NASA's $211M Contract with GE to Advance Megawatt Class EAP Systems for Future Aircraft
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $211,063,273 ($211.1M)
Contractor: General Electric Company
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2021-09-30
End Date: 2026-09-29
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $115.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE REQUIREMENT IS TO ASSIST NASA IN ACCELERATING THE INTRODUCTION OF MEGAWATT CLASS EAP SYSTEMS INTO FUTURE AIRCRAFT PRODUCTS BY U.S. INDUSTRY. THIS EFFORT HELPS TO IDENTIFY CERTIFICATION GAPS, AND ADDRESS GAPS THROUGH GROUND TEST AND FLIGHT TESTS.
Place of Performance
Location: CINCINNATI, HAMILTON County, OHIO, 45215
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $211.1 million to GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY for work described as: THE REQUIREMENT IS TO ASSIST NASA IN ACCELERATING THE INTRODUCTION OF MEGAWATT CLASS EAP SYSTEMS INTO FUTURE AIRCRAFT PRODUCTS BY U.S. INDUSTRY. THIS EFFORT HELPS TO IDENTIFY CERTIFICATION GAPS, AND ADDRESS GAPS THROUGH GROUND TEST AND FLIGHT TESTS. Key points: 1. Focuses on accelerating the introduction of advanced EAP systems into aircraft. 2. Addresses critical certification gaps through rigorous testing. 3. Involves a significant investment in future aerospace technology. 4. Competition method is 'Full and Open', promoting broad industry participation.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $211 million for a 5-year period appears reasonable for advanced R&D in aerospace technology. Benchmarking against similar large-scale aerospace R&D contracts would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The 'Full and Open Competition' method suggests a robust price discovery process. This approach allows multiple qualified vendors to bid, fostering competition and potentially leading to better pricing for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The investment aims to enhance U.S. industry competitiveness and technological advancement, offering long-term economic benefits that outweigh the upfront spending.
Public Impact
Enhances U.S. leadership in aerospace technology. Supports the development of next-generation aircraft systems. Potential for job creation in the aerospace sector. Improves aircraft safety and efficiency through advanced systems. Contributes to the modernization of the aviation industry.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in long-term R&D projects.
- Dependence on a single contractor (GE) for critical development.
- Uncertainty in achieving all certification goals within the timeframe.
Positive Signals
- Clear objective to accelerate technology adoption.
- Utilizes a competitive procurement process.
- Focus on addressing specific certification gaps.
- Long-term vision for aircraft modernization.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and driving innovation in the aerospace industry.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this is a large contract awarded to General Electric Company, with no explicit mention of small business participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's procurement processes and contract management are generally robust. Oversight would focus on milestone achievement, adherence to budget, and successful resolution of identified certification gaps.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Technological complexity and R&D uncertainty.
- Long contract duration increases risk exposure.
- Potential for scope creep in advanced research.
- Dependence on specific industry partner capabilities.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, oh, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $211.1 million to GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY. THE REQUIREMENT IS TO ASSIST NASA IN ACCELERATING THE INTRODUCTION OF MEGAWATT CLASS EAP SYSTEMS INTO FUTURE AIRCRAFT PRODUCTS BY U.S. INDUSTRY. THIS EFFORT HELPS TO IDENTIFY CERTIFICATION GAPS, AND ADDRESS GAPS THROUGH GROUND TEST AND FLIGHT TESTS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY.
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 $211.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-09-30. End: 2026-09-29.
What are the specific performance metrics NASA will use to evaluate the success of this contract in accelerating EAP system introduction?
NASA will likely evaluate success based on the timely identification and resolution of certification gaps, successful completion of ground and flight tests, and the demonstrated readiness of the megawatt-class EAP systems for integration into future aircraft. Key performance indicators may include the number of gaps addressed, the efficiency of testing, and the maturity level of the technology achieved within the contract period.
What are the primary risks associated with the technological development and certification of megawatt-class EAP systems under this contract?
Primary risks include unforeseen technical challenges in developing and scaling EAP systems to megawatt class, potential delays in certification processes due to evolving regulatory standards, and the inherent uncertainties in flight testing advanced propulsion technologies. Ensuring system reliability, safety, and integration with existing aircraft infrastructure also presents significant hurdles.
How will the outcomes of this contract contribute to NASA's broader goals for sustainable aviation and future air mobility?
This contract directly supports NASA's goals by advancing electric propulsion technologies, which are key to developing more sustainable and potentially quieter aircraft. Successful development of megawatt-class EAP systems could pave the way for hybrid-electric or fully electric aircraft, reducing emissions and fuel consumption, and enabling new concepts for air mobility.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Transportation R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 80AFRC21R0009
Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1 NEUMANN WAY, CINCINNATI, OH, 45215
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: $214,925,976
Exercised Options: $214,925,976
Current Obligation: $211,063,273
Actual Outlays: $174,734,854
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 15
Total Subaward Amount: $3,317,656
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-09-30
Current End Date: 2026-09-29
Potential End Date: 2026-09-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-05
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