NASA's $57M Lunar Lander R&D contract awarded to Dynetics, Inc. for risk mitigation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $56,973,194 ($57.0M)
Contractor: Dynetics, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2021-09-27
End Date: 2023-07-13
Contract Duration: 654 days
Daily Burn Rate: $87.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THIS HLS EFFORT FURTHER DEVELOPS SUSTAINING LUNAR LANDER CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT THROUGH DESIGN, TRADE STUDIES AND JOINT WORKING GROUPS AND PERFORM RISK MITIGATION ACTIVITIES TO REDUCE SUSTAINABLE LUNAR LANDER DEVELOPMENT RISKS.
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35806
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $57.0 million to DYNETICS, INC. for work described as: THIS HLS EFFORT FURTHER DEVELOPS SUSTAINING LUNAR LANDER CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT THROUGH DESIGN, TRADE STUDIES AND JOINT WORKING GROUPS AND PERFORM RISK MITIGATION ACTIVITIES TO REDUCE SUSTAINABLE LUNAR LANDER DEVELOPMENT RISKS. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on concept development and risk reduction for lunar lander technology. 2. Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for lunar lander solutions. 3. The definitive contract type indicates a commitment to a specific scope of work. 4. Performance period spans nearly two years, allowing for substantial development. 5. Research and Development in physical, engineering, and life sciences is a key sector for innovation. 6. The contract is a firm fixed-price type, providing cost certainty for the government.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of approximately $57 million for research and development in lunar lander technology appears reasonable given the scope. While direct comparisons are difficult without more specific project details, R&D contracts of this nature often involve significant upfront investment. The firm fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor bears the primary risk for cost overruns, which can be a positive indicator of value if the contractor is experienced and efficient.
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 submitted proposals. The presence of seven bidders suggests a healthy competitive landscape for lunar lander development. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and can lead to more innovative solutions at a better value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition ensures that taxpayers benefit from a wide range of potential solutions and competitive pricing, maximizing the return on investment for this critical space exploration initiative.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA and the broader U.S. space exploration program, advancing capabilities for lunar missions. Services delivered include concept development, design, trade studies, and risk mitigation for sustainable lunar landers. The contract is geographically focused on Alabama, where Dynetics, Inc. is located. This effort supports the development of advanced engineering and scientific expertise within the aerospace sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if initial concept development leads to extensive, unplanned design changes.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical lunar lander development phases.
- Risk of technological obsolescence if development timelines are significantly extended.
- Challenges in ensuring seamless integration with future lunar mission hardware.
Positive Signals
- Clear focus on risk mitigation, which can prevent costly issues later in development.
- Award to an established contractor with potential prior experience in related fields.
- Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability for the government.
- Competitive award process suggests a well-defined and achievable scope of work.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The aerospace industry, a significant segment of this sector, is characterized by high innovation and substantial government investment. Comparable spending benchmarks for lunar lander development R&D can vary widely based on technological complexity and mission objectives, but this contract represents a focused investment in foundational technology for future lunar activities.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no explicit indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the primary focus was on securing the most capable large business for this specialized R&D effort. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved in the supply chain or through indirect subcontracting opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract is likely managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract's performance clauses and reporting requirements. Transparency is generally facilitated through federal contract databases, though specific technical details of the R&D may be proprietary. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Artemis Program
- Lunar Gateway Program
- Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS)
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) programs
Risk Flags
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL) uncertainty
- Potential for schedule delays
- Integration challenges with future lunar infrastructure
Tags
research-and-development, nasa, national-aeronautics-and-space-administration, definitive-contract, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, alabama, aerospace, lunar-lander, space-exploration
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $57.0 million to DYNETICS, INC.. THIS HLS EFFORT FURTHER DEVELOPS SUSTAINING LUNAR LANDER CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT THROUGH DESIGN, TRADE STUDIES AND JOINT WORKING GROUPS AND PERFORM RISK MITIGATION ACTIVITIES TO REDUCE SUSTAINABLE LUNAR LANDER DEVELOPMENT RISKS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DYNETICS, 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 $57.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-09-27. End: 2023-07-13.
What is Dynetics, Inc.'s track record in developing complex aerospace systems, particularly for lunar or space applications?
Dynetics, Inc. has a notable track record in aerospace and defense, including significant work on advanced concepts and prototypes for various government agencies. While specific details on their lunar lander development experience prior to this contract may require deeper investigation, the company has been involved in projects related to hypersonics, advanced materials, and autonomous systems. Their involvement in NASA's Human Landing System (HLS) program, even if not this specific contract, indicates a level of capability and recognition within the industry for tackling challenging space exploration endeavors. Further review of their past performance on similar R&D contracts would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their suitability for this effort.
How does the $57 million contract value compare to similar lunar lander R&D efforts by NASA or other space agencies?
Direct comparisons for lunar lander R&D contracts are challenging due to the highly specialized nature of the technology and varying project scopes. However, NASA's broader investments in lunar exploration, such as the initial HLS program solicitations, involved multi-billion dollar potential awards for integrated systems. This $57 million contract appears to be focused on a specific phase of concept development and risk mitigation, rather than the full development and production of a flight-ready lander. Therefore, its value should be assessed within the context of foundational research and early-stage engineering, where costs can range significantly based on the complexity of the challenges being addressed and the number of technological hurdles to overcome.
What are the primary risks identified in this contract, and how is Dynetics expected to mitigate them?
The contract explicitly states that a key objective is to 'perform risk mitigation activities to reduce sustainable lunar lander development risks.' While the specific risks are not detailed in the provided summary, common risks in lunar lander development include propulsion system reliability, landing accuracy and control, power generation and management in the lunar environment, thermal control, structural integrity under extreme conditions, and dust mitigation. Dynetics is expected to mitigate these risks through activities such as detailed design reviews, trade studies to evaluate different technological approaches, simulations, and potentially prototype testing of critical components. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract incentivizes Dynetics to proactively identify and address these risks to avoid cost overruns.
What is the expected impact of this contract on NASA's long-term lunar exploration goals, such as the Artemis program?
This contract is crucial for laying the groundwork for NASA's long-term lunar exploration objectives, particularly those under the Artemis program. By focusing on the development and risk reduction of sustainable lunar landers, this effort directly addresses a critical capability gap for establishing a persistent human presence on the Moon. A reliable and sustainable lander is essential for transporting crew and cargo to the lunar surface, enabling extended missions, scientific research, and the potential utilization of lunar resources. The insights and technologies developed under this contract will inform future lander designs and contribute to the overall success and feasibility of sustained lunar operations.
How has NASA's spending on lunar lander R&D evolved over the past five years, and does this contract represent a significant shift?
NASA's spending on lunar lander R&D has seen significant fluctuations and increases, particularly with the renewed focus on lunar exploration through the Artemis program. Prior to Artemis, investments were more focused on foundational research and technology demonstrations. With Artemis, NASA has actively pursued partnerships and contracts for developing human landing systems, including significant awards for integrated lander designs. This $57 million contract represents a targeted investment in the early, critical phase of concept development and risk mitigation for sustainable landers. It aligns with the overall ramp-up in lunar exploration funding but is specific in its focus on the foundational R&D aspects rather than the procurement of a fully developed system.
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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNH19ZCQ001K
Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Leidos Holdings, Inc.
Address: 1002 EXPLORER BLVD, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806
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: $144,499,064
Exercised Options: $56,973,194
Current Obligation: $56,973,194
Actual Outlays: $56,973,194
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NOT OBTAINED - WAIVED
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-09-27
Current End Date: 2023-07-13
Potential End Date: 2024-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-09-06
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