Space Force Awards $120M for Launch Services and Mission Integration to United Launch Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $120,056,206 ($120.1M)
Contractor: United Launch Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-03-09
End Date: 2026-11-12
Contract Duration: 2,074 days
Daily Burn Rate: $57.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: SPACE FORCE MISSION 112 LAUNCH SERVICES AND MISSION INTEGRATION
Place of Performance
Location: ENGLEWOOD, ARAPAHOE County, COLORADO, 80112
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $120.1 million to UNITED LAUNCH SERVICES, LLC for work described as: SPACE FORCE MISSION 112 LAUNCH SERVICES AND MISSION INTEGRATION Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $120M for critical space launch capabilities. 2. Competition method is 'Full and Open', suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Risk is moderate, given the long duration and complexity of space missions. 4. Sector is primarily IT and Defense, involving advanced technology and national security.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $120M for a 5-year period appears reasonable for complex launch services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale space mission contracts would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The 'Full and Open Competition' method indicates that multiple vendors were likely considered, which generally promotes competitive pricing. The award is a delivery order against a larger contract.
Taxpayer Impact: Competitive bidding aims to secure the best value for taxpayers, though the final cost-effectiveness depends on the specific services rendered and market conditions.
Public Impact
Ensures critical national security space assets are launched and integrated. Supports the U.S. Space Force's operational capabilities and technological advancement. Potential for technological spin-offs and advancements in the commercial space sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration increases risk of cost overruns or scope creep.
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical launch services.
- Potential for unforeseen technical challenges in space missions.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition promotes cost efficiency.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
- Strategic investment in national space capabilities.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on launch services and mission integration. Spending in this area is critical for national security and technological advancement, with significant government investment.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate specific subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of the Air Force, indicating established oversight mechanisms. However, the complexity of space missions necessitates continuous monitoring for performance and cost.
Related Government Programs
- Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Long-term contract duration
- Complexity of space mission requirements
- Potential for launch delays or failures
- Dependence on specialized technology and infrastructure
Tags
nonscheduled-chartered-freight-air-trans, department-of-defense, co, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $120.1 million to UNITED LAUNCH SERVICES, LLC. SPACE FORCE MISSION 112 LAUNCH SERVICES AND MISSION INTEGRATION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNITED LAUNCH SERVICES, LLC.
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 $120.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-03-09. End: 2026-11-12.
What is the specific breakdown of costs for launch services versus mission integration?
The provided data does not detail the cost breakdown between launch services and mission integration. A more granular financial report or contract annex would be required to ascertain this information. Understanding this split is crucial for assessing the value proposition of each component.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract and how is performance being measured?
Key performance indicators are not explicitly detailed in the provided summary. Typically, for launch services, KPIs would include on-time launch, payload delivery accuracy, and mission success rates. Performance measurement would likely involve regular reporting and milestone reviews by the contracting agency.
Are there any contingency plans or alternative providers in place should United Launch Services face significant operational issues?
The data does not specify contingency plans or alternative providers. Given the critical nature of space launches, agencies often have risk mitigation strategies, which may include pre-qualified alternative vendors or robust contractual clauses addressing vendor failure, though these are not detailed here.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Nonscheduled Air Transportation › Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation
Product/Service Code: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATION › TRANSPORTATION OF THINGS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: United Launch Alliance, L.L.C
Address: 9501 E PANORAMA CIR, CENTENNIAL, CO, 80112
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $120,056,206
Exercised Options: $120,056,206
Current Obligation: $120,056,206
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA881120D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-03-09
Current End Date: 2026-11-12
Potential End Date: 2026-11-12 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-08-07
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