DOI Awards $20.1M for High-Speed Flight Propulsion R&D to SpaceWorks Enterprises Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,013,874 ($2.0M)
Contractor: Spaceworks Enterprises Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2022-12-01
End Date: 2025-11-16
Contract Duration: 1,081 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 25
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THRUST-ORIENTED COMBINED CYCLE PROPULSION SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT FOR HIGH-SPEED FLIGHT SYSTEMS
Place of Performance
Location: ATLANTA, DEKALB County, GEORGIA, 30338
State: Georgia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $2.0 million to SPACEWORKS ENTERPRISES INC for work described as: THRUST-ORIENTED COMBINED CYCLE PROPULSION SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT FOR HIGH-SPEED FLIGHT SYSTEMS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced propulsion systems for high-speed flight. 2. SpaceWorks Enterprises Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is the sector. 4. The contract is Firm Fixed Price, indicating defined scope and cost.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $20.1M for a 3-year R&D effort appears within a reasonable range for specialized aerospace development. Benchmarking against similar advanced propulsion system contracts is difficult due to the niche nature of the technology.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a limited competition where initial sources were excluded. This method may impact price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards cutting-edge aerospace research, which could yield long-term technological advancements and economic benefits, but the immediate return on investment is uncertain.
Public Impact
Advancement in aerospace technology could lead to future innovations in transportation and defense. Investment in R&D supports the growth of specialized scientific and engineering fields. Potential for job creation in high-tech sectors. The development of high-speed flight systems could have implications for national security and economic competitiveness.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may not yield the best price.
- R&D projects carry inherent risks of failure or delayed outcomes.
- Contract duration is substantial, requiring ongoing oversight.
Positive Signals
- Focus on innovative technology development.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
- Potential for significant technological breakthroughs.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical and engineering sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological innovation but often involves higher risk and longer payoff periods compared to established service contracts.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, SpaceWorks Enterprises Inc., is not identified as a small business in the provided data. This contract does not appear to include specific provisions for small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Interior's oversight will be critical to ensure progress on this complex R&D project. Regular reviews of milestones, technical progress, and financial expenditures will be necessary to manage risks and ensure accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- Departmental Offices Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition.
- High R&D risk.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Long development timeline.
- Technology maturity uncertainty.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-the-interior, ga, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $2.0 million to SPACEWORKS ENTERPRISES INC. THRUST-ORIENTED COMBINED CYCLE PROPULSION SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT FOR HIGH-SPEED FLIGHT SYSTEMS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SPACEWORKS ENTERPRISES INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-12-01. End: 2025-11-16.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this thrust-oriented propulsion system, and how will they be measured?
The expected advancements likely involve achieving higher thrust-to-weight ratios, improved fuel efficiency for high-speed regimes, and enhanced system reliability under extreme conditions. Measurement will involve rigorous ground testing, simulations, and potentially flight demonstrations, focusing on key performance parameters like specific impulse, thrust levels, and operational lifespan.
What are the primary risks associated with developing a novel propulsion system, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
Primary risks include technological feasibility challenges, material science limitations, integration complexities with flight systems, and potential cost overruns. Mitigation strategies likely involve phased development with clear go/no-go decision points, extensive use of modeling and simulation, parallel development paths for critical components, and robust project management with contingency planning.
How will the effectiveness of this R&D investment be evaluated beyond the contract's completion?
Effectiveness will be evaluated by the successful maturation of the propulsion technology to a point where it can be integrated into next-generation high-speed flight systems. Long-term evaluation will consider its adoption by industry or government, its contribution to enhanced flight capabilities, and any subsequent commercialization or further development it enables.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: DOD SBIR FY08 (2008.3) AF
Offers Received: 25
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Spaceworks Enterprises, Inc.
Address: 1050 CROWN PT PKWY STE 1400, ATLANTA, GA, 30338
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,013,874
Exercised Options: $2,013,874
Current Obligation: $2,013,874
Actual Outlays: $2,013,874
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-12-01
Current End Date: 2025-11-16
Potential End Date: 2025-11-16 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-24
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