NASA Awards $4.5M for Mars SOFC System Development to Precision Combustion, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $4,508,861 ($4.5M)
Contractor: Precision Combustion, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2025-08-28
End Date: 2026-11-27
Contract Duration: 456 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 500
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: FY25 SBIR PHASE III - SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELL (SOFC) SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION (SD&E) FOR MARS APPLICATIONS
Place of Performance
Location: NORTH HAVEN, NEW HAVEN County, CONNECTICUT, 06473
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $4.5 million to PRECISION COMBUSTION, INC. for work described as: FY25 SBIR PHASE III - SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELL (SOFC) SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION (SD&E) FOR MARS APPLICATIONS Key points: 1. Focus on advanced Solid Oxide Fuel Cell technology for Mars missions. 2. Contract awarded via full and open competition after source exclusion. 3. Potential for significant advancements in deep space power generation. 4. Risk associated with novel technology development and long-term reliability.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $4.5M for a 1.3-year duration appears reasonable for specialized R&D. Benchmarking against similar advanced propulsion or power system development contracts would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a competitive process but with specific initial exclusions. This method aims to balance competition with specialized needs, potentially impacting price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical R&D for future space exploration, with the potential for technological spin-offs.
Public Impact
Advancement of space exploration capabilities through innovative power solutions. Potential for new technologies applicable to terrestrial energy challenges. Investment in cutting-edge research and development for national scientific goals.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Technology development risk
- Long-term operational reliability on Mars
- Limited applicability outside of space missions
Positive Signals
- Supports critical NASA mission objectives
- Potential for significant technological breakthroughs
- Experienced contractor in fuel cell technology
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the R&D sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical sciences and engineering for space applications. Spending in this niche area is driven by specific agency mission requirements rather than broad market trends.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Precision Combustion, Inc., a company that may or may not be classified as a small business. Further investigation is needed to determine the impact on small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's oversight mechanisms for R&D contracts typically involve milestone reviews and technical evaluations to ensure progress and accountability. The contract type (FFP) incentivizes the contractor to manage costs effectively.
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
- Novel technology development risk
- Harsh Martian environmental conditions
- Long-term system reliability and maintenance
- Potential for cost overruns in R&D
- Limited commercial off-the-shelf components
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ct, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $4.5 million to PRECISION COMBUSTION, INC.. FY25 SBIR PHASE III - SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELL (SOFC) SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION (SD&E) FOR MARS APPLICATIONS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is PRECISION COMBUSTION, 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 $4.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-08-28. End: 2026-11-27.
What is the projected efficiency improvement of the SOFC system compared to existing Mars power sources?
The projected efficiency improvement is a key performance metric for this contract. While specific figures are not provided, the goal of developing an advanced SOFC system implies a significant leap in energy conversion efficiency, crucial for the limited power budgets of Mars missions. This will be assessed through rigorous testing and evaluation phases outlined in the contract.
What are the primary technical risks associated with developing SOFCs for the Martian environment?
Key technical risks include the extreme temperature variations on Mars, the thin atmosphere affecting oxygen availability, and the long-term durability of SOFC components under these harsh conditions. Dust accumulation and the need for robust thermal management systems also present significant challenges that require innovative engineering solutions.
How will the success of this Phase III contract translate into tangible benefits for future NASA missions?
Successful development of the SOFC system will provide a more reliable, efficient, and potentially lighter power source for future Mars surface missions, enabling longer operational durations and more complex scientific payloads. It could also pave the way for similar systems on other deep space exploration endeavors, reducing reliance on solar power limitations.
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 › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 500
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 410 SACKETT POINT RD, NORTH HAVEN, CT, 06473
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $4,776,588
Exercised Options: $4,508,861
Current Obligation: $4,508,861
Actual Outlays: $726,689
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-08-28
Current End Date: 2026-11-27
Potential End Date: 2027-03-27 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-19
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