NASA awards $15.4M contract for planetary exploration drilling technology to Honeybee Robotics
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,387,998 ($15.4M)
Contractor: Honeybee Robotics, Ltd.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2020-09-14
End Date: 2026-05-30
Contract Duration: 2,084 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ONE-METER CLASS DRILLING FOR PLANETARY EXPLORATION
Place of Performance
Location: FLAGSTAFF, COCONINO County, ARIZONA, 86001
State: Arizona Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $15.4 million to HONEYBEE ROBOTICS, LTD. for work described as: ONE-METER CLASS DRILLING FOR PLANETARY EXPLORATION Key points: 1. Contract focuses on developing advanced drilling systems for extraterrestrial exploration. 2. Awardee has prior experience in space robotics and instrument development. 3. Definitive contract structure suggests a long-term development effort. 4. Fixed-price terms aim to control costs for this R&D initiative. 5. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, indicating a deliberate selection process. 6. Project aligns with NASA's strategic goals for planetary science and exploration.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $15.4 million for a definitive contract focused on research and development appears reasonable given the specialized nature of planetary exploration technology. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for advanced robotics and scientific instrumentation suggests this is within a typical range. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for NASA, although the ultimate value will depend on the successful development of the drilling technology.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources.' This suggests that while the competition was open, specific sources may have been excluded based on pre-defined criteria or prior evaluations. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' nature implies a competitive process was intended to identify the best technical solution and price.
Taxpayer Impact: A competitive process, even with exclusions, generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging multiple companies to propose their best solutions, potentially leading to lower prices and higher quality outcomes.
Public Impact
This contract directly benefits NASA's planetary science division by advancing capabilities for future missions. The development of a one-meter class drilling system will enable deeper subsurface access on other celestial bodies. Successful technology could support sample return missions and the search for extraterrestrial life. The project is expected to create or sustain high-skilled jobs in aerospace engineering and robotics within the United States. Geographic impact is primarily concentrated where Honeybee Robotics operates, likely in Arizona.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen technical challenges arise in deep drilling technology development.
- Dependence on a single contractor for a critical technology component could pose a risk if performance issues emerge.
- The 'exclusion of sources' clause warrants further scrutiny to ensure it did not unduly limit competition.
Positive Signals
- Awardee's established expertise in space robotics and instrument design is a strong positive signal.
- Firm fixed-price contract provides cost control and predictability for NASA.
- Alignment with NASA's long-term strategic goals for planetary exploration enhances program importance.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical and engineering sciences related to space exploration. The market for specialized space technology, including drilling systems for planetary bodies, is niche but critical for national space agencies. Spending in this area is driven by ambitious exploration goals and the need for innovative solutions to overcome the unique challenges of operating in extraterrestrial environments. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found within NASA's broader R&D portfolio for instruments and robotic systems.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, and the data does not indicate any specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears minimal for this particular award. However, the prime contractor, Honeybee Robotics, may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specialized components or services, which would indirectly benefit them.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this definitive contract will be managed by NASA's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract's performance requirements and milestones. Transparency is facilitated through NASA's public contract databases and reporting. The Inspector General's office for NASA would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Planetary Science Division Programs
- Mars Exploration Program
- Lunar Exploration Programs
- Space Technology Mission Directorate
- Advanced Robotics Development
Risk Flags
- Potential for technical challenges in deep drilling.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical technology.
- Justification for source exclusion requires review.
Tags
nasa, research-and-development, planetary-exploration, robotics, definitive-contract, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, arizona, space-technology, science-instruments
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $15.4 million to HONEYBEE ROBOTICS, LTD.. ONE-METER CLASS DRILLING FOR PLANETARY EXPLORATION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is HONEYBEE ROBOTICS, LTD..
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 $15.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-09-14. End: 2026-05-30.
What is Honeybee Robotics' track record with NASA and similar government contracts?
Honeybee Robotics has a significant track record working with NASA and other government agencies on space exploration and robotics projects. They have been involved in developing instruments and systems for various missions, including sample acquisition tools for Mars rovers and other planetary bodies. Their experience often centers on designing robust, reliable hardware capable of operating in extreme environments. Reviewing their past performance on similar contracts would provide insight into their ability to deliver complex technological solutions on time and within budget. Specific details on past contract values, performance ratings, and any past issues would be crucial for a comprehensive assessment.
How does the $15.4 million cost compare to similar R&D efforts for planetary drilling technology?
The $15.4 million cost for developing a one-meter class drilling system for planetary exploration is difficult to benchmark precisely without access to proprietary data or a broader market analysis of specialized space R&D. However, considering the complexity, the extreme environmental requirements, and the high reliability needed for space missions, this figure appears within a reasonable range for a definitive contract focused on technology maturation. Similar R&D efforts for advanced robotic systems or scientific instruments for space can range from a few million to tens of millions of dollars, depending on the scope, technological novelty, and development phase. The firm fixed-price nature suggests NASA is seeking cost certainty, but the true value will be realized upon successful technology demonstration.
What are the primary technical risks associated with developing a one-meter class planetary drill?
The primary technical risks associated with developing a one-meter class planetary drill are numerous and significant. These include ensuring the drill's structural integrity under immense stress and vibration during operation, managing power consumption efficiently in a resource-limited environment, and developing mechanisms to effectively clear cuttings from deep boreholes, especially in varied subsurface materials (rock, ice, regolith). Furthermore, the drill must operate autonomously or with minimal human intervention, requiring sophisticated control systems. Contamination control is also critical to avoid compromising scientific objectives. Finally, the system must be designed for extreme temperatures, low pressures, and potential dust environments characteristic of other planets or moons.
What is the expected impact of this technology on future NASA exploration missions?
The successful development of a one-meter class drilling system is expected to significantly enhance NASA's future exploration capabilities. It will enable missions to access subsurface materials that may be shielded from surface radiation and offer insights into geological history, potential past or present life, and the presence of resources like water ice. This capability is crucial for sample return missions, where pristine subsurface samples are highly valued for scientific analysis. It also supports in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) efforts by potentially accessing buried resources. Ultimately, this technology could unlock new scientific frontiers and pave the way for more ambitious human and robotic exploration endeavors across the solar system.
How has NASA's spending on advanced robotics and exploration technology evolved over the past five years?
NASA's spending on advanced robotics and exploration technology has generally seen a steady increase over the past five years, driven by ambitious goals for lunar exploration (Artemis program), Mars sample return, and continued robotic missions to other planets and asteroids. Funding is allocated across various directorates, including the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) for planetary science instruments and the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) for cross-cutting technology development. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on budget appropriations and program priorities, there's a clear emphasis on developing next-generation capabilities in areas like autonomous systems, advanced propulsion, entry, descent, and landing (EDL), and sophisticated scientific instrumentation. This contract aligns with that broader trend of investing in enabling technologies for future exploration.
What are the implications of the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' clause for this contract?
The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' clause indicates that NASA intended to solicit proposals from all responsible sources but, for specific reasons, chose to exclude certain parties from the outset. This exclusion could be based on factors such as prior performance issues, lack of specific required capabilities, or strategic decisions to focus on a particular set of potential offerors. While it still aims for broad competition, the exclusion means not every company that might be capable was given an opportunity to bid. The justification for these exclusions would typically be documented by the agency and is important for understanding the full competitive landscape and ensuring fairness in the procurement process.
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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc.
Address: BUILDING 128, SUITE 121 63 FLUSHING AVE UNIT 150, BROOKLYN, NY, 11205
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $15,387,998
Exercised Options: $15,387,998
Current Obligation: $15,387,998
Actual Outlays: $15,193,043
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-09-14
Current End Date: 2026-05-30
Potential End Date: 2026-05-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-13
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