NASA awards $6.2M contract for advanced material reactor development to Honeywell International Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $6,204,606 ($6.2M)
Contractor: Honeywell International Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2021-08-02
End Date: 2026-08-01
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DEVELOPMENT OF FLIGHT-LIKE ADVANCED MATERIAL REACTOR (FLAMR) UNIT FOR THE HYDROGEN RECOVERY BY CARBON VAPOR INFILTRATION TECHNOLOGY
Place of Performance
Location: PHOENIX, MARICOPA County, ARIZONA, 85034
State: Arizona Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $6.2 million to HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC. for work described as: DEVELOPMENT OF FLIGHT-LIKE ADVANCED MATERIAL REACTOR (FLAMR) UNIT FOR THE HYDROGEN RECOVERY BY CARBON VAPOR INFILTRATION TECHNOLOGY Key points: 1. Contract focuses on developing a flight-like advanced material reactor for hydrogen recovery. 2. The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, indicating shared risk between NASA and the contractor. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust market for this specialized technology. 4. The contract duration is 1825 days, spanning five years, allowing for comprehensive development. 5. The primary contractor, Honeywell International Inc., is a major player in aerospace and defense. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 334511 points to a specialized manufacturing sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $6.2 million for the development of a specialized advanced material reactor appears reasonable given the complexity and duration. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for novel aerospace components is challenging due to the unique nature of the FLAMR unit. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure allows for flexibility in research and development while providing a defined profit margin for the contractor, which can be a cost-effective approach for innovative projects.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple capable vendors were likely solicited and had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a competitive process that should drive price discovery and encourage the selection of the most qualified offeror. This approach is generally favored for ensuring fair market value.
Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to better pricing and innovative solutions.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is NASA, which will gain a critical component for its hydrogen recovery technology research. The service delivered is the development and potential future production of a flight-like advanced material reactor. The geographic impact is primarily within Arizona, where Honeywell's facility is located, potentially creating or sustaining high-skilled jobs. Workforce implications include specialized engineering and manufacturing roles within Honeywell and its potential supply chain.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts for novel R&D.
- Dependence on a single contractor for a critical, specialized component could pose future supply chain risks.
- The long development timeline may require ongoing funding commitments and could face shifting technological priorities.
Positive Signals
- Leverages the established expertise of a major aerospace contractor, Honeywell International Inc.
- Full and open competition suggests a healthy market and potential for innovation.
- The contract is for a specific, advanced technology with potential long-term benefits for NASA's research objectives.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on advanced materials and instrumentation. The market for such specialized components is typically characterized by high barriers to entry due to R&D intensity and stringent quality requirements. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the unique nature of the FLAMR unit, but R&D contracts for aerospace systems can range from millions to billions of dollars depending on scope and maturity.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication of small business set-asides for this contract, nor is there explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses. Given the specialized nature of the work and the prime contractor's size, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem may be limited unless Honeywell actively engages small businesses in its supply chain for specific components or services.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be primarily managed by NASA's contracting officers and technical representatives who will monitor progress, costs, and adherence to contract requirements. Accountability is built into the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, which requires detailed reporting and justification of costs. Transparency is facilitated through contract awards databases, though specific technical details of the development process may be proprietary.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Programs
- Advanced Materials Manufacturing
- Hydrogen Technology Development
- Aerospace Instrumentation
Risk Flags
- Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF Contract Type)
- Technical Feasibility Risk (Novel Technology)
- Schedule Delay Risk (Long Development Period)
- Supply Chain Dependency (Single Source for Development)
Tags
nasa, aerospace, advanced-materials, research-and-development, honeywell-international-inc, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, arizona, hydrogen-recovery, flight-reactor, manufacturing, instrument-manufacturing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $6.2 million to HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.. DEVELOPMENT OF FLIGHT-LIKE ADVANCED MATERIAL REACTOR (FLAMR) UNIT FOR THE HYDROGEN RECOVERY BY CARBON VAPOR INFILTRATION TECHNOLOGY
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL 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 $6.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-08-02. End: 2026-08-01.
What is Honeywell International Inc.'s track record with NASA on similar advanced technology development contracts?
Honeywell International Inc. has a long-standing relationship with NASA and has been a significant contractor for various aerospace and technology development projects. While specific details on past FLAMR-like projects are not publicly itemized, Honeywell's extensive experience in developing complex systems for space exploration, including guidance, navigation, and control systems, as well as advanced materials, suggests a strong capability. Their history includes contributions to numerous NASA missions, indicating a proven ability to meet stringent requirements and deliver complex technological solutions. Further analysis would require a deeper dive into NASA's contract databases for specific project parallels and performance reviews.
How does the $6.2 million contract value compare to the potential market value or cost of similar advanced material reactor developments?
Directly comparing the $6.2 million contract value for the FLAMR unit is challenging due to its unique, specialized nature and the 'developmental' phase. The market for such highly specific, flight-qualified advanced material reactors is not a standard commercial market with readily available price lists. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure means the final cost can fluctuate based on actual expenses incurred, capped by the fixed fee. However, the initial award amount suggests a significant R&D investment. For context, other advanced aerospace component development contracts, especially those involving novel materials or complex systems for space applications, can easily run into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, making this $6.2 million award appear moderate for a developmental effort of this type.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?
The primary risks associated with this contract include technical challenges in developing a novel 'flight-like' reactor, potential cost overruns inherent in CPFF contracts for R&D, and schedule delays. Mitigation strategies are embedded within the contract structure and NASA's oversight. The CPFF structure shares cost risks, incentivizing efficiency while allowing for necessary research expenditures. NASA's technical representatives will monitor development progress closely, providing guidance and ensuring milestones are met. Honeywell's established expertise in advanced materials and aerospace systems also serves as a risk mitigator, suggesting a lower probability of insurmountable technical hurdles. Clear performance metrics and reporting requirements will help manage schedule and technical risks.
What is the expected program effectiveness or impact of the FLAMR unit development for NASA's hydrogen recovery technology?
The expected program effectiveness hinges on the successful development of a 'flight-like' advanced material reactor capable of efficient hydrogen recovery via carbon vapor infiltration. If successful, this unit could significantly advance NASA's capabilities in hydrogen management for space missions, potentially enabling closed-loop life support systems, fuel cell applications, or resource utilization in space. The development aims to create a prototype that is not only functional but also robust enough for potential spaceflight applications, thereby validating the technology's viability and paving the way for future integration into spacecraft or extraterrestrial bases. Its effectiveness will be measured by its performance metrics in hydrogen recovery efficiency, durability, and suitability for space environments.
How does this contract align with NASA's historical spending patterns in advanced materials and propulsion research?
This contract aligns well with NASA's historical and ongoing investment in advanced materials and propulsion technologies, which are critical for space exploration and scientific discovery. NASA consistently allocates significant portions of its budget to R&D in these areas to push the boundaries of what is possible in space. Projects involving novel materials, energy systems (like hydrogen fuel cells), and life support technologies are common themes in NASA's research portfolio. The FLAMR unit development fits within this pattern by focusing on a specific, innovative component that could enhance future mission capabilities, particularly in resource management and energy systems, reflecting a strategic commitment to technological advancement.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 80MSFC21R0011
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Honeywell Safety Products USA, Inc.
Address: 111 S 34TH ST, PHOENIX, AZ, 85034
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: $6,204,606
Exercised Options: $6,204,606
Current Obligation: $6,204,606
Actual Outlays: $4,555,680
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 3
Total Subaward Amount: $850,508
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-08-02
Current End Date: 2026-08-01
Potential End Date: 2026-08-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-26
More Contracts from Honeywell International Inc.
- Federal Contract — $1.8B (Department of Defense)
- Tiger II Services and Hardware UCA — $1.2B (Department of Defense)
- Aircraft Engines/Engine Parts — $934.2M (Department of Defense)
- Non-Personal Services - Secondary Power Logistics Solution (spls) — $798.7M (Department of Defense)
- 200607!000110!5700!fa8626!asc/Lpk !FA862606C2065 !A!N! !N! ! !20060425!20070122!195908637!195908637!139691877!n!honeywell Intl !13350 US Highway 19 North !clearwater !fl!33764!12875!103!12!clearwater !pinellas !florida !+000000398530!n!n!000121531465!5895!miscellaneous Communication Equipment !A7 !electronics and Communication Equip !000 !NOT Discernable !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !c!n!j!1!001!n!1a!a!y!a! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! ! !0001! ! — $451.3M (Department of Defense)
Other National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts
- International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
- Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
- Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)
View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →