NASA's $16.6M CEV Thermal Protection System Contract Awarded to Boeing
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,602,906 ($16.6M)
Contractor: THE Boeing Company
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2006-09-14
End Date: 2008-03-31
Contract Duration: 564 days
Daily Burn Rate: $29.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: CEV THERMAL PROTECTION SYSTEM HEATSHIELD DEVELOPMENT
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTINGTON BEACH, ORANGE County, CALIFORNIA, 92647
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $16.6 million to THE BOEING COMPANY for work described as: CEV THERMAL PROTECTION SYSTEM HEATSHIELD DEVELOPMENT Key points: 1. Boeing secured a $16.6 million contract for the CEV Thermal Protection System. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 3. This contract falls under the 'Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts' manufacturing sector. 4. The contract duration was 564 days.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $16.6 million for a thermal protection system development is difficult to benchmark without specific technical details. However, for a specialized aerospace component, the price appears within a reasonable range for development work.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing as multiple vendors have the opportunity to bid.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests taxpayers likely received fair value for the funds expended on this specialized development.
Public Impact
Development of advanced thermal protection systems is crucial for future space exploration missions. This contract supports innovation in aerospace materials and manufacturing. The award to a major aerospace contractor like Boeing indicates a focus on established capabilities for critical systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics or cost breakdowns makes detailed value assessment challenging.
- The 'Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts' category is broad, making direct sector comparisons difficult.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Contract supports critical space technology development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on components for guided missiles and space vehicles. Spending in this niche area is highly dependent on government program needs and technological advancements.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to The Boeing Company, a large aerospace firm. There is no indication that small businesses were significantly involved in this specific development contract, which is common for large, specialized aerospace projects.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by NASA, a federal agency with established oversight mechanisms. The 'full and open competition' award type suggests adherence to procurement regulations, but specific oversight details for this contract are not provided.
Related Government Programs
- Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
- Specific performance metrics and final cost-effectiveness are not detailed.
- Contract duration is relatively short for a development project, potentially indicating phased approach or limited scope.
Tags
other-guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-p, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $16.6 million to THE BOEING COMPANY. CEV THERMAL PROTECTION SYSTEM HEATSHIELD DEVELOPMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE BOEING COMPANY.
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 $16.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-09-14. End: 2008-03-31.
What were the key technical requirements driving the $16.6 million cost for the CEV thermal protection system?
The specific technical requirements driving the $16.6 million cost would likely include the need for materials capable of withstanding extreme re-entry temperatures, advanced manufacturing processes for complex shapes, rigorous testing protocols, and compliance with stringent aerospace safety and performance standards. The 'CEV' designation suggests a program with high stakes, necessitating robust and reliable thermal protection.
What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single large contractor for critical space vehicle components like thermal protection systems?
Relying on a single large contractor can pose risks such as reduced competition in future procurements, potential for cost overruns if the contractor faces challenges, and a lack of alternative solutions if the contractor encounters production issues or goes out of business. This can also lead to vendor lock-in and limit opportunities for smaller, innovative firms to enter the market.
How effectively did the 'full and open competition' process ensure optimal value for taxpayer dollars in this specific contract?
The 'full and open competition' process is designed to maximize value by encouraging multiple bids, which typically drives down prices and fosters innovation. While this contract was awarded competitively, the ultimate effectiveness in ensuring optimal value depends on the thoroughness of the bid evaluation, the realism of the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure, and the actual performance outcomes achieved by Boeing.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNA06145270R
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 5301 BOLSA AVE, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA, 92647
Business Categories: Category Business, Emerging Small Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $16,602,906
Exercised Options: $16,602,906
Current Obligation: $16,602,906
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-09-14
Current End Date: 2008-03-31
Potential End Date: 2008-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-11-07
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