NASA awards $2.7M to Aerospace Corp for Space Launch System engineering support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,726,717 ($2.7M)
Contractor: THE Aerospace Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2019-12-13
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,483 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.1K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION WILL PROVIDE SUPPORT TO THE SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM (SLS) SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND INTEGRATION OFFICE (SEIO)
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35812
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $2.7 million to THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION for work described as: THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION WILL PROVIDE SUPPORT TO THE SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM (SLS) SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND INTEGRATION OFFICE (SEIO) Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical Space Launch System (SLS) engineering and integration. 2. Sole-source award to The Aerospace Corporation, a long-standing NASA partner. 3. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. 4. Potential for cost overruns given Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The $2.7M award is for a specific support function. Without comparable contracts for similar SLS SEIO support, a precise pricing assessment is difficult. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure warrants careful monitoring.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to The Aerospace Corporation. This limits price discovery and potentially reduces competitive pressure on costs.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated without competitive bidding, which may result in a higher cost than if multiple vendors had competed.
Public Impact
Ensures continued technical expertise for the vital Space Launch System. Supports NASA's ambitious deep space exploration goals. Potential for extended contract duration and increased total value.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher spending.
- Long contract duration increases risk of scope creep or cost escalation.
Positive Signals
- Provides essential engineering support for a key national program.
- Leverages established expertise of The Aerospace Corporation.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically supporting aerospace engineering. Spending in this category is crucial for technological advancement but requires robust oversight due to its complex and often uncertain nature.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to The Aerospace Corporation, a non-small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award necessitates strong oversight from NASA to ensure the contractor is performing efficiently and costs are managed effectively. Regular performance reviews and cost audits are critical.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Long contract duration
- Lack of small business participation noted
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, al, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $2.7 million to THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION. THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION WILL PROVIDE SUPPORT TO THE SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM (SLS) SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND INTEGRATION OFFICE (SEIO)
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 $2.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-12-13. End: 2026-09-30.
What is the historical cost performance of The Aerospace Corporation on similar sole-source R&D contracts with NASA?
Analyzing historical data for The Aerospace Corporation's performance on comparable sole-source R&D contracts with NASA is crucial. This would involve reviewing past contract values, final costs, and any identified cost overruns or efficiencies. Understanding their track record can provide insights into potential cost predictability and value for this current award.
How will NASA ensure cost control and prevent scope creep with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for R&D services?
NASA will likely implement stringent oversight mechanisms, including detailed performance work statements, regular progress reviews, and potentially independent cost estimates. Clear communication channels and a defined change control process are essential to manage scope creep. The fixed fee component provides some incentive for efficiency, but diligent monitoring of direct costs remains paramount.
What are the specific technical risks associated with the SLS Systems Engineering and Integration Office support, and how are they being mitigated?
Technical risks could include integration challenges between complex SLS components, evolving system requirements, and potential schedule delays impacting launch readiness. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust systems engineering processes, proactive risk identification and assessment, close collaboration between the contractor and NASA teams, and contingency planning for unforeseen technical hurdles.
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: $2,828,599
Exercised Options: $2,828,599
Current Obligation: $2,726,717
Actual Outlays: $2,604,502
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: 2019-12-13
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-12
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