NASA Awards $224.7M Contract to Northrop Grumman for AMSU-A Spacecraft Integration and Launch Support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $224,710,811 ($224.7M)
Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 1993-07-15
End Date: 2019-09-30
Contract Duration: 9,573 days
Daily Burn Rate: $23.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE THE PERSONNEL, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND FACILITIES NECESSARY FOR DESIGN, ANALYSIS, DEVELOPMENT, FABRICATION, ASSEMBLY, TESTING, CALIBRATION, QUALIFICATION, ACCEPTANCE, STORAGE, STORAGE TESTING, AND SUPPORT FOR SPACECRAFT INTEGRATION AND LAUNCH OF ADVANCED MICROWAVE SOUNDING UNIT-A (AMSU-A) PROTO-FLIGHT MODEL (PFM). VARIOUS ANALYTICAL MODELS AND TEST MODELS ARE REQUIRED. THE EFFORT INCLUDES GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT AND TEST AND CALIBRATION EQUIPMENT. IT ALSO INCLUDES A DESIGN CONCEPT REVIEW INSTRUMENT DELIVERY, STORAGE, POST-DELIVERY BENCH TESTING, SPACECRAFT INTEGRATION SUPPORT, PRE-LAUNCH AND POST-LAUNCH SUPPORT. REPORTING, REVIEWS AND DOCUMENTATION OF ALL ASPECTS OF THE PROGRAM ARE REQUIRED. THE DELIVERABLE EARTH OBSERVING SYSTEM (EOS) AMSU-A INSTRUMENT IS A PFM AND OPTIONAL FLIGHT MODEL (FM). AMSU-A IS PLANNED FOR FLIGHT ON THE EOS PM SPACECRAFT. AMSU-A SHALL BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE EOS PM SPACECRAFT INTERFACES, AND SHALL MEET THE IN-ORBIT LIFETIME REQUIREMENT OF 3 YEARS WITH A GOAL OF 5 YEARS WITHOUT IN-ORBIT SERVICING. THE PROGRAM PHASE LEADING TO DELIVERY OF THE PFM SHALL BE REFERRED TO AS THE "BASIC PHASE" AND SHALL BE SUBDIVIDED INTO TWO SUB-PHASES, THE "SUPPORT PHASE" AND THE "IMPLEMENTATION PHASE." THE SUPPORT PHASE SHALL PROVIDE TECHNICAL AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SUPPORT TO ADDRESS: (1) THE EVOLVING SPACECRAFT INTERFACES, (2) SPECIAL INSTRUMENT STUDIES AND (3) PROGRAM PLANNING FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION PHASE. THE IMPLEMENTATION PHASE SHALL INCLUDE THE DESIGN, FABRICATION, ASSEMBLY, TESTING AND DELIVERY OF THE PFM AND SHALL START WITH A PROGRAM INITIATION MEETING. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL ALSO PROVIDE THE PERSONNEL, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND FACILITIES NECESSARY FOR REDESIGN (IF NECESSARY), ANALYSIS, DEVELOPMENT, FABRICATION, ASSEMBLY, TESTING, CALIBRATION, QUALIFICATION, ACCEPTANCE, AND SUPPORT FOR SPACECRAFT INTEGRATION AND LAUNCH OF METEOROLOGICAL SATELLITES (METSAT) AMSU-A FM INSTRUMENTS. DEVELOPMENT OF THE METSAT AMSU-A INSTRUMENT WILL BE CONDUCTED IN FOUR TECHNICAL PHASES. PHASE 1 SHALL BE AN ASSESSMENT TO DETERMINE WHAT AREAS OF THE METSAT INSTRUMENT REQUIRE REDESIGN. OBSOLETE COMPONENTS ARE TO BE REPLACED BY NEW COMPONENTS ONLY AFTER DESIGN ANALYSIS HAS BEEN PERFORMED AND MARGINS ARE ANALYTICALLY DEMONSTRATED. IMPROVEMENTS THAT HAVE HERITAGE IN THE EOS AMSU-A INSTRUMENT SHALL BE CONSIDERED AND PRESENTED TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR APPROVAL. PHASE 2 SHALL MAKE AN ASSESSMENT OF ALL DRAWINGS, PROCUREMENTS SPECIFICATIONS, MANUFACTURING FLOWS, SHOP ORDERS, TEST FIXTURES, TEST EQUIPMENT AND TEST PROCEDURES IN ORDER TO IDENTIFY AREAS THAT ARE DEFICIENT AND/OR REQUIRE UPGRADES. PHASE 3 WILL ACCOMPLISH THOSE ITEMS IDENTIFIED AS A RESULT OF PHASES 1 AND 2. PHASE 4 IS THE IMPLEMENTATION PHASE WHICH INCLUDES THE FABRICATION, TEST AND CALIBRATION OF THE METSAT INSTRUMENTS.
Place of Performance
Location: AZUSA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91702
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $224.7 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE THE PERSONNEL, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND FACILITIES NECESSARY FOR DESIGN, ANALYSIS, DEVELOPMENT, FABRICATION, ASSEMBLY, TESTING, CALIBRATION, QUALIFICATION, ACCEPTANCE, STORAGE, STORAGE TESTING, AND SUPPORT FOR SPACECRAFT INTEGRATION AND LAUNCH OF ADV… Key points: 1. This contract focuses on the critical integration and launch support for the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AMSU-A) instrument, essential for Earth observation. 2. Northrop Grumman, a major aerospace and defense contractor, secured this significant award. 3. The contract spans a long duration (over 8 years), indicating a complex and lengthy project lifecycle. 4. The sector is clearly aerospace and defense, with a focus on scientific instrumentation for Earth observation.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF), which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Without specific cost breakdowns or benchmarks for similar instrument integration projects, a precise value assessment is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the long duration and specialized nature of the work may have limited the number of truly competitive bids.
Taxpayer Impact: The significant investment in Earth observation technology is intended to provide valuable data for scientific research and climate monitoring, ultimately benefiting the public through improved understanding of environmental changes.
Public Impact
Enhances Earth observation capabilities, providing crucial data for climate and weather research. Supports the development and deployment of advanced scientific instruments for space missions. Represents a substantial investment in national scientific and technological infrastructure. The long-term nature of the contract suggests ongoing commitment to space-based Earth science.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 75 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration may increase cost overrun risk.
- Cost Plus Award Fee structure requires careful oversight to ensure cost-effectiveness.
- Potential for scope creep given the extensive list of required services.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports critical Earth observation science.
- Experienced contractor with a history in aerospace.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on the manufacturing and integration of scientific instruments for Earth observation satellites. Spending in this area is driven by scientific research needs and national security interests.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as Northrop Grumman is a large corporation. There is no information provided on subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's Cost Plus Award Fee structure necessitates robust oversight from NASA to ensure performance objectives are met and costs are managed effectively. Regular reviews and reporting are stipulated, which aids accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPAF structure and long duration.
- Complexity of integrating advanced scientific instruments.
- Reliance on a single large contractor for critical mission phases.
- Lack of explicit small business participation noted.
Tags
search-detection-navigation-guidance-aer, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $224.7 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE THE PERSONNEL, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND FACILITIES NECESSARY FOR DESIGN, ANALYSIS, DEVELOPMENT, FABRICATION, ASSEMBLY, TESTING, CALIBRATION, QUALIFICATION, ACCEPTANCE, STORAGE, STORAGE TESTING, AND SUPPORT FOR SPACECRAFT INTEGRATION AND LAUNCH OF ADVANCED MICROWAVE SOUNDING UNIT-A (AMSU-A) PROTO-FLIGHT MODEL (PFM). VARIOUS ANALYTICAL MODELS AND TEST MODELS ARE REQUIRED. THE EFFORT INCLUDES GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT AND TEST AND CALIBRATION EQUIPMENT. IT ALSO INCLUD
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $224.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 1993-07-15. End: 2019-09-30.
What specific performance metrics are tied to the 'award fee' component of this contract, and how are they measured to ensure contractor performance aligns with NASA's objectives?
The contract details do not specify the exact performance metrics for the award fee. Typically, these metrics would be defined in a separate document or exhibit and could include factors like schedule adherence, technical performance of the instrument, quality of deliverables, and cost control. NASA's contracting officers would be responsible for evaluating the contractor's performance against these metrics and determining the award fee amount.
Given the long duration and complexity, what are the primary risks associated with cost overruns, and what mechanisms are in place to mitigate them?
The primary risks for cost overruns stem from the inherent uncertainties in developing and integrating complex spacecraft instruments, potential technical challenges, and the Cost Plus Award Fee structure itself. Mitigation mechanisms likely include detailed cost tracking, regular progress reviews, change control processes, and NASA's active oversight of contractor expenditures and performance against milestones.
How does the successful integration and launch support of the AMSU-A instrument contribute to NASA's broader Earth science mission and the value derived from the EOS program?
The AMSU-A instrument is crucial for providing vital atmospheric data, particularly temperature and humidity profiles, which are essential for weather forecasting and climate modeling. Its successful integration and launch support directly enable the collection of this data, contributing to NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) mission goals of understanding Earth's climate system and its changes.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation
Address: 1100 WEST HOLLYVALE STREET, AZUSA, CA, 91702
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $235,560,633
Exercised Options: $235,560,633
Current Obligation: $224,710,811
Actual Outlays: $427,085
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 1993-07-15
Current End Date: 2019-09-30
Potential End Date: 2019-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-04-02
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