NASA's $10.28M Cryogenic Engine Contract Awarded to Aerojet Rocketdyne Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,280,000 ($10.3M)
Contractor: Aerojet Rocketdyne Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2006-02-13
End Date: 2011-02-28
Contract Duration: 1,841 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: CRYOGENIC LOX/METHANE RCS ENGINE ASSEMBLY
Place of Performance
Location: RANCHO CORDOVA, SACRAMENTO County, CALIFORNIA, 95742, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $10.3 million to AEROJET ROCKETDYNE INC for work described as: CRYOGENIC LOX/METHANE RCS ENGINE ASSEMBLY Key points: 1. Aerojet Rocketdyne secured a significant contract for cryogenic engine assembly. 2. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The R&D sector is characterized by high innovation and specialized suppliers. 4. Potential risks include technological obsolescence and development cost overruns.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $10.28M for a cryogenic engine assembly is difficult to benchmark without specific technical details and performance requirements. However, given the specialized nature of rocket engine development, this figure could be within a reasonable range for R&D.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests that taxpayers are likely receiving a fair price for the research and development services.
Public Impact
Advancement in space propulsion technology. Potential for future NASA missions relying on this engine. Supports high-tech R&D jobs in the aerospace sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost overruns in R&D projects.
- Technological feasibility and performance risks.
- Long development cycles.
Positive Signals
- Awarded via full and open competition.
- Supports critical NASA research objectives.
- Contract awarded to a known industry leader.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector (NAICS 541710). Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement but can be subject to high variability and risk.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific involvement of small businesses in this contract. Large, specialized contracts like this often go to established prime contractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by NASA, an agency with established oversight mechanisms for R&D procurements. The 'COST PLUS FIXED FEE' structure requires careful monitoring of costs against the fixed fee to ensure value.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in R&D.
- Technological obsolescence risk.
- Long development timeline.
- Reliance on a single prime contractor for critical component.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $10.3 million to AEROJET ROCKETDYNE INC. CRYOGENIC LOX/METHANE RCS ENGINE ASSEMBLY
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AEROJET ROCKETDYNE INC.
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 $10.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-02-13. End: 2011-02-28.
What are the specific performance metrics and technological advancements expected from this cryogenic engine assembly, and how do they justify the $10.28M investment?
The specific performance metrics and technological advancements are not detailed in the provided data. However, cryogenic LOX/Methane engines are critical for future deep-space missions due to their efficiency and potential for in-situ resource utilization. The investment is likely justified by the need for next-generation propulsion systems capable of meeting ambitious NASA exploration goals, such as Mars missions.
What are the primary technical risks associated with developing this cryogenic engine, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
Primary technical risks include achieving stable combustion at cryogenic temperatures, ensuring material integrity under extreme conditions, and meeting stringent reliability requirements for long-duration spaceflight. Mitigation strategies typically involve rigorous testing, advanced modeling and simulation, redundancy in critical systems, and phased development with clear go/no-go decision points.
How does the 'COST PLUS FIXED FEE' contract type impact the government's ability to control costs and ensure efficient project execution?
The 'COST PLUS FIXED FEE' (CPFF) structure incentivizes the contractor to control costs to maximize their profit margin, as the fee is fixed regardless of the final cost. However, it also requires robust government oversight to ensure that costs are reasonable and allocable to the contract. This type is often used for R&D where the final cost is uncertain.
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 › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. (UEI: 001316330)
Address: HWY 50 & AEROJET ROAD, RANCHO CORDOVA, CA, 95742
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $10,280,000
Exercised Options: $10,280,000
Current Obligation: $10,280,000
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-02-13
Current End Date: 2011-02-28
Potential End Date: 2011-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-09-17
More Contracts from Aerojet Rocketdyne Inc
- Exploration Upper Stage Engines Msfc Will Procure TEN (10) RL10 Flight Engines From Aerojet Rocketdyne, Inc. to Support the Space Launch System (SLS) Exploration Missions 2 and 3 (EM-2 and EM-3). Each Flight Will Require a Four (4) Engine Cluster. Additionally, TWO (2) Spare Engines Will BE Procured. Corresponding to These Specific RL10 Engines, Nasa Msfc Will Procure Vehicle and Program Integration Support, Flight Support, and Human Rating Compliance Review Support — $285.1M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Nasa, Through the Space Technology Mission Directorate (stmd,) Seeks to Demonstrate an Advanced Solar Electric Propulsion (EP) System That Will Enable Future Deep Space Human and Robotic Exploration Applicable to the United States Private and Public Sector Space Needs. the Purpose of the Advanced Electric Propulsion (EP) System (aeps) Contract IS the Development and Delivery of EP String Sets to Support an Advanced SEP Demonstration Mission. During the Contract Base Period of Performance, the Contractor Will Develop, Test, and Deliver Engineering Development END Items That Will Reduce the Risk of Developing the Flight END Items. During the Option Period of Performance, IF Exercised, the Contractor Will Develop, Verify, and Deliver the Flight END Items — $230.2M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Technical Effort - Analysis and Design Engine Assembly (adea) - Hydrocarbon Boost to Provide High Operability and Flight Reliability AS Related to Reusable Liquid Rocket Engine (LRE) — $175.9M (Department of Defense)
- Stinger Flight Motors Increase — $53.6M (Department of Defense)
- Research and Development (R&D) - Stage 2 Large Class Tech Demo — $51.4M (Department of Defense)
Other National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts
- International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
- Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
- Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)
View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →