WHAT IS THIS?

This contract pays BAE Systems Space and Mission Systems Inc. to build and deliver a piece of space instrument hardware called the OMPS (Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite) Protoflight Model, which is a sensor that measures ozone in Earth's atmosphere. The company also provides ongoing engineering and support services over the life of the contract.

WHY WAS THIS FUNDED?

The Department of Commerce, which oversees weather and environmental monitoring, funded this work as part of the U.S. government's commitment to tracking Earth's atmosphere from space. NASA managed the awarding of the contract on Commerce's behalf.

WHAT PUBLIC PROBLEM IS IT TRYING TO SOLVE?

The ozone layer protects life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation, and governments around the world need accurate, continuous data on ozone levels to monitor environmental health and measure the effects of international agreements like the Montreal Protocol. This instrument helps provide that critical data from orbit.

WHO BENEFITS?

Scientists, meteorologists, and environmental agencies benefit from the ozone data this instrument produces, as do the general public who rely on accurate UV forecasts and long-term climate monitoring. Skilled aerospace and engineering workers at BAE Systems in Colorado also benefit from the jobs this contract supports.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Because the contract spans nearly 20 years and is worth nearly half a billion dollars, there is a risk of cost overruns, schedule delays, or changes in technology needs that could reduce the value taxpayers receive. The contract type is listed as unknown in the available data, which makes it harder to assess how cost and performance risks are shared between the government and the contractor.

WHAT HAPPENS IF FUNDING IS REMOVED?

Cancelling this contract could result in a gap in U.S. ozone monitoring from space, leaving scientists and agencies without updated data needed for environmental research and public health warnings. Replacing or restarting such a specialized program would likely take years and significant additional cost.

ARGUMENTS FOR

• •Continuous ozone monitoring from space provides essential environmental data that protects public health and supports U.S. treaty obligations on ozone protection.
• •A long-term contract with a specialized aerospace firm can provide stability and allow for the deep technical expertise needed to build reliable space instruments.
• •The data produced benefits not just the U.S. but the entire international scientific community tracking climate and atmospheric health.

ARGUMENTS AGAINST

• •At nearly $482 million over roughly 19 years, this is a large, long-running commitment and it is difficult for the public to assess whether the price is competitive without knowing the contract type and pricing structure.
• •Long-duration government contracts can be difficult to monitor effectively, raising concerns about whether performance and cost targets are being met over time.
• •Some may question whether commercial satellite companies or international partnerships could provide similar ozone data at lower cost to taxpayers.