NASA's ICESAT-2 spacecraft contract awarded to Orbital Sciences LLC for over $208 million
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $208,213,158 ($208.2M)
Contractor: Orbital Sciences LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2011-09-01
End Date: 2022-02-13
Contract Duration: 3,818 days
Daily Burn Rate: $54.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: ICESAT-2 DELIVERY ORDER - CORE SYSTEM SPACECRAFT INCLUDE HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
Place of Performance
Location: STERLING, LOUDOUN County, VIRGINIA, 20166
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $208.2 million to ORBITAL SCIENCES LLC for work described as: ICESAT-2 DELIVERY ORDER - CORE SYSTEM SPACECRAFT INCLUDE HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE Key points: 1. The contract represents a significant investment in Earth observation capabilities. 2. Orbital Sciences LLC, a major aerospace contractor, secured this delivery order. 3. The fixed-price contract type suggests a defined scope and cost control. 4. The duration of the contract spans over a decade, indicating a long-term project. 5. The contract falls under the Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing sector. 6. This award is a substantial component of NASA's space science and exploration budget.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The total award amount of $208,213,157.62 for the ICESAT-2 delivery order appears to be within a reasonable range for complex spacecraft development and delivery. Benchmarking against similar satellite development contracts, especially those involving sophisticated sensor payloads and long operational lifespans, would provide a more precise value assessment. However, given the scope of delivering core system spacecraft with hardware and software, the price seems aligned with industry standards for such high-technology projects.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the competitive nature of the award process generally leads to better pricing and innovation. Full and open competition is the preferred method for federal procurements as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors and promotes a fair marketplace.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition through potentially lower prices due to market forces and a wider selection of innovative solutions. This process ensures that the government is obtaining the best value for its investment.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA and the scientific community, who will utilize the ICESAT-2 data for critical Earth science research. The contract delivers a core system spacecraft, including essential hardware and software, for the ICESAT-2 mission. The geographic impact is global, as ICESAT-2's data collection covers the entire Earth's surface, aiding in understanding climate change and its effects. The workforce implications include employment for highly skilled engineers, technicians, and scientists involved in spacecraft design, manufacturing, and testing.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen technical challenges arise during the long development and operational period.
- Dependency on a single contractor for critical spacecraft components could pose a risk if performance issues emerge.
- Long contract duration increases the risk of technological obsolescence if not managed proactively.
Positive Signals
- The firm fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty and incentivizes the contractor to manage expenses effectively.
- Awarding to a known entity like Orbital Sciences LLC suggests a level of confidence in their technical capabilities and past performance.
- Full and open competition likely resulted in a competitive price and a robust technical solution.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically the Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing sub-sector. This industry is characterized by high barriers to entry, significant R&D investment, and stringent quality and performance requirements. The market size for satellite manufacturing and related services is substantial, driven by government and commercial demand for Earth observation, communication, and navigation technologies. This ICESAT-2 contract represents a significant piece of spending within NASA's Earth science portfolio, contributing to the broader ecosystem of space technology development.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions for this contract. As a large-scale spacecraft development project, it is likely that Orbital Sciences LLC would engage in subcontracting with various specialized firms, potentially including small businesses, for specific components or services. However, without explicit subcontracting plans or goals, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is not quantifiable from this data alone.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily be managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). NASA's procurement and program management offices are responsible for monitoring contractor performance, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and managing any potential issues. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award notices and public reporting of federal spending. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- ICESAT (Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite)
- Earth Observing System (EOS)
- NASA Science Mission Directorate
- Spacecraft Manufacturing Contracts
- Satellite Remote Sensing Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration increases exposure to technological changes and potential obsolescence.
- Complexity of spacecraft systems introduces inherent technical and performance risks.
- Dependency on a single prime contractor for a critical national asset.
Tags
nasa, icesat-2, orbital-sciences-llc, spacecraft-manufacturing, guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufacturing, full-and-open-competition, firm-fixed-price, delivery-order, earth-observation, space-science, virginia, large-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $208.2 million to ORBITAL SCIENCES LLC. ICESAT-2 DELIVERY ORDER - CORE SYSTEM SPACECRAFT INCLUDE HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ORBITAL SCIENCES 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 $208.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2011-09-01. End: 2022-02-13.
What is the historical spending pattern for Orbital Sciences LLC with NASA for similar spacecraft development contracts?
Analyzing historical spending patterns for Orbital Sciences LLC (now part of Northrop Grumman) with NASA reveals a consistent engagement in complex aerospace projects. While specific figures for comparable spacecraft development contracts require detailed database queries, Orbital Sciences has a track record of delivering significant satellite systems for various NASA missions. Their involvement in programs like the James Webb Space Telescope's instruments and other Earth-observing satellites suggests a deep familiarity with NASA's requirements and a capacity for large-scale, high-value contracts. The ICESAT-2 contract, valued at over $208 million, aligns with the typical scale of such endeavors, indicating a sustained and substantial relationship between the contractor and the agency for critical space hardware.
How does the cost per kilogram for the ICESAT-2 spacecraft compare to other similar Earth observation satellites?
Determining the precise cost per kilogram for the ICESAT-2 spacecraft requires knowing its exact mass, which is not explicitly provided in the award data. However, assuming a typical mass for an Earth observation satellite of this complexity (ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand kilograms), the cost per kilogram could be estimated. Generally, advanced scientific satellites like ICESAT-2, equipped with sophisticated laser altimetry instruments and designed for long-term space operation, can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars per kilogram. Benchmarking against publicly available data for similar missions, such as NASA's Terra or Aqua satellites, or ESA's Earth Explorer missions, would be necessary for a robust comparison. Factors like instrument complexity, data resolution requirements, and mission lifespan significantly influence this metric.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used by NASA to evaluate the success of the ICESAT-2 mission and contractor performance?
NASA typically employs a rigorous set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to evaluate both mission success and contractor performance for projects like ICESAT-2. For contractor performance, KPIs often include adherence to schedule, budget compliance, quality of deliverables (hardware and software), and responsiveness to technical directives. For mission success, KPIs are tied to the scientific objectives, such as the accuracy and coverage of the collected elevation data, the operational lifespan of the spacecraft, the reliability of the scientific instruments (like the laser altimeter), and the successful downlink and processing of scientific data. NASA's program management teams continuously monitor these KPIs throughout the contract lifecycle and mission operations, often through regular reviews, technical interchange meetings, and performance reports.
What is the projected lifespan of the ICESAT-2 spacecraft, and how does this compare to the contract duration?
The ICESAT-2 spacecraft was designed with a specific mission lifespan in mind to achieve its scientific objectives, typically aiming for several years of operational data collection. The contract duration, ending in February 2022, likely covers the development, launch, and initial operational phases of the mission. While the contract end date signifies the completion of the delivery order's primary obligations, the spacecraft itself is expected to continue functioning and collecting data beyond this period, provided it remains operational. NASA's mission planning usually accounts for a design life that exceeds the initial operational phase to maximize the return on investment. For ICESAT-2, the scientific mission was intended to last at least three years, with potential for extended operations.
Are there any known risks associated with the specific technology or instruments used in the ICESAT-2 spacecraft?
The ICESAT-2 spacecraft utilizes advanced laser altimetry technology, specifically the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS). While this technology is crucial for its mission objectives, like any cutting-edge scientific instrument, it carries inherent risks. Potential risks include the performance and longevity of the laser system, the sensitivity of the detectors to atmospheric conditions, and the precision required for accurate measurements. NASA's program management and the contractor, Orbital Sciences LLC, would have conducted extensive risk assessments and mitigation strategies during the design and development phases. This would involve rigorous testing, redundancy in critical systems, and contingency planning for potential instrument anomalies or environmental challenges encountered in orbit.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: SPACE VEHICLES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation
Address: 45101 WARP DR, DULLES, VA, 20166
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $209,322,651
Exercised Options: $209,322,651
Current Obligation: $208,213,158
Actual Outlays: $7,904,218
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $208,800
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNG10AZ13B
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2011-09-01
Current End Date: 2022-02-13
Potential End Date: 2022-02-13 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-03-06
More Contracts from Orbital Sciences LLC
- Rapid Spacecraft Acquisition Master Contract the Contractor Shall Provide the Spacecraft and ALL Associated Hardware, Software, Labor, Documentation and Post Launch Support for the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (ldcm) — $294.3M (Department of the Interior)
- Ldpe Espa Ring — $242.1M (Department of Defense)
- , STP SAT-6, Spacecraft Assembly, Integration&launch — $168.3M (Department of Defense)
- Landsat 9 Spacecraft. Core Spacecraft Including ALL Associated Hardware, Software and Documentation — $168.1M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- GQM-163 Target Vehicle FMS — $97.0M (Department of Defense)
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 →