LADEE Mission contract awarded to Orbital Sciences LLC for $59.4M, supporting guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $59,335,260 ($59.3M)
Contractor: Orbital Sciences LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2009-08-28
End Date: 2013-09-06
Contract Duration: 1,470 days
Daily Burn Rate: $40.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE INCENTIVE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: LADEE MISSION
Place of Performance
Location: CHANDLER, MARICOPA County, ARIZONA, 85286
State: Arizona Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $59.3 million to ORBITAL SCIENCES LLC for work described as: LADEE MISSION Key points: 1. The contract value of $59.4M is significant for a space mission, requiring careful cost management. 2. Orbital Sciences LLC is a known entity in the aerospace sector, suggesting established capabilities. 3. Potential risks include mission complexity, technological hurdles, and schedule adherence. 4. Spending falls within the Defense sector, specifically guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $59.4M appears reasonable for a complex space mission like LADEE, which involves significant research, development, and operational costs. Benchmarking against similar NASA or DoD space exploration contracts would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value. The use of a Fixed Price Incentive contract aims to balance cost control with contractor performance incentives.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process is designed to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for this defense-related space mission.
Public Impact
The LADEE mission contributes to advancements in space exploration and technology. Successful execution of the mission can enhance national security capabilities through improved space domain awareness. This contract supports high-tech manufacturing jobs and innovation within the aerospace industry.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Mission complexity and potential for cost overruns.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical mission components.
- Schedule slippage impacting overall mission objectives.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Fixed Price Incentive contract structure.
- Experienced contractor in Orbital Sciences LLC.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Defense sector, specifically within guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing. Spending in this area is critical for national security and technological advancement, with benchmarks varying widely based on mission scope and complexity.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate specific subcontracting goals or participation by small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement in this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, through the Defense Contract Management Agency, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Robust oversight is crucial to ensure mission success, cost control, and adherence to contract terms.
Related Government Programs
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to mission complexity.
- Schedule delays impacting mission objectives.
- Technical challenges in space vehicle operation.
- Dependence on a single prime contractor.
- Unforeseen environmental factors during lunar operations.
Tags
guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufac, department-of-defense, az, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $59.3 million to ORBITAL SCIENCES LLC. LADEE MISSION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ORBITAL SCIENCES LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $59.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-08-28. End: 2013-09-06.
What is the projected return on investment for the LADEE mission in terms of scientific discovery and technological advancement?
The LADEE mission's return on investment is primarily measured by scientific discoveries related to lunar dust and the lunar environment, as well as advancements in spacecraft technology for deep space operations. While direct financial ROI is difficult to quantify, the knowledge gained can inform future missions, potentially leading to long-term economic or strategic benefits.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to assess the contractor's performance and manage risks throughout the contract lifecycle?
Key performance indicators likely include adherence to schedule milestones, achievement of technical performance specifications (e.g., payload functionality, orbital parameters), cost control against the fixed-price incentive targets, and successful completion of mission objectives. Risk management would involve regular reviews of technical challenges, potential delays, and budget variances.
How does the cost of the LADEE mission compare to similar lunar exploration or space vehicle manufacturing contracts awarded in the past decade?
Comparing the $59.4M cost requires detailed analysis of contract scope, technological complexity, and mission duration. Similar lunar missions or advanced space vehicle projects can range from tens of millions to billions of dollars. Factors like payload sophistication, launch vehicle costs, and research intensity significantly influence overall expenditure.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE INCENTIVE (L)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation (UEI: 967356127)
Address: 1575 SOUTH PRICE RD, CHANDLER, AZ, 85286
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $117,272,504
Exercised Options: $117,272,504
Current Obligation: $59,335,260
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: F0470103D0202
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-08-28
Current End Date: 2013-09-06
Potential End Date: 2013-09-06 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-08-06
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