NASA awards $7.6M contract for Commercial Crew Program safety and mission assurance
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $7,605,946 ($7.6M)
Contractor: THE Aerospace Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2023-10-01
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.9K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: NASA-WIDE SPECIALIZED ENGINEERING, EVALUATION, AND TEST SERVICES SUPPORT FOR COMMERCIAL CREW PROGRAM SAFETY AND MISSION ASSURANCE.
Place of Performance
Location: ORLANDO, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32899
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $7.6 million to THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION for work described as: NASA-WIDE SPECIALIZED ENGINEERING, EVALUATION, AND TEST SERVICES SUPPORT FOR COMMERCIAL CREW PROGRAM SAFETY AND MISSION ASSURANCE. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical safety and mission assurance for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. 2. Specialized engineering, evaluation, and test services are essential for crewed spaceflight. 3. The contract duration spans three years, indicating a need for sustained support. 4. The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny regarding justification and alternatives. 5. This contract supports NASA's ongoing efforts in human space exploration and commercial partnerships.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $7.6 million over three years for specialized engineering, evaluation, and test services appears reasonable given the critical nature of supporting NASA's Commercial Crew Program. However, without detailed cost breakdowns or benchmarks for similar specialized support services in the aerospace sector, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging. The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract type suggests that costs are reimbursed, plus a fixed fee, which can incentivize cost control but also carries inherent risks if not closely monitored. Benchmarking against other NASA contracts for similar safety and assurance services 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 NASA did not conduct a competitive bidding process. The justification for this approach is not provided in the available data, but sole-source awards are typically made when only one responsible source can provide the required services. This lack of competition means that price discovery through market forces was not utilized, potentially leading to higher costs than if multiple vendors had competed.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price due to the absence of a competitive bidding process. The justification for the sole-source award needs to be robust to ensure public funds are used efficiently.
Public Impact
Benefits NASA's Commercial Crew Program by ensuring the safety and reliability of human spaceflight missions. Delivers specialized engineering, evaluation, and test services crucial for mission success. Impacts the safety of astronauts and the success of NASA's human spaceflight objectives. Supports the continued development and operation of commercial space transportation systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and potentially increases costs for taxpayers.
- Lack of competition may reduce incentives for the contractor to innovate or optimize service delivery.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs effectively.
Positive Signals
- Focus on critical safety and mission assurance for a high-stakes program like Commercial Crew.
- The Aerospace Corporation is a well-established entity with significant experience in aerospace research and development.
- Contract duration provides stability for essential support services.
Sector Analysis
The aerospace industry, particularly the segment focused on space exploration and commercial crew transportation, is characterized by high technical complexity, stringent safety requirements, and significant government investment. This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically supporting the specialized needs of human spaceflight. The market for such services is relatively niche, often dominated by a few highly specialized firms with proven track records and security clearances. NASA's spending in this area is critical for advancing its exploration goals and fostering a commercial space economy.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides, as indicated by the 'sb' field being false. Given the specialized nature of engineering, evaluation, and test services for a program like NASA's Commercial Crew, it is likely that the prime contractor, The Aerospace Corporation, possesses unique capabilities. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses, which could be an area for potential future engagement or oversight to ensure opportunities are provided where feasible.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under NASA's contracting officers and program management. The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure necessitates robust financial oversight to ensure that costs are reasonable and allocable to the contract. Given the critical safety aspects, technical reviews and performance monitoring by NASA engineers and safety experts would be paramount. Transparency regarding the justification for the sole-source award and ongoing performance metrics would be key accountability measures. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Commercial Crew Program
- Spaceflight Safety and Mission Assurance
- Aerospace Engineering Services
- Research and Development Contracts
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award requires strong justification.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts need diligent oversight.
- Critical safety support demands rigorous performance monitoring.
Tags
nasa, commercial-crew-program, safety-and-mission-assurance, engineering-services, research-and-development, sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee, aerospace-corporation, florida, specialized-support
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $7.6 million to THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION. NASA-WIDE SPECIALIZED ENGINEERING, EVALUATION, AND TEST SERVICES SUPPORT FOR COMMERCIAL CREW PROGRAM SAFETY AND MISSION ASSURANCE.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION.
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 $7.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.
What is the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis to The Aerospace Corporation?
The provided data does not include the specific justification for the sole-source award. Typically, sole-source contracts are awarded when only one responsible source is capable of providing the required services, often due to unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs that preclude competition. For a contract supporting NASA's Commercial Crew Program's safety and mission assurance, the justification might stem from The Aerospace Corporation's specialized expertise, existing knowledge of NASA systems, or specific certifications required for such critical functions. A thorough review of NASA's justification documentation would be necessary to fully understand the rationale behind bypassing the competitive bidding process.
How does the pricing structure (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) for this contract compare to industry standards for similar specialized aerospace support services?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts are common in research and development and complex service contracts where the scope of work may evolve or is difficult to define precisely upfront. In the aerospace sector, CPFF is often used for specialized engineering and support services where innovation and adaptation are key. The 'fixed fee' component aims to provide the contractor with an incentive to control costs, as the fee remains constant regardless of the final cost incurred. However, the effectiveness of CPFF depends heavily on robust government oversight to scrutinize costs and ensure they are reasonable and allocable. Benchmarking this contract's fee against similar CPFF contracts for specialized aerospace support would require access to detailed pricing data and market analysis specific to the niche services provided.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) NASA will use to measure the success of The Aerospace Corporation's support for the Commercial Crew Program?
While specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided data, for a contract focused on safety and mission assurance for NASA's Commercial Crew Program, KPIs would likely revolve around the contractor's ability to identify and mitigate risks, ensure compliance with safety standards, provide timely and accurate engineering evaluations, and support successful mission operations. This could include metrics such as the number of critical safety issues identified and resolved, the accuracy and timeliness of test results, the effectiveness of risk assessments, and the contractor's contribution to overall mission success rates. NASA's program management and technical teams would be responsible for defining, monitoring, and evaluating these KPIs throughout the contract's duration.
What is The Aerospace Corporation's track record in supporting NASA's human spaceflight programs, particularly concerning safety and mission assurance?
The Aerospace Corporation has a long-standing history of supporting NASA and other government agencies in space exploration and defense programs. They are known for their expertise in systems engineering, space technology, and safety analysis. While specific details of their involvement in the Commercial Crew Program prior to this contract are not provided, their general reputation suggests a strong capability in providing the specialized engineering, evaluation, and test services required. Their role often involves independent assessment and technical support, contributing to the overall safety and success of complex space missions. NASA's decision to award this contract, even sole-source, likely reflects confidence in their established expertise and past performance in critical areas.
How does the total contract value of $7.6 million compare to NASA's overall spending on the Commercial Crew Program and similar support services?
The $7.6 million contract value represents a specific component of NASA's broader Commercial Crew Program (CCP) budget. The CCP itself involves substantial investments in developing and operating spacecraft, launch vehicles, and ground systems, often through contracts with companies like SpaceX and Boeing. Support services, such as specialized engineering, evaluation, and test services for safety and mission assurance, are critical but typically represent a smaller fraction of the overall program cost compared to vehicle development and operations. Without knowing the total budget for the CCP or specific spending on comparable safety and assurance contracts, it is difficult to definitively benchmark this $7.6 million award. However, it appears to be a focused investment in essential technical support.
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 › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2310 EAST EL SEGUNDO BLVD, EL SEGUNDO, CA, 90245
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $8,753,574
Exercised Options: $8,753,574
Current Obligation: $7,605,946
Actual Outlays: $6,461,882
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80GSFC19D0011
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-10-01
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-20
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