DoD's $25.7M STRATFI Project Boosts Space Mobility with Starfish Space Otter Tech by 2026
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,699,777 ($25.7M)
Contractor: Starfish Space Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-07-01
End Date: 2026-06-30
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $35.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: STRATEGIC FUNDS INCREASE (STRATFI) PROJECT FOR SPACE MOBILITY AND LOGISTICS (SML) TECH USING STARFISH SPACE OTTER SPACECRAFT TO IMPROVE MANEUVERABILITY ON-ORBIT AND ENABLE DYNAMIC SPACE OPERATIONS DOCKING AND MANEUVERING DOD ASSETS ON-ORBIT BY 2026.
Place of Performance
Location: CANAVERAL AIR STATION, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32925
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $25.7 million to STARFISH SPACE INC. for work described as: STRATEGIC FUNDS INCREASE (STRATFI) PROJECT FOR SPACE MOBILITY AND LOGISTICS (SML) TECH USING STARFISH SPACE OTTER SPACECRAFT TO IMPROVE MANEUVERABILITY ON-ORBIT AND ENABLE DYNAMIC SPACE OPERATIONS DOCKING AND MANEUVERING DOD ASSETS ON-ORBIT BY 2026. Key points: 1. Focuses on enhancing on-orbit maneuverability and dynamic space operations. 2. Aims to enable docking and maneuvering of DoD assets in space. 3. Contract awarded to Starfish Space Inc. for R&D in physical sciences. 4. Significant investment in advanced space logistics and mobility capabilities.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $25.7 million for R&D in space mobility is within a reasonable range for advanced technology development. Benchmarking against similar specialized R&D contracts is difficult due to the unique nature of the technology, but the investment reflects a strategic priority.
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 criteria that may have limited the pool of eligible bidders. This method aims to balance competition with the need for specialized capabilities.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in cutting-edge space technology development, which could yield long-term national security and economic benefits, though the immediate return is in research outcomes.
Public Impact
Enhances national security through advanced space capabilities. Drives innovation in the rapidly growing commercial space sector. Supports the development of critical on-orbit servicing technologies. Positions the US for leadership in future space operations. Potential for dual-use applications benefiting both defense and commercial interests.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may restrict optimal price discovery.
- Technology development carries inherent performance and schedule risks.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical technology.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a key strategic need for space mobility.
- Investment in a high-growth, innovative sector.
- Clear project goals and defined end-date.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, a sector characterized by high innovation and significant government investment. Spending benchmarks for specialized space R&D are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of each project, but this investment aligns with national priorities in space superiority.
Small Business Impact
The contract data indicates that small businesses were not directly involved in this specific award (sb: false). Future subcontracting opportunities may arise, but the primary awardee is a firm. Efforts to ensure small business participation in broader space initiatives remain important.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is the contracting activity, indicating oversight within the DoD structure. The definitive contract award and fixed-price nature suggest a degree of accountability. Further oversight would involve monitoring project milestones and deliverables.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Technological feasibility and performance risk.
- Integration complexity with existing DoD space assets.
- Schedule adherence and timely delivery by 2026.
- Long-term reliability and maintainability in space.
- Potential for scope creep or requirement changes.
- Dependence on a single source for critical technology development.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, fl, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $25.7 million to STARFISH SPACE INC.. STRATEGIC FUNDS INCREASE (STRATFI) PROJECT FOR SPACE MOBILITY AND LOGISTICS (SML) TECH USING STARFISH SPACE OTTER SPACECRAFT TO IMPROVE MANEUVERABILITY ON-ORBIT AND ENABLE DYNAMIC SPACE OPERATIONS DOCKING AND MANEUVERING DOD ASSETS ON-ORBIT BY 2026.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is STARFISH SPACE INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $25.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-07-01. End: 2026-06-30.
What is the projected return on investment for this $25.7 million R&D expenditure in terms of enhanced space operational capabilities?
The return on investment is primarily measured by the successful development and deployment of the Starfish Space Otter technology, leading to improved on-orbit maneuverability and dynamic operations for DoD assets. Quantifying the ROI is challenging as it relates to future strategic advantages, reduced mission risks, and potential cost savings in space logistics over the long term, rather than immediate financial returns.
What are the primary technical and programmatic risks associated with developing and integrating the Starfish Space Otter spacecraft for dynamic space operations?
Key risks include the technical challenges of achieving precise on-orbit docking and maneuvering, potential integration issues with existing DoD assets, and the inherent uncertainties in R&D for novel spacecraft systems. Programmatic risks involve meeting the 2026 deadline, managing potential cost overruns despite the fixed-price contract, and ensuring the technology's long-term reliability and maintainability in the space environment.
How will the effectiveness of the STRATFI project be measured to ensure it meets the Department of Defense's objectives for space mobility and logistics?
Effectiveness will be measured through rigorous testing and validation of the Starfish Space Otter's capabilities, including successful demonstrations of docking, maneuvering, and support for dynamic space operations. Key performance parameters (KPPs) related to maneuverability, operational tempo, and compatibility with DoD assets will be tracked. Milestone reviews and final operational assessments against the project's stated goals will determine its overall success.
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 › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 665 ANDOVER PARK W, TUKWILA, WA, 98188
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $47,499,923
Exercised Options: $25,699,777
Current Obligation: $25,699,777
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-07-01
Current End Date: 2026-06-30
Potential End Date: 2028-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-07-17
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