NASA Awards $22.9M for Solar Probe R&D to Johns Hopkins APL
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $22,933,348 ($22.9M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2008-07-02
End Date: 2010-10-31
Contract Duration: 851 days
Daily Burn Rate: $26.9K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SOLAR PROBE PRE-PHASE A FORMULATION SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $22.9 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: SOLAR PROBE PRE-PHASE A FORMULATION SUPPORT Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced space research. 2. Sole-source award limits competitive pricing. 3. Potential for high scientific return, but R&D carries inherent risks. 4. Focus on physical sciences R&D sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure for R&D can lead to cost overruns if not carefully managed. Benchmarking is difficult due to the specialized nature of pre-phase A formulation support.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. Without competition, there's a reduced incentive for the contractor to offer the lowest possible price, and price discovery is limited.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed to a single entity without exploring potentially more cost-effective alternatives through competition.
Public Impact
Advancement of solar physics research. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries about the sun. Supports high-tech research and development capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost-plus contract type
- R&D spending can be unpredictable
Positive Signals
- Supports critical scientific mission
- Awarded to a reputable research institution
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement but often involves higher risk and less predictable outcomes compared to established service contracts.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC, which is not a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
As a sole-source award for R&D, oversight would focus on technical progress and adherence to the fixed fee. NASA's internal review processes would be key to ensuring accountability for the $22.9M expenditure.
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 contract type
- Lack of competition
- R&D spending uncertainty
- No small business participation noted
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $22.9 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. SOLAR PROBE PRE-PHASE A FORMULATION SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC.
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 $22.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-07-02. End: 2010-10-31.
What is the expected scientific return on investment for this $22.9M expenditure?
The expected scientific return is high, focusing on advancing understanding of the sun through the Solar Probe mission's pre-phase A formulation. While specific discoveries are unpredictable, the investment aims to yield fundamental knowledge about solar physics, potentially leading to improved space weather forecasting and a deeper comprehension of our star.
What are the primary risks associated with this sole-source, cost-plus fixed fee R&D contract?
The primary risks include potential cost overruns inherent in cost-plus contracts, especially for R&D where scope can evolve. The lack of competition limits price discovery, potentially leading to a higher overall cost than a competed contract. Furthermore, R&D inherently carries the risk of technical challenges or failure to achieve desired scientific outcomes within the allocated budget and timeframe.
How does this contract contribute to NASA's overall mission effectiveness?
This contract is crucial for the foundational planning and formulation of the Solar Probe mission, a key component of NASA's heliophysics research. By investing in the early stages, NASA ensures the scientific and technical groundwork is robust, increasing the likelihood of the mission's ultimate success and its contribution to understanding solar phenomena and their impact.
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
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: JOHNS HOPKINS RD 11100, LAUREL, MD, 20723
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $31,444,197
Exercised Options: $31,444,197
Current Obligation: $22,933,348
Actual Outlays: $34,832
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNN06AA01C
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-07-02
Current End Date: 2010-10-31
Potential End Date: 2010-10-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-05-13
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