NASA awards $2.66M contract for Stirling converter prototypes to SunPower, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,662,065 ($2.7M)
Contractor: Sunpower, Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2023-08-18
End Date: 2026-07-31
Contract Duration: 1,078 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SUNPOWER ROBUST STIRLING CONVERTER (SRSC) SUPPORT AND PROTOTYPES - CONTACT CO FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
Place of Performance
Location: ATHENS, ATHENS County, OHIO, 45701
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $2.7 million to SUNPOWER, INC for work described as: SUNPOWER ROBUST STIRLING CONVERTER (SRSC) SUPPORT AND PROTOTYPES - CONTACT CO FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on research and development for advanced energy conversion technology. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about potential cost efficiencies and market exploration. 3. Long contract duration suggests a need for sustained development and testing. 4. Awarded to a single vendor, limiting opportunities for broader industry engagement. 5. Geographic concentration in Ohio for contract performance. 6. Contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) allows for flexibility but requires careful cost monitoring.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $2.66 million for Stirling converter prototypes appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized R&D. However, without comparable sole-source awards or detailed cost breakdowns, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates close oversight to ensure costs remain controlled and aligned with project objectives. Benchmarking against similar R&D efforts in advanced energy conversion would provide a clearer picture of pricing efficiency.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning SunPower, Inc. was the only vendor considered. This approach is typically used when a specific capability or technology is unique to a single provider, or in cases of urgent need. The lack of competition means that NASA did not benefit from a bidding process that could have potentially driven down costs or fostered innovation through multiple proposals. The rationale for this sole-source award should be clearly documented to ensure it was justified.
Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards limit the opportunity for competitive pricing, potentially leading to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a fully competed contract. It also bypasses the market discovery process that competition provides.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA's research and development initiatives in advanced energy conversion. The contract will deliver prototypes and support for SunPower's Stirling converter technology. Performance is concentrated in Ohio, potentially impacting the local technology and manufacturing workforce. Advancements in Stirling converter technology could have future applications in space exploration and terrestrial power generation.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pressure on pricing.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires robust cost tracking and oversight to prevent overruns.
- Limited public information on the specific technological advancements sought.
- Long contract duration could introduce risks related to technological obsolescence or shifting program priorities.
Positive Signals
- Focus on advanced R&D in a critical technology area for NASA.
- Award to a single, potentially specialized vendor suggests access to unique expertise.
- Clear contract end dates provide defined project timelines.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Stirling converters represent a niche but important area of energy conversion technology, known for their potential high efficiency in converting heat to electricity. The market for such specialized R&D is often characterized by a limited number of highly skilled firms. NASA's investment aligns with broader trends in seeking more efficient and reliable power sources for both terrestrial and space applications.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve a small business set-aside. As a sole-source award to SunPower, Inc., there is no indication of subcontracting opportunities specifically targeted towards small businesses within this particular award. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless SunPower has its own small business subcontracting program that extends to this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will be managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, NASA will be responsible for monitoring expenditures, ensuring adherence to the fixed fee, and verifying the successful completion of research and prototype development milestones. Transparency will depend on NASA's reporting practices and any public disclosures related to the R&D outcomes. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Contracts
- Advanced Energy Conversion Systems
- Space Technology Development
- Stirling Engine Technology
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award lacks competitive justification.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires stringent cost oversight.
- Limited public information on specific performance metrics and expected outcomes.
Tags
research-and-development, nasa, sunpower-inc, ohio, definitive-contract, cost-plus-fixed-fee, sole-source, energy-conversion, stirling-converter, prototype-development
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $2.7 million to SUNPOWER, INC. SUNPOWER ROBUST STIRLING CONVERTER (SRSC) SUPPORT AND PROTOTYPES - CONTACT CO FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SUNPOWER, INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-08-18. End: 2026-07-31.
What is the specific technological innovation SunPower, Inc. is expected to deliver under this contract?
The contract "SUNPOWER ROBUST STIRLING CONVERTER (SRSC) SUPPORT AND PROTOTYPES" indicates a focus on developing and supporting SunPower's Robust Stirling Converter (SRSC) technology. Stirling converters are a type of heat engine that operates using a closed regenerative thermodynamic cycle. They are known for their potential high efficiency and ability to use various heat sources. This contract likely aims to advance the SRSC design, improve its performance characteristics, and produce functional prototypes for testing and evaluation by NASA. The specific innovations could relate to materials, thermal management, mechanical design, or overall system efficiency and reliability for space or terrestrial applications.
How does the $2.66 million contract value compare to similar R&D efforts in Stirling converter technology?
Benchmarking the $2.66 million contract value for Stirling converter R&D is challenging without access to proprietary data or a broader market analysis of similar sole-source awards. However, R&D contracts for advanced energy systems can vary significantly based on project scope, duration, and the maturity of the technology. Given that this is a sole-source award for prototypes and support, the value suggests a focused effort on a specific technology advancement rather than a broad, multi-vendor competition. NASA's internal R&D budget allocations for similar advanced technology projects would provide a more direct comparison point. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure also means the final cost is subject to actual expenses incurred, capped by the fixed fee.
What are the primary risks associated with this sole-source, Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract?
The primary risks associated with this sole-source, Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract are twofold. Firstly, the sole-source nature eliminates competitive pressure, potentially leading to less favorable pricing and reduced incentive for SunPower to optimize costs aggressively. NASA relies heavily on its own oversight to manage this. Secondly, the CPFF structure, while providing flexibility for R&D, carries the inherent risk of cost overruns if not meticulously managed. SunPower is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee, meaning that if costs exceed projections, the government pays more. Effective oversight by NASA is crucial to monitor expenditures, ensure efficiency, and prevent scope creep that could inflate costs beyond the intended value.
What is the expected impact of this contract on NASA's broader research and development goals?
This contract is expected to contribute to NASA's broader R&D goals by advancing critical energy conversion technologies. Stirling converters offer potential advantages in efficiency and fuel flexibility, which are vital for long-duration space missions, power generation on other celestial bodies, and potentially for terrestrial applications. By investing in the development and prototyping of SunPower's SRSC, NASA aims to mature this technology, assess its viability for future missions, and potentially reduce reliance on more conventional power systems. Success in this contract could pave the way for incorporating Stirling converters into future NASA spacecraft, habitats, or surface exploration assets, enhancing mission capabilities and sustainability.
What historical spending patterns exist for Stirling converter research and development within NASA or similar agencies?
Historical spending patterns for Stirling converter R&D within NASA and other agencies like the Department of Energy (DOE) show a consistent, albeit niche, interest in the technology over several decades. Funding has often been directed towards improving efficiency, exploring alternative heat sources (including solar and radioisotope), and adapting the technology for specific applications, such as auxiliary power units (APUs) or primary power systems for space missions. While not a massive spending category compared to broader aerospace R&D, there have been periodic investments in Stirling engines for both space and terrestrial applications, often driven by goals of high efficiency, reliability, and reduced emissions. This $2.66 million award appears to be a continuation of such targeted investments.
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 › Energy R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: 80GRC023R0006
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Ametek Inc
Address: 2005 E STATE ST STE 104, ATHENS, OH, 45701
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $4,368,586
Exercised Options: $2,662,663
Current Obligation: $2,662,065
Actual Outlays: $1,810,618
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-08-18
Current End Date: 2026-07-31
Potential End Date: 2026-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-25
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