NASA Awards $66M for Lunar Payload Services to Masten Space Systems
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $66,126,826 ($66.1M)
Contractor: Masten Space Systems Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2020-04-08
End Date: 2024-01-31
Contract Duration: 1,393 days
Daily Burn Rate: $47.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 10
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: TO ACQUIRE END-TO-END COMMERCIAL PAYLOAD SERVICES BETWEEN THE EARTH AND THE LUNAR SURFACE FOR NASA HEADQUARTERS'' SCIENCE, HUMAN EXPLORATION AND OPERATIONS, AND SPACE TECHNOLOGY MISSION DIRECTORATES (SMD, HEOMD, AND STMD
Place of Performance
Location: MOJAVE, KERN County, CALIFORNIA, 93501
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $66.1 million to MASTEN SPACE SYSTEMS INC for work described as: TO ACQUIRE END-TO-END COMMERCIAL PAYLOAD SERVICES BETWEEN THE EARTH AND THE LUNAR SURFACE FOR NASA HEADQUARTERS'' SCIENCE, HUMAN EXPLORATION AND OPERATIONS, AND SPACE TECHNOLOGY MISSION DIRECTORATES (SMD, HEOMD, AND STMD Key points: 1. Significant investment in lunar transportation infrastructure. 2. Competition was limited after initial exclusion of sources. 3. Potential risks include contractor performance and technological feasibility. 4. Sector focus is on space technology and exploration.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award amount of $66.1M for end-to-end lunar payload services appears to be a substantial investment. Benchmarking against similar complex space logistics contracts is difficult due to the unique nature of lunar transportation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a limited competition. This approach may have restricted price discovery and potentially led to a higher price than a fully open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being allocated to advance NASA's lunar exploration and science objectives through this contract.
Public Impact
Enables critical scientific research and human exploration missions on the Moon. Supports the development of commercial lunar payload delivery capabilities. Could spur innovation in the burgeoning space logistics industry.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may impact cost-effectiveness.
- Contractor's ability to meet demanding delivery schedules.
- Technological challenges inherent in lunar missions.
Positive Signals
- Supports key NASA strategic goals.
- Invests in commercial space capabilities.
- Potential for future lunar economic development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on space transportation and payload delivery. Spending benchmarks for lunar logistics are still emerging, making direct comparisons challenging.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded to Masten Space Systems Inc., a private company. There is no explicit information provided regarding small business participation or subcontracting in this award.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's oversight will be crucial to ensure Masten Space Systems meets the complex technical and logistical requirements for lunar payload delivery, managing risks associated with performance and schedule.
Related Government Programs
- Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Contractor performance risk
- Technological feasibility
- Schedule adherence
- Cost overruns
Tags
nonscheduled-chartered-freight-air-trans, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $66.1 million to MASTEN SPACE SYSTEMS INC. TO ACQUIRE END-TO-END COMMERCIAL PAYLOAD SERVICES BETWEEN THE EARTH AND THE LUNAR SURFACE FOR NASA HEADQUARTERS'' SCIENCE, HUMAN EXPLORATION AND OPERATIONS, AND SPACE TECHNOLOGY MISSION DIRECTORATES (SMD, HEOMD, AND STMD
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MASTEN SPACE SYSTEMS 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 $66.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-04-08. End: 2024-01-31.
What is the projected cost per kilogram for payload delivery to the lunar surface under this contract, and how does it compare to industry estimates?
The provided data does not detail the cost per kilogram for payload delivery. Benchmarking this specific metric against industry estimates is challenging as lunar logistics are a nascent field. Further analysis would require detailed breakdowns of the contract's pricing structure and comparison with any available projections for similar services.
What are the specific performance metrics and penalties outlined in the contract to mitigate risks associated with delivery schedules and mission success?
The contract details are not fully provided, but it is a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract, which typically includes defined milestones and deliverables. Specific performance metrics and associated penalties for non-compliance regarding delivery schedules and mission success would be detailed within the full contract documentation, requiring further review.
How does this investment align with NASA's broader Artemis program goals and contribute to the long-term sustainability of lunar operations?
This contract directly supports NASA's lunar exploration objectives by securing essential payload delivery services. It contributes to the Artemis program by enabling the transport of scientific instruments and potentially resources to the lunar surface, fostering the development of a commercial lunar economy and paving the way for sustained human presence.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Nonscheduled Air Transportation › Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 80HQTR18R0011R
Offers Received: 10
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1570 SABOVICH ST #25, MOJAVE, CA, 93501
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $81,296,512
Exercised Options: $81,296,512
Current Obligation: $66,126,826
Actual Outlays: $53,515,040
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80HQTR19D0016
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-04-08
Current End Date: 2024-01-31
Potential End Date: 2024-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-10-03
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