NASA awards $14.7M R&D contract to GE for advanced turbofan engine power extraction
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $14,699,865 ($14.7M)
Contractor: General Electric Company
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2020-08-24
End Date: 2025-08-24
Contract Duration: 1,826 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST SHARING
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE GOAL IS TO ACHIEVE SIGNIFICANT POWER EXTRACTION AT RELEVANT OPERATING CONDITIONS FROM A MODERN COMMERCIAL TURBOFAN ENGINE WITH THRUST, WEIGHT, EFFICIENCY, OPERABILITY, AND DURABILITY TO ENABLE THE BENEFITS OF EAP AT A VEHICLE LEVEL.
Place of Performance
Location: CINCINNATI, HAMILTON County, OHIO, 45215
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $14.7 million to GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY for work described as: THE GOAL IS TO ACHIEVE SIGNIFICANT POWER EXTRACTION AT RELEVANT OPERATING CONDITIONS FROM A MODERN COMMERCIAL TURBOFAN ENGINE WITH THRUST, WEIGHT, EFFICIENCY, OPERABILITY, AND DURABILITY TO ENABLE THE BENEFITS OF EAP AT A VEHICLE LEVEL. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on enhancing power extraction from turbofan engines for aircraft applications. 2. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. 3. Full and open competition indicates a broad market search. 4. Contract duration of 5 years suggests a long-term research objective. 5. Cost-sharing contract type implies shared financial risk between NASA and GE. 6. Potential for significant advancements in aircraft efficiency and operability.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $14.7 million for a 5-year R&D effort appears reasonable for advanced aerospace research. Benchmarking against similar large-scale engine development projects is difficult without more specific technical scope, but the cost-sharing model suggests a commitment to achieving value. The focus on power extraction is a critical area for improving fuel efficiency and operational capabilities in modern aircraft.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that NASA sought proposals from all responsible sources. This approach typically fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and innovative solutions. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the open competition is a positive indicator for price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best value and technological advancements for the government's investment in critical aerospace research.
Public Impact
Benefits the aerospace sector through advancements in engine technology. Delivers research and development services focused on power extraction. Primarily impacts the aerospace manufacturing and research workforce. Potential for broader applications in future aircraft designs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- R&D contracts can face cost overruns if technical challenges are greater than anticipated.
- The long duration of the contract may introduce risks related to evolving technological landscapes.
- Reliance on a single contractor (GE) for this specific technology development.
Positive Signals
- Partnership with a leading aerospace manufacturer (GE) provides access to significant expertise.
- Cost-sharing model aligns contractor incentives with government objectives.
- Focus on critical performance metrics like efficiency and durability is a positive sign.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on advanced engine research and development. The market for turbofan engine technology is dominated by a few major players, including General Electric. NASA's investment in this area is crucial for maintaining technological leadership and improving the efficiency and performance of future aircraft, aligning with broader industry trends towards more sustainable and capable aviation.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to General Electric Company and does not appear to have specific small business set-aside provisions. However, large prime contractors like GE often engage small businesses as subcontractors for specialized components or services, which could provide opportunities within the broader ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is likely managed by NASA's contracting officers and program managers, with potential involvement from the NASA Office of Inspector General for audits and investigations. The cost-sharing nature of the contract may also involve specific financial reporting and auditing requirements to ensure proper use of funds.
Related Government Programs
- Advanced Turbofan Engine Research
- Aerospace Propulsion Systems Development
- NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate
Risk Flags
- Long-term R&D projects carry inherent risks of technological shifts.
- Cost-sharing requires careful financial oversight.
- Potential for scope creep in complex research initiatives.
Tags
research-and-development, aerospace, nasa, general-electric, turbofan-engine, power-extraction, full-and-open-competition, cost-sharing, ohio, federal-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $14.7 million to GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY. THE GOAL IS TO ACHIEVE SIGNIFICANT POWER EXTRACTION AT RELEVANT OPERATING CONDITIONS FROM A MODERN COMMERCIAL TURBOFAN ENGINE WITH THRUST, WEIGHT, EFFICIENCY, OPERABILITY, AND DURABILITY TO ENABLE THE BENEFITS OF EAP AT A VEHICLE LEVEL.
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 $14.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-08-24. End: 2025-08-24.
What is the specific technical objective of achieving 'significant power extraction' from a turbofan engine?
The objective of achieving 'significant power extraction' refers to the development of technologies that can draw more usable energy from the core of a turbofan engine. This extracted power can then be used for various purposes, such as driving electrical generators for aircraft systems, powering advanced aerodynamic controls, or even for hybrid-electric propulsion concepts. The goal is to enhance overall aircraft efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and potentially enable new operational capabilities by leveraging the engine's power beyond just generating thrust. This research aims to push the boundaries of current engine designs to integrate these power extraction systems effectively without compromising the engine's primary thrust, weight, efficiency, operability, and durability.
How does the 'cost sharing' aspect of this contract influence the risk and reward for both NASA and General Electric?
The cost-sharing arrangement means that both NASA and General Electric will contribute financially to the research and development effort. This structure typically implies that GE will bear a portion of the project costs, aligning their financial interests with the successful and cost-effective completion of the project. For NASA, it reduces the upfront financial burden and shares the risk of potential technical challenges or cost overruns. For GE, it provides an incentive to manage costs efficiently and achieve the project's technical goals, as their own investment is on the line. This shared commitment can foster greater collaboration and a stronger focus on delivering value and achieving the desired technological advancements.
What are the potential implications of this contract for the future of commercial aviation efficiency?
This contract has significant potential implications for the future of commercial aviation efficiency. By focusing on advanced power extraction from turbofan engines, the research aims to unlock new avenues for improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. Enhanced power extraction can support the development of more integrated aircraft systems, including advanced electrical power generation for onboard systems, which can reduce the need for bleed air and associated inefficiencies. Furthermore, the technologies developed could be foundational for future propulsion architectures, such as hybrid-electric or more-electric aircraft, which are expected to play a crucial role in achieving ambitious sustainability goals for the aviation industry. Ultimately, successful outcomes could lead to lower operating costs for airlines and a reduced environmental footprint for air travel.
Given the long contract duration (5 years), what are the primary risks associated with technological obsolescence or shifts in research priorities?
A five-year research and development contract, especially in a rapidly evolving field like aerospace, carries inherent risks of technological obsolescence and shifting priorities. The primary risk is that advancements made by competitors or breakthroughs in related fields could render the specific technologies being developed under this contract less relevant or even outdated by the time the project concludes. Additionally, NASA's own strategic priorities or the broader aerospace industry's direction might evolve over five years, potentially leading to a misalignment with the contract's original objectives. To mitigate these risks, the contract likely includes mechanisms for periodic reviews, flexibility in adapting research paths based on emerging findings, and a strong emphasis on developing foundational technologies that are adaptable to future applications rather than highly specialized, single-purpose solutions.
How does this contract align with NASA's broader goals in aeronautics research?
This contract directly aligns with NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate's strategic goals, particularly those focused on improving the efficiency, sustainability, and operability of air transportation. The emphasis on advanced power extraction from turbofan engines is a key area for achieving significant gains in fuel efficiency and reducing emissions, which are critical for the future of aviation. By investing in fundamental research and development with industry leaders like GE, NASA aims to mature technologies that can eventually be incorporated into next-generation aircraft. This supports NASA's mission to lead the discovery of knowledge about our universe and to make this knowledge accessible to all, extending to advancements in terrestrial flight technologies that benefit society.
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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST SHARING (T)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1 NEUMANN WAY, CINCINNATI, OH, 45215
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $14,699,865
Exercised Options: $14,699,865
Current Obligation: $14,699,865
Actual Outlays: $14,699,865
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNC15BA05B
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-08-24
Current End Date: 2025-08-24
Potential End Date: 2025-08-24 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-30
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