Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. — Federal Contractor Profile

Contractor Overview

Total Contract Value: $4,253,902,842,016 ($4.3T)

Total Awards: 2130

Company Profile

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. (AURA) is a federal contractor with a significant role in astronomical research and technology development. AURA specializes in providing advanced astronomical observatories, scientific instruments, and data analysis services to the federal government. Their core capabilities include the design, construction, and operation of large-scale astronomical facilities, as well as the development of cutting-edge technologies for space and ground-based astronomy. AURA has a long-standing relationship with NASA and other agencies, contributing to numerous high-profile projects. The company's government business is substantial, with a total contract value of $4253.90 billion and 2130 contracts, indicating a broad and deep engagement with the federal government. AURA's contracts are primarily competitive, with no sole-source awards, suggesting a strong competitive position in the market. Their track record includes successful delivery of major observatories and scientific instruments, such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope. AURA's business strategy is centered on maintaining and expanding its relationships with key government agencies, particularly NASA, while also exploring new opportunities in space science and technology. Compared to industry peers, AURA is a dominant player in the field of astronomical research and technology, with a strong track record and a significant market share.

Specializations

• Astronomical Observatories
• Space Telescopes
• Scientific Instruments
• Data Analysis
• Space Technology
• Ground-Based Astronomy

Contractor Metrics

Average Contract Size: $0

Competitive Win Rate: 100%

Agency Concentration: moderate

Growth Trajectory: expanding

Sole Source Rate: 0%

Recompete Rate: 70%

Competitive Position

AURA is a dominant player in the field of astronomical research and technology. They have a strong competitive position, consistently winning contracts through competitive bidding. Their expertise in designing and operating large-scale astronomical facilities, such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the upcoming James Webb Space Telescope, positions them as a key provider for NASA and other agencies. AURA's track record of successful project delivery and their ability to secure significant contracts indicate a strong competitive advantage in the market.

Value to Taxpayers

AURA provides significant value to taxpayers by delivering cutting-edge astronomical observatories and scientific instruments that advance our understanding of the universe. Their projects, such as the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes, have yielded invaluable scientific data and insights. While the contract values are substantial, the long-term benefits of these projects, including scientific discoveries and technological advancements, justify the investment. AURA's competitive history and the high-quality nature of their work suggest that they are a good value for the taxpayer.

Agency Relationships

AURA has a strong and long-standing relationship with NASA, which is reflected in the majority of their contracts. NASA's reliance on AURA for major observatories and scientific instruments is significant, as evidenced by the numerous contracts awarded to AURA. While this concentration is not a concern, it does highlight the importance of maintaining these relationships for the continued success of NASA's space science programs. Other agencies, such as the National Science Foundation, also rely on AURA for ground-based astronomy projects, contributing to a diversified client base.

Red Flags

• No sole-source awards, which may indicate a lack of urgency or critical need for certain projects.
• High recompete rate (70%), suggesting that many contracts are renewed rather than new awards, which could indicate a lack of new business opportunities.
• Moderate agency concentration, with a significant portion of contracts coming from NASA, which could pose a risk if NASA's budget or priorities change.

Green Flags

• 100% competitive win rate, indicating a strong market position and ability to secure contracts through fair competition.
• Diverse agency portfolio, with contracts from NASA, NSF, and other agencies, indicating a broad client base.
• Successful track record of delivering major astronomical facilities and scientific instruments, such as the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes.

Key Contracts

AURA's most significant contracts include the Hubble Space Telescope and the upcoming James Webb Space Telescope. These projects are critical for advancing our understanding of the universe and have yielded invaluable scientific data. The Hubble Space Telescope, launched in 1990, has been a cornerstone of astronomical research, providing high-resolution images and data that have transformed our understanding of the cosmos. The James Webb Space Telescope, set to launch in 2021, will build on the legacy of Hubble and push the boundaries of astronomical research even further. These contracts demonstrate AURA's core capabilities in designing, constructing, and operating large-scale astronomical facilities. They also highlight AURA's strategic focus on maintaining and expanding its relationships with key government agencies, particularly NASA, while also exploring new opportunities in space science and technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recent Federal Contracts

Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. has 3 federal contracts on record. Below are the largest awards:

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