NASA Awards $308M for Advanced Space Exploration Waste Management System
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $30,814,982 ($30.8M)
Contractor: Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International, Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2015-11-13
End Date: 2025-11-12
Contract Duration: 3,652 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE AN IMPROVED UNIVERSAL WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (UWMS). UWMS SUPPORTS THE ADVANCED EXPLORATION SYSTEMS (AES) PROGRAM'S GOALS OF DEVELOPING AND TESTING NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO SUPPORT HUMAN LONG-TERM, DEEP SPACE EXPLORATION. THE UWMS IS MEANT TO PROVIDE A ROBUST, RELIABLE AND FLEXIBLE SOLUTION TO VARIED MISSION PROFILES. PROCUREMENT OF THE UWMS SUPPORTS THE ADVANCED EXPLORATION SYSTEMS (AES) PROGRAM'S GOALS OF DEVELOPING AND TESTING NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO SUPPORT HUMAN LONG-TERM, DEEP-SPACE EXPLORATION. THE UWMS IS MEANT TO PROVIDE A ROBUST, RELIABLE, AND FLEXIBLE SOLUTION TO VARIED MISSION PROFILES. DEMONSTRATING THE UWMS FIRST ON THE ISS REDUCES RISK FOR FOLLOW ON UNITS SUPPORTING HUMAN LONG-TERM, DEEP-SPACE EXPLORATION. NASA RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENT (NRA) NNJ13ZBG001N WAS RELEASED ON NOVEMBER 14, 2012 SOLICITING PROPOSALS FOR EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATIONS AND NATIONAL LAB UTILIZATION ENHANCEMENTS. ONE OF THE NRA AREAS OF INTEREST WAS HUMAN WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS WITH THE FOLLOWING CAPABILITIES: CAPABLE OF COLLECTING URINE, FECAL, MENSTRUAL, AND EMESIS WASTE IN A MICROGRAVITY ENVIRONMENT AND CONTROLLING ODOR. ALLOW COMMONALITY BETWEEN DIFFERENT VEHICLES WITH MINOR MAINTENANCE OR RECONFIGURATION. SUPPORT MISSIONS BETWEEN ONE WEEK AND INDEFINITE LENGTH WITH PERIODIC QUIESCENT PERIODS. ALLOW TRANSFER OF COLLECTED WASTE TO BOTH STORAGE AND DOWNSTREAM PROCESSING. SYSTEM SHALL HAVE VERY LOW AIR INCLUSION IN THE URINE BE A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN INSTALLED EQUIPMENT MASS
Place of Performance
Location: WINDSOR LOCKS, HARTFORD County, CONNECTICUT, 06096
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $30.8 million to HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND SPACE SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE AN IMPROVED UNIVERSAL WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (UWMS). UWMS SUPPORTS THE ADVANCED EXPLORATION SYSTEMS (AES) PROGRAM'S GOALS OF DEVELOPING AND TESTING NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO SUPPORT HUMAN LONG-TERM, DEEP SPACE EXPLORATION. THE UWMS IS MEAN… Key points: 1. Contract supports NASA's Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) program for deep space missions. 2. Focus on developing robust, reliable, and flexible waste management technology. 3. Demonstration on ISS aims to reduce risk for future deep space applications. 4. Procurement falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract is for Research and Development, making direct pricing comparisons difficult. The firm fixed price structure suggests an attempt to control costs, but the long duration and evolving nature of R&D can lead to cost overruns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing. However, the specific nature of the R&D requirement may have limited the number of truly capable bidders.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in advanced technology development for space exploration, with potential long-term benefits but also inherent R&D risks.
Public Impact
Enhances NASA's capability for long-duration human spaceflight. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting terrestrial waste management. Supports the development of critical life support systems for future missions. Invests in cutting-edge research and development for national space goals.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- R&D cost uncertainty
- Long contract duration
- Technology maturity risk
Positive Signals
- Supports critical space exploration goals
- Demonstration on ISS reduces risk
- Firm fixed price contract
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement but often involves higher risk and less predictable outcomes compared to established service contracts.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-asides or participation goals for small businesses in this contract. Given the specialized nature of the work, it is possible that larger, established contractors are the primary participants.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by NASA's Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) program. Oversight would focus on technical milestones, adherence to R&D objectives, and financial management throughout the contract's long duration.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- High R&D cost uncertainty
- Long contract duration (10 years)
- Potential for scope creep in R&D
- Dependence on future mission funding
- Technology maturity and reliability risks
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ct, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $30.8 million to HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND SPACE SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. IGF::OT::IGF THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE AN IMPROVED UNIVERSAL WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (UWMS). UWMS SUPPORTS THE ADVANCED EXPLORATION SYSTEMS (AES) PROGRAM'S GOALS OF DEVELOPING AND TESTING NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO SUPPORT HUMAN LONG-TERM, DEEP SPACE EXPLORATION. THE UWMS IS MEANT TO PROVIDE A ROBUST, RELIABLE AND FLEXIBLE SOLUTION TO VARIED MISSION PROFILES. PROCUREMENT OF THE UWMS SUPPORTS THE ADVANCED EXPLORATION SYSTEMS (AES) PROGRAM'S GOALS OF DEVELOPING AND TESTING NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO SUP
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND SPACE SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, 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 $30.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2015-11-13. End: 2025-11-12.
What is the projected return on investment for this advanced waste management system, considering the R&D costs and potential for future deep space missions?
Quantifying the ROI for R&D is challenging. The investment aims to enable future deep space missions, which have significant strategic and scientific value. The system's success could unlock new exploration possibilities, but a direct financial ROI is not the primary metric. Success is measured by mission enablement and technological advancement.
What are the key technical risks associated with developing and demonstrating this universal waste management system on the ISS, and how are they being mitigated?
Key risks include system reliability in a microgravity environment, integration with existing ISS infrastructure, and ensuring the technology meets the stringent safety and performance requirements for spaceflight. Mitigation strategies likely involve rigorous testing, phased development, and close collaboration between the contractor and NASA engineers.
How will the effectiveness of the UWMS be measured, particularly in terms of its robustness, reliability, and flexibility across varied mission profiles?
Effectiveness will be measured through a combination of ground-based testing, simulated mission profiles, and in-orbit performance data collected during the ISS demonstration. Key performance indicators will likely include waste processing efficiency, system uptime, maintenance requirements, and adaptability to different waste streams and mission durations.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNJ13ZBG001N
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Rockwell Collins Australia PTY Limited
Address: 1 HAMILTON RD, WINDSOR LOCKS, CT, 06096
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: $30,814,982
Exercised Options: $30,814,982
Current Obligation: $30,814,982
Actual Outlays: $7,719,020
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 27
Total Subaward Amount: $2,986,905
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2015-11-13
Current End Date: 2025-11-12
Potential End Date: 2026-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-08-21
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