DoD's $26.6M Next-Generation Hall Thruster Study contract awarded to Aerojet Rocketdyne for R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $26,609,027 ($26.6M)
Contractor: Aerojet Rocketdyne, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-04-21
End Date: 2026-06-30
Contract Duration: 1,896 days
Daily Burn Rate: $14.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: NEXT-GENERATION HALL THRUSTER STUDY (NGHTS)
Place of Performance
Location: REDMOND, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98052
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $26.6 million to AEROJET ROCKETDYNE, INC. for work described as: NEXT-GENERATION HALL THRUSTER STUDY (NGHTS) Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced propulsion research, potentially impacting future space capabilities. 2. Aerojet Rocketdyne, a major aerospace contractor, is the sole awardee. 3. The contract is a firm-fixed-price definitive contract, indicating defined scope and pricing. 4. Research and Development in Physical Sciences is a critical area for technological advancement. 5. The contract duration of approximately 5 years suggests a significant research undertaking. 6. The award value of $26.6 million positions this as a substantial R&D investment.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $26.6 million for a 5-year R&D study appears reasonable given the specialized nature of advanced propulsion systems. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for propulsion technology is challenging due to the unique focus on next-generation hall thrusters. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests a degree of cost certainty for the government. The absence of specific performance metrics makes a direct value-for-money assessment difficult at this stage, but the potential for technological advancement is high.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple interested parties had the opportunity to bid. While the data does not specify the number of bids received, full and open competition generally promotes a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and innovation. The selection of Aerojet Rocketdyne suggests they offered the best value proposition among the competing entities.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining competitive pricing and encourages a wider range of innovative solutions, potentially leading to more cost-effective outcomes in the long run.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and the Air Force, seeking advancements in space propulsion technology. The services delivered involve research and development into next-generation hall thruster technology. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, where Aerojet Rocketdyne conducts its research and development activities. Workforce implications include employment for specialized engineers, scientists, and technicians within the aerospace sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for technology to be classified, limiting public understanding of its application.
- Long development cycles in R&D can lead to cost overruns if not managed effectively.
- Dependence on a single contractor for this specific next-generation technology.
Positive Signals
- Focus on cutting-edge technology that could provide a strategic advantage.
- Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical sciences and engineering related to aerospace propulsion. The market for space propulsion systems is highly specialized, with a few key players dominating. This contract for next-generation hall thrusters represents an investment in future capabilities, potentially influencing the broader aerospace and defense technology landscape. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the niche nature of the technology, but R&D investments in this area are crucial for maintaining technological superiority.
Small Business Impact
The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside criterion for this award (ss: false, sb: false). As a large prime contractor, Aerojet Rocketdyne may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specialized components or services. However, the primary focus of this R&D contract is likely on advanced capabilities best suited for larger, established firms. The impact on the small business ecosystem will depend on subcontracting opportunities, which are not detailed in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Air Force, a component of the Department of Defense. Accountability measures will be tied to the research milestones and deliverables outlined in the definitive contract. Transparency may be limited due to the nature of R&D and potential national security implications. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Advanced Propulsion Systems Research
- Space Technology Development
- Aerospace Engineering R&D
- Department of Defense Research Contracts
- Air Force Science and Technology Programs
Risk Flags
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL) uncertainty for next-generation systems.
- Potential for scope creep in long-term R&D projects.
- Dependence on specialized contractor expertise.
Tags
research-and-development, department-of-defense, department-of-the-air-force, definitive-contract, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, aerospace, propulsion-systems, washington, large-business, science-and-technology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $26.6 million to AEROJET ROCKETDYNE, INC.. NEXT-GENERATION HALL THRUSTER STUDY (NGHTS)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AEROJET ROCKETDYNE, 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 $26.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-04-21. End: 2026-06-30.
What is Aerojet Rocketdyne's track record with similar advanced propulsion R&D contracts?
Aerojet Rocketdyne has a long history and extensive experience in aerospace propulsion systems, including various thruster technologies. They have been involved in numerous government contracts for research, development, and production of rocket engines and related components for NASA and the Department of Defense. Their portfolio includes work on electric propulsion systems, which are related to hall thrusters. While specific details on past 'next-generation hall thruster' studies are not provided, their established expertise in advanced propulsion suggests a strong capability to undertake this research. Past performance reviews and contract histories with agencies like the Air Force would provide further insight into their success rates, adherence to schedule, and budget management on similar R&D initiatives.
How does the $26.6 million award value compare to similar R&D efforts in advanced propulsion?
The $26.6 million award for a multi-year study on next-generation hall thrusters appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized R&D in the aerospace sector. Advanced propulsion technologies often require significant investment due to the complexity, cutting-edge nature, and long development timelines. Contracts for similar research into novel engine designs, materials science for extreme environments, or advanced control systems can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the scope, duration, and technological maturity. Without specific details on the exact research objectives and deliverables for this 'NGHTS' study, a precise comparison is difficult. However, considering the firm-fixed-price nature and the approximate 5-year duration, the investment seems commensurate with the potential for significant technological advancement in a critical defense capability.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?
Key risks include technological uncertainty, as developing 'next-generation' technology inherently involves unknowns and potential for research dead-ends. Schedule delays are also a risk in long-term R&D projects, potentially impacting future program timelines. Cost overruns, though mitigated by the firm-fixed-price structure, can still occur if unforeseen technical challenges arise requiring scope adjustments or additional funding requests. Mitigation strategies likely involve rigorous project management, phased research objectives with review gates, clear performance metrics, and close collaboration between the contractor and the Air Force technical team. The contractor's established expertise also serves as a risk mitigator, suggesting a higher probability of technical success.
What is the expected program effectiveness or impact of the Next-Generation Hall Thruster Study?
The expected impact of the NGHTS study is to advance the state-of-the-art in electric propulsion, specifically hall thrusters. Hall thrusters are crucial for in-space propulsion, enabling satellite station-keeping, orbit raising, and deep-space missions. 'Next-generation' implies improvements in areas such as thrust, efficiency (specific impulse), power processing, lifetime, and potentially reduced mass. Enhanced hall thruster technology could lead to more capable and cost-effective space missions for the DoD, enabling faster transit times, larger payloads, or extended operational lifetimes for various space assets. Ultimately, the program's effectiveness will be measured by the successful development and validation of new thruster designs that meet or exceed defined performance requirements.
How has federal spending on R&D for aerospace propulsion evolved over the past five years?
Federal spending on R&D for aerospace propulsion, particularly within the Department of Defense and NASA, has remained a significant priority over the past five years, driven by national security needs and the expansion of space-based capabilities. Budgets have generally seen increases or sustained high levels, reflecting investments in areas like hypersonic propulsion, advanced jet engines, and electric propulsion systems such as hall thrusters. Specific figures fluctuate annually based on program priorities, technological breakthroughs, and geopolitical factors. The Air Force and Space Force, in particular, have emphasized investments in space domain awareness, satellite technology, and responsive launch capabilities, all of which rely on advanced propulsion. This NGHTS contract aligns with these broader trends of sustained investment in cutting-edge aerospace R&D.
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
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: L3harris Technologies, Inc
Address: 11411 139TH PL NE, REDMOND, WA, 98052
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $26,609,027
Exercised Options: $26,609,027
Current Obligation: $26,609,027
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 6
Total Subaward Amount: $523,760
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-04-21
Current End Date: 2026-06-30
Potential End Date: 2026-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-05-14
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