NASA's $36.6M DaVinci+ Mission Concept Study Awarded to Lockheed Martin for Space Vehicle Manufacturing
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $36,571,964 ($36.6M)
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corp
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2020-05-29
End Date: 2026-10-31
Contract Duration: 2,346 days
Daily Burn Rate: $15.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: THIS PROCUREMENT PROVIDES FOR THE LABOR, TRAVEL AND ASSOCIATED BURDENS NECESSARY TO SATISFY THE PHASE A CONCEPT STUDY REPORT (CSR) AND BRIDGE PHASE B OPTION REQUIREMENTS OF NASA'S COMPETITIVELY SELECTED DAVINCI+ MISSION.
Place of Performance
Location: LITTLETON, DOUGLAS County, COLORADO, 80125
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $36.6 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP for work described as: THIS PROCUREMENT PROVIDES FOR THE LABOR, TRAVEL AND ASSOCIATED BURDENS NECESSARY TO SATISFY THE PHASE A CONCEPT STUDY REPORT (CSR) AND BRIDGE PHASE B OPTION REQUIREMENTS OF NASA'S COMPETITIVELY SELECTED DAVINCI+ MISSION. Key points: 1. Contract supports critical early-stage research for NASA's DaVinci+ mission. 2. Focus on Phase A Concept Study Report and Phase B option requirements. 3. Awarded to a single, established contractor in the space vehicle manufacturing sector. 4. Definitive contract type with a firm fixed price structure. 5. Long performance period extending over six years. 6. Procurement falls under guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing NAICS code.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $36.6 million for a Phase A concept study and Phase B option appears reasonable given the scope and duration. However, without specific benchmarks for similar mission concept studies or detailed breakdowns of labor categories and hours, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The firm fixed-price nature provides cost certainty for NASA, but the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns. Comparing this to other early-stage mission studies by NASA or other agencies would provide better context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of 5 bidders suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this NASA mission. A competitive process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more innovative solutions, benefiting the agency.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best value for the funds expended on this critical space mission study.
Public Impact
Benefits NASA's scientific and exploration objectives by advancing the DaVinci+ mission. Services delivered include concept study reports and potential Phase B development. Geographic impact is primarily within the contractor's facilities and NASA centers. Workforce implications include specialized engineering and scientific roles within the aerospace sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration (over 6 years) could lead to scope creep or evolving requirements.
- Firm fixed price contract places cost risk on the contractor, potentially impacting quality if not managed well.
- Reliance on a single contractor for this critical phase may limit future flexibility.
- Specific details on the 'associated burdens' are not provided, which could obscure true cost drivers.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
- Firm fixed price contract provides budget certainty for NASA.
- Contractor is in a relevant industry (Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing).
- Clear definition of Phase A and Phase B option requirements.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on space exploration and vehicle manufacturing. The market for such specialized concept studies is competitive, with a few key players possessing the necessary expertise. NASA's spending in this area is crucial for advancing scientific understanding and technological capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other early-stage mission development contracts within NASA and other space agencies.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not specify any small business set-asides. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through this specific award is likely minimal, unless they are involved as subcontractors. Future phases of the DaVinci+ mission might include opportunities for small businesses, but this initial concept study appears to be focused on larger prime contractors.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), likely through program managers and contracting officers. Accountability measures are inherent in the definitive contract structure and firm fixed-price terms. Transparency is generally maintained through NASA's public contract databases, though detailed internal project management and oversight processes are not publicly disclosed.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Exploration Mission Programs
- Space Science Missions
- Advanced Technology Development Contracts
- Aerospace Research and Development
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration
- Firm Fixed Price risk allocation
- Potential for evolving requirements
Tags
nasa, space-exploration, concept-study, lockheed-martin, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufacturing, definitive-contract, phase-a, phase-b, colorado, aerospace
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $36.6 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP. THIS PROCUREMENT PROVIDES FOR THE LABOR, TRAVEL AND ASSOCIATED BURDENS NECESSARY TO SATISFY THE PHASE A CONCEPT STUDY REPORT (CSR) AND BRIDGE PHASE B OPTION REQUIREMENTS OF NASA'S COMPETITIVELY SELECTED DAVINCI+ MISSION.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP.
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 $36.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-05-29. End: 2026-10-31.
What is the track record of Lockheed Martin Corp in executing similar NASA concept study contracts?
Lockheed Martin Corporation has a long and extensive history of working with NASA and other government agencies on complex space missions and vehicle development. They have been involved in numerous high-profile projects, including spacecraft design, construction, and mission operations. While specific details on past concept study contracts for missions analogous to DaVinci+ are not provided here, their established presence in the Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing sector (NAICS 336414) suggests a strong capability. Their track record generally indicates a capacity to handle large-scale, technologically advanced projects, though performance can vary across individual contracts. A deeper dive into their past performance ratings and any past performance issues on similar NASA contracts would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment.
How does the $36.6 million contract value compare to similar Phase A concept studies for NASA missions?
Benchmarking the $36.6 million contract value for this Phase A concept study and Phase B option requires access to detailed cost data for comparable NASA missions. Concept studies can vary significantly in scope, complexity, and duration, making direct comparisons difficult without specific context. However, for missions involving complex scientific objectives and advanced technological development, such as the DaVinci+ mission likely entails, this figure appears within a plausible range for early-stage research and development. Factors influencing the cost include the number of scientific instruments, the complexity of the operational environment (e.g., planetary atmosphere), and the required level of detail in the concept study report. Without more specific comparative data on similar mission phases, it's challenging to definitively label this as high or low.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?
The primary risks associated with this contract include technical challenges in defining the concept for the DaVinci+ mission, potential cost overruns due to the firm fixed-price nature (though this risk is primarily on the contractor), and schedule delays. The long performance period (over six years) also introduces risks related to evolving requirements or technological obsolescence. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust project management by Lockheed Martin, regular progress reviews with NASA, and clear definition of deliverables. NASA's oversight will be crucial in monitoring progress and addressing any emerging issues. The contractor's experience in space vehicle manufacturing is a mitigating factor against technical risks, but the inherent complexity of space missions always presents uncertainties.
What is the expected effectiveness of the DaVinci+ mission concept study in achieving NASA's broader program goals?
The effectiveness of this concept study is crucial for the overall success of the DaVinci+ mission. A well-executed Phase A study will establish a solid foundation by defining the mission's scientific objectives, technical requirements, and feasibility. This includes developing the Concept Study Report (CSR), which will guide subsequent design and development phases (Phase B). If the study is thorough and identifies viable solutions, it significantly increases the likelihood that the DaVinci+ mission will meet its scientific goals, such as exploring Venus's atmosphere. Conversely, a poorly executed study could lead to costly redesigns or even mission failure. Therefore, the effectiveness of this contract is directly tied to its ability to produce a robust and achievable mission concept.
How has NASA's spending on guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing evolved over the past five years?
Analyzing NASA's spending trends in the Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing sector (NAICS 336414) requires access to historical federal procurement data. Generally, NASA's budget allocation fluctuates based on national priorities, the lifecycle of major space programs, and specific mission objectives. Spending in this sector is often driven by the development and production of new spacecraft, launch vehicles, and associated technologies. Periods of significant new program initiation, like the Artemis program or new planetary science missions, would typically see an increase in spending within this NAICS code. Conversely, the winding down of major programs or a focus on operational phases might lead to a decrease. Without specific historical data for NASA's spending within NAICS 336414, a precise trend cannot be determined, but it is expected to align with the agency's strategic exploration and science goals.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNH19ZDA010O
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 12257 S WADSWORTH BLVD, LITTLETON, CO, 80125
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $36,571,964
Exercised Options: $36,571,964
Current Obligation: $36,571,964
Actual Outlays: $25,720,555
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 21
Total Subaward Amount: $1,436,527
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-05-29
Current End Date: 2026-10-31
Potential End Date: 2026-10-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-16
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