NASA Awards $47.3M for In-Space Servicing Engineering to Lockheed Martin
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $47,308,875 ($47.3M)
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2010-06-07
End Date: 2012-12-31
Contract Duration: 938 days
Daily Burn Rate: $50.4K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: "SYSTEMS ENGINEERING FOR IN-SPACE SERVICING" (SEISS). GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER (GSFC) WILL DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT TWO STATION DEVELOPMENT TECHNICAL OBJECTIVES (SDTOS), INCLUDING A ROBOTIC REFUELING, AND A DEXTRE POINTING PACKAGE DEMONSTRATION. THESE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (ISS) INFRASTRUCTURE DEMONSTRATIONS WILL BE DESIGNED TO OPERATE ON THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (ISS), AND WILL INCREASE NASA'S TECHNICAL CAPABILITY TO CONDUCT IN-SPACE SERVICING. THIS CONTRACT IS FOR THE ENGINEERING SERVICES REQUIRED TO SUPPORT THIS EFFORT.
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $47.3 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN INTEGRATED SYSTEMS, LLC for work described as: "SYSTEMS ENGINEERING FOR IN-SPACE SERVICING" (SEISS). GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER (GSFC) WILL DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT TWO STATION DEVELOPMENT TECHNICAL OBJECTIVES (SDTOS), INCLUDING A ROBOTIC REFUELING, AND A DEXTRE POINTING PACKAGE DEMONSTRATION. THESE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION… Key points: 1. This contract focuses on developing critical in-space servicing capabilities for the ISS. 2. Lockheed Martin is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure may present cost control risks. 4. Engineering services for space infrastructure are a specialized sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $47.3M for engineering services over approximately 2.5 years appears reasonable for specialized space technology development. Benchmarking is difficult due to the unique nature of in-space servicing technology.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was sole-sourced, indicating a lack of competitive bidding. This approach may limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award means taxpayers may not have received the benefit of competitive pricing, potentially increasing the overall cost of the program.
Public Impact
Enhances NASA's capability for in-space servicing, potentially extending the life of valuable space assets. Demonstrates advanced robotic refueling and pointing package technologies. Supports the International Space Station (ISS) infrastructure with critical upgrades.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type can incentivize cost overruns.
- Limited duration may not fully capture long-term benefits or risks.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical need for in-space servicing capabilities.
- Focuses on high-impact ISS infrastructure demonstrations.
- Leverages established technology development expertise.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330), specifically for advanced aerospace applications. Spending in this area is driven by government R&D and infrastructure projects, often involving specialized contractors.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems, LLC, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this sole-source award.
Oversight & Accountability
As a sole-source contract for a critical NASA program, oversight is likely managed directly by Goddard Space Flight Center. The fixed-fee component provides some incentive for cost control, but the cost-plus nature requires diligent monitoring.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type
- Limited competition
- Potential for cost overruns
- Specialized technology with limited benchmarks
Tags
engineering-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, md, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $47.3 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN INTEGRATED SYSTEMS, LLC. "SYSTEMS ENGINEERING FOR IN-SPACE SERVICING" (SEISS). GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER (GSFC) WILL DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT TWO STATION DEVELOPMENT TECHNICAL OBJECTIVES (SDTOS), INCLUDING A ROBOTIC REFUELING, AND A DEXTRE POINTING PACKAGE DEMONSTRATION. THESE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (ISS) INFRASTRUCTURE DEMONSTRATIONS WILL BE DESIGNED TO OPERATE ON THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (ISS), AND WILL INCREASE NASA'S TECHNICAL CAPABILITY TO CONDUCT IN-SPACE SERVICING. THIS CONTRACT IS FOR THE ENGINEERIN
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LOCKHEED MARTIN INTEGRATED SYSTEMS, 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 $47.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-06-07. End: 2012-12-31.
What is the projected long-term cost savings or operational benefit expected from these in-space servicing demonstrations?
The long-term benefits are expected to include extending the operational life of high-value space assets like the ISS, reducing the need for costly replacements, and enabling more complex missions. Quantifying precise cost savings is challenging due to the nascent stage of in-space servicing technology and its future applications.
What are the specific risks associated with the sole-source procurement method for this advanced technology?
The primary risk of a sole-source procurement is the lack of competitive pressure, which can lead to inflated prices and reduced innovation. It also limits the opportunity to explore alternative technical solutions that other firms might offer, potentially missing out on more cost-effective or advanced approaches.
How will NASA ensure the effectiveness and successful implementation of these technical objectives given the contract's relatively short duration?
NASA will likely employ rigorous project management, regular technical reviews, and milestone-based payments to ensure effectiveness. The short duration suggests a focus on specific demonstrations rather than full-scale deployment, requiring clear success criteria and close collaboration between NASA engineers and the contractor.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Lockheed Martin Corp (UEI: 834951691)
Address: 7474 GREENWAY CENTER DR, GREENBELT, MD, 20770
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $47,837,562
Exercised Options: $47,837,562
Current Obligation: $47,308,875
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-06-07
Current End Date: 2012-12-31
Potential End Date: 2012-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-03-02
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