NASA awards $3.46M contract for Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (IAD) track C solid-state gas generator development
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,458,993 ($3.5M)
Contractor: Anasphere, Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2025-09-24
End Date: 2027-06-30
Contract Duration: 644 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: INFLATABLE AERODYNAMIC DECELERATOR (IAD) TRACK C - SOLID STATE GAS GENERATOR DEVELOPMENT
Place of Performance
Location: BELGRADE, GALLATIN County, MONTANA, 59714
State: Montana Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $3.5 million to ANASPHERE, INC for work described as: INFLATABLE AERODYNAMIC DECELERATOR (IAD) TRACK C - SOLID STATE GAS GENERATOR DEVELOPMENT Key points: 1. Contract focuses on research and development for advanced aerospace technology. 2. The contract duration is approximately 644 days, indicating a medium-term project. 3. Awarded by NASA, suggesting a focus on space exploration and aeronautics. 4. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 5. The specific NAICS code (541715) points to R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 6. The contract is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery contract.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $3.46 million for R&D in specialized aerospace components appears within a reasonable range for such niche development. Benchmarking against similar contracts for advanced gas generator systems or IAD components would provide a clearer picture of value for money. Without specific comparable contract data, it's difficult to definitively assess if the pricing is highly competitive or if there are opportunities for cost savings.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This suggests that while competition was sought, certain sources were excluded, potentially due to specific technical requirements or prior relationships. The exact number of bidders and the rationale for excluding other sources are not detailed, making it challenging to fully assess the breadth of competition and its impact on price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition, even if initially open, may mean taxpayers did not benefit from the lowest possible price achievable through broader market engagement.
Public Impact
This contract directly benefits NASA's research and development efforts in aerospace technology. The services delivered involve the development of a solid-state gas generator for Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators. The geographic impact is primarily at the contractor's facilities, likely in Montana, and NASA research centers. Workforce implications include specialized engineers and technicians in aerospace R&D.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition could lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
- Lack of transparency on source exclusion criteria hinders full assessment of competition.
- Reliance on specific technologies or contractors might pose future supply chain risks.
Positive Signals
- Focus on advanced R&D aligns with NASA's mission objectives.
- Fixed-price contract offers cost certainty for the government.
- Development of IAD technology supports future space mission capabilities.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for advanced aerospace components like IAD gas generators is highly specialized, with a limited number of firms possessing the requisite expertise. NASA's spending in this area is critical for advancing space exploration and aeronautics, often involving significant investment in cutting-edge technologies.
Small Business Impact
The contract details do not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions. Given the specialized nature of the R&D required for solid-state gas generator development, it is likely that larger, more specialized firms are the primary contractors. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans to small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Accountability measures are inherent in the fixed-price contract structure, requiring delivery of specified development outcomes. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed technical progress and specific cost breakdowns may be proprietary.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Contracts
- Aerospace Component Development
- Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator Systems
- Solid-State Gas Generator Technology
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential for cost overruns despite fixed price
- Technical R&D complexity
- Reliance on specialized contractor expertise
Tags
nasa, research-and-development, aerospace, fixed-price, delivery-order, limited-competition, solid-state-gas-generator, inflatable-aerodynamic-decelerator, montana, nasa-headquarters, r&d-in-physical-engineering-and-life-sciences
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $3.5 million to ANASPHERE, INC. INFLATABLE AERODYNAMIC DECELERATOR (IAD) TRACK C - SOLID STATE GAS GENERATOR DEVELOPMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ANASPHERE, 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 $3.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-24. End: 2027-06-30.
What is the track record of ANASPHERE, INC. with NASA and similar government contracts?
ANASPHERE, INC. has a history of receiving contracts from various government agencies, including NASA. Their work often involves specialized engineering and development services. To assess their track record specifically for this type of R&D, a review of past performance evaluations on similar projects would be necessary. This would include examining their success in meeting technical requirements, adhering to schedules, and managing costs on previous NASA or DoD contracts related to aerospace components or propulsion systems. Without access to detailed past performance reports, a comprehensive evaluation of their reliability and expertise for this specific contract remains limited.
How does the $3.46 million award compare to similar R&D contracts for aerospace components?
The $3.46 million award for the development of a solid-state gas generator for an Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (IAD) is a moderate sum for specialized R&D. Comparable contracts in the aerospace sector for component development can range widely, from a few hundred thousand dollars for feasibility studies to tens or hundreds of millions for full system development. Contracts focusing on advanced propulsion, specialized materials, or unique testing equipment often fall within this mid-range. Benchmarking against contracts for similar IAD subsystems or advanced gas generation systems, if publicly available, would provide a more precise comparison. The fixed-price nature suggests a defined scope, which can influence the overall value compared to cost-plus contracts for more exploratory R&D.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?
Key risks include technical challenges in developing a novel solid-state gas generator, potential schedule delays due to the complexity of R&D, and cost overruns if unforeseen issues arise, despite the fixed-price structure. Mitigation strategies likely involve rigorous project management by NASA, clear technical specifications, phased development milestones, and performance monitoring. ANASPHERE, INC.'s technical expertise and prior experience with similar systems are also critical risk mitigators. The 'limited' competition aspect, while potentially impacting price, might also indicate a selection of a contractor with a higher probability of technical success, thereby reducing technical risk.
How effective is the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' approach for this type of specialized R&D?
This competition approach aims to balance broad market engagement with the need for specialized capabilities. For highly technical R&D like solid-state gas generator development, excluding sources that lack specific expertise or proprietary technology can ensure that proposals are technically sound and feasible. However, the effectiveness hinges on the justification for exclusion; if exclusions are too broad or arbitrary, it can stifle competition and potentially increase costs. The 'after exclusion of sources' part implies a prior step where certain vendors were deemed unsuitable or unavailable, followed by a competition among the remaining qualified entities. This can be effective if the exclusions are well-reasoned and documented, ensuring that the competition proceeds among capable offerors.
What is the historical spending trend for IAD or similar aerodynamic deceleration technologies by NASA?
NASA has consistently invested in technologies related to atmospheric entry and deceleration for planetary missions and reusable spacecraft. Spending on Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators (IADs) and related technologies, such as advanced heat shields and braking systems, has been ongoing for years, driven by the need for lighter, more efficient, and robust deceleration methods. Historical data would likely show a pattern of R&D contracts, component testing, and potentially flight demonstrations. The specific focus on solid-state gas generators suggests a move towards more reliable and potentially safer initiation systems compared to pyrotechnic or hybrid systems, reflecting an evolution in technological requirements and safety standards within NASA's R&D portfolio.
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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 5400 FRONTAGE RD, MANHATTAN, MT, 59741
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $3,458,993
Exercised Options: $3,458,993
Current Obligation: $3,458,993
Actual Outlays: $518,849
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $1,180,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80LARC22DA009
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-09-24
Current End Date: 2027-06-30
Potential End Date: 2027-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-05
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