Axiom Space Inc. awarded $93.1M for Extravehicular Activity (EVA) demonstration, impacting guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $93,162,490 ($93.2M)
Contractor: Axiom Space Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2023-06-23
End Date: 2028-08-09
Contract Duration: 1,874 days
Daily Burn Rate: $49.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: EXTRAVEHICULAR ACTIVITY (EVA) DEMONSTRATION
Place of Performance
Location: HOUSTON, HARRIS County, TEXAS, 77058
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $93.2 million to AXIOM SPACE INC for work described as: EXTRAVEHICULAR ACTIVITY (EVA) DEMONSTRATION Key points: 1. Contract value of $93.1M for EVA demonstration suggests significant investment in space exploration capabilities. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract are favorable, indicating potential for good value. 3. Risk indicators appear manageable given the nature of the service and contractor. 4. Performance context is tied to NASA's ongoing efforts in human spaceflight and exploration. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within the advanced aerospace and defense industry.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $93.1M for an Extravehicular Activity (EVA) demonstration appears reasonable for specialized space services. Benchmarking against similar NASA contracts for EVA support and hardware development would provide a more precise value assessment. However, given the complexity and high-risk nature of space operations, this figure suggests a commitment to advancing critical human spaceflight capabilities. The firm fixed-price structure also provides cost certainty for the government.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of two bids suggests a competitive environment, which typically drives better pricing and innovation. The specific details of the bidding process and the number of proposals received would offer further insight into the intensity of the competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a marketplace that encourages competitive pricing and efficient service delivery, leading to better value for public funds.
Public Impact
Benefits NASA's human spaceflight program by advancing EVA capabilities. Services delivered include the demonstration of critical technologies for future space missions. Geographic impact is primarily centered around NASA's space exploration initiatives and contractor facilities in Texas. Workforce implications include specialized engineering, technical, and operational roles within the aerospace sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for schedule delays in complex space demonstrations.
- Ensuring robust safety protocols for all EVA activities is paramount.
- Integration challenges with existing or future spacecraft systems.
Positive Signals
- Axiom Space's growing role in commercial spaceflight.
- Advancement of critical EVA technology for future exploration.
- Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing sector, a high-tech industry characterized by significant R&D investment and stringent performance requirements. The market for space exploration services, including EVA capabilities, is growing with increased commercial and governmental interest. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other NASA contracts for astronaut support systems, space suit development, and mission operations.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not appear to have specific small business set-aside provisions. However, Axiom Space Inc. may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specialized components or services, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem within the aerospace industry. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business subcontracting.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract is managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). NASA employs various accountability measures, including contract performance reviews, milestone tracking, and technical evaluations, to ensure successful execution. Transparency is facilitated through public contract awards and reporting mechanisms, with potential oversight from NASA's Office of Inspector General for significant issues.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate
- Commercial Crew Program
- International Space Station (ISS) Operations
- Space Suit Development Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for technical complexity leading to delays.
- Ensuring robust safety protocols for advanced EVA systems.
- Integration with future space architectures.
Tags
space-exploration, nasa, extravehicular-activity, axiom-space-inc, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, delivery-order, texas, aerospace, defense-contracting, technology-demonstration
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $93.2 million to AXIOM SPACE INC. EXTRAVEHICULAR ACTIVITY (EVA) DEMONSTRATION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AXIOM SPACE 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 $93.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-06-23. End: 2028-08-09.
What is Axiom Space Inc.'s track record with NASA for similar EVA-related contracts?
Axiom Space Inc. is a relatively newer player in large-scale government contracting compared to established aerospace giants, but it has secured significant contracts with NASA. Notably, Axiom was selected to provide the next-generation spacesuits for NASA's Artemis missions, which includes developing and demonstrating advanced Extravehicular Activity (EVA) capabilities. This current contract for an EVA demonstration builds upon that foundational work. While specific historical performance data on prior, smaller-scale EVA demonstrations might be limited, their selection for the Artemis spacesuit program indicates NASA's confidence in their technical capabilities and potential for successful execution. Further review of NASA's contract performance databases and any publicly available mission reports related to Axiom's prior work would provide a more granular understanding of their past performance.
How does the value of this contract compare to other recent NASA EVA development contracts?
The $93.1 million award for Axiom Space Inc.'s EVA demonstration is substantial and reflects the high cost associated with developing and testing advanced space exploration technologies. To benchmark this value effectively, it's necessary to compare it with similar contracts awarded by NASA for spacesuit development, EVA system integration, and related technology demonstrations. For instance, NASA's contracts for the development of the xEMU (Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit) under the Artemis program, which Axiom is also involved with, represent significant investments. While exact figures for comparable, discrete 'demonstration' contracts might vary, the overall investment in next-generation EVA systems suggests that this award is in line with the high-risk, high-reward nature of pioneering space hardware. The firm fixed-price nature of this contract also implies a defined scope and cost ceiling, which is a positive indicator for value.
What are the primary risks associated with this EVA demonstration contract?
The primary risks associated with this Extravehicular Activity (EVA) demonstration contract are multifaceted, stemming from the inherent complexities of space operations and technology development. Technical risks include potential failures in the new EVA systems during testing, integration challenges with existing or planned spacecraft, and the difficulty of replicating real-world space conditions in ground-based simulations. Schedule risks are also significant, as space hardware development is often subject to delays due to unforeseen technical hurdles, supply chain issues, or the need for iterative design changes. Furthermore, safety risks are paramount; any malfunction during an EVA demonstration, even in a controlled environment, could pose a danger to personnel. Finally, cost risks, although mitigated by the firm fixed-price structure, could arise if unforeseen issues necessitate scope changes or extensive rework, potentially leading to contract modifications.
How effective is the firm fixed-price contract type in ensuring program effectiveness for this EVA demonstration?
The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective for ensuring program effectiveness when the scope of work is well-defined and risks are understood, as is often the case with technology demonstrations. For this EVA demonstration, an FFP contract provides NASA with cost certainty, meaning the total price is fixed regardless of the contractor's actual costs. This incentivizes Axiom Space Inc. to manage its resources efficiently and control expenditures to maximize profit. It also places the risk of cost overruns primarily on the contractor. This structure can drive the contractor to focus on meeting the defined performance objectives and delivery schedule to achieve profitability. However, if unforeseen technical challenges arise that significantly alter the scope, contract modifications might be necessary, potentially impacting the initial cost certainty.
What are the historical spending patterns for EVA-related procurements by NASA?
NASA's historical spending on Extravehicular Activity (EVA) systems has been substantial, reflecting the critical role these capabilities play in human spaceflight. Early spending was focused on the development and maintenance of the Apollo-era suits and later the Space Shuttle's Manned Maneuvering Units (MMUs) and Extravehicular Maneuvering Units (EMUs). Following the Shuttle program, significant investment continued for EVA operations on the International Space Station (ISS), including upgrades and sustainment of the existing EMU fleet. More recently, with the Artemis program's focus on returning humans to the Moon and establishing a sustainable presence, NASA has significantly increased its investment in next-generation EVA systems. This includes contracts for new spacesuits designed for lunar surface operations and advanced EVA capabilities for future deep-space missions. The current contract with Axiom Space Inc. aligns with this trend of sustained and increasing investment in cutting-edge EVA technology.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: LEASE/RENT EQUIPMENT › LEASE OR RENTAL OF EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1290 HERCULES AVE STE 120, HOUSTON, TX, 77058
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $171,579,577
Exercised Options: $131,014,257
Current Obligation: $93,162,490
Actual Outlays: $77,434,541
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80JSC022DA022
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-06-23
Current End Date: 2028-08-09
Potential End Date: 2028-08-09 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-14
More Contracts from Axiom Space Inc
- Exploration Extravehicular Activity Service (xevas) Artemis Program — $312.9M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Special Studies — $30.4M (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 →