NASA's Moon to Mars Program Awards $2.3M Contract to Booz Allen Hamilton for Mission Design
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,325,370 ($2.3M)
Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2025-11-01
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 333 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: TO 170 (ESDMD) AND MOON TO MARS PROGRAM OFFICE EXPLORATION MISSION DESIGN AND INTEGRATION ASSESSMENT.
Place of Performance
Location: HOUSTON, HARRIS County, TEXAS, 77058
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $2.3 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: TO 170 (ESDMD) AND MOON TO MARS PROGRAM OFFICE EXPLORATION MISSION DESIGN AND INTEGRATION ASSESSMENT. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, large, established firm, potentially limiting broader industry innovation. 2. Fixed-price contract type suggests cost certainty for NASA, but may not incentivize contractor efficiency. 3. Focus on mission design and integration is critical for the success of ambitious space exploration goals. 4. The 'Moon to Mars' program signifies a significant national investment in deep space exploration.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $2.3M is relatively small for a program of this magnitude. Benchmarking against similar mission design and integration contracts is difficult without more specific scope details, but the price appears reasonable for the stated duration.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating it was likely above the threshold for full and open competition. The award method 'BPA CALL' suggests it was placed against an existing Blanket Purchase Agreement, which may have had its own competition limitations.
Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition raises questions about whether taxpayers received the best possible price. However, if the BPA was competitively established, some price discovery may have occurred.
Public Impact
Supports the ambitious 'Moon to Mars' initiative, a key element of NASA's long-term space exploration strategy. Invests in the foundational design and integration necessary for future human and robotic missions. Potential for technological advancements and scientific discoveries stemming from the program's objectives.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition raises concerns about optimal pricing.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Supports a high-priority national space exploration program.
- Fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within Engineering Services (NAICS 541330), a sector crucial for government projects requiring specialized technical expertise. Spending in this area is often project-driven and can vary significantly based on program scope and complexity.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). There is no indication of small business subcontracting goals within this specific award, suggesting limited direct impact on small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The award is managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), a civilian agency with established oversight mechanisms. The use of a BPA CALL suggests adherence to pre-established procurement procedures, but the specific oversight of this call needs further review.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- No small business participation
- Potential for higher costs
- Reliance on existing BPA structure
Tags
engineering-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, tx, bpa-call, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $2.3 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. TO 170 (ESDMD) AND MOON TO MARS PROGRAM OFFICE EXPLORATION MISSION DESIGN AND INTEGRATION ASSESSMENT.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON 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 $2.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-11-01. End: 2026-09-30.
What specific technical expertise does Booz Allen Hamilton bring to the Moon to Mars program that justified a limited competition award?
Booz Allen Hamilton is a well-established government contractor with extensive experience in systems engineering, program management, and complex integration services. For the 'Moon to Mars' program, their expertise likely lies in navigating the intricate technical challenges of designing and integrating multiple mission components, ensuring interoperability, and managing program risks across various phases of exploration.
How will NASA ensure cost-effectiveness and value for taxpayer money given the limited competition for this critical mission design contract?
NASA can ensure cost-effectiveness by rigorously reviewing Booz Allen Hamilton's proposed costs against industry benchmarks and historical data for similar services. Furthermore, they should establish clear performance metrics and milestones within the contract, linking payment to successful delivery. Ongoing oversight and regular performance reviews will be crucial to identify any potential inefficiencies or cost overruns early on.
What are the potential risks associated with awarding mission-critical design work through a BPA call with limited competition?
The primary risk is the potential for suboptimal pricing due to reduced competitive pressure, meaning taxpayers might pay more than necessary. Another risk is that a limited competition might overlook innovative solutions or specialized capabilities offered by other firms not included in the BPA call. This could also limit opportunities for small businesses to contribute to this significant national program.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation
Address: 8283 GREENSBORO DR, MC LEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,325,370
Exercised Options: $2,325,370
Current Obligation: $2,325,370
Actual Outlays: $134,685
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80JSC023AA001
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-11-01
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
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