NASA's HELIOSWARM Program Support Contract Awarded to Northrop Grumman for $25.3M
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,285,326 ($25.3M)
Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2024-10-01
End Date: 2026-04-30
Contract Duration: 576 days
Daily Burn Rate: $43.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 13
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: HELIOSWARM PROGRAM SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: STERLING, LOUDOUN County, VIRGINIA, 20166
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $25.3 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: HELIOSWARM PROGRAM SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded for R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Northrop Grumman, a major defense contractor, is the awardee. 3. Full and open competition was utilized. 4. The contract duration is 576 days. 5. The award value is $25.3 million.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The award value of $25.3M for a 576-day R&D program requires further benchmarking against similar contracts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure may still present challenges in controlling final costs.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for advanced R&D, with the potential for significant technological advancements. Oversight is crucial to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Supports critical research and development in advanced scientific fields. Potential for technological breakthroughs with broad applications. Contracting process aimed for competitive pricing. Long-term implications for national scientific and technological leadership.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D contracts.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports critical R&D for NASA.
- Contractor has significant experience in aerospace and defense.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences category. Spending in this sector is vital for innovation but can be subject to cost volatility and long development cycles.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as the awardee is Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in the provided information.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's procurement processes and contract management systems are designed to provide oversight. However, the effectiveness of oversight for this specific Cost Plus Fixed Fee R&D contract will depend on detailed performance monitoring and adherence to contract terms.
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
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- R&D contracts have inherent uncertainty.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics.
- Potential for cost overruns.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, va, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $25.3 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. HELIOSWARM PROGRAM SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION.
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 $25.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-10-01. End: 2026-04-30.
What specific R&D objectives does the HELIOSWARM program aim to achieve, and how will success be measured?
The HELIOSWARM program likely focuses on advancing specific areas within physical, engineering, or life sciences relevant to NASA's mission. Success measurement would typically involve defined milestones, deliverables, and performance metrics outlined in the contract's Statement of Work. Without the SOW, specific objectives and measurement criteria remain unknown, impacting a full assessment of value.
What are the potential risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type for this R&D program?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts carry inherent risks, primarily the potential for cost overruns as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. This can reduce the incentive for cost control. For R&D, where outcomes are uncertain, this risk is amplified. Effective oversight and clear definition of the fixed fee are critical to mitigate these risks.
How does the $25.3 million award compare to industry benchmarks for similar R&D support contracts?
Benchmarking this award requires detailed comparison with contracts for similar R&D scope, duration, and complexity, considering the specific scientific disciplines involved. Without access to a comprehensive database of comparable contracts, it's difficult to definitively state if $25.3 million represents excellent, fair, or questionable value. However, for a 576-day R&D effort, it suggests a substantial investment.
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 › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNH19ZDA013O
Offers Received: 13
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation
Address: 45101 WARP DRIVE, 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: $25,336,362
Exercised Options: $25,336,362
Current Obligation: $25,285,326
Actual Outlays: $14,386,330
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $1,230,016
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-10-01
Current End Date: 2026-04-30
Potential End Date: 2026-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-05
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