There are apparently three of the 'big boys' involved with this.  After the Planatary Survey Administration branch of the UPF was given the mandate, the open bidding was met by hotly contested counter bids, until after some discussion an arrangement was made whereas two companies, Cassidine Developement Corp and Streel would share in the actual survey work, and the Pan Galactic Corp would be providing logistics and support.<br/><br/>CDC apparently is providing the ships, which are specialized survey vessels based on a gesalt design - two for their own missions, and one to Streel.  It's apparent that Streel is also devoting one of it's own internal vessels for the mission.  PGC will be sub contracting several freighters - along with Star Law Rangers for logistics and resupply.<br/><br/>*basically the main conpetitor would be Streel - they are the other company doing the ground work that your skills are keen on*<br/><br/>Each company is exposing themselves largely.  The threat of Sathar, or unknown species is very large.  But also the returns on being the prime developer of new land is also equal.  That's the main reason of the PSA's descision to involve multiple corporations - so no one corporation gets a monopoly on the new worlds.<br/><br/>The pay ranges vary depending on the skillsets and requirements.  For you - a civilian geological specialist - they have your pay rated at 250,000 credits for the year - payable at the termination of the contract.  After some negotiations, the pay is dropped in lieu of a combination of stock options for the CDC as well as a land grant of an additional tract of land adjascent to the mesa plateau.<br/><br/>The mission group is assembling on Minotaur, with departure for the worlds happening in about a month's time. (it takes time to rally all the resources)  Travel time from Prenglar to Theseus is about 20 days, which would give you the difference 'free' to make your mind up.<br/><br/>The actual flight plan is of course top secret.