NASA's CLPS Program Awards $99M to Firefly Aerospace for Lunar Delivery Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $99,251,932 ($99.3M)
Contractor: Firefly Aerospace Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2024-12-18
End Date: 2029-04-15
Contract Duration: 1,579 days
Daily Burn Rate: $62.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: COMMERCIAL LUNAR PAYLOAD SERVICES (CLPS)
Place of Performance
Location: CEDAR PARK, WILLIAMSON County, TEXAS, 78613
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $99.3 million to FIREFLY AEROSPACE INC for work described as: COMMERCIAL LUNAR PAYLOAD SERVICES (CLPS) Key points: 1. Significant investment in commercial lunar payload delivery capabilities. 2. Firefly Aerospace is a key player in the emerging space logistics market. 3. Potential risks include launch failures, payload damage, and schedule delays. 4. Spending is concentrated in the aerospace and defense sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $99.25 million for lunar payload delivery appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the services. Benchmarking against similar space launch contracts suggests competitive pricing, though specific per-payload costs are not detailed.
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 competitive process but with specific criteria limiting initial bidders. This method aims for best value while ensuring specialized capabilities are met.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting the advancement of lunar exploration and commercial space capabilities, potentially leading to future economic benefits.
Public Impact
Enables scientific research and technology demonstration on the Moon. Supports the development of a robust lunar economy and infrastructure. Provides opportunities for commercial entities to access lunar resources and markets. Contributes to national goals for space exploration and leadership.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 75 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may not yield the absolute lowest price.
- Dependence on a single provider for multiple deliveries carries risk.
- Potential for cost overruns if mission objectives change or challenges arise.
Positive Signals
- Supports innovative commercial space capabilities.
- Advances scientific understanding of the Moon.
- Firms up NASA's lunar delivery strategy.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on space transportation and logistics. Spending benchmarks in this area are highly variable due to the R&D intensity and high-risk nature of space missions.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to Firefly Aerospace Inc., a private company, and there is no indication of small business subcontracting in the provided data. The focus is on specialized capabilities rather than broad small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's oversight mechanisms, including contract management and performance monitoring, are crucial for ensuring successful mission execution and responsible use of taxpayer funds. The agency's procurement processes aim to balance competition with specialized needs.
Related Government Programs
- Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential for launch failure
- Schedule delays
- Dependence on a single provider
Tags
nonscheduled-chartered-freight-air-trans, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, tx, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $99.3 million to FIREFLY AEROSPACE INC. COMMERCIAL LUNAR PAYLOAD SERVICES (CLPS)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FIREFLY AEROSPACE 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 $99.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-12-18. End: 2029-04-15.
What is the projected cost per kilogram delivered to the lunar surface under this contract?
The provided data does not specify the cost per kilogram. The contract value is a total for multiple deliveries over a period. A detailed cost-benefit analysis would require payload mass and destination information for each delivery, which is not available in this summary.
What are the specific risks associated with Firefly Aerospace's technology and past performance?
While the data indicates 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' it doesn't detail specific technological risks or past performance issues of Firefly Aerospace. A comprehensive risk assessment would involve reviewing the company's launch success rate, payload integration capabilities, and any prior mission anomalies.
How does this contract contribute to NASA's broader Artemis program goals?
This contract is integral to the CLPS initiative, which directly supports the Artemis program by providing essential cargo delivery services to the lunar surface. These payloads will enable scientific research, technology demonstrations, and infrastructure development necessary for sustained human presence on the Moon.
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
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1320 ARROW POINT DR, CEDAR PARK, TX, 78613
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $179,579,880
Exercised Options: $179,579,880
Current Obligation: $99,251,932
Actual Outlays: $62,841,767
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80HQTR19D0009
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-12-18
Current End Date: 2029-04-15
Potential End Date: 2029-04-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-11
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