NASA's $74M GEOXO LMX Instrument Contract Awarded to Lockheed Martin for Lightning Detection
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $74,000,000 ($74.0M)
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corp
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2024-10-10
End Date: 2049-10-09
Contract Duration: 9,130 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: NASA GSFC GEOSTATIONARY EXTENDED OBSERVATIONS (GEOXO) LIGHTNING MAPPER (LMX) INSTRUMENT IMPLEMENTATION. THE LMX INSTRUMENT IS A SINGLE SPECTRAL CHANNEL INSTRUMENT USED TO MEASURE THE LOCATION AND INTENSITY OF OPTICAL TRANSIENTS PRODUCED BY LIGHTNING.
Place of Performance
Location: LITTLETON, DOUGLAS County, COLORADO, 80125
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $74.0 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP for work described as: NASA GSFC GEOSTATIONARY EXTENDED OBSERVATIONS (GEOXO) LIGHTNING MAPPER (LMX) INSTRUMENT IMPLEMENTATION. THE LMX INSTRUMENT IS A SINGLE SPECTRAL CHANNEL INSTRUMENT USED TO MEASURE THE LOCATION AND INTENSITY OF OPTICAL TRANSIENTS PRODUCED BY LIGHTNING. Key points: 1. The LMX instrument aims to measure lightning's optical transients, crucial for space weather and atmospheric research. 2. Lockheed Martin, a major aerospace contractor, secured this award. 3. The contract's long duration (nearly 25 years) suggests a significant, long-term project. 4. The sector is Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing, indicating advanced technology and high costs.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value is $74 million. Without specific per-unit cost data for the instrument or comparable lightning mapper contracts, a precise value assessment is difficult. However, the scale suggests a complex, high-tech instrument.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing. The final price reflects the negotiated terms after a competitive bidding process.
Taxpayer Impact: The $74 million investment is for a critical scientific instrument, aiming to provide valuable data for research and potentially improve forecasting or understanding of atmospheric phenomena.
Public Impact
Enhanced understanding of lightning phenomena and its impact on Earth's atmosphere and space. Potential for improved weather forecasting and space weather prediction models. Advancement in optical transient detection technology for scientific applications.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration may lead to cost overruns or scope creep.
- Reliance on a single instrument for critical data collection.
- Potential for technological obsolescence over the contract's long term.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
- Instrument addresses a critical scientific need for lightning data.
- Long-term commitment ensures sustained data collection and research.
Sector Analysis
The Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing sector is characterized by high R&D investment, complex supply chains, and significant government contracts. Spending benchmarks are typically high due to the advanced nature of the technology involved.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded to Lockheed Martin Corp, a large prime contractor. There is no explicit mention of small business participation in this specific award announcement.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by NASA GSFC. Oversight will focus on ensuring the LMX instrument meets technical specifications, stays within budget, and is delivered on schedule, with accountability tied to performance metrics and milestones.
Related Government Programs
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration (25 years)
- Cost Plus Award Fee contract type
- Potential for technological obsolescence
- Sole reliance on one instrument for critical data
Tags
guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufac, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, co, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $74.0 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP. NASA GSFC GEOSTATIONARY EXTENDED OBSERVATIONS (GEOXO) LIGHTNING MAPPER (LMX) INSTRUMENT IMPLEMENTATION. THE LMX INSTRUMENT IS A SINGLE SPECTRAL CHANNEL INSTRUMENT USED TO MEASURE THE LOCATION AND INTENSITY OF OPTICAL TRANSIENTS PRODUCED BY LIGHTNING.
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 $74.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-10-10. End: 2049-10-09.
What is the expected scientific return on investment for the $74 million spent on the LMX instrument?
The $74 million investment is expected to yield significant scientific returns by providing unprecedented data on lightning's optical characteristics. This data can enhance atmospheric models, improve space weather predictions, and contribute to a deeper understanding of electrical phenomena on Earth, potentially leading to breakthroughs in related scientific fields and applications.
What are the primary risks associated with the long-term (25-year) nature of this contract?
The primary risks of a 25-year contract include technological obsolescence, where the instrument may become outdated before its service life ends. There's also a risk of cost escalation due to inflation, unforeseen technical challenges, or changes in project scope. Furthermore, maintaining institutional knowledge and contractor performance over such an extended period can be challenging.
How effectively will the LMX instrument contribute to NASA's broader GEOXO mission objectives?
The LMX instrument is designed to be a core component of the GEOXO mission, directly addressing its objective of measuring optical transients from lightning. Its success in accurately and reliably capturing lightning data will be crucial for achieving the mission's overall goals related to atmospheric research and space weather monitoring, thereby directly contributing to NASA's scientific endeavors.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
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: 80GSFC23R0013
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 12257 S WADSWORTH BLVD, LITTLETON, CO, 80125
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $371,461,622
Exercised Options: $313,075,261
Current Obligation: $74,000,000
Actual Outlays: $41,177,159
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $2,359,040
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-10-10
Current End Date: 2049-10-09
Potential End Date: 2049-10-09 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-19
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