NASA awards $3.5M R&D contract to Electra.Aero for advanced aviation technology scenario development
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,485,340 ($3.5M)
Contractor: Electra.aero Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2024-09-03
End Date: 2026-06-03
Contract Duration: 638 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 10
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: R&D CONTRACT TO CREATE SCENARIOS THAT PROVIDE CONTEXT FOR DEVELOPING AND ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF AVIATION TECHNOLOGIES. DEVELOP THE MODELS FOR THE DESIGN AND OPTIMIZATION OF TRULY INTEGRATED VEHICLES & APPLYING THOSE MODELS TO VEHICLE TRADE STUDIES.
Place of Performance
Location: MANASSAS, MANASSAS CITY County, VIRGINIA, 20110
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $3.5 million to ELECTRA.AERO INC. for work described as: R&D CONTRACT TO CREATE SCENARIOS THAT PROVIDE CONTEXT FOR DEVELOPING AND ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF AVIATION TECHNOLOGIES. DEVELOP THE MODELS FOR THE DESIGN AND OPTIMIZATION OF TRULY INTEGRATED VEHICLES & APPLYING THOSE MODELS TO VEHICLE TRADE STUDIES. Key points: 1. Focus on developing models for integrated vehicle design and optimization. 2. Contract aims to assess the impact of emerging aviation technologies. 3. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. 4. Definitive contract type with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee payment structure. 5. Performance period spans nearly two years, from September 2024 to June 2026. 6. Contractor is Electra.Aero Inc., with NASA as the awarding agency.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $3.5 million for R&D in advanced aviation technologies appears reasonable given the scope of developing complex models for integrated vehicle design and optimization. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in aerospace would provide further context, but the focus on novel scenario development suggests a potentially high-value outcome if successful. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure allows for flexibility while providing a target cost for the contractor.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive process is expected to yield a fair price and ensure the selection of a capable contractor. The presence of 10 bids suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this specialized R&D effort.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down costs and ensuring that the government receives the best value through a rigorous selection process.
Public Impact
Benefits the aerospace research and development sector by advancing modeling capabilities. Delivers advanced analytical tools for assessing the impact of new aviation technologies. Supports innovation in vehicle design and optimization for future aircraft. Potential workforce implications for specialized R&D engineers and scientists.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can incentivize cost overruns if not closely monitored.
- The complexity of R&D may lead to unforeseen challenges and schedule delays.
- Reliance on a single contractor for specialized modeling expertise.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process and potential for innovation.
- The contract's focus on future aviation technologies aligns with national strategic interests.
- Clear performance period and defined objectives for the R&D effort.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically focusing on advanced aviation technologies. The aerospace R&D market is characterized by significant investment in innovation, driven by both government agencies like NASA and private industry. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other large-scale R&D initiatives aimed at developing next-generation aerospace capabilities, often involving complex modeling and simulation.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not appear to have specific small business set-aside provisions. While Electra.Aero Inc. may engage small businesses as subcontractors, the primary award is not directed towards small business participation. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on subcontracting opportunities that may arise from this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), likely through program managers and contracting officers responsible for monitoring progress, costs, and adherence to contract terms. Transparency is expected through NASA's reporting mechanisms for R&D contracts. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate
- Advanced Air Mobility Initiatives
- Aerospace Vehicle Design and Optimization Research
- Computational Fluid Dynamics and Simulation Contracts
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts.
- Technical risks inherent in complex R&D projects.
- Schedule delays due to unforeseen R&D challenges.
Tags
research-and-development, aviation-technology, nasa, definitive-contract, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, aerospace, modeling-and-simulation, virginia, electra-aero-inc
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $3.5 million to ELECTRA.AERO INC.. R&D CONTRACT TO CREATE SCENARIOS THAT PROVIDE CONTEXT FOR DEVELOPING AND ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF AVIATION TECHNOLOGIES. DEVELOP THE MODELS FOR THE DESIGN AND OPTIMIZATION OF TRULY INTEGRATED VEHICLES & APPLYING THOSE MODELS TO VEHICLE TRADE STUDIES.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ELECTRA.AERO 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 $3.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-09-03. End: 2026-06-03.
What is Electra.Aero Inc.'s track record with NASA and other government agencies for similar R&D contracts?
A review of Electra.Aero Inc.'s contract history with NASA and other federal agencies would be necessary to assess their track record. Specifically, looking for prior awards in advanced aviation technology, modeling, simulation, and R&D would provide insight into their performance, ability to meet deadlines, and manage budgets. Information on past performance evaluations, if publicly available, would further inform this assessment. Without specific data on their prior awards and performance metrics, it is difficult to definitively gauge their suitability beyond the competitive selection for this particular contract.
How does the $3.5 million contract value compare to similar R&D efforts in aviation technology development?
The $3.5 million contract value for developing advanced aviation technology scenarios and models appears to be within a moderate range for specialized R&D efforts. However, a precise comparison requires benchmarking against contracts with similar objectives, scope, and duration. For instance, contracts focused on fundamental research, advanced simulation software development, or early-stage prototyping in aerospace could offer relevant comparisons. The specific nature of developing integrated vehicle design models and assessing technology impacts suggests a need for significant intellectual capital and specialized software, which can influence cost. A detailed analysis would involve examining contract databases for similar pursuits by agencies like the FAA, DoD, or other NASA directorates.
What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee R&D contract?
The primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) R&D contract include potential cost overruns if the contractor's actual costs exceed the estimated costs, although the fixed fee provides a ceiling for profit. R&D inherently carries technical risks, such as the possibility that the developed models may not achieve the desired accuracy or utility, or that the project encounters unforeseen scientific or engineering challenges. Schedule risks are also present, as R&D timelines can be unpredictable. Furthermore, ensuring the contractor maintains adequate oversight and quality control throughout the project is crucial to mitigate risks related to the final deliverables.
How will the effectiveness of the developed aviation technology scenarios and models be measured?
The effectiveness of the developed aviation technology scenarios and models will likely be measured against predefined technical performance metrics (TPMs) and objective criteria outlined in the contract Statement of Work (SOW). NASA program officials will evaluate the models' ability to accurately represent complex aviation systems, their utility in assessing the impact of new technologies, and their contribution to vehicle design and optimization trade studies. This could involve validation exercises, comparison with existing simulation tools, and user feedback from relevant NASA research teams. The success criteria should be clearly defined to ensure objective assessment of the contractor's deliverables.
What is the historical spending trend for R&D contracts related to aviation technology at NASA?
Historical spending trends for R&D contracts related to aviation technology at NASA have generally shown consistent investment, reflecting the agency's ongoing commitment to advancing aerospace capabilities. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on budgetary allocations and strategic priorities, NASA consistently funds research in areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, materials, and advanced air mobility. Contracts in modeling, simulation, and scenario development, like this one, are crucial components of this broader R&D portfolio. Analyzing past NASA budgets and contract awards within the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate would reveal trends in funding levels and the types of R&D projects prioritized over time.
What is the potential impact of this contract on the broader field of aviation simulation and modeling?
This contract has the potential to significantly advance the field of aviation simulation and modeling by developing sophisticated tools for integrated vehicle design and the assessment of emerging technologies. The focus on creating context-rich scenarios and optimization models could lead to more accurate and comprehensive simulations, enabling researchers and engineers to explore a wider range of design possibilities and technology impacts. If successful, the methodologies and models developed could become industry standards or be adapted for use in other aerospace R&D programs, fostering innovation and accelerating the development of next-generation aircraft.
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: 80GRC024N0001
Offers Received: 10
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 10761 JAMES PAYNE CT, MANASSAS, VA, 20110
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $3,485,340
Exercised Options: $3,485,340
Current Obligation: $3,485,340
Actual Outlays: $1,934,862
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-09-03
Current End Date: 2026-06-03
Potential End Date: 2026-06-03 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-28
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