NASA's $80.7M Cryogenic Propulsion Demo Contract Awarded to United Launch Alliance
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $80,700,033 ($80.7M)
Contractor: United Launch Alliance, L.L.C
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2021-09-21
End Date: 2026-07-31
Contract Duration: 1,774 days
Daily Burn Rate: $45.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 73
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: CRYOGENIC (H2-O2) SMART PROPULSION FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION
Place of Performance
Location: ENGLEWOOD, ARAPAHOE County, COLORADO, 80112
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $80.7 million to UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE, L.L.C for work described as: CRYOGENIC (H2-O2) SMART PROPULSION FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION Key points: 1. Focuses on advanced cryogenic propulsion for future space missions. 2. United Launch Alliance, a major player in launch services, is the awardee. 3. The contract is for Research and Development in Physical Sciences. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type aims to control costs. 5. Long duration (1774 days) suggests a complex, multi-phase project.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The $80.7M award for a complex R&D project appears reasonable given the specialized nature of cryogenic propulsion and the contractor's expertise. Benchmarking is difficult without specific performance metrics, but the firm fixed price structure provides cost certainty.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method is expected to drive competitive pricing and ensure the best value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The investment supports technological advancement in space exploration, potentially leading to more efficient and cost-effective future missions, benefiting taxpayers in the long run.
Public Impact
Advances critical space propulsion technology for NASA's future exploration goals. Supports innovation in the aerospace sector, potentially creating high-skilled jobs. Demonstration could lead to more efficient and cost-effective space launches. Enhances U.S. capabilities in advanced space propulsion systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in complex R&D.
- Dependence on a single contractor for a critical technology demonstration.
- Long project duration increases risk of scope creep or changing requirements.
Positive Signals
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost control.
- Full and open competition suggests a competitive award.
- Experienced contractor with a track record in launch services.
- Focus on R&D aligns with strategic technological advancement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical sciences and engineering for aerospace applications. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological leadership and enabling ambitious space exploration missions.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to United Launch Alliance, a large aerospace company. There is no explicit indication of small business participation in this specific award, suggesting opportunities may lie in subcontracting roles.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's oversight mechanisms, including contract milestones and performance reviews, will be critical to managing this long-term R&D project. Ensuring accountability for technological development and adherence to budget is paramount.
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
- Technological complexity and R&D uncertainty.
- Long project duration increases risk exposure.
- Potential for schedule delays impacting follow-on missions.
- Reliance on specialized, high-cost components and expertise.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, co, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $80.7 million to UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE, L.L.C. CRYOGENIC (H2-O2) SMART PROPULSION FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE, L.L.C.
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 $80.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-09-21. End: 2026-07-31.
What specific performance metrics will be used to evaluate the success of the cryogenic propulsion flight demonstration?
Success will likely be evaluated based on achieving key performance parameters such as thrust levels, specific impulse, engine reliability, duration of burns, and overall system stability during flight. NASA will monitor adherence to technical specifications and operational readiness throughout the demonstration phases.
What are the primary technical risks associated with developing and demonstrating this advanced cryogenic propulsion system?
Key risks include challenges in cryogenic fluid management (boil-off), ignition and restart reliability in vacuum, material compatibility under extreme temperatures, and integration complexity with the launch vehicle. Ensuring the system performs as expected under flight conditions, especially during critical maneuvers, is a significant technical hurdle.
How will the successful demonstration of this technology impact future NASA missions and overall space exploration effectiveness?
A successful demonstration could enable more ambitious deep-space missions by providing higher performance and potentially lower-cost propulsion. It could reduce transit times, increase payload capacity, and open new mission architectures, thereby significantly enhancing the effectiveness and reach of NASA's exploration endeavors.
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: 80HQTR20NOA01-20STMD_001
Offers Received: 73
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 9501 E PANORAMA CIR, CENTENNIAL, CO, 80112
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $80,700,033
Exercised Options: $80,700,033
Current Obligation: $80,700,033
Actual Outlays: $67,119,648
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 53
Total Subaward Amount: $10,280,276
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-09-21
Current End Date: 2026-07-31
Potential End Date: 2026-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-08
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