NASA awards $103M contract for Mars Ascent Vehicle Integrated System, with Lockheed Martin as prime
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $103,080,003 ($103.1M)
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corp
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2022-03-01
End Date: 2025-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,309 days
Daily Burn Rate: $78.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES RELATED TO THE PRODUCTION OF THE MARS ASCENT VEHICLE INTEGRATED SYSTEMCHAN
Place of Performance
Location: LITTLETON, DOUGLAS County, COLORADO, 80125
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $103.1 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP for work described as: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES RELATED TO THE PRODUCTION OF THE MARS ASCENT VEHICLE INTEGRATED SYSTEMCHAN Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical research and development for the Mars Ascent Vehicle. 2. Integrated system development suggests a complex, multi-faceted project. 3. The contract duration of over 3 years indicates a significant, long-term commitment. 4. Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process. 5. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure incentivizes contractor efficiency while managing risk. 6. Prime contractor Lockheed Martin has extensive experience in aerospace and defense. 7. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code points to guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $103 million for research and development of an integrated system for the Mars Ascent Vehicle appears reasonable given the complexity and specialized nature of space exploration technology. Benchmarking against similar large-scale aerospace R&D contracts, particularly those involving novel vehicle development, suggests this figure is within expected parameters. The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) pricing structure allows for flexibility in research while providing a defined profit margin for the contractor, which can be a fair approach for projects with evolving technical requirements.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The process likely involved a thorough evaluation of technical proposals and pricing. The fact that it was competed openly suggests that NASA sought the best value and technical solution available in the market, fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more favorable pricing and innovation.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by ensuring that the government receives competitive pricing and the most capable solutions, thereby maximizing the return on investment for public funds.
Public Impact
This contract directly supports NASA's ambitious goals for Mars exploration, potentially enabling future human missions. The development of the Mars Ascent Vehicle is crucial for sample return missions and future astronaut activities on the Martian surface. The project's success could lead to significant advancements in aerospace engineering and propulsion technologies. Workforce implications include highly skilled engineering, research, and technical roles within Lockheed Martin and its potential subcontractors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns inherent in CPFF contracts if not closely monitored.
- Technological risks associated with developing a novel ascent vehicle for a harsh extraterrestrial environment.
- Long lead times and complex supply chains in aerospace can introduce schedule risks.
Positive Signals
- Award to a prime contractor with a proven track record in complex aerospace systems.
- Full and open competition suggests a thorough vetting of capabilities and pricing.
- The defined contract period and fixed fee provide a degree of cost certainty.
- Focus on R&D indicates investment in future capabilities and innovation.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on space vehicle manufacturing and research and development. This is a highly specialized and capital-intensive industry characterized by long development cycles, stringent quality requirements, and significant government investment. The market for space exploration technologies is dominated by a few large, experienced contractors like Lockheed Martin, with substantial barriers to entry due to technical expertise and regulatory hurdles. NASA's spending in this area is critical for advancing national space objectives and scientific discovery.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses. As a large prime contract awarded to a major defense contractor, the primary focus is likely on the prime's capabilities. However, large aerospace projects often involve a complex supply chain where small businesses can play a vital role in providing specialized components or services. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation through subcontracting opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by NASA's contracting officers and program management teams, who are responsible for monitoring performance, costs, and adherence to contract terms. Given the nature of the project, there may be specific technical review boards and quality assurance processes in place. Transparency is typically maintained through contract award notices and program updates, though detailed R&D progress may be considered proprietary. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Mars Exploration Program
- Space Launch Systems
- Advanced Propulsion Research
- Spacecraft Manufacturing
- Aerospace Research and Development
Risk Flags
- Potential for schedule delays due to complexity of space R&D.
- Cost growth risk inherent in CPFF contracts.
- Technological feasibility challenges for novel ascent system.
Tags
research-and-development, space-exploration, mars-ascent-vehicle, lockheed-martin-corp, national-aeronautics-and-space-administration, nasa, guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufacturing, definitive-contract, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, colorado, aerospace
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $103.1 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES RELATED TO THE PRODUCTION OF THE MARS ASCENT VEHICLE INTEGRATED SYSTEMCHAN
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP.
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 $103.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-03-01. End: 2025-09-30.
What is Lockheed Martin's track record with NASA on similar complex R&D projects?
Lockheed Martin Corporation has a long and extensive history of working with NASA on numerous complex aerospace and space exploration projects. They have been a prime contractor for various spacecraft, satellite systems, and deep space missions. For instance, they were instrumental in developing components for the James Webb Space Telescope and have been involved in numerous other NASA initiatives requiring advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities. Their track record generally demonstrates a capacity to handle large-scale, technologically challenging R&D efforts, often involving significant integration of complex systems. This experience provides a strong foundation for undertaking the Mars Ascent Vehicle Integrated System development, suggesting a high likelihood of technical competence and project management proficiency.
How does the $103 million value compare to similar Mars vehicle R&D efforts?
Direct comparisons for the specific development of a 'Mars Ascent Vehicle Integrated System' are challenging due to the unique and cutting-edge nature of such technology. However, large-scale R&D contracts for advanced aerospace systems, particularly those involving propulsion, life support, and autonomous operation in extraterrestrial environments, typically run into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. For context, the development of robotic landers and rovers for Mars has historically cost hundreds of millions to over a billion dollars. While this contract is for a specific vehicle system rather than a full mission payload, its value of $103 million appears commensurate with the significant research, design, engineering, and testing required for such a critical component of future Mars exploration, especially considering the 'integrated system' aspect implies a high degree of complexity and interdependency.
What are the primary technical risks associated with developing a Mars Ascent Vehicle?
The primary technical risks associated with developing a Mars Ascent Vehicle are substantial and multi-faceted. These include ensuring the reliability of the propulsion system in the thin Martian atmosphere and extreme temperature variations, which is critical for a successful ascent. Material science challenges arise from the need for lightweight yet durable components that can withstand launch stresses and the harsh Martian environment. Power systems must be robust and reliable, potentially requiring advanced battery or small-scale nuclear technologies. Furthermore, the guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems must be highly precise and autonomous, as real-time communication delays with Earth make immediate human intervention impossible. Software reliability and the integration of all these complex subsystems into a functional and safe vehicle present significant engineering hurdles.
What is the expected impact of this contract on NASA's long-term Mars exploration strategy?
This contract is foundational to NASA's long-term Mars exploration strategy, particularly concerning sample return missions and enabling future human presence. A Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) is a critical piece of technology required to lift collected Martian samples from the surface into orbit for eventual return to Earth. Without a reliable MAV, the scientific return from robotic missions seeking signs of past life would be significantly limited. Furthermore, the development of an ascent capability is a prerequisite for any future human missions, as it provides a potential means of return to orbit or a safe haven. Therefore, this R&D effort directly supports NASA's strategic goals of understanding the potential for life on Mars and paving the way for human exploration.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type influence project management and cost control?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is often used for research and development efforts where the scope of work may evolve or is not precisely defined at the outset. In this structure, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing their profit. This incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently, as their profit is fixed regardless of the final cost. However, it places a significant burden on the government's oversight to ensure that all costs claimed are reasonable, allocable, and allowable. NASA will need robust project management and auditing functions to monitor expenditures closely and prevent potential cost overruns from impacting the overall budget beyond the fixed fee.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
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: 80MSFC21R0001
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 12257 S WADSWORTH BLVD, LITTLETON, CO, 80125
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $274,362,203
Exercised Options: $274,362,203
Current Obligation: $103,080,003
Actual Outlays: $96,355,083
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 60
Total Subaward Amount: $15,121,003
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-03-01
Current End Date: 2025-09-30
Potential End Date: 2025-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-30
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