NASA's $167M contract for on-orbit robotic reflector installation faces scrutiny over R&D focus and limited small business participation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $167,127,410 ($167.1M)
Contractor: Lanteris Space LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2016-09-01
End Date: 2025-05-30
Contract Duration: 3,193 days
Daily Burn Rate: $52.3K/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 TIPPING POINT TECHNOLOGIES - DRAGONFLY: ON-ORBIT ROBOTIC INSTALLATION AND RECONFIGURATION OF LARGE SOLID RADIO FREQUENCY REFLECTORS.
Place of Performance
Location: PALO ALTO, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 94303
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $167.1 million to LANTERIS SPACE LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF TIPPING POINT TECHNOLOGIES - DRAGONFLY: ON-ORBIT ROBOTIC INSTALLATION AND RECONFIGURATION OF LARGE SOLID RADIO FREQUENCY REFLECTORS. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on advanced R&D for space-based robotic systems. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential risks include the novelty of the technology and long project duration. 4. The sector is dominated by large, specialized aerospace and defense firms.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's value of $167M for R&D is substantial. Benchmarking is difficult due to the specialized nature of on-orbit robotic installation and reconfiguration of large RF reflectors, which is a niche area.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders were considered. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing, though the specialized nature of the technology may limit the pool of qualified bidders.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated to cutting-edge space technology development. The long duration and R&D focus mean immediate returns are uncertain, but potential long-term benefits in space infrastructure could be significant.
Public Impact
Advancement of critical space infrastructure capabilities. Potential for new technologies in satellite servicing and assembly. Long-term investment in national security and scientific exploration capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited small business involvement.
- Long contract duration with R&D focus.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition.
- Firm fixed price contract type.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences related to space technology. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but often carries higher risk and longer payoff periods compared to established technologies.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no small business participation in this contract. This is common in highly specialized, large-scale R&D contracts where prime contractors possess unique capabilities and infrastructure, potentially limiting opportunities for smaller innovative firms.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by NASA, a civilian agency with established oversight mechanisms for R&D projects. However, the long duration and complex technical nature necessitate continuous monitoring to ensure progress and responsible use of funds.
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 risk associated with novel technology.
- Long contract duration increases exposure to changing requirements or technological obsolescence.
- Lack of small business participation may indicate limited market reach or innovation pathways.
- Complexity of on-orbit operations presents significant technical and logistical challenges.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $167.1 million to LANTERIS SPACE LLC. IGF::OT::IGF TIPPING POINT TECHNOLOGIES - DRAGONFLY: ON-ORBIT ROBOTIC INSTALLATION AND RECONFIGURATION OF LARGE SOLID RADIO FREQUENCY REFLECTORS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LANTERIS SPACE 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 $167.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2016-09-01. End: 2025-05-30.
What is the specific technological advancement expected from this contract, and how does it align with NASA's strategic goals?
This contract aims to develop and demonstrate on-orbit robotic installation and reconfiguration of large solid radio frequency reflectors. This technology is crucial for future space-based communication, sensing, and potentially defense applications, aligning with NASA's goals of advancing space infrastructure and enabling new scientific missions.
Given the R&D nature, what are the key performance indicators and risk mitigation strategies for this contract?
Key performance indicators likely include successful robotic deployment, reconfiguration accuracy, and reflector performance metrics. Risk mitigation strategies would involve phased development, rigorous testing in simulated environments, and contingency planning for robotic malfunctions or environmental challenges in space.
How will the success of this R&D project be measured in terms of tangible benefits or future applications?
Success will be measured by the successful demonstration of the robotic system's capabilities in orbit and the performance of the reconfigured reflectors. Tangible benefits include enabling larger, more capable antennas for scientific observation, improved space-based communication networks, and potentially paving the way for in-space assembly of larger structures.
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 › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNH15ZOA001N
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3825 FABIAN WAY, PALO ALTO, CA, 94303
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $167,127,410
Exercised Options: $167,127,410
Current Obligation: $167,127,410
Actual Outlays: $138,737,492
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2016-09-01
Current End Date: 2025-05-30
Potential End Date: 2025-05-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-06-09
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