NASA Awards Sierra Space Corp $27.3M for Deep Space Habitation Prototype Development
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $27,273,828 ($27.3M)
Contractor: Sierra Space Corp
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2017-08-29
End Date: 2026-03-20
Contract Duration: 3,125 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF NASA BAA/NRA AWARD. PROPOSAL TITLE "NEXT SPACE TECHNOLOGIES FOR EXPLORATION PARTNERSHIP - NEXTSTEP-2. THE NEXTSTEP-2 STUDY CONDUCTED BY SNC WILL EVALUATE MISSION ARCHITECTURE, SYSTEM INTERFACES, AND SUBSYSTEM COMPONENT DESIGN TO MEET THE OBJECTIVES OF THE THREE OPERATIONAL PHASES OUTLINED BY NASA. NASA'S HEOMD/AES DIVISION SELECTED THE SIERRA NEVADA CORPORATION PROPOSAL IN RESPONSE TO THE NEXT SPACE TECHNOLOGIES FOR EXPLORATION PARTNERSHIPS -2 (NEXTSTEP-2) BAA SOLICITATION IN THE AREA OF HABITATION SYSTEMS. THIS CONTRACT EFFORT WILL FOCUS ON REFINING ARCHITECTURES AND CONCEPTS OF OPERATION AND DEVELOPING A FULL SIZE GROUND BASED DEEP SPACE HABITATION PROTOTYPE UNIT FOR INITIAL HABITATION CAPABILITIES IN CISLUNAR SPACE WITH EXTENSIBILITY FOR IN-SPACE TRANSIT HABITATION. THIS CONTRACT WILL ALSO DEVELOP PLANS AND ESTIMATES FOR FURTHER ENGINEERING AND FLIGHT UNIT DEVELOPMENT AND PARTICIPATION IN A NASA-LED STANDARDS AND COMMON INTERFACES WORKING GROUP. KEY COMPONENTS AND TECHNOLOGIES WILL BE IDENTIFIED DURING THE STUDY PHASE. AS PART OF OPTION 1 SNC WILL DEVELOP A FULL-SCALE PROTOTYPE TO FURTHER MATURE THE DESIGN AND REDUCE RISK. TECHNOLOGIES AND SUBSYSTEMS WITH COMMERCIAL SPACE APPLICATIONS WILL BE IDENTIFIED BY SNC FOR USE IN EXPANDING SNC'S COMMERCIAL SPACE GOALS. ADDITIONALLY, THE TOTAL PROGRAM COSTS FOR EXECUTION THROUGH PHASE 2 WILL BE CONTINUALLY REFINED THROUGHOUT THE STUDY, AND CULMINATE IN A PROPOSAL FOR A FOLLOW-ON CONTRACT. THE PROPOSED SYSTEM ALLOWS FOR FLEXIBLE MATING OPTIONS TO CONNECT AND ACCOMMODATE A VARIETY OF ELEMENTS, INCLUDING DIFFERENT HABITAT ELEMENTS AND A DOCKING DESTINATION FOR NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION'S (NASA) ORION SPACECRAFT.
Place of Performance
Location: BROOMFIELD, BROOMFIELD County, COLORADO, 80021
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $27.3 million to SIERRA SPACE CORP for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF NASA BAA/NRA AWARD. PROPOSAL TITLE "NEXT SPACE TECHNOLOGIES FOR EXPLORATION PARTNERSHIP - NEXTSTEP-2. THE NEXTSTEP-2 STUDY CONDUCTED BY SNC WILL EVALUATE MISSION ARCHITECTURE, SYSTEM INTERFACES, AND SUBSYSTEM COMPONENT DESIGN TO MEET THE OBJECTIVES OF THE THREE OPE… Key points: 1. This contract focuses on developing a full-size ground-based deep space habitation prototype. 2. The project aims to refine architectures and concepts of operation for cis-lunar space. 3. Sierra Space Corporation was selected via full and open competition. 4. The contract is a firm fixed price definitive contract, indicating clear cost expectations.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $27.3 million for a deep space habitation prototype appears reasonable given the scope of developing and testing a full-size unit. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D projects in aerospace would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The award was made under a full and open competition, suggesting that multiple proposals were considered. This competitive process is expected to have driven a fair price discovery for the research and development effort.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in advancing deep space exploration capabilities, potentially leading to future technological advancements and economic opportunities.
Public Impact
Advancement of U.S. deep space exploration capabilities. Development of critical technologies for future lunar and Martian missions. Potential for job creation in the aerospace sector. Stimulation of innovation in life support and habitation systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 75 / 10
Positive Signals
- Clear focus on a tangible prototype.
- Firm fixed price contract type.
- Selection through full and open competition.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically related to aerospace and space exploration. Spending in this area is crucial for national technological advancement and maintaining a competitive edge in space.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the awardee is Sierra Space Corp, a significant aerospace company. There is no explicit information on small business subcontracting in the provided data, which warrants further investigation for potential opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's HEOMD/AES Division is overseeing this effort. The definitive contract structure with a fixed price suggests a degree of oversight on cost. Further review of reporting requirements and milestones would clarify accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen technical challenges arise.
- Dependence on contractor's technical expertise and execution.
- Long contract duration (2017-2026) increases risk of scope creep or changing requirements.
- Limited visibility into small business participation.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, 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 $27.3 million to SIERRA SPACE CORP. IGF::OT::IGF NASA BAA/NRA AWARD. PROPOSAL TITLE "NEXT SPACE TECHNOLOGIES FOR EXPLORATION PARTNERSHIP - NEXTSTEP-2. THE NEXTSTEP-2 STUDY CONDUCTED BY SNC WILL EVALUATE MISSION ARCHITECTURE, SYSTEM INTERFACES, AND SUBSYSTEM COMPONENT DESIGN TO MEET THE OBJECTIVES OF THE THREE OPERATIONAL PHASES OUTLINED BY NASA. NASA'S HEOMD/AES DIVISION SELECTED THE SIERRA NEVADA CORPORATION PROPOSAL IN RESPONSE TO THE NEXT SPACE TECHNOLOGIES FOR EXPLORATION PARTNERSHIPS -2 (NEXTSTEP-2) BAA SOLICITATION IN THE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SIERRA SPACE 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 $27.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-08-29. End: 2026-03-20.
What are the specific performance metrics and milestones for the deep space habitation prototype, and how will NASA ensure these are met within the contract period?
The contract details likely outline specific technical performance requirements, testing protocols, and phased milestones for the prototype development. NASA's oversight would involve regular progress reviews, technical evaluations of deliverables, and adherence to the defined schedule and budget. Ensuring success hinges on clear communication, robust project management by both NASA and Sierra Space Corp, and rigorous testing at key development stages.
What is the long-term strategic value of this habitation prototype to NASA's broader space exploration goals, beyond the initial cis-lunar objectives?
This prototype is foundational for NASA's long-term ambitions, including sustained lunar presence and eventual human missions to Mars. The technologies developed for cis-lunar habitation, such as life support, radiation shielding, and crew comfort, are directly transferable and scalable for more distant and challenging environments. It serves as a critical stepping stone, reducing risk and cost for future deep space endeavors.
How does the $27.3 million investment compare to the estimated cost of similar large-scale R&D projects in advanced aerospace or defense sectors?
Benchmarking this $27.3 million investment requires comparing it to similar large-scale R&D efforts in advanced aerospace or defense. Projects involving complex system development, like satellite platforms or advanced aircraft components, can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars. Without specific comparable projects, it's difficult to definitively assess if this is high or low, but it appears within a reasonable range for a significant prototype development.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except 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: NNH15ZCQ001K
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Sierra Nevada Corporation
Address: 390 INTERLOCKEN CRES, BROOMFIELD, CO, 80021
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: $27,273,828
Exercised Options: $27,273,828
Current Obligation: $27,273,828
Actual Outlays: $12,881,944
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 25
Total Subaward Amount: $10,503,516
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-08-29
Current End Date: 2026-03-20
Potential End Date: 2026-03-20 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
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