NASA Spends $4.68B on Joint US/Russian Space Flights, Lacking Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $4,680,264,815 ($4.7B)
Contractor: Russia Space Agency
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 1993-12-16
End Date: 2028-12-31
Contract Duration: 12,799 days
Daily Burn Rate: $365.7K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: JOINT US/RUSSIAN HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT ACTIVITIES
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $4.68 billion to RUSSIA SPACE AGENCY for work described as: JOINT US/RUSSIAN HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT ACTIVITIES Key points: 1. Significant expenditure of $4.68 billion on a long-term program. 2. Sole reliance on Russia Space Agency as the contractor. 3. High financial commitment with potential geopolitical risks. 4. The sector is critical for space exploration and international cooperation.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value is substantial, and without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if the pricing is optimal. Benchmarking against similar international space cooperation agreements would be necessary.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract is sole-source, awarded to the Russia Space Agency. The lack of competition means there was no price discovery through market forces, potentially leading to higher costs.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are funding a significant portion of this international collaboration without the benefit of competitive pricing, raising concerns about value for money.
Public Impact
Continued access to the International Space Station (ISS) for US astronauts. Maintenance of critical human spaceflight capabilities through partnership. Potential for technology transfer and scientific advancement. Exposure to geopolitical risks impacting program continuity. High cost to taxpayers for a program with a single, non-US provider.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award to a foreign entity
- Long contract duration with significant financial commitment
- Geopolitical risks associated with the partner nation
Positive Signals
- Ensures continued human spaceflight capability
- Facilitates international cooperation in space
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on international space cooperation. Benchmarks for such long-term, sole-source international partnerships are scarce, making direct cost comparisons challenging.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small businesses, as it is a sole-source agreement with a foreign government agency.
Oversight & Accountability
The long duration and sole-source nature of this contract warrant robust oversight from NASA to ensure program objectives are met and costs remain justified. Regular reviews of performance and geopolitical implications are crucial.
Related Government Programs
- Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- High contract value
- Long contract duration
- Geopolitical instability
- Dependence on foreign partner
Tags
nonscheduled-chartered-freight-air-trans, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, definitive-contract, billion-dollar
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $4.68 billion to RUSSIA SPACE AGENCY. JOINT US/RUSSIAN HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT ACTIVITIES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RUSSIA SPACE AGENCY.
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 $4.68 billion.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 1993-12-16. End: 2028-12-31.
What is the justification for the sole-source award to the Russia Space Agency, and have alternative competitive strategies been considered?
The justification for a sole-source award typically stems from unique capabilities or essential partnerships. In this case, the historical reliance on Russian Soyuz spacecraft for crew transport to the ISS likely drove the decision. However, the long duration and substantial cost necessitate a thorough review of whether competitive avenues, perhaps for specific components or future phases, have been adequately explored or could be pursued.
How are geopolitical risks being mitigated to ensure the continuity and safety of human spaceflight activities?
Mitigating geopolitical risks in such a sensitive partnership requires continuous diplomatic engagement, clear communication channels, and contingency planning. NASA likely maintains close contact with its Russian counterparts and international partners to monitor the political climate. Contingency plans may include identifying alternative launch providers or developing independent crew transport capabilities to ensure mission success and astronaut safety.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure fair pricing and value for money given the absence of competition?
Ensuring fair pricing without competition relies heavily on stringent contract management and oversight. NASA would likely employ detailed cost analysis, performance metrics, and milestone-based payments. Regular audits and reviews of the contractor's cost structure, coupled with benchmarking against historical data and similar international agreements, are essential to validate the value received for taxpayer funds.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Nonscheduled Air Transportation › Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation
Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 42 SHCHEPKIN STREET, MOSCOW
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $4,706,490,926
Exercised Options: $4,706,490,926
Current Obligation: $4,680,264,815
Actual Outlays: $171,516,825
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 1993-12-16
Current End Date: 2028-12-31
Potential End Date: 2028-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-27
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