NASA's MIST II Contract: $393M for Space Systems Engineering, Full & Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $393,479,510 ($393.5M)
Contractor: Aerodyne-Sgt Engineering Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2022-09-14
End Date: 2027-09-13
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $215.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE MIST II CONTRACT WILL PROVIDE MULTIDISCIPLINARY ENGINEERING TASK ORDERS FOR THE FORMULATION, DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, FABRICATION, INTEGRATION, TESTING, VERIFICATION, AND OPERATIONS OF SPACE FLIGHT AND GROUND SYSTEM HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE.
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $393.5 million to AERODYNE-SGT ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC for work described as: THE MIST II CONTRACT WILL PROVIDE MULTIDISCIPLINARY ENGINEERING TASK ORDERS FOR THE FORMULATION, DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, FABRICATION, INTEGRATION, TESTING, VERIFICATION, AND OPERATIONS OF SPACE FLIGHT AND GROUND SYSTEM HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE. Key points: 1. Focuses on comprehensive space flight and ground system development. 2. Utilizes a full and open competition strategy. 3. Potential for significant technological advancements in space exploration. 4. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, indicating shared risk.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $393.5M over 5 years for complex engineering services appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar large-scale aerospace R&D contracts would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources' method suggests a competitive process was initiated, but specific reasons for exclusion of other sources are not detailed. This approach aims for best value but requires careful justification.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is intended to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for advanced space technology development.
Public Impact
Supports critical NASA missions in space exploration and research. Drives innovation in space hardware and software development. Creates opportunities for specialized engineering and technical expertise. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting other sectors. Contributes to national capabilities in space operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) can incentivize cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- Complexity of multidisciplinary engineering tasks presents inherent execution risks.
- Reliance on a single awardee for extensive task orders could limit flexibility.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition aims for best value and innovation.
- Long-term contract duration allows for sustained development and integration.
- Focus on critical space flight and ground systems aligns with agency priorities.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement, with benchmarks varying widely based on project scope and duration.
Small Business Impact
The contract is awarded to AERODYNE-SGT ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC, and the data indicates it is not set-aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, small business participation is likely indirect through subcontracting opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's procurement processes generally include robust oversight mechanisms. The agency's contracting officers and program managers are responsible for monitoring performance, costs, and adherence to contract terms throughout the contract lifecycle.
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
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
- Execution risk associated with complex, multidisciplinary engineering.
- Limited visibility into specific source exclusion justifications.
- Dependence on a single prime contractor for extensive task orders.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, md, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $393.5 million to AERODYNE-SGT ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC. THE MIST II CONTRACT WILL PROVIDE MULTIDISCIPLINARY ENGINEERING TASK ORDERS FOR THE FORMULATION, DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, FABRICATION, INTEGRATION, TESTING, VERIFICATION, AND OPERATIONS OF SPACE FLIGHT AND GROUND SYSTEM HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AERODYNE-SGT ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC.
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 $393.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-09-14. End: 2027-09-13.
What specific criteria were used to justify the exclusion of sources in the 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources' award method?
The justification for excluding sources in a full and open competition requires a clear rationale, often related to unique capabilities, prior development, or specific technical requirements that only certain entities possess. Without further documentation, it's difficult to assess if this exclusion maximized competition or was a necessary step for acquiring specialized expertise critical for the MIST II project's complex engineering tasks.
How will NASA ensure cost control under the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure for such a complex and long-duration project?
NASA will likely employ stringent oversight, regular performance reviews, and detailed cost tracking mechanisms. The fixed fee component provides some incentive for the contractor to manage costs efficiently to maximize profit. However, the CPFF structure inherently carries a risk of cost growth, necessitating proactive management and clear communication channels to address potential overruns early.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) NASA will use to measure the success and effectiveness of the MIST II contract?
Success metrics will likely include timely delivery of engineering task orders, adherence to technical specifications for space flight and ground systems, successful integration and testing outcomes, and overall cost performance against the contract ceiling. NASA will also monitor innovation and the contractor's ability to adapt to evolving mission requirements throughout the contract's duration.
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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 80GSFC20R0006
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 8910 ASTRONAUT BLVD STE 208, CAPE CANAVERAL, FL, 32920
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $531,000,000
Exercised Options: $531,000,000
Current Obligation: $393,479,510
Actual Outlays: $366,769,565
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 177
Total Subaward Amount: $636,716,354
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-09-14
Current End Date: 2027-09-13
Potential End Date: 2027-09-13 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-23
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