DoD's $102M National Security Space Launch contract awarded to United Launch Services, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $102,435,396 ($102.4M)
Contractor: United Launch Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-06-14
End Date: 2026-04-09
Contract Duration: 1,030 days
Daily Burn Rate: $99.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: NATIONAL SECURITY SPACE LAUNCH PHASE 2
Place of Performance
Location: ENGLEWOOD, ARAPAHOE County, COLORADO, 80112
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $102.4 million to UNITED LAUNCH SERVICES, LLC for work described as: NATIONAL SECURITY SPACE LAUNCH PHASE 2 Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical national security space launch capabilities. 2. Competition method is 'Full and Open', suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk of reliance on a single provider for specialized launch services. 4. Sector focus is Defense, specifically Air Force space operations.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $102.4M appears reasonable for specialized space launch services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale launch contracts would provide a more definitive assessment of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and innovation. The specific price discovery mechanisms within this competition are not detailed.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment for essential services.
Public Impact
Ensures continued access to space for critical national security missions. Supports advanced technological development in the space launch industry. Potential for job creation and economic activity in the aerospace sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in complex space launch projects.
- Geopolitical risks impacting launch schedules or supply chains.
- Technological obsolescence in a rapidly evolving space sector.
Positive Signals
- Commitment to national security through reliable space access.
- Leveraging competitive processes for cost-effectiveness.
- Investment in advanced aerospace capabilities.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically focusing on space launch services. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining national security and technological superiority in space.
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
Oversight will be crucial to ensure the contractor meets performance requirements and stays within budget. The Department of the Air Force is responsible for monitoring this contract.
Related Government Programs
- Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Reliance on a single awardee for critical launch services.
- Potential for schedule delays impacting national security operations.
- Unforeseen technological challenges in space launch.
- Budgetary constraints impacting future funding.
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 $102.4 million to UNITED LAUNCH SERVICES, LLC. NATIONAL SECURITY SPACE LAUNCH PHASE 2
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 $102.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-06-14. End: 2026-04-09.
What is the projected cost per launch under this contract?
The provided data does not specify the number of launches or a per-launch cost. The total contract value is $102.4 million, and the duration is 1030 days. A detailed breakdown of launch costs would require further information on the scope of work and expected deliverables.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract?
Key performance indicators are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, for space launch contracts, KPIs would include on-time launch success rates, payload delivery accuracy, adherence to safety protocols, and mission completion within specified parameters.
How does this contract align with broader national space strategy goals?
This contract directly supports national security space launch requirements, aligning with strategic goals to maintain assured access to space for defense and intelligence missions. It ensures the continuity of critical satellite operations and communication capabilities.
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: $102,435,396
Exercised Options: $102,435,396
Current Obligation: $102,435,396
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA881120D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-06-14
Current End Date: 2026-04-09
Potential End Date: 2028-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-07-10
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