NASA awards $2.15M R&D contract to JetZero, Inc. for aviation technology scenario development
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,152,061 ($2.2M)
Contractor: Jetzero, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2024-11-05
End Date: 2026-05-05
Contract Duration: 546 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.9K/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: LONG BEACH, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 90808
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $2.2 million to JETZERO, 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 advanced aviation technology modeling and integrated vehicle design. 2. Contract aims to provide context for assessing the impact of new aviation technologies. 3. Utilizes a Cost Plus Fixed Fee payment structure. 4. Performance period spans over 1.5 years. 5. Contractor has a track record in research and development. 6. Geographic location of performance is California.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $2.15 million for a 546-day period appears reasonable for specialized R&D in aviation technology. Benchmarking against similar NASA contracts for scenario development and modeling would provide further insight into value for money. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure allows for flexibility in research while managing contractor profit.
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 type of research.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down costs and ensuring that the government receives the best value through a robust selection process.
Public Impact
Benefits the aviation industry by advancing the understanding and development of new technologies. Delivers models for the design and optimization of integrated vehicles. Provides context for assessing the impact of emerging aviation technologies. Supports research and development efforts within the aerospace sector. Work is anticipated to be performed in California, potentially impacting the local R&D workforce.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts if research scope expands significantly.
- Dependence on contractor's expertise for successful model development and scenario generation.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
- Contractor's specialization in R&D aligns with the project's technical requirements.
- Clear performance period and defined objectives for scenario development.
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 market for aviation R&D is substantial, driven by the need for more efficient, sustainable, and advanced air travel. This contract contributes to the broader ecosystem of innovation in aerospace.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the primary contractor, JetZero, Inc., will be responsible for the majority of the work, and the direct impact on the small business ecosystem may be limited unless they are engaged as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Standard contract management and reporting mechanisms are expected to be in place. Transparency will be facilitated through NASA's public contract databases. The specific Inspector General jurisdiction would be NASA's Office of Inspector General.
Related Government Programs
- Aviation Technology Research
- Aerospace Engineering Services
- Advanced Vehicle Design
- Simulation and Modeling Contracts
- NASA Research and Development Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
- Technical Feasibility Uncertainty
- Dependence on Key Personnel
Tags
research-and-development, aviation-technology, nasa, california, definitive-contract, full-and-open-competition, cost-plus-fixed-fee, large-contract, aerospace, modeling-and-simulation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $2.2 million to JETZERO, 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 JETZERO, 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 $2.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-11-05. End: 2026-05-05.
What is JetZero, Inc.'s specific track record in developing aviation technology scenarios and models?
JetZero, Inc. is identified as a contractor for Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. While the data indicates their specialization aligns with the contract's needs, specific details on their past performance in creating aviation technology scenarios and optimization models are not provided. Further investigation into their project portfolio, publications, or past government contracts would be necessary to fully assess their track record in this niche area. Their involvement in developing models for integrated vehicle design suggests relevant experience, but the depth and breadth of this experience in scenario generation require more granular data.
How does the $2.15 million contract value compare to similar R&D contracts for aviation scenario development?
The $2.15 million contract value for a 546-day R&D effort in aviation technology scenario development appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized research. However, a precise comparison requires benchmarking against contracts with similar scope, duration, and technical complexity. Factors such as the novelty of the technologies being modeled, the required level of simulation fidelity, and the specific deliverables (e.g., software, reports, prototypes) significantly influence pricing. Without access to a database of comparable NASA or FAA R&D contracts for scenario modeling, it is difficult to definitively state if this represents excellent or fair value. The number of bids (10) suggests market interest and potentially competitive pricing.
What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract?
The primary risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, like this one, is the potential for cost overruns. While the fee is fixed, the government bears the risk of increased costs incurred by the contractor in performing the work. If the research scope expands unexpectedly or unforeseen technical challenges arise, the total cost to the government could exceed initial estimates. Effective oversight, clear definition of work, and robust cost tracking are crucial to mitigate this risk. Contractor efficiency and management of resources also play a significant role in controlling the overall cost.
How effective is the 'full and open competition' approach likely to be in ensuring value for this R&D contract?
The 'full and open competition' approach is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value in government contracting. By allowing all responsible sources to submit bids, it fosters a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation. For this R&D contract, the fact that 10 bids were received indicates a healthy level of competition. This suggests that NASA likely received a range of proposals and pricing, increasing the probability of selecting a contractor that offers both technical capability and cost-effectiveness. The competitive pressure incentivizes bidders to propose realistic costs and demonstrate superior technical approaches to win the award.
What are the historical spending patterns for NASA in aviation technology R&D, and how does this contract fit?
NASA consistently invests in aviation technology R&D to maintain its leadership in aerospace innovation and support the development of future air transportation systems. Historical spending patterns show significant allocations towards areas like advanced materials, propulsion systems, aerodynamics, and air traffic management. This $2.15 million contract for scenario development and integrated vehicle modeling fits within NASA's strategic goals to explore and assess the impact of emerging aviation technologies, potentially including sustainable aviation fuels, electric propulsion, or advanced air mobility concepts. It complements larger hardware or system development contracts by providing the analytical framework needed to guide those efforts and understand their broader implications.
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
Offers Received: 10
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4150 E DONALD DOUGLAS DR, LONG BEACH, CA, 90808
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,152,061
Exercised Options: $2,152,061
Current Obligation: $2,152,061
Actual Outlays: $61,367
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-11-05
Current End Date: 2026-05-05
Potential End Date: 2026-05-05 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-05
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