Mega Contracts Monitor ($100M+) — September 26, 2026

The $248.4M cost-plus-fixed-fee contract with NASA Ames ends November 30, 2024, with no options beyond. $143.6M (58%) already outlayed, leaving ~$104.8M in potential future obligations at risk if not renewed.

USRA derives ~$29.1M annual revenue from this single NASA contract, representing a material portion of its nonprofit revenue base. Expiration without renewal would create a significant funding gap.

NASA’s academic R&D budget (NAICS 541712) faces potential CR or sequestration risk in FY2025, which could delay or reduce follow-on awards for USRA.

NASA’s continued investment in academic mission services (PSC AJ12, NAICS 541712) signals stable or growing demand for R&D support. USRA’s incumbent position and nonprofit status could facilitate a sole-source or limited-competition renewal.

The $248.4M USRA contract underscores NASA’s reliance on nonprofit academic consortia for long-term R&D services, with cost-plus pricing reducing profit volatility but capping upside. This theme supports stable, low-margin revenue for entities like USRA and similar university-affiliated research centers.

{"entity" => "Universities Space Research Association", "reason" => "Single contract represents ~$29M annual revenue; expiration risk is high without renewal.", "trigger" => "November 30, 2024 contract end date; any NASA RFP for academic mission services at Ames before Q4 2024"}

{"entity" => "NASA Ames Research Center", "reason" => "Contracting activity for this award; future budget and procurement decisions will determine USRA’s revenue continuity.", "trigger" => "FY2025 NASA budget request; any notice of intent for sole-source or competitive follow-on"}