NASA's $24.2M LoxSat 1 Contract to ETA Space LLC for Tipping Point Technologies
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $24,247,064 ($24.2M)
Contractor: ETA Space LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2021-04-27
End Date: 2027-04-27
Contract Duration: 2,191 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 73
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SPACE TECHNOLOGY - (SPACETECH - REDDI- 2020), 80HQTR20NOA01 AMENDMENT1, "UTILIZING PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS TO ADVANCE TIPPING POINT TECHNOLOGIES"...ETA SPACE, LLC. - LOXSAT 1
Place of Performance
Location: ROCKLEDGE, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32955
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $24.2 million to ETA SPACE LLC for work described as: SPACE TECHNOLOGY - (SPACETECH - REDDI- 2020), 80HQTR20NOA01 AMENDMENT1, "UTILIZING PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS TO ADVANCE TIPPING POINT TECHNOLOGIES"...ETA SPACE, LLC. - LOXSAT 1 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to ETA Space LLC for advanced space technology development. 2. Focus on 'Tipping Point Technologies' suggests high-risk, high-reward innovation. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, indicating a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract duration is substantial, spanning nearly 6 years.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $24.2 million for a 6-year R&D effort appears reasonable for advanced space technology. Benchmarking against similar NASA R&D contracts for novel propulsion or satellite systems would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and innovation.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is positive for taxpayers, as it likely led to a more cost-effective outcome for developing critical space technologies.
Public Impact
Advancement of potentially groundbreaking space technologies could lead to significant national benefits. Investment in private sector innovation through public-private partnerships can accelerate technological progress. The LoxSat 1 mission could pave the way for new satellite capabilities or space exploration methods.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration increases risk of cost overruns or scope creep.
- Technology development is inherently risky; success is not guaranteed.
- Reliance on a single awardee for specific 'tipping point' tech.
Positive Signals
- Focus on high-impact 'tipping point' technologies.
- Utilizes a competitive procurement process.
- Partnership with a private sector entity for innovation.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. NASA's R&D spending often targets cutting-edge technologies with long-term strategic importance, and benchmarks vary widely based on the specific technological domain.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to ETA Space LLC, and the data does not indicate if they are a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's procurement processes are generally subject to oversight from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and internal Inspector General offices. The use of definitive contracts and competitive bidding suggests adherence to standard oversight procedures.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration (2191 days).
- High R&D risk inherent in 'tipping point' technologies.
- Potential for cost growth if unforeseen technical challenges arise.
- Dependence on a single contractor for specific technological advancements.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, fl, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $24.2 million to ETA SPACE LLC. SPACE TECHNOLOGY - (SPACETECH - REDDI- 2020), 80HQTR20NOA01 AMENDMENT1, "UTILIZING PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS TO ADVANCE TIPPING POINT TECHNOLOGIES"...ETA SPACE, LLC. - LOXSAT 1
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ETA SPACE 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 $24.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-04-27. End: 2027-04-27.
What specific 'tipping point technologies' does LoxSat 1 aim to advance, and what is their potential impact on NASA's strategic goals?
The LoxSat 1 contract aims to advance 'tipping point technologies' related to space propulsion and satellite systems, likely focusing on innovations that could significantly alter the cost, capability, or accessibility of space operations. These could include advanced in-space refueling, novel satellite servicing, or highly efficient propulsion systems. The potential impact on NASA's strategic goals could be substantial, enabling more ambitious missions, reducing operational costs, and fostering a more robust commercial space ecosystem.
Given the R&D nature, what are the primary technical risks associated with LoxSat 1, and how are they being mitigated?
The primary technical risks associated with LoxSat 1 likely involve the feasibility of developing and demonstrating the novel 'tipping point' technologies within the project timeline and budget. Mitigation strategies typically include phased development, rigorous testing protocols, clear performance milestones, and strong technical oversight from NASA. The contract's firm fixed-price structure also incentivizes the contractor to manage risks effectively to meet cost targets.
How does the $24.2 million investment compare to similar R&D efforts in advanced space technology, and what is the expected return on investment?
The $24.2 million investment for a nearly 6-year R&D effort in advanced space technology is within a reasonable range, though direct comparisons are difficult without knowing the specific technological focus. NASA's R&D investments are strategic, aiming for breakthroughs that may not have immediate commercial returns but offer long-term national security or scientific advantages. The return on investment is measured not just in dollars but in technological advancement, capability enhancement, and potential market creation.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 80HQTR20NOA01-20STMD8000
Offers Received: 73
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 485 GUS HIPP BLVD, ROCKLEDGE, FL, 32955
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $25,487,894
Exercised Options: $25,487,894
Current Obligation: $24,247,064
Actual Outlays: $21,944,698
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-04-27
Current End Date: 2027-04-27
Potential End Date: 2027-04-27 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-10
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