NASA's $35.5M Space Technology R&D Contract Awarded to Astrion Group for Hypervelocity Vehicle Development

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $35,547,270 ($35.5M)

Contractor: Astrion Group, LLC

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2010-04-01

End Date: 2015-06-30

Contract Duration: 1,916 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: SPACE TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (STRAD) THE PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO THE SPACE TECHNOLOGY DIVISION AT NASA AMES RESEARCH CENTER TO CARRY OUT THEIR VARIED RESEARCH PROGRAMS. THIS DOCUMENT DESCRIBES THE CURRENT AND ANTICIPATED RESEARCH PROGRAMS OF THE DIVISION. THE MAJOR OBJECTIVE IS THE DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGIES FOR USE IN THE DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PROTOTYPE VEHICLES THAT TRAVEL AT HYPERVELOCITIES IN THE ATMOSPHERE OF EARTH AND OTHER BODIES IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM. OTHER PROJECTS INCLUDE NASA MISSIONS IN NANOTECHNOLOGY, ADVANCED MATERIALS, SENSORS AND DEVICES. - IDIQ CONTRACT FUNDED AT THE CONTRACT LEVEL

Place of Performance

Location: MOFFETT FIELD, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 94035

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $35.5 million to ASTRION GROUP, LLC for work described as: SPACE TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (STRAD) THE PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO THE SPACE TECHNOLOGY DIVISION AT NASA AMES RESEARCH CENTER TO CARRY OUT THEIR VARIED RESEARCH PROGRAMS. THIS DOCUMENT DESCRIBES THE CURRENT AND ANTICIPATED RESEARCH … Key points: 1. Contract supports advanced research in hypervelocity vehicles, nanotechnology, advanced materials, and sensors. 2. Focus on developing technologies for prototype vehicles capable of atmospheric travel at extreme speeds. 3. The contract's duration of over 5 years indicates a long-term commitment to R&D. 4. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process. 5. The contract type, Cost Plus Fixed Fee, allows for flexibility in research but requires careful cost management. 6. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is a critical area for technological advancement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $35.5 million over approximately five years for specialized R&D in space technology appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is challenging due to the unique nature of space technology development. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, while common for R&D, necessitates close monitoring to ensure cost efficiency and prevent overruns. The fixed fee component provides some incentive for the contractor to manage costs effectively.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of two bidders suggests a competitive environment, which typically leads to better pricing and innovation. The agency's decision to use full and open competition implies confidence in the market's ability to provide suitable solutions for their advanced research needs.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and encourage the development of more innovative solutions, ensuring federal funds are used efficiently.

Public Impact

Benefits the Space Technology Division at NASA Ames Research Center by providing essential support for their research programs. Delivers advancements in hypervelocity vehicle design and fabrication technologies. Contributes to the development of technologies for NASA missions in nanotechnology, advanced materials, and sensors. Potential workforce implications include the need for highly skilled scientists, engineers, and technicians in specialized fields.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

• Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
• The specialized nature of space technology R&D may limit the pool of qualified contractors.
• Long-term R&D projects carry inherent risks of technological feasibility and market relevance.

Positive Signals

• Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive process.
• Supports critical research and development for NASA's future space exploration goals.
• The contract duration suggests a stable and committed research environment.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for space technology R&D is highly specialized, with a limited number of firms possessing the expertise and facilities to undertake such complex projects. NASA's spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological leadership and achieving ambitious space exploration objectives. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of space R&D, but this contract represents a significant investment in advancing cutting-edge technologies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the contractor, Astrion Group, LLC, is not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided details. Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a small business set-aside. The focus is on specialized R&D, which may or may not involve small business participation as subcontractors depending on Astrion Group's strategy.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with NASA Ames Research Center's contracting officers and technical monitors. They are responsible for ensuring that the contractor meets the terms of the Cost Plus Fixed Fee agreement, adheres to research milestones, and manages costs effectively. Transparency is facilitated through regular reporting requirements and potential site visits. While specific Inspector General jurisdiction isn't detailed, NASA OIG typically oversees all NASA contracts for fraud, waste, and abuse.

Related Government Programs

• NASA Research and Development Programs
• Advanced Materials Research
• Aerospace Engineering Services
• Hypervelocity Flight Research
• Nanotechnology Development

Risk Flags

• Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
• Technological feasibility risks in advanced R&D.
• Long project duration increases exposure to changing priorities or market needs.
• Dependence on specialized contractor expertise.

Tags

space-technology, research-and-development, nasa, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, advanced-materials, hypervelocity-vehicles, california, aerospace, science-and-technology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $35.5 million to ASTRION GROUP, LLC. SPACE TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (STRAD) THE PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO THE SPACE TECHNOLOGY DIVISION AT NASA AMES RESEARCH CENTER TO CARRY OUT THEIR VARIED RESEARCH PROGRAMS. THIS DOCUMENT DESCRIBES THE CURRENT AND ANTICIPATED RESEARCH PROGRAMS OF THE DIVISION. THE MAJOR OBJECTIVE IS THE DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGIES FOR USE IN THE DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PROTOTYPE VEHICLES THAT TRAVEL AT HYPERVELOCITIES IN THE ATMOSPHERE OF EARTH AND OTHER BODIES IN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ASTRION GROUP, LLC.

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 $35.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-04-01. End: 2015-06-30.

What is the track record of Astrion Group, LLC in performing similar NASA R&D contracts?

Assessing Astrion Group, LLC's track record requires a deeper dive into their contract history with NASA and other government agencies. While the provided data confirms they were awarded this specific $35.5 million contract for space technology R&D, it doesn't detail their past performance on similar projects. A comprehensive review would involve examining past performance evaluations, any reported contract disputes or awards, and the successful completion of previous R&D endeavors. Without this historical data, it's difficult to definitively gauge their experience and reliability in executing complex, long-term research initiatives for NASA.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure compare to other contract types for this type of R&D?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is commonly used for research and development efforts where the scope of work is not precisely defined at the outset, and there's a high degree of uncertainty. It allows the contractor to recover all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. Compared to fixed-price contracts, CPFF offers greater flexibility for evolving research requirements but can be less cost-certain for the government. Other R&D contract types include Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF), which adds performance incentives, and Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF), where the fee is based on subjective performance evaluations. CPFF provides a balance, offering flexibility while capping the contractor's profit.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific space technology R&D contract?

The primary risks associated with this space technology R&D contract include technological uncertainty, as the development of hypervelocity vehicles and advanced materials may encounter unforeseen scientific or engineering challenges, potentially leading to delays or failure to achieve desired outcomes. Cost overruns are another significant risk, inherent in CPFF contracts, especially if research scope expands or unexpected technical hurdles arise. Contractor performance risk exists, though mitigated by competition, as Astrion Group must deliver on complex R&D objectives. Finally, there's a risk of obsolescence if the developed technologies are surpassed by advancements elsewhere before they can be fully implemented or utilized in missions.

How effective has NASA been in leveraging R&D contracts like this to achieve its long-term space exploration goals?

NASA has historically leveraged R&D contracts effectively to achieve significant milestones in space exploration, from the Apollo program to the Mars rovers and the James Webb Space Telescope. Contracts like the STRAD program are crucial for developing the foundational technologies needed for future missions, such as faster transit capabilities or advanced life support systems. The success of such contracts is measured not only by technological breakthroughs but also by their timely and cost-effective delivery, enabling subsequent mission phases. While challenges and setbacks are inevitable in cutting-edge R&D, NASA's consistent investment in these areas underscores their importance in driving innovation and achieving ambitious exploration objectives.

What are the historical spending patterns for NASA's space technology research and development over the last decade?

Historical spending patterns for NASA's space technology research and development (R&D) have generally shown a consistent, albeit fluctuating, commitment. While specific figures for the 'Space Technology Research and Development' category can vary year to year based on budgetary priorities and specific program needs, NASA's overall R&D budget typically represents a significant portion of its total appropriations. Funding often prioritizes areas like advanced propulsion, in-space manufacturing, robotics, and entry, descent, and landing technologies, all critical for future exploration. The STRAD contract, awarded in 2010, aligns with this historical trend of investing in foundational technologies to enable future space missions and maintain U.S. leadership in space.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4901 CORPORATE DR STE E, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35805

Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $45,000,000

Exercised Options: $45,000,000

Current Obligation: $35,547,270

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline

Start Date: 2010-04-01

Current End Date: 2015-06-30

Potential End Date: 2015-06-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2021-09-16

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