DoD's RSLP contract for Space Safari TACRS reaches $49.3M, with Firefly Space Transport Services as prime
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,800,537 ($15.8M)
Contractor: Firefly Space Transport Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-02-13
End Date: 2027-06-20
Contract Duration: 857 days
Daily Burn Rate: $18.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: ROCKET SYSTEMS LAUNCH PROGRAM (RSLP) IS PROVIDING LAUNCH SERVICES FOR THE SPACE SAFARI TACRS THROUGH THE OSP-4 CONTRACT. BASE AND EXERCISED OPTIONS: $21,811,543TOTAL POSSIBLE OPTIONS: $27,504,137 BASE AND ALL OPTIONS: $49,315,680
Place of Performance
Location: CEDAR PARK, WILLIAMSON County, TEXAS, 78613
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $15.8 million to FIREFLY SPACE TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC for work described as: ROCKET SYSTEMS LAUNCH PROGRAM (RSLP) IS PROVIDING LAUNCH SERVICES FOR THE SPACE SAFARI TACRS THROUGH THE OSP-4 CONTRACT. BASE AND EXERCISED OPTIONS: $21,811,543TOTAL POSSIBLE OPTIONS: $27,504,137 BASE AND ALL OPTIONS: $49,315,680 Key points: 1. The RSLP contract, valued at $49.3M, supports critical Space Safari TACRS. 2. Firefly Space Transport Services holds the prime contract. 3. The contract runs through June 2027, with a base value of $21.8M. 4. This falls under Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation services.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The total contract value of $49.3M appears reasonable for launch services over its duration. Benchmarking against similar complex launch contracts is needed for a definitive assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential space launch services.
Public Impact
Ensures continued launch services for the Space Safari TACRS. Supports advanced aerospace capabilities for the Department of the Air Force. Provides critical infrastructure for national security or scientific missions. Potential for technological advancements in launch services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Contract duration extends beyond 2 years.
- Potential for cost overruns if options are exercised.
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical launch services.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Clear contract end date.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on launch services. Spending benchmarks for similar government launch contracts can vary widely based on payload size, mission complexity, and launch frequency.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate any specific set-asides or participation from small businesses in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is responsible for oversight. The contract's duration and value warrant regular performance reviews and financial monitoring to ensure accountability and adherence to terms.
Related Government Programs
- Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract duration
- Reliance on a single vendor
- Potential for cost growth if options are exercised
- Complexity of launch services
Tags
nonscheduled-chartered-freight-air-trans, department-of-defense, tx, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $15.8 million to FIREFLY SPACE TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC. ROCKET SYSTEMS LAUNCH PROGRAM (RSLP) IS PROVIDING LAUNCH SERVICES FOR THE SPACE SAFARI TACRS THROUGH THE OSP-4 CONTRACT. BASE AND EXERCISED OPTIONS: $21,811,543TOTAL POSSIBLE OPTIONS: $27,504,137 BASE AND ALL OPTIONS: $49,315,680
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FIREFLY SPACE TRANSPORT 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 $15.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-02-13. End: 2027-06-20.
What is the cost per launch under this contract, and how does it compare to industry averages for similar missions?
Calculating the precise cost per launch requires knowing the number of launches planned within the contract's scope and dividing the total contract value by that number. Without the launch manifest, a direct comparison to industry averages is difficult. However, the total contract value of $49.3M spread over potentially multiple launches suggests a significant investment, necessitating a thorough cost-benefit analysis against alternative providers or technologies.
What are the specific risks associated with relying on Firefly Space Transport Services for these critical launch missions?
Risks include potential launch failures, schedule delays, or performance issues from the contractor. Dependence on a single provider, even if competitively selected, can create vulnerabilities if the company faces financial instability, technical challenges, or unforeseen operational disruptions. The government should have contingency plans in place to mitigate these risks.
How effectively does this contract support the overarching goals of the Space Safari TACRS program and the Department of the Air Force?
The contract's effectiveness hinges on its ability to consistently provide reliable and timely launch services as required by the Space Safari TACRS. Successful execution will directly contribute to the program's objectives, whether they are for intelligence gathering, communication, or scientific research. Monitoring key performance indicators and mission success rates will be crucial for assessing its overall 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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1320 ARROW POINT DR STE 109, CEDAR PARK, TX, 78613
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $49,315,680
Exercised Options: $21,811,543
Current Obligation: $15,800,537
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA881820D0004
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-02-13
Current End Date: 2027-06-20
Potential End Date: 2027-06-20 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-15
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