT FROM MEETINGS/REVIEWS, SUPPORTING FORMAL REVIEWS AND LAUNCH SITE ACTIVITIES, AND MANAGEMENT OF E/PO ACTIVITIES. UNDER PHASE E, THE CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING OVERALL MANAGEMENT OF THE MAVEN SCIENCE PROGRAM AND DATA ANALYSIS ACTIVITIES, ENSURING DELIVERY OF MAVEN SCIENCE DATA PRODUCTS, MISSION DOCUMENTATION, AND ANALYTICAL SOFTWARE TOOLS INTO PDS, PARTICIPATING IN ANALYSIS AND RESOLUTION OF SPACECRAFT ANOMALIES, AS NECESSARY, PROVIDING OVERALL MANAGEMENT OF E/PO ACTIVITIES PER E/PO PLAN, PRESENTING SCIENTIFIC RESULTS AT NATIONAL CONFERENCES AND IN SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE, AND PROVIDING CONTRACT CLOSEOUT SUPPORT.

Place of Performance

Location: BOULDER, BOULDER County, COLORADO, 80309

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $117.3 million to THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO for work described as: NASA HEADQUARTERS (HQ) MANAGES THE MARS EXPLORATION PROGRAM (MEP), WHICH SELECTED THE MARS ATMOSPHERE AND VOLATILE EVOLUTION (MAVEN) PROJECT AS A MARS SCOUT MISSION. THE MAVEN PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (PI) IS DR. BRUCE JAKOSKY, OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, LABORATORY FOR ATMOSPH… Key points: 1. Contract supports critical research and development for the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission. 2. Long contract duration suggests a phased approach to complex scientific objectives. 3. Principal Investigator role indicates strong scientific leadership and management. 4. Focus on schedule management, technical reporting, and mission reviews highlights rigorous oversight. 5. The contract covers multiple mission phases, from initial concept to operational deployment. 6. The nature of the work suggests a high degree of technical complexity and scientific innovation.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $117.3 million over approximately 20 years represents a significant investment in space exploration. Benchmarking this against other large-scale scientific research and development projects is challenging due to the unique nature of space missions. However, the phased approach and the long duration suggest a cost-effective strategy for managing a complex, multi-year endeavor. The cost-plus-no-fee (CPNF) contract type, while less common for R&D, may be appropriate here given the inherent uncertainties in scientific research, allowing for flexibility while incentivizing the contractor to manage costs effectively.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple organizations had the opportunity to bid. This process is designed to foster a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and innovative solutions. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the full and open nature suggests a robust selection process.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by ensuring that the government receives the best possible value through a wide range of proposals and potentially lower costs due to market forces.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the scientific community and the public, through advancements in our understanding of Mars' atmosphere and climate. The contract delivers essential research and development services for the MAVEN mission. The geographic impact is centered in Boulder, Colorado, where the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics is located. The contract supports a highly specialized workforce in aerospace engineering, atmospheric science, and project management.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Long-term nature of the contract could lead to cost overruns if not meticulously managed.
  • Reliance on a single principal investigator for overall control poses a risk if their leadership is compromised.
  • The complexity of space missions inherently carries risks of technical challenges and delays.
  • The cost-plus-no-fee structure requires careful monitoring to ensure cost efficiency.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive and potentially cost-effective selection process.
  • The long duration indicates a commitment to a significant scientific endeavor with potential for groundbreaking discoveries.
  • The involvement of a university research lab (LASP) suggests a strong foundation in scientific expertise.
  • Clear definition of responsibilities across different mission phases provides a structured approach to project management.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The aerospace industry, a significant segment of this sector, involves substantial government investment in scientific missions and technological advancement. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the unique nature of individual space missions, but NASA's overall budget for planetary science and exploration provides a broader context for such investments.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary set-aside consideration for this contract. As a large-scale research and development effort managed by a university, the focus is likely on specialized scientific and technical expertise rather than broad subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. However, the prime contractor may engage small businesses for specific components or services as needed, though this is not explicitly detailed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is likely managed through NASA's established program management structures, including regular technical reviews, progress reports, and financial audits as stipulated in the contract. The Principal Investigator's role also implies a level of direct scientific oversight. Transparency is generally maintained through NASA's public communications regarding mission progress and scientific findings. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to any potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

  • Mars Exploration Program
  • Planetary Science Division
  • NASA Research and Development Contracts
  • University Research Grants
  • Aerospace Technology Development

Risk Flags

  • Long contract duration may increase exposure to cost overruns.
  • Reliance on a single Principal Investigator.
  • Complexity of space mission technology.
  • Potential for schedule delays in development and launch.

Tags

nasa, mars-exploration, mavens, research-and-development, university-of-colorado, definitive-contract, full-and-open-competition, cost-no-fee, space-science, long-term-contract, colorado, federal-spending

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $117.3 million to THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO. NASA HEADQUARTERS (HQ) MANAGES THE MARS EXPLORATION PROGRAM (MEP), WHICH SELECTED THE MARS ATMOSPHERE AND VOLATILE EVOLUTION (MAVEN) PROJECT AS A MARS SCOUT MISSION. THE MAVEN PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (PI) IS DR. BRUCE JAKOSKY, OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, LABORATORY FOR ATMOSPHERIC AND SPACE PHYSICS (LASP) IN BOULDER, CO. THE PI WILL HAVE OVERALL CONTROL OF THE MAVEN PROJECT. HE WILL PROVIDE SCIENCE LEADERSHIP FOR THE MAVEN MISSION AND MANAGE EDUCATION AND PUBLIC OUTREACH. THIS EFFORT APPLIE

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 $117.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-12-23. End: 2029-01-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission under this contract?

The provided data indicates a total contract value of $117,283,142.33 with a start date of December 23, 2009, and an end date of January 31, 2029. This spans nearly 20 years. While the exact annual spending is not detailed, the contract value suggests a consistent allocation of funds over this extended period to support the various phases of the MAVEN mission, from initial development through its operational life. The phased nature of the contract implies that spending would likely be concentrated during specific development and operational periods, with potentially lower expenditures during intermediate review or planning phases. Without more granular financial data, a precise historical spending pattern cannot be fully delineated, but the overall investment is substantial and spread across a long timeframe.

How does the cost of the MAVEN mission compare to similar Mars exploration efforts?

Direct cost comparisons for Mars missions are complex due to varying objectives, technological requirements, and mission durations. However, MAVEN's total contract value of approximately $117 million over two decades places it within the range of other NASA 'Scout' missions, which are designed to be cost-capped. For instance, the InSight lander mission had a budget around $675 million, but it was a larger, more complex lander. The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) had an initial cost of around $720 million. MAVEN's focus on atmospheric studies, managed as a university-led project, appears to be a cost-effective approach for its specific scientific goals compared to larger, more instrument-laden missions. The long duration also suggests a phased funding approach rather than a single large upfront cost.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract and the MAVEN mission?

The primary risks associated with this contract and the MAVEN mission are multi-faceted. Technical risks include the inherent challenges of designing, building, and operating spacecraft for the harsh Martian environment, including potential failures in propulsion, communication, or scientific instrumentation. Schedule risks are also significant, as delays in development or launch can impact mission objectives and increase costs. Furthermore, scientific risks exist, such as the possibility that the mission may not yield the expected groundbreaking discoveries due to unforeseen atmospheric conditions or limitations in data collection. Programmatic risks include potential budget fluctuations or changes in NASA's strategic priorities over the long duration of the contract. Finally, reliance on key personnel, such as the Principal Investigator, introduces a risk if their leadership or availability is compromised.

What is the track record of the University of Colorado (LASP) in managing large NASA contracts?

The University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) has a strong and extensive track record of successfully managing complex scientific instruments and missions for NASA. LASP has been involved in numerous space science missions, contributing instruments and expertise to projects like the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), and the New Horizons mission to Pluto. Their involvement in the MAVEN mission as the Principal Investigator institution underscores their capability in leading significant scientific endeavors. LASP is known for its robust engineering and scientific capabilities, and its long history with NASA suggests a high degree of reliability and competence in handling large-scale, multi-year research and development contracts.

How does the 'Cost No Fee' (CPNF) contract type influence contractor performance and taxpayer value?

The 'Cost No Fee' (CPNF) contract type means the contractor (The Regents of the University of Colorado) is reimbursed for all allowable costs but receives no additional fee or profit. This structure is typically used when the level of risk or uncertainty is high, or when the contractor is a non-profit organization where profit is not the primary incentive. For taxpayers, this can be advantageous as it eliminates the profit margin that would otherwise be included in the contract price. However, it can also reduce the contractor's financial incentive to control costs rigorously, as they are guaranteed to be reimbursed for all legitimate expenses. Therefore, effective government oversight and stringent cost monitoring are crucial to ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently and that the project remains within budget.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT)PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: NNH06ZDA0020

Offers Received: 20

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1800 GRANT ST STE 600, DENVER, CO, 80203

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $151,097,361

Exercised Options: $151,097,361

Current Obligation: $117,283,142

Actual Outlays: $57,901,091

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline

Start Date: 2009-12-23

Current End Date: 2029-01-31

Potential End Date: 2029-01-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2026-02-23

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