NASA Awards $1.4M for Gateway Digital Architecture and MBSE to Booz Allen Hamilton
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $1,417,882 ($1.4M)
Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2026-02-01
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 241 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.9K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Engineering Services
Official Description: TO 174 BASE- GATEWAY DIGITAL ARCHITECTURE AND MODEL-BASED SYSTEM ENGINEERING
Place of Performance
Location: HOUSTON, HARRIS County, TEXAS, 77058
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $1.4 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: TO 174 BASE- GATEWAY DIGITAL ARCHITECTURE AND MODEL-BASED SYSTEM ENGINEERING Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Booz Allen Hamilton for critical space architecture development. 2. Limited competition due to BPA call structure may impact price discovery. 3. Potential risk in defining comprehensive digital architecture for complex space missions. 4. Engineering services sector sees significant investment in advanced digital solutions.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $1.4M for a 2-year period appears reasonable for specialized digital architecture and MBSE services. Benchmarking against similar complex system engineering contracts is difficult without more detailed scope information.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
Awarded under a BPA call, this contract was not fully competed. While BPA calls can offer efficiency, the limited competition may have restricted price discovery and potentially led to a higher cost than a fully open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for advanced engineering services supporting NASA's space exploration goals. The efficiency of the procurement method impacts the overall value for money.
Public Impact
Supports NASA's ambitious Gateway program, crucial for lunar missions. Advances the use of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) in space programs. Potential for technological advancements with broad applications in aerospace. Ensures critical digital infrastructure for future space exploration.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 58 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition impacts price discovery.
- Scope definition for complex digital architecture.
- Long-term sustainment and integration risks.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical NASA program.
- Utilizes advanced MBSE methodology.
- Experienced contractor.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting aerospace and defense. Spending in this area is driven by complex, high-stakes projects requiring specialized expertise in digital transformation and systems engineering.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to Booz Allen Hamilton, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, which is common for large, complex prime contracts.
Oversight & Accountability
The award was made under a NASA BPA call, suggesting some level of pre-qualification. Further oversight will be needed to ensure effective execution and adherence to project milestones and budget.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential for scope creep
- Integration complexity
- Reliance on single contractor for critical architecture
Tags
engineering-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, tx, bpa-call, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $1.4 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. TO 174 BASE- GATEWAY DIGITAL ARCHITECTURE AND MODEL-BASED SYSTEM ENGINEERING
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON 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 $1.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-02-01. End: 2026-09-30.
What is the specific scope of the digital architecture and MBSE work, and how does it align with the overall Gateway program objectives?
The contract aims to develop the digital architecture and implement Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) for the Gateway program. This involves defining the digital framework, data management strategies, and system interfaces. The alignment with Gateway objectives is critical for ensuring seamless integration of various mission modules and operational efficiency in lunar orbit.
What are the key risks associated with the limited competition procurement method for this specialized engineering service?
The primary risk of limited competition is potentially suboptimal pricing due to reduced market pressure. Without a broader range of bids, NASA may not achieve the most cost-effective solution. Additionally, it could limit the exposure to innovative approaches that might have been offered by a wider pool of competitors.
How will the success of this digital architecture and MBSE implementation be measured, and what is the expected impact on mission effectiveness?
Success will likely be measured by the successful development and validation of the digital architecture, adherence to MBSE principles throughout the design lifecycle, and seamless integration with Gateway systems. Effective implementation is expected to enhance collaboration, reduce errors, improve system performance, and ultimately increase the overall effectiveness and safety of lunar missions.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation
Address: 8283 GREENSBORO DR, MC LEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $1,417,882
Exercised Options: $1,417,882
Current Obligation: $1,417,882
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80JSC023AA001
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-02-01
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-10
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