NASA awards $22.1M for lunar testbed, supporting space science and technology evaluation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $22,099,122 ($22.1M)
Contractor: Alpha Space Test and Research Alliance, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2021-08-11
End Date: 2026-08-10
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 31
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SPACE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION FACILITY FIRST FLIGHT. A GENERAL-PURPOSE LUNAR TESTBED PROVIDING POWER AND DATA SERVICES TO INDIVIDUAL EXPERIMENTS/PAYLOADS FOR TESTING AT LUNAR SURFACE
Place of Performance
Location: HOUSTON, HARRIS County, TEXAS, 77058
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $22.1 million to ALPHA SPACE TEST AND RESEARCH ALLIANCE, LLC for work described as: SPACE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION FACILITY FIRST FLIGHT. A GENERAL-PURPOSE LUNAR TESTBED PROVIDING POWER AND DATA SERVICES TO INDIVIDUAL EXPERIMENTS/PAYLOADS FOR TESTING AT LUNAR SURFACE Key points: 1. Contract aims to provide a versatile lunar testbed for power and data services to experiments. 2. Focus on research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 3. Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for lunar testing solutions. 4. Long-term contract duration of 5 years indicates a sustained need for lunar surface testing capabilities. 5. Firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government. 6. Contractor, ALPHA SPACE TEST AND RESEARCH ALLIANCE, LLC, is positioned to deliver critical lunar infrastructure.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $22.1 million over five years appears reasonable for developing and operating a general-purpose lunar testbed. Benchmarking against similar lunar infrastructure development contracts is challenging due to the nascent nature of the market. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor has adequately estimated costs, and the government is protected from cost overruns. The value proposition lies in enabling multiple experiments to test on the lunar surface, potentially reducing individual mission costs and accelerating R&D.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, with 31 proposals received. This high level of competition indicates a healthy and active market for lunar testing and research services. The extensive bidder pool suggests that NASA had a strong selection of qualified vendors, likely leading to a more competitive price and a better-suited solution for the agency's needs.
Taxpayer Impact: The broad competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently, as multiple companies vied to offer the best value. This process helps drive down costs and encourages innovation in the private space sector.
Public Impact
Benefits scientific research and technology development by providing a dedicated lunar testing environment. Enables testing of individual experiments and payloads on the lunar surface. Supports the advancement of space science and exploration capabilities. Potential to foster innovation in lunar surface operations and infrastructure.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical lunar testing infrastructure could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
- The long-term nature of the contract requires ongoing monitoring to ensure continued value and adherence to objectives.
Positive Signals
- The firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability and limits the government's financial exposure.
- Awarded through full and open competition with a significant number of bidders, indicating a competitive market and strong vendor interest.
- The contract supports a critical area of space exploration and technological advancement for NASA.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for lunar surface infrastructure and testing services is rapidly evolving, driven by renewed interest in space exploration and commercial lunar missions. While specific spending benchmarks for lunar testbeds are not widely available, NASA's investment reflects a strategic commitment to enabling scientific discovery and technological maturation in the cislunar domain.
Small Business Impact
The contract details do not indicate any specific small business set-asides. Given the specialized nature of lunar testbed development, it is possible that larger, more established aerospace companies were better positioned to compete. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within the performance of this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which has established oversight mechanisms for its research and development programs. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of financial oversight. Transparency regarding performance metrics and progress reports would be key to assessing accountability. NASA's Office of Inspector General would likely have jurisdiction over any potential issues related to fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Lunar Surface Technology Research (LuSTR)
- NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
- Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS)
Risk Flags
- Potential for technical challenges in lunar environment operation.
- Long-term contract performance monitoring required.
- Dependence on contractor's technical expertise.
Tags
space-science, research-and-development, nasa, national-aeronautics-and-space-administration, definitive-contract, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, lunar-exploration, texas, aerospace, technology-development
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $22.1 million to ALPHA SPACE TEST AND RESEARCH ALLIANCE, LLC. SPACE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION FACILITY FIRST FLIGHT. A GENERAL-PURPOSE LUNAR TESTBED PROVIDING POWER AND DATA SERVICES TO INDIVIDUAL EXPERIMENTS/PAYLOADS FOR TESTING AT LUNAR SURFACE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ALPHA SPACE TEST AND RESEARCH ALLIANCE, LLC.
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 $22.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-08-11. End: 2026-08-10.
What is the track record of ALPHA SPACE TEST AND RESEARCH ALLIANCE, LLC in delivering complex space-related infrastructure projects?
Information regarding the specific track record of ALPHA SPACE TEST AND RESEARCH ALLIANCE, LLC in delivering complex space-related infrastructure projects is not readily available in the provided data. As a private entity, detailed project histories and performance metrics are often proprietary. However, their selection for this NASA contract suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and capabilities deemed sufficient by the agency's procurement process. Further due diligence would involve examining their past performance on similar government or commercial contracts, any awards or recognitions received, and their financial stability. NASA's source selection process typically includes a thorough review of a contractor's past performance to mitigate risks associated with project execution.
How does the cost of this lunar testbed compare to similar R&D infrastructure development contracts within NASA or other agencies?
Direct cost comparisons for lunar testbed development are difficult due to the novelty and specialized nature of such infrastructure. The $22.1 million award over five years, averaging approximately $4.42 million annually, needs to be viewed in the context of the services provided: power and data for multiple experiments on the lunar surface. This is distinct from satellite development or launch services. Comparable R&D infrastructure might include ground-based testing facilities or specialized research platforms. However, the unique challenges and costs associated with operating on the lunar surface make direct benchmarking against terrestrial projects unreliable. The value is derived from enabling multiple scientific payloads, potentially reducing the cost per experiment compared to dedicated lunar missions for each payload.
What are the primary risks associated with the development and operation of this lunar testbed, and how are they being mitigated?
Key risks include technical challenges in developing reliable lunar surface infrastructure, potential delays in deployment, and ensuring the long-term operational viability of the testbed. Environmental factors on the Moon, such as extreme temperatures, radiation, and dust, pose significant engineering hurdles. NASA mitigates these risks through its rigorous source selection process, requiring detailed technical proposals and past performance evaluations. The firm-fixed-price contract structure incentivizes the contractor to manage costs and timelines effectively. Furthermore, the contract likely includes performance milestones and reporting requirements, allowing NASA to monitor progress and address issues proactively. Contingency planning for potential failures or unforeseen operational challenges would also be a critical component of the contractor's plan.
What is the expected effectiveness of this testbed in accelerating scientific discovery and technological advancement in space?
The effectiveness of this lunar testbed is expected to be high in accelerating scientific discovery and technological advancement. By providing a common, accessible platform for power and data, it lowers the barrier to entry for researchers and developers wanting to test payloads on the lunar surface. This shared infrastructure can reduce the cost and complexity of individual lunar missions, allowing for more frequent and diverse experimentation. The testbed is designed to support a range of scientific objectives, from geology and resource prospecting to testing advanced life support systems and communication technologies. Its success will depend on the reliability of the infrastructure and the range of experiments it can accommodate, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of the Moon and paving the way for future human exploration.
How has NASA's spending on lunar infrastructure and R&D evolved over the past five years, and what does this contract signify?
NASA's spending on lunar infrastructure and R&D has seen a significant resurgence in recent years, driven by the Artemis program's goals of returning humans to the Moon and establishing a sustainable presence. While specific aggregate spending figures for lunar R&D infrastructure are not provided, this $22.1 million contract for a general-purpose lunar testbed is indicative of this trend. It signifies a strategic investment in foundational capabilities necessary for long-term lunar exploration and utilization. This contrasts with earlier periods where lunar missions were primarily focused on robotic exploration or short-duration human sorties. The agency is increasingly relying on commercial partnerships and developing shared infrastructure to support a broader range of scientific and technological objectives on the lunar surface.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: 80HQTR20NOA01
Offers Received: 31
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Aegis Aerospace Inc
Address: 930 GEMINI AVENUE, HOUSTON, TX, 77058
Business Categories: Category Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $22,099,122
Exercised Options: $22,099,122
Current Obligation: $22,099,122
Actual Outlays: $18,303,455
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-08-11
Current End Date: 2026-08-10
Potential End Date: 2026-08-10 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-15
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