NASA Awards $40M Contract to Kinetx for OSIRIS-REx Mission Flight Dynamics
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $40,064,053 ($40.1M)
Contractor: Kinetx Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2013-06-01
End Date: 2027-03-31
Contract Duration: 5,051 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE THE NECESSARY PERSONNEL, FACILITIES, SERVICES, AND MATERIALS TO DESIGN, CODE, INTEGRATE AND TEST THE OSIRIS-REX FLIGHT DYNAMICS SYSTEM TO SUPPORT THE OSIRIS-REX LAUNCH AND FLIGHT OPERATIONS TO RETRIEVE A SAMPLE OF THE NEO AND RETURN THE SAMPLE TO EARTH. AFTER LAUNCH, KINETX SHALL PROVIDE OPERATIONS SUPPORT FOR 30 DAYS. THE SCOPE OF THIS SOW COVERS PHASE C/D OF THE OSIRIS-REX LIFE CYCLE. THIS WORK SHALL BE PERFORMED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS DOCUMENT AND ALL ATTACHMENTS TO THE CONTRACT.
Place of Performance
Location: TEMPE, MARICOPA County, ARIZONA, 85284
State: Arizona Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $40.1 million to KINETX INC for work described as: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE THE NECESSARY PERSONNEL, FACILITIES, SERVICES, AND MATERIALS TO DESIGN, CODE, INTEGRATE AND TEST THE OSIRIS-REX FLIGHT DYNAMICS SYSTEM TO SUPPORT THE OSIRIS-REX LAUNCH AND FLIGHT OPERATIONS TO RETRIEVE A SAMPLE OF THE NEO AND RETURN THE SAMPLE TO EART… Key points: 1. Contract supports critical Phase C/D of OSIRIS-REx mission, including sample return. 2. Kinetx Inc. will provide design, coding, integration, and testing of flight dynamics system. 3. Operations support for 30 days post-launch is included. 4. This is a definitive contract with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee pricing structure.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure allows for flexibility in complex R&D projects like this, but requires careful monitoring to ensure costs remain reasonable. Benchmarking against similar aerospace R&D contracts would be beneficial.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process that should lead to fair pricing. The fixed fee component provides some cost control for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The investment supports a high-profile scientific mission with potential for significant return in terms of scientific discovery and technological advancement.
Public Impact
Supports a landmark asteroid sample return mission, advancing planetary science. Contributes to U.S. leadership in space exploration and asteroid research. Potential for groundbreaking scientific discoveries from returned asteroid samples. Inspires future generations of scientists and engineers.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical flight dynamics may pose a risk if performance issues arise.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports a scientifically significant and high-visibility NASA mission.
- Contractor has a defined role in a critical phase of the mission lifecycle.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on advanced navigation and guidance systems for space missions. Spending in this area is typically high due to the complexity and risk involved in space exploration.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded to Kinetx Inc. and does not specify any subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved in the supply chain.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by NASA, a federal agency with established oversight mechanisms for its procurements. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates robust financial oversight to ensure adherence to the fixed fee and manage allowable costs.
Related Government Programs
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee pricing structure.
- Potential for schedule slippage impacting critical mission timelines.
- Sole reliance on one contractor for critical flight dynamics functions.
- Complexity of the OSIRIS-REx mission requirements.
Tags
search-detection-navigation-guidance-aer, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, az, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $40.1 million to KINETX INC. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE THE NECESSARY PERSONNEL, FACILITIES, SERVICES, AND MATERIALS TO DESIGN, CODE, INTEGRATE AND TEST THE OSIRIS-REX FLIGHT DYNAMICS SYSTEM TO SUPPORT THE OSIRIS-REX LAUNCH AND FLIGHT OPERATIONS TO RETRIEVE A SAMPLE OF THE NEO AND RETURN THE SAMPLE TO EARTH. AFTER LAUNCH, KINETX SHALL PROVIDE OPERATIONS SUPPORT FOR 30 DAYS. THE SCOPE OF THIS SOW COVERS PHASE C/D OF THE OSIRIS-REX LIFE CYCLE. THIS WORK SHALL BE PERFORMED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS DOCUMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is KINETX 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 $40.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2013-06-01. End: 2027-03-31.
What is the projected cost efficiency of the flight dynamics system design and integration given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure aims to provide a balance between contractor incentive and government cost control. While the fixed fee provides a target profit, the 'cost plus' element means the government covers allowable costs. Effective oversight and clear performance metrics are crucial to ensure cost efficiency. Without detailed cost breakdowns and performance data, a precise efficiency projection is difficult, but the competitive award suggests a reasonable initial estimate.
What are the primary risks associated with Kinetx's performance on the OSIRIS-REx flight dynamics system?
Key risks include potential technical challenges in designing and integrating a complex flight dynamics system for a mission with extreme precision requirements. Schedule delays could impact the critical launch window or mission timeline. Furthermore, the reliance on a single contractor for this specialized function presents a risk if unforeseen performance issues or contractor instability arise. Robust government oversight and contingency planning are essential to mitigate these risks.
How effectively does this contract contribute to NASA's overall mission objectives for OSIRIS-REx and broader space exploration goals?
This contract is fundamental to the success of the OSIRIS-REx mission, directly enabling the critical flight dynamics required for navigation, sample collection, and return. By ensuring the mission's technical feasibility, it significantly contributes to NASA's objectives in planetary science, asteroid research, and understanding the early solar system. Success here bolsters U.S. capabilities in deep space exploration and sample return missions.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: SPACE VEHICLES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 950 W ELLIOT RD, TEMPE, AZ, 85284
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $42,837,101
Exercised Options: $42,837,101
Current Obligation: $40,064,053
Actual Outlays: $17,681,590
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2013-06-01
Current End Date: 2027-03-31
Potential End Date: 2027-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-13
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