NASA's LCROSS mission, costing over $49M, aimed to detect water ice at the Moon's South Pole
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $49,227,257 ($49.2M)
Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2007-01-10
End Date: 2010-02-26
Contract Duration: 1,143 days
Daily Burn Rate: $43.1K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: LUNAR CRATER OBSERVATION SENSING SATELITE. (LCROSS) NASAS LUNAR RECONNAISSANCE ORBITER (LRO), SCHEDULED FOR LAUNCH IN OCTOBER 2008, WILL CHART THE LUNAR LANDSCAPE, NOT ONLY TO IDENTIFY OBSTACLES AND SAFE-TO-LAND SPOTS, BUT ALSO SENSOR SWEEP THE TERRAIN AND GAUGE IT FOR USABLE RESOURCES. NASA PLANS TO LAUNCH THE LRO ROCKET WITH A SECONDARY PAYLOAD, CALLED THE LCROSS, WHOSE MISSION WILL BE TO DETERMINE THE PRESENCE OF WATER ICE AT THE MOONS SOUTH POLE. AFTER THE LRO IS DEPLOYED IN ORBIT AROUND THE MOON, THE LCROSS SATELLITE WILL STEER THE LAUNCH VEHICLES SPENT EARTH DEPARTURE UPPER STAGE (CENTAUR) INTO A PERMANENTLY-SHADOWED CRATER AT A LUNAR POLE. THE IMPACT WILL CREATE A LARGE PLUME OF LUNAR EJECTA THAT WILL PROVIDE A LONG WINDOW OF OBSERVATION AND WILL EXCAVATE A LARGE AREA TO DEEPER DEPTHS THAN WOULD BE POSSIBLE USING ONLY A ROBOTIC LUNAR LANDER. LCROSS WILL PROVIDE A CRITICAL GROUND-TRUTH FOR A LUNAR PROSPECTOR AND LRO NEUTRON AND RADAR MAPS MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO ASSESS THE TOTAL LUNAR WATER INVENTORY.
Place of Performance
Location: REDONDO BEACH, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 90278, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $49.2 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: LUNAR CRATER OBSERVATION SENSING SATELITE. (LCROSS) NASAS LUNAR RECONNAISSANCE ORBITER (LRO), SCHEDULED FOR LAUNCH IN OCTOBER 2008, WILL CHART THE LUNAR LANDSCAPE, NOT ONLY TO IDENTIFY OBSTACLES AND SAFE-TO-LAND SPOTS, BUT ALSO SENSOR SWEEP THE TERRAIN AND GAUGE IT FOR USABLE RES… Key points: 1. The contract focused on a critical scientific objective: confirming the presence of water ice on the Moon. 2. The mission involved a unique approach of impacting a lunar crater to analyze ejecta. 3. Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation was the sole contractor, raising questions about competition. 4. The contract's duration spanned over three years, indicating a complex research and development effort. 5. The use of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type suggests potential for cost overruns. 6. The project was part of NASA's broader lunar exploration initiatives, including the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The total award amount of approximately $49.2 million for the LCROSS mission appears to be within a reasonable range for a complex space exploration project involving satellite development and a unique impact-based scientific investigation. However, without specific benchmarks for similar lunar impact missions or detailed cost breakdowns, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The CPFF contract type, while allowing for flexibility, inherently carries a higher risk of cost escalation compared to fixed-price contracts. Comparing this to other NASA R&D contracts of similar scope and complexity would be necessary for a more definitive evaluation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation. The rationale for this sole-source decision is not provided in the data. Sole-source procurements can sometimes lead to higher prices due to the lack of competitive pressure. Without information on why the contract was not competed, it's difficult to assess if this was a justified decision based on unique capabilities or other factors.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition means taxpayers may not have benefited from the cost savings that typically arise from a competitive bidding process.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries of this contract are the scientific community and the public, through the advancement of lunar science and the potential discovery of a vital resource. The mission delivered crucial data regarding the presence of water ice at the Moon's South Pole, a key finding for future lunar exploration and resource utilization. The geographic impact is focused on the Moon's South Pole region. The project involved a highly specialized workforce in aerospace engineering, astrophysics, and mission operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and potentially increases costs for taxpayers.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown makes it difficult to assess true value for money.
- Limited public information on the specific technical challenges and their cost implications.
Positive Signals
- Successfully achieved its primary scientific objective of detecting water ice.
- Contributed significant data to NASA's understanding of lunar resources.
- Demonstrated innovative mission design through the impactor strategy.
- Completed within a reasonable timeframe for a complex space mission.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences related to space exploration. The aerospace industry, where Northrop Grumman operates, is characterized by high R&D investment, long development cycles, and significant government funding. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve other deep-space missions, satellite development programs, and scientific instrument procurements by agencies like NASA and the Department of Defense.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not competed and does not specify any small business set-aside provisions or subcontracting requirements. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal, as the primary award went to a large aerospace corporation. There is no indication of specific efforts to engage small businesses in this particular contract.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would have been provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As a major government agency, NASA has established oversight mechanisms, including program management, technical reviews, and financial audits, to monitor contract performance and ensure accountability. The Inspector General's office within NASA would also have jurisdiction for investigating fraud, waste, and abuse related to this contract.
Related Government Programs
- Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO)
- NASA Exploration Systems
- Deep Space Missions
- Lunar Science Initiatives
Risk Flags
- Sole-source procurement
- Cost-plus contract type
Tags
research-and-development, nasa, space-exploration, sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee, satellite-development, california, lunar-mission, scientific-research
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $49.2 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. LUNAR CRATER OBSERVATION SENSING SATELITE. (LCROSS) NASAS LUNAR RECONNAISSANCE ORBITER (LRO), SCHEDULED FOR LAUNCH IN OCTOBER 2008, WILL CHART THE LUNAR LANDSCAPE, NOT ONLY TO IDENTIFY OBSTACLES AND SAFE-TO-LAND SPOTS, BUT ALSO SENSOR SWEEP THE TERRAIN AND GAUGE IT FOR USABLE RESOURCES. NASA PLANS TO LAUNCH THE LRO ROCKET WITH A SECONDARY PAYLOAD, CALLED THE LCROSS, WHOSE MISSION WILL BE TO DETERMINE THE PRESENCE OF WATER ICE AT THE MOONS SOUTH POLE. AFTER THE LRO IS DEPLOYED IN ORBIT AROUND T
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 $49.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-01-10. End: 2010-02-26.
What was the specific scientific rationale and expected outcome for the LCROSS mission?
The Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) mission was designed with a primary scientific objective: to determine the presence of water ice at the Moon's South Pole. The mission's innovative approach involved steering the spent upper stage of the launch vehicle (Centaur) into a permanently shadowed crater near the lunar South Pole. The resulting impact was expected to create a substantial plume of lunar ejecta. This plume would then be observed by the LCROSS spacecraft, allowing scientists to analyze its composition for signs of water. The successful detection of water ice would have significant implications for future human exploration and potential resource utilization on the Moon.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type compare to other contract types in terms of risk and value?
A Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is a type of cost-reimbursement contract where the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a fixed amount of profit. This type of contract is often used when the scope of work is not well-defined or when there is significant uncertainty in the cost of performance, such as in research and development projects. For the government, the primary risk is potential cost overruns, as the final cost is not fixed upfront. However, it allows for flexibility to adapt to changing requirements. For the contractor, the profit is fixed, providing less incentive for cost control compared to fixed-price contracts. In terms of value, CPFF contracts can be beneficial when innovation and flexibility are paramount, but they require robust oversight to manage costs effectively. Compared to fixed-price contracts, they generally offer less certainty on final cost but more adaptability.
What are the potential implications of a sole-source award for a mission like LCROSS?
A sole-source award, like the one for the LCROSS mission to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, means that the contract was not subject to a competitive bidding process. This can have several implications. Firstly, it removes the pressure of competition, which typically drives down prices and encourages innovation among bidders. Consequently, the government may end up paying a higher price than it would have in a competitive scenario. Secondly, it suggests that the awarding agency believed only one contractor possessed the necessary unique capabilities, technology, or expertise to perform the work. While this can ensure the use of specialized skills, it limits opportunities for other capable companies and can reduce transparency in the procurement process. For taxpayers, a sole-source award means less assurance of achieving the best possible value for money.
What was the total spending on the LCROSS mission and how does it compare to similar space exploration endeavors?
The total award amount for the LCROSS mission was approximately $49.2 million. Comparing this figure to similar space exploration endeavors requires context. NASA's budget and the complexity of missions vary significantly. For instance, the development of a single scientific instrument for a major space telescope can cost tens of millions of dollars, while entire planetary missions can run into hundreds of millions or even billions. LCROSS was a relatively focused mission with a specific scientific objective and a unique delivery method (using a spent rocket stage). Its cost appears moderate when viewed against the backdrop of larger, more complex missions like the Mars rovers or the James Webb Space Telescope. However, without a direct comparison to other lunar impact missions or similar satellite development projects with comparable scientific goals, it's challenging to definitively state whether it represented exceptional value.
What oversight mechanisms were in place to ensure the successful execution and financial accountability of the LCROSS contract?
The LCROSS contract, awarded by NASA, would have been subject to standard government oversight mechanisms. These typically include rigorous program management by NASA personnel, regular technical reviews to assess progress and address challenges, and stringent financial oversight to track expenditures against the budget. Contract officers would monitor compliance with terms and conditions. Furthermore, NASA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) would have had the authority to conduct audits and investigations into potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract. Periodic reporting requirements from the contractor to NASA would also ensure transparency regarding project status, risks, and financial performance, contributing to overall accountability.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation (UEI: 967356127)
Address: 1 SPACE PARK BLVD, REDONDO BEACH, CA, 90278
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $49,397,152
Exercised Options: $49,397,152
Current Obligation: $49,227,257
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-01-10
Current End Date: 2010-02-26
Potential End Date: 2010-02-26 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-07-30
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