NASA's $12.7M contract for Space Shuttle landing support services awarded to Lockheed Martin
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $12,749,035 ($12.7M)
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2009-03-01
End Date: 2013-03-31
Contract Duration: 1,491 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.6K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS FOR SPACE SHUTTLE LANDING & RESEARCH AIRCRAFT SUPPORT SERVICES. THE CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL PERSONNEL TO OPERATE, MAINTAIN AND REPAIR SPACE SHUTTLE LANDING AIDS AND COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT PRIOR TO LAUNCH, DURING SPECIFIED ON-ORBIT SPACE FLIGHT OPERATIONS AND DURING SHUTTLE LANDINGS AT EDWARDS.
Place of Performance
Location: EDWARDS, KERN County, CALIFORNIA, 93523
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $12.7 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN SERVICES, LLC for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS FOR SPACE SHUTTLE LANDING & RESEARCH AIRCRAFT SUPPORT SERVICES. THE CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL PERSONNEL TO OPERATE, MAINTAIN AND REPAIR SPACE SHUTTLE LANDING AIDS AND COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT PRIOR TO LAUNCH, DURIN… Key points: 1. Contract provides essential operational and maintenance support for critical Space Shuttle landing infrastructure. 2. Services include management and technical personnel for landing aids and communications equipment. 3. The contract duration spans over four years, indicating a long-term need for these specialized services. 4. Awarded as a Firm Fixed Price contract, which shifts cost risk to the contractor. 5. The services are geographically concentrated in California, supporting Edwards Air Force Base operations. 6. This contract supports a vital, albeit historical, aspect of the U.S. space program.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging due to its specific nature supporting the Space Shuttle program, which is no longer active. The total value of $12.7 million over approximately four years suggests a moderate annual spend. Without comparable contracts for similar specialized aerospace support services, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult. However, the firm fixed-price structure implies a defined scope and cost expectation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. The justification for a sole-source award is not provided in the data, but it is common for highly specialized services tied to unique government assets or programs, such as the Space Shuttle, to be awarded without full and open competition. This limits the opportunity for price discovery through competitive bidding.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not have received the benefit of competitive pricing, as the government did not solicit multiple offers. The absence of competition could potentially lead to higher costs than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA and its astronauts, ensuring safe and reliable Space Shuttle landings. Services directly support the operational readiness of critical landing and communication systems. The geographic impact is focused on Edwards Air Force Base in California. Workforce implications include the employment of management and technical personnel with specialized aerospace expertise.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition raises concerns about potential overpricing and reduced value for taxpayer funds.
- The specialized nature of the services might limit the pool of potential contractors, necessitating sole-source awards.
- The historical context of supporting a now-retired program makes direct comparison to current needs difficult.
Positive Signals
- The contract ensures the continued operation and maintenance of essential Space Shuttle landing infrastructure.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
- The contractor, Lockheed Martin, has extensive experience in aerospace and defense, suggesting capability.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting aerospace operations. The market for such highly specialized support services is often niche, driven by unique government programs like the Space Shuttle. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish given the program's unique nature and its eventual retirement. The overall aerospace support services market is substantial, but this contract represents a very specific segment.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'sb: false'. Furthermore, the prime contractor is Lockheed Martin Services, LLC, a large corporation. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within this data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific contract is likely minimal, unless Lockheed Martin voluntarily engages small businesses for specific support.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under NASA's contracting and program management offices. As a definitive contract, it is subject to standard federal procurement regulations and oversight. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Specific accountability measures would be detailed in the contract's terms and conditions, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.
Related Government Programs
- Space Shuttle Program Support
- Aerospace Engineering Services
- NASA Ground Support Contracts
- Airfield Operations Support
- Mission Critical Infrastructure Maintenance
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award without clear justification.
- Potential for uncompetitive pricing due to lack of competition.
- Contract supports a now-retired program, limiting direct applicability to current needs.
Tags
engineering-services, nasa, california, definitive-contract, large-contract, sole-source, firm-fixed-price, aerospace, space-shuttle, operations-support
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $12.7 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN SERVICES, LLC. THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS FOR SPACE SHUTTLE LANDING & RESEARCH AIRCRAFT SUPPORT SERVICES. THE CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL PERSONNEL TO OPERATE, MAINTAIN AND REPAIR SPACE SHUTTLE LANDING AIDS AND COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT PRIOR TO LAUNCH, DURING SPECIFIED ON-ORBIT SPACE FLIGHT OPERATIONS AND DURING SHUTTLE LANDINGS AT EDWARDS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LOCKHEED MARTIN SERVICES, LLC.
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 $12.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-03-01. End: 2013-03-31.
What was the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?
The provided data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED' and awarded as a 'SOLE SOURCE'. While the specific justification is not detailed, sole-source awards are typically granted when only one responsible source is available or capable of meeting the government's needs. For a program as unique and complex as the Space Shuttle, it's plausible that Lockheed Martin possessed proprietary knowledge, specialized equipment, or unique facilities essential for maintaining the landing aids and communications equipment that could not be easily replicated or transferred to another contractor. This situation often arises with legacy systems or highly integrated program support where competition is deemed impractical or detrimental to program continuity.
How does the annual spending on this contract compare to other NASA support service contracts?
The total contract value is approximately $12.7 million over roughly four years (March 2009 - March 2013), averaging about $3.18 million per year. Comparing this to other NASA support service contracts requires access to broader spending data. NASA procures a vast array of services, including IT, research, engineering, and facility management. Many large-scale engineering and research contracts, especially those supporting major programs like the International Space Station or future exploration initiatives, can run into hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars annually. Therefore, this $3.18 million annual spend for Space Shuttle landing support appears to be on the lower to moderate end for significant NASA service contracts, reflecting the specific, albeit critical, nature of the support provided.
What were the key performance metrics or deliverables expected under this contract?
The contract data specifies that the contractor was required to 'PROVIDE MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL PERSONNEL TO OPERATE, MAINTAIN AND REPAIR SPACE SHUTTLE LANDING AIDS AND COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT PRIOR TO LAUNCH, DURING SPECIFIED ON-ORBIT SPACE FLIGHT OPERATIONS AND DURING SHUTTLE LANDINGS AT EDWARDS.' Key performance metrics would likely have included the operational readiness and reliability of the landing aids and communication systems, timely response to maintenance needs, successful execution of operations during critical phases (pre-launch, landing), and adherence to safety protocols. Specific metrics might have included uptime percentages for equipment, response times for unscheduled maintenance, and successful completion of all required operational checks and procedures.
What is the track record of Lockheed Martin Services, LLC in supporting similar government aerospace contracts?
Lockheed Martin Services, LLC, as part of the larger Lockheed Martin Corporation, has an extensive and long-standing track record in supporting U.S. government aerospace and defense programs. They have been a prime contractor for numerous complex projects, including the development and sustainment of military aircraft, spacecraft, missile systems, and related support services. Their involvement with the Space Shuttle program itself, prior to this specific contract, likely provided them with the necessary institutional knowledge and expertise. Their history suggests a capability to manage and execute large-scale, technically demanding contracts requiring high levels of reliability and performance, often involving critical national security or scientific missions.
Given the Space Shuttle program is retired, what is the relevance or legacy of this contract?
While the Space Shuttle program is retired, this contract represents a critical component of its operational history. It highlights the complex logistical and technical support infrastructure required to sustain human spaceflight missions. The legacy of this contract lies in the expertise developed by Lockheed Martin and NASA in managing and executing specialized aerospace support services. The lessons learned in operating, maintaining, and repairing critical landing and communication systems under demanding conditions can inform future aerospace endeavors, including commercial spaceflight operations and NASA's Artemis program. It underscores the importance of robust ground support for successful space missions.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NND08236674R
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Lockheed Martin Corp
Address: 595 GEMINI AVE, HOUSTON, TX, 77058
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $14,043,430
Exercised Options: $14,043,430
Current Obligation: $12,749,035
Actual Outlays: $2,452
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-03-01
Current End Date: 2013-03-31
Potential End Date: 2013-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-10-28
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