DoD Awards $112.6M for National Security Space Launch Phase 2 to United Launch Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $112,563,245 ($112.6M)
Contractor: United Launch Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-11-02
End Date: 2026-05-30
Contract Duration: 940 days
Daily Burn Rate: $119.7K/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 $112.6 million to UNITED LAUNCH SERVICES, LLC for work described as: NATIONAL SECURITY SPACE LAUNCH PHASE 2 Key points: 1. Significant contract for critical space launch services. 2. Competition method is 'Full and Open', suggesting broad market access. 3. Risk is moderate, given the complexity of space launch and fixed-price nature. 4. Sector is Defense, specifically space launch capabilities.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $112.6 million for a delivery order under a larger contract appears reasonable for specialized space launch services. Benchmarking against similar national security space launch contracts would provide a more precise assessment of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition', indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is expected to yield efficient use of taxpayer funds for essential national security space launch capabilities.
Public Impact
Ensures continued access to space for national security missions. Supports advanced satellite deployment and operations. Contributes to the readiness and technological superiority of defense systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen technical challenges arise.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical launch services.
- Geopolitical risks impacting supply chains or launch windows.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.
- Supports critical national security objectives.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically focusing on space launch services. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining national security and technological advantage, with significant investments typically made in advanced propulsion and satellite integration.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-aside for small businesses. The prime contractor, United Launch Services, LLC, is a major player in the aerospace industry, suggesting this contract is likely beyond the scope of typical small business capabilities.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is the contracting agency, responsible for overseeing this delivery order. Standard oversight mechanisms for large-scale defense contracts, including performance monitoring and financial audits, would be in place.
Related Government Programs
- Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- High cost of space launch technology.
- Complexity of integrating payloads and ensuring mission success.
- Long lead times and potential for schedule delays.
- Dependence on specialized infrastructure and expertise.
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 $112.6 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 $112.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-11-02. End: 2026-05-30.
What is the total value of the underlying contract vehicle from which this delivery order was issued?
The provided data only details a specific delivery order valued at $112.6 million. To fully assess the overall value and long-term commitment, information on the parent contract's total value, duration, and remaining ceiling is necessary. This context is crucial for understanding the full scope of the National Security Space Launch Phase 2 program.
How does the per-unit cost of this launch service compare to historical benchmarks for similar national security missions?
A direct comparison of the per-unit cost is not possible without knowing the number of launches or specific services this $112.6 million award covers. However, the 'Full and Open Competition' and 'Firm Fixed Price' contract types suggest efforts to control costs. Benchmarking against previous National Security Space Launch contracts would reveal cost efficiencies or potential areas for concern.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and success metrics for this delivery order?
Specific KPIs for this delivery order are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, for space launch contracts, KPIs would include on-time launch performance, mission success rates (e.g., successful satellite deployment), adherence to safety protocols, and meeting payload integration requirements. The Department of the Air Force would monitor these to ensure mission effectiveness.
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: $112,563,245
Exercised Options: $112,563,245
Current Obligation: $112,563,245
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA881120D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-11-02
Current End Date: 2026-05-30
Potential End Date: 2026-05-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-11-25
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