NASA Spends $25.8M on Revolutionary Aero Space Engine Research with RTX Corporation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,774,719 ($25.8M)
Contractor: RTX Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2001-11-15
End Date: 2012-06-07
Contract Duration: 3,857 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 11
Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: REVOLUTIONARY AERO SPACE ENGINE RESEARCH
Place of Performance
Location: EAST HARTFORD, HARTFORD County, CONNECTICUT, 06108
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $25.8 million to RTX CORPORATION for work described as: REVOLUTIONARY AERO SPACE ENGINE RESEARCH Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced aerospace engine technology. 2. RTX Corporation, a major aerospace player, is the sole awardee. 3. Potential for technological advancement in aircraft propulsion. 4. Contract awarded under full and open competition. 5. Long contract duration of over 10 years.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's cost-plus-incentive pricing structure suggests a focus on research and development where final costs are less predictable. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the unique nature of 'revolutionary' engine research.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a broad solicitation for proposals. This method aims to ensure competitive pricing and access to the best available technology, though the specific outcome for this R&D project is hard to quantify.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting cutting-edge aerospace research, with the potential for future technological advancements that could benefit the public and national security.
Public Impact
Advancement in aerospace technology could lead to more efficient and powerful aircraft engines. Investment in R&D supports the growth of the domestic aerospace industry. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting other sectors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 66 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration may indicate potential for cost overruns or scope creep.
- Cost-plus-incentive contracts can be complex to manage and audit.
- Sole awardee for a significant R&D project warrants close monitoring.
Positive Signals
- Focus on revolutionary technology development.
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Potential for significant technological breakthroughs.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing sector, a high-tech industry characterized by significant R&D investment and long product development cycles. Spending benchmarks are difficult to establish for 'revolutionary' research, but the amount is substantial for a single R&D effort.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the awardee is RTX Corporation, a large business. There is no direct indication of small business participation in this specific contract award, which is common for large-scale, specialized R&D projects.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's oversight mechanisms would be crucial for managing the cost-plus-incentive structure, ensuring milestones are met, and controlling expenditures throughout the contract's long duration. Regular reporting and performance reviews are essential.
Related Government Programs
- Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration (over 10 years).
- Cost-plus-incentive pricing structure.
- Sole awardee for a significant R&D project.
- Nature of 'revolutionary' research implies high technical risk.
Tags
aircraft-engine-and-engine-parts-manufac, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ct, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $25.8 million to RTX CORPORATION. REVOLUTIONARY AERO SPACE ENGINE RESEARCH
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RTX 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 $25.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2001-11-15. End: 2012-06-07.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this 'revolutionary' engine research, and how will their success be measured?
The contract likely outlines specific technical performance goals, such as increased thrust, improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, or enhanced durability under extreme conditions. NASA's oversight would involve tracking progress against these defined metrics, potentially through interim reports, prototype testing, and peer reviews to assess the 'revolutionary' nature and effectiveness of the research.
Given the long duration and R&D nature, what are the primary financial risks associated with this contract for taxpayers?
The primary financial risks include potential cost overruns if development proves more complex or expensive than anticipated, and the possibility that the 'revolutionary' technology may not achieve its intended performance goals, leading to a suboptimal return on investment. The cost-plus-incentive structure means costs could escalate, requiring careful monitoring to ensure value for money.
How does this investment align with NASA's broader strategic goals for aerospace innovation and exploration?
This investment likely aligns with NASA's strategic goals of advancing aerospace propulsion technologies for future missions, whether for deep space exploration, sustainable aviation, or national security applications. Such R&D is critical for maintaining U.S. leadership in aerospace and developing capabilities that support both scientific discovery and commercial competitiveness.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Offers Received: 11
Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE (V)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: RTX Corp (UEI: 001344142)
Address: 400 MAIN ST, EAST HARTFORD, CT, 01
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $197,336,598
Exercised Options: $197,336,598
Current Obligation: $25,774,719
Timeline
Start Date: 2001-11-15
Current End Date: 2012-06-07
Potential End Date: 2012-06-07 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2012-06-07
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