NASA's $33.6M R&D contract with Sunpower, Inc. for propulsion and power systems spanned 8 years
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $33,654,752 ($33.7M)
Contractor: Sunpower, Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2003-08-01
End Date: 2011-02-28
Contract Duration: 2,768 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 99
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: PROPULSION & POWER
Place of Performance
Location: ATHENS, ATHENS County, OHIO, 45701
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $33.7 million to SUNPOWER, INC for work described as: PROPULSION & POWER Key points: 1. The contract's duration and cost suggest a significant investment in advanced propulsion and power technologies. 2. The research and development focus indicates potential for future technological advancements in aerospace. 3. The use of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type implies that costs were monitored, but flexibility was needed for R&D. 4. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for these specialized services. 5. The absence of small business set-asides may indicate a focus on large, specialized contractors for this R&D effort. 6. The contract's performance period ended in 2011, providing historical data for current benchmarking.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking this contract's value is challenging due to its age and specialized R&D nature. The total award of $33.6 million over nearly 8 years averages to approximately $4.2 million annually. Without specific deliverables or performance metrics, it's difficult to assess value for money. However, R&D contracts often have higher per-unit costs due to innovation and uncertainty. Comparing it to similar NASA propulsion R&D contracts from the early 2000s would be necessary for a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that NASA sought proposals from all responsible sources. The number of bidders is not specified, but this approach generally fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and innovation. The open competition suggests that the market for propulsion and power R&D services was considered sufficiently robust to support multiple interested parties.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers likely benefited from a competitive process that aimed to secure the best value for NASA's research objectives, potentially driving down costs and improving the quality of the developed technologies.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA and the broader aerospace sector, through advancements in propulsion and power systems. The services delivered were research and development, aimed at improving existing or creating new technologies. The geographic impact is national, with potential applications extending to space exploration and related industries. Workforce implications include highly skilled scientists, engineers, and technicians involved in cutting-edge R&D.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- The contract's age makes direct comparison to current market rates difficult.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes it hard to gauge the full extent of value delivered.
- The CPFF structure can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly, though the fixed fee component provides some control.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a healthy market and potential for competitive pricing.
- The long duration indicates a sustained commitment to a specific R&D area, potentially leading to significant breakthroughs.
- The contract focused on critical areas of propulsion and power, essential for space exploration.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The aerospace industry, a significant consumer of R&D, relies heavily on advancements in propulsion and power systems. Comparable spending in this area by agencies like NASA and the Department of Defense is substantial, reflecting the high cost and complexity of developing cutting-edge aerospace technologies. The market for such specialized R&D is often dominated by a few key players with proven expertise.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). This is common for large-scale, complex R&D efforts that may require specialized expertise and resources typically found in larger corporations. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans, but it's possible that smaller, specialized firms could have been involved as subcontractors to Sunpower, Inc.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would have been managed by NASA's contracting officers and program managers. As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, financial oversight would focus on ensuring costs were reasonable and allocable to the contract, while the fixed fee provides a defined profit margin. Transparency would be expected through regular reporting from the contractor. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply for investigations into fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Propulsion Research Programs
- Advanced Power Systems Development
- Aerospace R&D Contracts
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee Contracts
- Research and Development in Physical Sciences
Risk Flags
- Contract Duration
- R&D Focus
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee Type
- Historical Data
Tags
nasa, research-and-development, propulsion-and-power, definitive-contract, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, ohio, aerospace, historical-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $33.7 million to SUNPOWER, INC. PROPULSION & POWER
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SUNPOWER, 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 $33.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-08-01. End: 2011-02-28.
What was the specific technological advancement or outcome expected from this contract?
The provided data does not detail the specific technological advancements or outcomes expected from this contract. However, given the 'PROPULSION & POWER' description and the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' NAICS code (541710), the contract likely aimed to develop or improve technologies related to spacecraft propulsion systems, power generation for space applications, or related energy conversion and storage mechanisms. Further investigation into NASA's research priorities during the 2003-2011 period, particularly within the relevant directorates, would be necessary to ascertain the precise objectives and expected deliverables.
How does the average annual spending of $4.2 million compare to similar NASA R&D contracts in propulsion and power during that era?
Directly comparing the average annual spending of $4.2 million for this Sunpower, Inc. contract to similar NASA R&D contracts from 2003-2011 requires access to a comprehensive database of historical NASA contracts. However, R&D in specialized fields like propulsion and power is inherently costly due to the need for advanced materials, testing facilities, and highly skilled personnel. Annual R&D budgets for major aerospace projects can range from a few million to tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. Without specific benchmarks for comparable propulsion and power R&D efforts from that period, it's difficult to definitively state whether $4.2 million annually was high, low, or average. It suggests a significant, but not necessarily outlier, level of investment for a multi-year R&D initiative.
What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) or milestones used to assess Sunpower, Inc.'s progress and success?
The provided summary data does not include specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or milestones that were used to assess Sunpower, Inc.'s progress and success under this contract. For Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) R&D contracts, progress is typically monitored through technical reviews, progress reports, prototype demonstrations, and the achievement of specific research objectives or performance targets related to the propulsion and power systems being developed. NASA's program managers would have been responsible for evaluating the contractor's adherence to the research plan, the quality of the research conducted, and the potential for the developed technologies to meet future mission needs. A detailed review of the contract's statement of work and any associated performance requirements would be needed to identify the specific KPIs.
What is the track record of Sunpower, Inc. with NASA and other government agencies for R&D contracts?
The provided data identifies Sunpower, Inc. as the contractor for this specific NASA contract. To assess their broader track record, one would need to query federal procurement databases (like FPDS or USASpending.gov) for all contracts awarded to 'SUNPOWER, INC' across various agencies and contract types. This would reveal the volume, value, and nature of their past government work, including R&D efforts. Information on past performance, including any awards, disputes, or terminations, would be crucial for understanding their reliability and expertise in fulfilling government R&D requirements, particularly in complex areas like propulsion and power.
Given the contract ended in 2011, what is the relevance of this spending data for current federal procurement analysis?
While this contract concluded in 2011, its data remains relevant for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a historical benchmark for understanding NASA's investment in propulsion and power R&D over time. Analyzing trends in spending, contract types, and durations can reveal shifts in agency priorities and technological focus. Secondly, it offers insights into the market dynamics and contractor landscape for these specialized services during that period. Understanding past competition levels and award values can inform current procurement strategies. Finally, the technologies developed or advanced under this contract may still be foundational to current systems or future innovations, making the historical R&D investment contextually important.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 99
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Ametek Inc (UEI: 001345149)
Address: 182 MILL STREET, ATHENS, OH, 45701
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $34,660,639
Exercised Options: $34,660,639
Current Obligation: $33,654,752
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-08-01
Current End Date: 2011-02-28
Potential End Date: 2011-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2016-11-04
More Contracts from Sunpower, Inc
- THE Scope of This Contract IS to Develop Free-Piston Stirling Convertor Technology for Radioisotope Power Conversion (RPS) for Future Nasa Space Science and Exploration Missions. the Contract Will BE a Task Order Contract and Will Include This General Outline Agreement, and Individual Task Orders to BE Awarded. the Contract IS to Provide Design, Analysis, Trade Studies, Hardware Production, Testing, and Associated Tasks Needed to Continue Development of the Advanced Stirling Convertor (ASC) Technology for Potential USE on Future Nasa Missions That Require RPS. DUE to the Dynamic Nature of the Related Programs, Anticipated Direction From Nasa Headquarters, and Potential Revision of Requirements, the Individual Tasks Will BE Issued With Detailed Statements of Work. Technical Direction Provisions Will BE Included in the Contract to Provide for In-Scope Technical Direction From Nasa to the Contractor. the Contractor Shall Provide ALL Necessary Personnel, Facilities, Services, and Materials Required Unless Otherwise Specified. the Contract Will Include Travel to Support Technical Meetings, Reviews, and Tests AS Required by Individual Tasks. Deliverables Will BE Specified in Each Individual Task Order and Will Include Items Such AS Stirling Convertors and Related Test Hardware, Test Reports, Analysis Reports, Design Drawings, and Data Packages. Government Furnished Property or Services Will BE Specified in Each Individual Task Order AS Required. the Tasks Under This Outline Agreement Will Advance the Technology and Further Establish the Viability of the Stirling Convertor Technology That WAS Developed Under the Radioisotope Power Conversion Technology (rpct) NRA Contract, NAS3-03128 and the Sbir Phase II Contract, NAS3-02174 — $21.8M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Sunpower Robust Stirling Converter (srsc) Support and Prototypes - Contact CO for Further Information — $2.7M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
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 →