NASA Awards $9.7M for High-Strength Carbon Nanotube Yarn Development to Huntsman Nanocomp LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $9,726,277 ($9.7M)
Contractor: Huntsman Nanocomp LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2021-09-30
End Date: 2026-05-31
Contract Duration: 1,704 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH STRENGTH CARBON NANOTUBE YARN FOR STRUCTURAL.COMPOSITES
Place of Performance
Location: MERRIMACK, HILLSBOROUGH County, NEW HAMPSHIRE, 03054
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $9.7 million to HUNTSMAN NANOCOMP LLC for work described as: DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH STRENGTH CARBON NANOTUBE YARN FOR STRUCTURAL.COMPOSITES Key points: 1. This contract focuses on advanced materials research, specifically carbon nanotube yarn for structural composites. 2. The awardee, Huntsman Nanocomp LLC, is a key player in nanotechnology materials. 3. The primary risk lies in the technical feasibility and scalability of producing high-strength yarn. 4. The sector is Research and Development, with a focus on Nanotechnology.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $9.7M for a 5-year R&D effort appears reasonable given the specialized nature of nanotechnology and the potential for groundbreaking material development. Benchmarking is difficult due to the novelty of the technology.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method aims to ensure fair pricing and access to the best available technology.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in potentially transformative material science, which could lead to future cost savings in aerospace applications if successful.
Public Impact
Advancement in materials science could lead to lighter, stronger components in aerospace and other industries. Potential for new U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities in advanced materials. Investment in cutting-edge research aligns with national technological competitiveness goals.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Technical feasibility of scaling production
- Market adoption of new composite materials
- Long-term durability and performance validation
Positive Signals
- Potential for significant performance improvements in aerospace structures
- Development of novel intellectual property
- Support for advanced manufacturing initiatives
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically Nanotechnology. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but carries inherent risks due to the early stage of many technologies. Benchmarks are difficult to establish for highly specialized R&D.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Huntsman Nanocomp LLC, a company specializing in advanced materials. There is no explicit indication of small business subcontracting in the provided data, suggesting the primary awardee is a larger entity.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's oversight will be critical to ensure progress aligns with project milestones and that funds are used efficiently for research and development. Regular reporting and technical reviews will be essential.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in Nanotechnology
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Technical feasibility of scaling production
- Achieving desired material properties consistently
- Cost-effectiveness of manufacturing processes
- Market adoption challenges for novel materials
Tags
research-and-development-in-nanotechnolo, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, nh, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $9.7 million to HUNTSMAN NANOCOMP LLC. DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH STRENGTH CARBON NANOTUBE YARN FOR STRUCTURAL.COMPOSITES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is HUNTSMAN NANOCOMP 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 $9.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-09-30. End: 2026-05-31.
What is the projected impact of this carbon nanotube yarn on the weight and strength of future aerospace composite structures?
The projected impact is significant. High-strength carbon nanotube yarn promises to be substantially lighter and stronger than conventional materials like carbon fiber. This could enable the design of more fuel-efficient aircraft and spacecraft, reduce launch costs, and enhance payload capacity. NASA anticipates breakthroughs that could revolutionize structural integrity and performance metrics in demanding aerospace environments.
What are the primary technical risks associated with developing and scaling the production of high-strength carbon nanotube yarn?
The primary technical risks include achieving consistent yarn quality and strength at scale, controlling the precise alignment and integration of carbon nanotubes, and developing cost-effective manufacturing processes. Ensuring long-term material stability and performance under extreme conditions also presents challenges. Overcoming these hurdles is critical for the successful transition from laboratory development to practical application.
How will the success of this R&D effort be measured to ensure effective use of taxpayer funds?
Success will be measured through a series of defined technical milestones and performance metrics outlined in the contract. These will likely include achieving specific tensile strength and modulus targets, demonstrating scalability of the yarn production process, and successful integration into prototype composite structures. Regular technical reviews and independent validation of material properties will ensure accountability and effective use of funds.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in Nanotechnology
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
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Huntsman Petrochemical Corp
Address: 57 DANIEL WEBSTER HWY, MERRIMACK, NH, 03054
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $9,726,277
Exercised Options: $9,726,277
Current Obligation: $9,726,277
Actual Outlays: $7,441,892
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-09-30
Current End Date: 2026-05-31
Potential End Date: 2026-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-01
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