NASA awards $56.3M contract for lunar payload delivery, highlighting commercial space innovation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $56,287,643 ($56.3M)
Contractor: Intuitive Machines, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2020-10-16
End Date: 2026-07-31
Contract Duration: 2,114 days
Daily Burn Rate: $26.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: COMMERCIAL LUNAR PAYLOAD SERVICES (CLPS) TASK ORDER (TO) POLAR RESOURCE ICE-MINING EXPERIMENT-1 (PRIME-1) LUNAR SURFACE PAYLOAD DELIVERY -LUNAR POLE
Place of Performance
Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $56.3 million to INTUITIVE MACHINES, LLC for work described as: COMMERCIAL LUNAR PAYLOAD SERVICES (CLPS) TASK ORDER (TO) POLAR RESOURCE ICE-MINING EXPERIMENT-1 (PRIME-1) LUNAR SURFACE PAYLOAD DELIVERY -LUNAR POLE Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in lunar exploration capabilities. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a robust commercial space market for lunar services. 3. Performance timeline indicates a multi-year effort for payload delivery and operations. 4. This contract positions NASA to leverage private sector expertise for scientific objectives. 5. The fixed-price structure aims to control costs and incentivize efficient delivery. 6. Focus on lunar pole operations suggests a strategic approach to resource utilization.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $56.3 million for the PRIME-1 lunar payload delivery appears reasonable given the complexity and novelty of the mission. Benchmarking against other commercial lunar payload services (CLPS) contracts, which vary widely based on payload mass, destination, and mission duration, suggests this falls within a typical range for a significant scientific payload. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty for NASA, though it places the performance risk on the contractor. Further analysis would require detailed cost breakdowns from the contractor.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 6 bidders (as indicated by 'no': 6) suggests a healthy level of competition for this lunar services task order. This competitive environment is expected to drive innovation and potentially lead to more favorable pricing for NASA compared to a sole-source or limited competition scenario.
Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently, as contractors are incentivized to offer their best pricing and capabilities to win the contract.
Public Impact
This contract directly benefits scientific research by enabling the delivery of instruments to the lunar south pole. The primary service delivered is the transportation and deployment of a lunar payload for resource prospecting. The geographic impact is focused on the lunar south pole, a region of significant scientific interest. This contract supports the burgeoning commercial space industry, fostering job creation and technological advancement in the private sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen technical challenges arise during lunar operations.
- Risk of schedule delays due to the inherent complexities of space missions.
- Dependence on a single contractor for a critical phase of lunar exploration.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for NASA.
- Full and open competition likely resulted in a competitive price.
- Contractor's success in previous space-related endeavors (if applicable, requires further research).
- Clear performance period with defined delivery and operational phases.
Sector Analysis
The Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative represents a significant shift in how NASA procures lunar exploration capabilities, moving towards a service-based model leveraging commercial providers. This sector is rapidly growing, with numerous companies vying for contracts to deliver payloads, conduct scientific experiments, and eventually support human missions. The market size is expanding as more nations and private entities express interest in lunar activities. This contract fits squarely within the CLPS framework, demonstrating NASA's commitment to fostering this ecosystem.
Small Business Impact
While this specific contract was awarded to Intuitive Machines, LLC, the broader CLPS initiative often includes opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors. The success of larger prime contractors can create a ripple effect, generating subcontracting opportunities for specialized services or components. NASA's commitment to small business participation is a key aspect of its contracting strategy, though direct set-asides for specific CLPS task orders may vary.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will be managed by NASA's relevant program offices, likely within the Science Mission Directorate. Accountability measures are built into the contract through performance milestones, delivery schedules, and payment terms tied to successful execution. Transparency is facilitated through public contract awards and reporting requirements. While specific Inspector General jurisdiction would depend on the nature of any potential investigation, NASA's Office of Inspector General typically oversees agency spending.
Related Government Programs
- Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS)
- Artemis Program
- Lunar Resource Prospecting Missions
- Space Technology Mission Directorate Contracts
Risk Flags
- Technical complexity of lunar landing and surface operations.
- Potential for launch delays or mission anomalies.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical payload delivery.
Tags
nasa, space-exploration, commercial-space, lunar-payload-delivery, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, science-and-research, virginia, national-aeronautics-and-space-administration, clps
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $56.3 million to INTUITIVE MACHINES, LLC. COMMERCIAL LUNAR PAYLOAD SERVICES (CLPS) TASK ORDER (TO) POLAR RESOURCE ICE-MINING EXPERIMENT-1 (PRIME-1) LUNAR SURFACE PAYLOAD DELIVERY -LUNAR POLE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is INTUITIVE MACHINES, 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 $56.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-10-16. End: 2026-07-31.
What is the track record of Intuitive Machines, LLC in executing complex space missions?
Intuitive Machines, LLC has been a significant player in the commercial space sector, particularly within NASA's CLPS initiative. The company was selected for multiple CLPS task orders prior to this one, demonstrating NASA's confidence in their capabilities. Their mission objectives often involve lunar lander development and payload delivery. While specific mission successes and challenges would require a detailed review of their operational history, their selection by NASA for multiple high-value contracts indicates a recognized capacity to undertake demanding space exploration tasks. Further investigation into their past performance, including any mission anomalies or successes, would provide a more complete picture of their reliability.
How does the cost of this payload delivery compare to other CLPS missions?
The $56.3 million cost for the PRIME-1 lunar payload delivery is within the expected range for significant CLPS missions. CLPS task orders vary considerably based on payload mass, complexity, destination (e.g., polar regions vs. equatorial), and mission duration. For instance, earlier CLPS awards ranged from tens of millions to over $100 million. This particular contract involves delivering a payload to the lunar south pole for ice-mining experiments, a technically challenging objective that justifies a substantial investment. Benchmarking requires comparing similar mission profiles, payload sizes, and technological requirements, but this value appears commensurate with the scope of work.
What are the primary risks associated with this lunar payload delivery mission?
The primary risks associated with this lunar payload delivery mission are multifaceted, stemming from the inherent challenges of space exploration. Technical risks include the successful design, manufacturing, testing, and operation of the lunar lander and its associated systems, particularly in the harsh lunar environment. Mission risks involve the complexities of the launch, transit, lunar descent, and surface operations, with potential for anomalies or failures at any stage. Schedule risks are significant, as space missions are prone to delays due to technical setbacks, launch window constraints, or unforeseen external factors. Finally, there are financial risks, although mitigated by the firm fixed-price contract, if the contractor encounters unexpected cost escalations beyond their contingency planning.
What is the expected scientific return from the PRIME-1 mission?
The PRIME-1 mission is expected to yield significant scientific data related to the presence and accessibility of water ice at the lunar south pole. The payload is designed to prospect for and potentially demonstrate the extraction of lunar ice, a critical resource for future human exploration and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU). Success in this mission would validate technologies and methodologies for identifying and accessing water ice, paving the way for sustainable lunar bases. The data gathered will inform our understanding of the lunar water cycle, its origins, and its potential as a resource for life support, rocket propellant, and other applications.
How has NASA's spending on lunar exploration evolved with the CLPS program?
NASA's spending on lunar exploration has seen a marked shift with the advent of the CLPS program. Prior to CLPS, NASA primarily managed lunar missions through traditional, government-led development contracts, which were often lengthy and expensive. The CLPS initiative, launched in 2018, represents a paradigm shift, leveraging commercial partnerships to deliver payloads and conduct science. This approach allows NASA to procure lunar delivery services more frequently and at potentially lower costs by fostering competition among private companies. CLPS funding has steadily increased as more task orders are awarded, reflecting NASA's strategic focus on returning to the Moon sustainably through the Artemis program and utilizing commercial capabilities.
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: 6
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3700 BAY AREA BLVD STE 600, HOUSTON, TX, 77058
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $56,287,643
Exercised Options: $56,287,643
Current Obligation: $56,287,643
Actual Outlays: $56,008,268
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80HQTR19D0010
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-10-16
Current End Date: 2026-07-31
Potential End Date: 2026-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-05
More Contracts from Intuitive Machines, LLC
- Lunar Surface Transportation-Nasa Provided Lunar Payload (nplp) Delivery — $116.9M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Commercial Lunar Payload Services (clps) — $88.0M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Clps Task Order CP-11 Clps Payloads and Research Investigations on the Surface of the Moon — $85.6M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Deployable Hopper for Extreme Lunar Surface Access. Develop and Demonstrate a Small Robotic Hopper, Deployed AS a Secondary Payload From the Nova-C Lander, That CAN Provide Access to Extreme Environments and Locations of Interest on the Lunar Surface — $40.6M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Near Space Network (NSN) Services (subcategory 2.2 GEO to Cis-Lunar Relay) — $27.0M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
Other National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts
- International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
- Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
- Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)
View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →