NASA Awards $3.2M to Redwire Space for LEO Market Disruption R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,232,051 ($3.2M)
Contractor: Redwire Space Technologies, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2025-08-14
End Date: 2030-10-30
Contract Duration: 1,903 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: POTENTIAL FOR SCALABILITY TO CAPTURE SIZEABLE MARKETS, CREATE NEW MARKETS, OR EVEN DISRUPT EXISTING EARTH-BASED TECHNOLOGIES BY TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT OF LEO THROUGH UTILIZATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (ISS)
Place of Performance
Location: GREENVILLE, FLOYD County, INDIANA, 47124
State: Indiana Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $3.2 million to REDWIRE SPACE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: POTENTIAL FOR SCALABILITY TO CAPTURE SIZEABLE MARKETS, CREATE NEW MARKETS, OR EVEN DISRUPT EXISTING EARTH-BASED TECHNOLOGIES BY TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT OF LEO THROUGH UTILIZATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (ISS) Key points: 1. Focuses on leveraging the unique Low Earth Orbit (LEO) environment via the ISS. 2. Aims to create or disrupt Earth-based technologies, indicating high market potential. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive price discovery process. 4. The sector is R&D in Biotechnology, with a specific focus on space applications.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $3.2M is relatively small for R&D with disruptive potential. Benchmarking is difficult due to the novel nature of the research, but the cost appears reasonable for an initial phase.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was utilized, which generally promotes competitive pricing. The award amount suggests a focused scope, likely allowing for effective price discovery within that scope.
Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is currently minimal given the R&D nature and contract value, but successful disruption could yield significant future returns.
Public Impact
Potential for groundbreaking advancements in space-based biotechnology. Could lead to new industries and economic opportunities in LEO. Enhances U.S. leadership in space commercialization and technological innovation. Long-term benefits may include improved Earth-based technologies and services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- High technical risk inherent in R&D.
- Scalability and market disruption are speculative at this stage.
- Dependence on ISS infrastructure and future availability.
Positive Signals
- Leverages unique LEO environment for novel applications.
- Potential for significant long-term economic and technological impact.
- Awarded through full and open competition.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in Biotechnology, specifically exploring applications within the unique environment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) using the International Space Station (ISS). Spending in this niche R&D area is typically characterized by high risk but potentially high reward, with significant government investment in advancing space capabilities.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific provisions or impacts related to small businesses for this contract. The focus appears to be on a prime contractor with specialized capabilities for space technology development.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's oversight would involve monitoring the R&D progress, milestone achievements, and adherence to the firm-fixed-price contract terms. Accountability for achieving the stated goals of market capture and disruption will be crucial.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- High technical risk
- Market disruption is speculative
- Dependence on ISS
- Novel application area
- Long development timeline
Tags
research-and-development-in-biotechnolog, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, in, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $3.2 million to REDWIRE SPACE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. POTENTIAL FOR SCALABILITY TO CAPTURE SIZEABLE MARKETS, CREATE NEW MARKETS, OR EVEN DISRUPT EXISTING EARTH-BASED TECHNOLOGIES BY TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT OF LEO THROUGH UTILIZATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (ISS)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is REDWIRE SPACE TECHNOLOGIES, 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 $3.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-08-14. End: 2030-10-30.
What are the specific technological breakthroughs anticipated from this R&D effort?
The specific breakthroughs are not detailed in the provided data, but the objective is to leverage the unique LEO environment for biotechnology applications. This could include advancements in areas like in-space manufacturing, novel drug development, or advanced materials science, potentially leading to new markets or disrupting existing Earth-based technologies.
What is the risk associated with the 'disrupt existing Earth-based technologies' claim?
The primary risk lies in the inherent uncertainty of R&D and the ambitious goal of disrupting established industries. Market adoption, cost-effectiveness compared to terrestrial alternatives, and the pace of technological evolution are significant factors. Success hinges on demonstrating a clear, compelling advantage offered by the LEO environment.
How will the effectiveness of this R&D investment be measured?
Effectiveness will likely be measured against predefined R&D milestones, successful demonstration of novel biotechnologies, and the potential for scalability to capture or create markets. NASA will assess progress towards the stated goals of leveraging LEO and potentially disrupting Earth-based technologies, with long-term economic impact being a key indicator.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 7200 HIGHWAY 150, GREENVILLE, IN, 47124
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $6,550,545
Exercised Options: $6,550,545
Current Obligation: $3,232,051
Actual Outlays: $400,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80JSC025D0070
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-08-14
Current End Date: 2030-10-30
Potential End Date: 2030-10-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-05
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