Executive Summary
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center has obligated $181,839,613 to The Leland Stanford Junior University for the Solar Dynamics Observatory Project Heliospheric and Magnetic Imager (HMI) investigation, representing 100% of the period's aggregate value with zero defense-related contracts. This single civilian award underscores a long-term commitment to space science R&D under a definitive cost-no-fee structure awarded in 2002 and extending to 2027-09-30. The highest-conviction signal is neutral (4/10 strength), reflecting steady multi-decade funding despite only $25,928,889 outlayed to date against a base + options value of $186,336,824. Full and open competition signals no immediate moat concerns, with low pricing risk. A key watch item is outlay progress and performance milestones toward the 2027 end date amid potential uneven R&D spending.
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Investment Signals(1)
- NASA Commits $181.8M to Stanford for 25-Year HMI Space R&D Instrument(LOW)▲
The Leland Stanford Junior University secured a definitive cost-no-fee contract under full and open competition for design, fabrication, testing, delivery, and post-launch support of the HMI flight instrument, with $181,839,613 obligated over 2002-2027.
Risk Flags(1)
- Execution[MEDIUM RISK]▼
Only $25,928,889 outlayed to date on The Leland Stanford Junior University's $181,839,613 NASA HMI contract, with ~$155.9M remaining over the performance period to 2027-09-30 and uncertain uneven outlays.
Opportunities(1)
- ◆
NASA's sustained funding to The Leland Stanford Junior University for heliophysics R&D via the Solar Dynamics Observatory HMI project through 2027.
Sector Themes(1)
- ◆
Goddard Space Flight Center's $181,839,613 cost-no-fee award to The Leland Stanford Junior University for the HMI investigation highlights enduring civilian investment in space applications R&D (PSC AR22, NAICS 541710) spanning 25 years.
Watch List(1)
- 👁
{"entity"=>"The Leland Stanford Junior University", "reason"=>"$181,839,613 NASA HMI contract with low $25,928,889 outlays to date and extended performance to 2027-09-30", "trigger"=>"Outlay progress beyond $25,928,889; changes to cost-no-fee structure or options exercise; 2027-09-30 end date performance"}
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