NASA awards Sierra Space Corp $4.07M for advanced spacesuit regulators, impacting space exploration
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $4,070,000 ($4.1M)
Contractor: Sierra Space Corp
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2025-12-18
End Date: 2026-12-13
Contract Duration: 360 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: ADVANCED SPACESUIT REGULATOR (ASR)
Place of Performance
Location: LOUISVILLE, BOULDER County, COLORADO, 80027
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $4.1 million to SIERRA SPACE CORP for work described as: ADVANCED SPACESUIT REGULATOR (ASR) Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in critical life support technology for future space missions. 2. Competition dynamics for this specialized equipment are likely limited due to high technical barriers. 3. Performance risks may include potential delays in development or integration challenges with existing systems. 4. This award positions Sierra Space Corp as a key supplier for advanced space exploration components. 5. The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee structure incentivizes efficient cost management by the contractor. 6. The duration of the contract suggests a phased development and testing approach.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging due to the specialized nature of advanced spacesuit regulators. However, the award amount of $4.07 million for a 36-month period appears reasonable for the development of such critical life support technology. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility while providing incentives for cost control. Further analysis would require comparing this to similar, albeit rare, development contracts for next-generation space hardware.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 4 bidders suggests a moderately competitive environment for this specialized technology. While not a large number, it implies that NASA sought out and received proposals from qualified sources, which should contribute to price discovery and potentially lead to a more favorable outcome than a sole-source award.
Taxpayer Impact: A competitive process, even with a limited number of bidders, helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs and encouraging innovation.
Public Impact
Astronauts conducting extravehicular activities (EVAs) will benefit from improved life support systems. The contract supports the development of next-generation spacesuit components essential for future NASA missions, including lunar and Martian exploration. The primary geographic impact is within the United States, specifically where Sierra Space Corp conducts its research and development. This contract will likely support specialized engineering and manufacturing jobs within the aerospace sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns inherent in cost-plus contracts if not closely monitored.
- Dependency on a single contractor for a critical component could pose supply chain risks.
- Technical challenges in developing advanced regulator technology could lead to schedule delays.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust vetting process.
- Sierra Space Corp's involvement indicates a focus on advanced, cutting-edge technology.
- The contract duration allows for thorough development and testing, potentially leading to a more reliable product.
Sector Analysis
The aerospace manufacturing sector is characterized by high barriers to entry, significant R&D investment, and stringent quality requirements. This contract falls within the 'Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' subsector. Spending in this area is driven by government space exploration initiatives and defense programs. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other NASA or Department of Defense contracts for specialized space hardware and life support systems.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal, unless Sierra Space Corp voluntarily engages small businesses in its supply chain for specific components or services.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will be managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract terms, including performance milestones, reporting requirements, and payment schedules tied to progress. Transparency is facilitated through NASA's contract award databases and public reporting mechanisms. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Spacesuit Development Programs
- International Space Station Life Support Systems
- Commercial Crew Program
- Orion Spacecraft Development
- Artemis Program Components
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
- Dependency on a single supplier for critical technology.
- Technical complexity may lead to schedule delays.
Tags
nasa, aerospace, spacesuit, life-support, advanced-technology, definitive-contract, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, sierra-space-corp, national-aeronautics-and-space-administration, colorado, space-exploration
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $4.1 million to SIERRA SPACE CORP. ADVANCED SPACESUIT REGULATOR (ASR)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SIERRA SPACE CORP.
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 $4.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-12-18. End: 2026-12-13.
What is Sierra Space Corp's track record with NASA for similar advanced technology development?
Sierra Space Corp, while a relatively newer entity in its current form, has roots in established aerospace expertise. The company is known for its development of the Dream Chaser spaceplane, which has secured significant NASA contracts for cargo resupply missions to the International Space Station. Their involvement in the Dream Chaser program demonstrates a capacity for complex aerospace engineering and integration. While specific contracts for 'advanced spacesuit regulators' might be limited, their broader experience with NASA on critical flight hardware and life support systems provides a foundation for this award. Further investigation into their specific contributions to life support technologies within previous projects or related entities would offer a more granular view of their relevant experience.
How does the $4.07 million contract value compare to the typical cost of developing advanced life support systems for space missions?
The $4.07 million contract value for the Advanced Spacesuit Regulator (ASR) is within a reasonable range for the development of specialized, high-technology components for space missions. Developing cutting-edge life support systems involves significant research, design, prototyping, rigorous testing, and certification processes, all of which are resource-intensive. While exact comparisons are difficult due to the proprietary nature of such developments and the unique specifications of each program, similar contracts for critical space hardware, especially those involving novel technologies or demanding performance requirements, can range from several million to tens of millions of dollars. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure also implies that the final cost could fluctuate based on actual expenses incurred, within the agreed-upon fee. This award appears to be for a specific component's development rather than an entire suit system.
What are the primary technical risks associated with the development of advanced spacesuit regulators?
The primary technical risks associated with developing advanced spacesuit regulators (ASRs) are multifaceted. These include ensuring extreme reliability and redundancy, as failure can be catastrophic in the vacuum of space. Challenges exist in miniaturization and weight reduction while maintaining performance and durability under harsh environmental conditions (temperature extremes, radiation, micrometeoroid impacts). Developing systems that can efficiently manage oxygen, carbon dioxide, temperature, and humidity for extended durations, potentially with varying metabolic loads from astronauts, is complex. Integration with existing or future spacesuit designs and ground support equipment presents another risk, requiring precise interface compatibility. Furthermore, the materials used must be compatible with space environments and astronaut physiology, posing challenges in selection and testing.
What is the expected impact of this contract on NASA's long-term space exploration goals?
This contract is expected to have a significant positive impact on NASA's long-term space exploration goals by providing a critical upgrade to astronaut life support capabilities. Advanced spacesuit regulators are fundamental to enabling astronauts to safely conduct more complex and longer-duration Extravehicular Activities (EVAs). Improved regulators can enhance astronaut mobility, reduce fatigue, and increase the duration astronauts can spend outside their spacecraft, which is crucial for tasks such as assembling structures in orbit, conducting geological surveys on the Moon or Mars, and performing maintenance on spacecraft. This advancement directly supports missions under the Artemis program and future deep space exploration endeavors by ensuring astronaut safety and operational effectiveness in challenging environments.
How does the 'cost plus fixed fee' contract type influence contractor behavior and potential cost outcomes?
The 'cost plus fixed fee' (CPFF) contract type is used when the exact costs of performance cannot be easily determined in advance, but a reasonable estimate is possible. Under CPFF, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable, actual costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure incentivizes the contractor to control costs, as the fee remains constant regardless of the final cost. However, it also requires robust oversight from the government to ensure that costs are reasonable and allocable to the contract. Unlike 'cost plus incentive fee' contracts, there is less direct financial incentive for the contractor to significantly outperform cost targets beyond what is necessary to complete the work within the estimated scope. The government bears the primary risk of cost overruns if the initial cost estimate proves inaccurate.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 80JSC025R7004
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Sierra Nevada Corporation
Address: 2000 TAYLOR AVE STE 100, LOUISVILLE, CO, 80027
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $13,152,878
Exercised Options: $5,884,761
Current Obligation: $4,070,000
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-12-18
Current End Date: 2026-12-13
Potential End Date: 2027-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-13
More Contracts from Sierra Space Corp
- Nasa Baa/Nra Award. Proposal Title "next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnership - Nextstep-2. the Nextstep-2 Study Conducted by SNC Will Evaluate Mission Architecture, System Interfaces, and Subsystem Component Design to Meet the Objectives of the Three Operational Phases Outlined by Nasa. Nasa's Heomd/Aes Division Selected the Sierra Nevada Corporation Proposal in Response to the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships -2 (nextstep-2) BAA Solicitation in the Area of Habitation Systems. This Contract Effort Will Focus on Refining Architectures and Concepts of Operation and Developing a Full Size Ground Based Deep Space Habitation Prototype Unit for Initial Habitation Capabilities in Cislunar Space With Extensibility for In-Space Transit Habitation. This Contract Will Also Develop Plans and Estimates for Further Engineering and Flight Unit Development and Participation in a Nasa-Led Standards and Common Interfaces Working Group. KEY Components and Technologies Will BE Identified During the Study Phase. AS Part of Option 1 SNC Will Develop a Full-Scale Prototype to Further Mature the Design and Reduce Risk. Technologies and Subsystems With Commercial Space Applications Will BE Identified by SNC for USE in Expanding Snc's Commercial Space Goals. Additionally, the Total Program Costs for Execution Through Phase 2 Will BE Continually Refined Throughout the Study, and Culminate in a Proposal for a Follow-On Contract. the Proposed System Allows for Flexible Mating Options to Connect and Accommodate a Variety of Elements, Including Different Habitat Elements and a Docking Destination for National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (nasa) Orion Spacecraft — $27.3M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Next Space Technologies Exploration Partnership-2 Appendix R: Lunar Logistics & Mobility Studies. Goals ARE to Support Mission Architecture Definitions for Human Missions Beyond Low-Earth Orbit AS Part of Nasa's Moon to Mars Exploration Strategy — $4.2M (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 →