NASA awards $46.4M for augmented parachute study to SpaceX, focusing on reliability data
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $46,426,412 ($46.4M)
Contractor: Space Exploration Technologies Corp.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2017-11-30
End Date: 2021-12-31
Contract Duration: 1,492 days
Daily Burn Rate: $31.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: THE GOVERNMENT IS UNILATERALLY ORDERING SPECIAL STUDIES SERVICES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CONTRACT CLAUSES FOR THE AUGMENTED PARACHUTE STUDY: (1) B. 5 SPECIAL STUDIES (IDIQ) (CLIN 003) (2) H.7 SPECIAL STUDIES TASK ORDERING PROCEDURES (APPLICABLE TO CLIN 003 ONLY), AND (3) I.7 FAR 52-216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995) (APPLICABLE TO CLINS 002 AND 003 OF THE CONTRACT). PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS: 1 YEAR AFTER COMPLETION OF THE SPACEX PARACHUTE SYSTEM QUALIFICATION PROGRAM. PERFORMANCE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS&CONDITIONS OF THE BASE CONTRACT NNK14MA74C. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL CONDUCT A AUGMENTED PARACHUTE TESTING STUDY FOR NASA TO COLLECT RELIABILITY DATA ON THE CONTRACTOR'S PARACHUTE DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM IN ADDITION TO THE CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL SYSTEM-LEVEL TESTING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ATTACHED STATEMENT OF WORK. TASK ORDER VALUE AND FUNDING: TOTAL FIXED PRICED IDIQ TASK ORDER VALUE IS $34,066,143. CLIN 001 TOTAL IS $25,364,064 CLIN 002 (1 CAPSULE BUILD) TOTAL IS $5,309,195 CLIN 003 (1 PTV BUILD) $3,392,884 TASK ORDER INVOICES: INVOICES SUBMITTED AGAINST TASK ORDERS SHALL DESCRIBE THE NAME OF THE STUDY AND THE ASSOCIATED CLIN (CLIN 003) AND SHALL REFERENCE THE TASK ORDER NUMBER. AUTHORITY TO PROCEED: AWARD OF THIS TASK ORDER REPRESENTS THE AUTHORITY TO PROCEED (ATP) FOR CLIN 001 ONLY. CLIN 002 AND CLIN 003 NASA MAY GRANT ATP AT A FUTURE DATE AND WITHIN THE STATEMENT OF WORK. AT NASAS DISCRETION IT MAY CANCEL TESTS 4TH, 5TH, AND/OR 6TH. REFERENCE THE DISCOUNTED FINAL MILESTONE PAYMENTS IN THE STATEMENT OF WORK. IN CONSIDERATION OF THE MODIFICATION AGREED TO HEREIN AS COMPLETE EQUITABLE ADJUSTMENT FOR CHANGES DESCRIBED ABOVE, THE CONTRACTOR HEREBY RELEASES THE GOVERNMENT FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY UNDER THIS CONTRACT FOR FURTHER EQUITABLE ADJUSTMENTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO SUCH FACTS OR CIRCUMSTANCES GIVING RISE TO THE PROPOSED ADJUSTMENT.
Place of Performance
Location: HAWTHORNE, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 90250
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $46.4 million to SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP. for work described as: THE GOVERNMENT IS UNILATERALLY ORDERING SPECIAL STUDIES SERVICES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CONTRACT CLAUSES FOR THE AUGMENTED PARACHUTE STUDY: (1) B. 5 SPECIAL STUDIES (IDIQ) (CLIN 003) (2) H.7 SPECIAL STUDIES TASK ORDERING PROCEDURES (APPLICABLE TO CLIN 003 ONLY), AND (3)… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on collecting reliability data for SpaceX's parachute deployment system. 2. The award is a delivery order under an existing indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 3. Performance period is tied to the completion of SpaceX's parachute system qualification program. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating a defined cost for the services. 5. This study aims to enhance understanding of parachute system performance in space exploration contexts.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
This contract's value of $46.4 million for specialized studies appears reasonable given the context of space exploration technology development. While direct comparisons are difficult without more specific service benchmarks, the cost is associated with a critical reliability study for a complex system. The Firm Fixed Price structure suggests that NASA has a clear understanding of the scope and associated costs, which is a positive indicator for value.
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. This process is designed to foster a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and innovation. The specific number of bidders is not detailed, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by ensuring that the government receives the best possible value through a wide range of offers and potentially lower prices due to market forces.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is NASA, which will gain crucial reliability data for its space mission hardware. The services delivered include specialized testing and study of augmented parachute systems. The geographic impact is primarily at the contractor's facilities, likely in California, and NASA's research centers. Workforce implications include specialized engineers and technicians involved in testing and analysis.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Reliance on a single contractor (SpaceX) for critical parachute system data could pose a risk if issues arise with their specific technology.
- The performance period is contingent on the completion of another program, introducing potential schedule uncertainty.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
- Focus on reliability data is crucial for mission safety and success in space exploration.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing sector, a highly specialized area of the aerospace industry. Spending in this sector is driven by government investment in space exploration, defense, and related technological advancements. Benchmarking is challenging due to the unique nature of space hardware, but significant R&D and testing investments are typical for such critical components.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal for this specific award, though the prime contractor may engage small businesses in their supply chain.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is provided by NASA, likely through contract officers and technical representatives who monitor performance and deliverables. The contract is subject to standard federal procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though specific study details may be proprietary.
Related Government Programs
- SpaceX Commercial Resupply Services
- NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate
- Advanced Space Technology Research
- Parachute Systems Development
Risk Flags
- Contingent Performance Period
- Specialized Technology Study
- Reliance on Prime Contractor's Qualification Program
Tags
nasa, spacex, parachute-system, reliability-study, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, delivery-order, space-exploration, guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufacturing, california, defense
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $46.4 million to SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP.. THE GOVERNMENT IS UNILATERALLY ORDERING SPECIAL STUDIES SERVICES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CONTRACT CLAUSES FOR THE AUGMENTED PARACHUTE STUDY: (1) B. 5 SPECIAL STUDIES (IDIQ) (CLIN 003) (2) H.7 SPECIAL STUDIES TASK ORDERING PROCEDURES (APPLICABLE TO CLIN 003 ONLY), AND (3) I.7 FAR 52-216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995) (APPLICABLE TO CLINS 002 AND 003 OF THE CONTRACT). PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS: 1 YEAR AFTER COMPLETION OF THE SPACEX PARACHUTE SYSTEM QUALIFICATION PROGR
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES 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 $46.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-11-30. End: 2021-12-31.
What is the historical spending pattern for augmented parachute studies by NASA or similar agencies?
Historical spending on augmented parachute studies by NASA and related agencies is not readily available in a consolidated public format. Such studies are often project-specific and integrated into larger mission budgets or research and development programs. However, NASA's commitment to space exploration, particularly crewed missions and robotic landers, necessitates significant investment in reliable landing systems. Spending in this area would typically fluctuate based on the development cycles of new spacecraft, the need for enhanced safety features, or the exploration of new planetary environments requiring advanced descent technologies. The $46.4 million awarded to SpaceX for this specific study suggests a substantial undertaking, likely reflecting the complexity and critical nature of the reliability data required for future missions.
How does the cost of this study compare to other parachute development contracts?
Direct cost comparisons for specialized parachute development studies are challenging due to the unique nature of each project and the specific technologies involved. The $46.4 million for SpaceX's augmented parachute study is a significant figure, reflecting the advanced engineering, testing, and data analysis required for space-grade systems. Contracts for parachute systems can range widely, from tens of millions for development and testing of entire systems for Mars landers or crewed capsules, to smaller amounts for specific component upgrades or simulations. Given that this contract focuses on reliability data for a specific deployment system within the context of a qualification program, its cost appears commensurate with the high-stakes environment of space exploration where system failure can have catastrophic consequences. Without detailed breakdowns of scope and deliverables for comparable contracts, a precise benchmark is difficult, but the investment aligns with the criticality of the technology.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this augmented parachute study?
Key performance indicators (KPIs) for this augmented parachute study would likely focus on the reliability and performance characteristics of the parachute deployment system. Specific metrics would include the successful deployment rate under various simulated environmental conditions (e.g., altitude, speed, atmospheric density), the structural integrity of the parachute and its components during and after deployment, and the accuracy of the system in achieving desired descent profiles. Data collected would quantify failure modes, stress tolerances, and operational margins. The study's success would be measured by the generation of comprehensive, statistically significant reliability data that meets NASA's stringent requirements for mission assurance, ultimately informing decisions about the system's suitability for operational use in space missions.
What is SpaceX's track record with NASA parachute systems?
SpaceX has a well-established track record with NASA, particularly concerning the development and deployment of parachute systems for its Dragon spacecraft. These systems have been critical for the safe return of cargo and astronauts from the International Space Station. SpaceX has successfully utilized parachute systems for splashdowns in numerous missions, demonstrating their capability in atmospheric re-entry and descent. The company has also been involved in developing and testing advanced parachute technologies, including those for potential Mars missions. NASA's continued reliance on SpaceX for critical components like parachute systems, and the awarding of this specific study contract, underscores a level of confidence in their technical expertise and past performance in this domain.
What are the potential risks associated with this contract and how are they being mitigated?
Potential risks associated with this contract include technical challenges in achieving the desired reliability metrics, potential delays in the completion of the prerequisite SpaceX Parachute System Qualification Program, and the inherent complexities of space system testing. Mitigation strategies likely involve close collaboration between NASA and SpaceX, rigorous testing protocols, and contingency planning for schedule adjustments. The Firm Fixed Price nature of the contract incentivizes SpaceX to manage costs and timelines effectively. Furthermore, NASA's oversight and the contract's structure, which ties performance to the qualification program, aim to ensure that the study's objectives are met while managing the inherent uncertainties of advanced aerospace development.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology 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: 1 ROCKET RD, HAWTHORNE, CA, 90250
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: $46,426,412
Exercised Options: $46,426,412
Current Obligation: $46,426,412
Actual Outlays: $26,135,351
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNK14MA74C
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-11-30
Current End Date: 2021-12-31
Potential End Date: 2021-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-05-29
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