NASA awards $44.8M contract for advanced ion propulsion technology to Aerojet Rocketdyne, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $44,779,876 ($44.8M)
Contractor: Aerojet Rocketdyne, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2015-03-31
End Date: 2020-10-09
Contract Duration: 2,019 days
Daily Burn Rate: $22.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST SHARING
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF 1.1 BACKGROUND THE NEXT ION PROPULSION TECHNOLOGY HAS BEEN IN DEVELOPMENT BY THE NASA IN-SPACE PROPULSION TECHNOLOGY PROJECT, WITHIN THE SCIENCE MISSION DIRECTORATE (SMD), FOR USE IN A WIDE ARRAY OF ROBOTIC SCIENCE MISSIONS. A NEXT ION PROPULSION SYSTEM TYPICALLY CONSISTS OF GRIDDED ION THRUSTERS, POWER PROCESSING UNITS (PPUS), THRUSTER GIMBALS, A XENON PROPELLANT FEED SYSTEM, AND A CONTROL INTERFACE FUNCTIONALITY CAPTURED EITHER IN A DEDICATED UNIT OR DISTRIBUTED BETWEEN THE ION PROPULSION SYSTEM AND THE SPACECRAFT. NEXT IS APPLICABLE TO A BROAD ARRAY OF PLANETARY SCIENCE MISSIONS, INCLUDING DISCOVERY, NEW FRONTIERS AND FLAGSHIP MISSIONS AND ALSO HAS APPLICATION TO MULTIPLE CONCEPTUAL ASTROPHYSICS SCIENCE MISSIONS. 1.2 BASIS FOR PROCUREMENT THE NASA SMD PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION IS OFFERING NEXT FLIGHT HARDWARE, SPECIFICALLY TWO THRUSTERS AND TWO PPUS, AS GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED EQUIPMENT (GFE) FOR THE NEXT DISCOVERY MISSION ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPPORTUNITY (AO). THE DISCOVERY AO IS TARGETED FOR RELEASE IN OCTOBER 2014. REFER TO NASA SOLICITATION NUMBER NNH14ZDA009J FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THE DISCOVERY AO AND TARGET SCHEDULES. NASA DESIRES FOR THE NEXT SYSTEM TO BE AVAILABLE TO FUTURE USERS AS A COMMERCIAL PRODUCT. NASA ENCOURAGES AND WILL CONSIDER MODIFICATIONS OR ALTERNATIVES TO THE EXISTING DESIGN, PARTICULARLY THE PPU DESIGN, TO FACILITATE MORE CONSISTENT USE IN NON-NASA APPLICATIONS. THEREFORE, THE FRAMEWORK FOR THIS PROCUREMENT AND THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT OF WORK IS FOR COST-SHARED DEVELOPMENT WHICH RESULTS IN PRODUCT USE FOR BOTH NASA AND NON-NASA MISSIONS. THE NASA PROJECT TO PROVIDE THIS GFE HARDWARE IS REFERRED TO AS THE NEXT-C PROJECT THROUGHOUT THIS DOCUMENT.
Place of Performance
Location: REDMOND, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98052
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $44.8 million to AEROJET ROCKETDYNE, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF 1.1 BACKGROUND THE NEXT ION PROPULSION TECHNOLOGY HAS BEEN IN DEVELOPMENT BY THE NASA IN-SPACE PROPULSION TECHNOLOGY PROJECT, WITHIN THE SCIENCE MISSION DIRECTORATE (SMD), FOR USE IN A WIDE ARRAY OF ROBOTIC SCIENCE MISSIONS. A NEXT ION PROPULSION SYSTEM TYPICALLY CON… Key points: 1. Contract supports development of next-generation ion propulsion systems for robotic science missions. 2. Aerojet Rocketdyne, Inc. is the sole awardee for this definitive contract. 3. The contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 4. This technology is applicable to a wide array of planetary science and astrophysics missions. 5. The contract duration spans from March 2015 to October 2020. 6. This represents a significant investment in advanced space propulsion capabilities.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $44.8 million for the development of advanced ion propulsion technology appears reasonable given the complexity and specialized nature of space propulsion systems. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for cutting-edge aerospace technologies would provide a more precise assessment, but the scope suggests a substantial investment. The cost-sharing aspect indicates a shared commitment between the government and the contractor, which can be a positive indicator of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple potential bidders were solicited. The data does not specify the number of bids received, but the full and open nature suggests a competitive process was intended. This approach generally aims to ensure the government receives the best value by allowing a wide range of qualified contractors to participate.
Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining competitive pricing and innovative solutions, potentially leading to cost savings and higher quality outcomes.
Public Impact
Benefits NASA's Science Mission Directorate by advancing propulsion capabilities for robotic science missions. Enables exploration of new frontiers in planetary science and astrophysics. Supports the development of technologies crucial for future deep space exploration. Potential for workforce implications in specialized aerospace engineering and manufacturing sectors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in complex R&D projects.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical technology development.
Positive Signals
- Contract awarded through full and open competition.
- Cost-sharing arrangement can indicate contractor commitment.
- Technology has broad applicability across multiple mission types.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical and engineering sciences. The aerospace industry, a significant part of this sector, heavily relies on innovation in propulsion systems for space exploration. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar R&D efforts in advanced propulsion can vary widely, but investments in next-generation technologies are critical for maintaining technological leadership and achieving ambitious scientific objectives.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements for this contract. As a definitive contract awarded under full and open competition, it is likely that large businesses were the primary participants. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or suppliers.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the NASA Science Mission Directorate, with potential involvement from NASA's Office of Inspector General for audits and investigations. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award notices and reporting requirements. The specific oversight mechanisms would depend on NASA's internal policies and the contract's terms and conditions.
Related Government Programs
- NASA In-Space Propulsion Technology Project
- Planetary Science Division
- Robotic Science Missions
- Astrophysics Missions
Risk Flags
- Technical Risk in R&D
- Schedule Risk
- Cost Overrun Potential
Tags
nasa, science-mission-directorate, aerojet-rocketdyne-inc, research-and-development, ion-propulsion, space-exploration, definitive-contract, full-and-open-competition, cost-sharing, advanced-technology, robotic-missions, washington-dc
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $44.8 million to AEROJET ROCKETDYNE, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF 1.1 BACKGROUND THE NEXT ION PROPULSION TECHNOLOGY HAS BEEN IN DEVELOPMENT BY THE NASA IN-SPACE PROPULSION TECHNOLOGY PROJECT, WITHIN THE SCIENCE MISSION DIRECTORATE (SMD), FOR USE IN A WIDE ARRAY OF ROBOTIC SCIENCE MISSIONS. A NEXT ION PROPULSION SYSTEM TYPICALLY CONSISTS OF GRIDDED ION THRUSTERS, POWER PROCESSING UNITS (PPUS), THRUSTER GIMBALS, A XENON PROPELLANT FEED SYSTEM, AND A CONTROL INTERFACE FUNCTIONALITY CAPTURED EITHER IN A DEDICATED UNIT OR DISTRIBUTED BETWEEN THE ION PR
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 $44.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2015-03-31. End: 2020-10-09.
What is the track record of Aerojet Rocketdyne, Inc. in developing and delivering advanced propulsion systems for NASA?
Aerojet Rocketdyne, Inc. (now part of Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc.) has a long and established history of developing and supplying propulsion systems for NASA and other space agencies. They have been involved in numerous significant space programs, including the Space Shuttle main engines, the RS-25 engines for the Space Launch System (SLS), and various upper-stage and in-space propulsion systems. Their expertise spans chemical, electric, and nuclear propulsion technologies. For ion propulsion specifically, they have been a key player in developing and manufacturing components and systems for various missions. Their extensive experience suggests a strong capability to undertake complex R&D projects like the next-generation ion propulsion technology awarded under this contract.
How does the $44.8 million contract value compare to similar R&D investments in advanced propulsion technologies?
The $44.8 million contract value for developing next-generation ion propulsion technology is substantial but falls within the expected range for advanced aerospace R&D. Developing cutting-edge propulsion systems involves significant engineering, testing, and material science challenges. Similar contracts for advanced rocket engine development, electric propulsion systems, or other novel space technologies can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the technology's maturity, scope, and duration. For instance, contracts for developing new launch vehicle engines or deep-space propulsion systems often exceed this amount. The cost-sharing aspect also suggests that the total investment in this technology may be higher than the government's direct award.
What are the primary risks associated with the development of this next-generation ion propulsion technology?
The primary risks associated with developing next-generation ion propulsion technology are technical and programmatic. Technically, there are inherent uncertainties in advancing propulsion capabilities, such as achieving higher thrust, improved efficiency, longer operational life, and enhanced reliability. Unexpected challenges in materials science, power processing, or system integration could lead to delays or performance shortfalls. Programmatically, risks include potential cost overruns due to unforeseen technical hurdles or scope changes, schedule delays impacting mission timelines, and the possibility that the developed technology may not meet all performance requirements or be superseded by alternative technologies. Ensuring robust testing and validation protocols is crucial to mitigate these risks.
How effective is ion propulsion technology for NASA's robotic science missions compared to other propulsion methods?
Ion propulsion technology is highly effective for specific types of NASA robotic science missions, particularly those requiring high specific impulse (fuel efficiency) for long-duration missions or deep-space trajectories. Unlike chemical rockets which provide high thrust for short bursts, ion thrusters provide very low thrust but operate continuously for extended periods, allowing spacecraft to achieve high velocities over time with significantly less propellant. This makes them ideal for missions to the outer solar system or for station-keeping. However, their low thrust makes them unsuitable for rapid maneuvers or escaping strong gravitational fields quickly. For missions requiring high thrust, such as launching from Earth or rapid orbital changes, chemical propulsion remains dominant.
What has been NASA's historical spending on ion propulsion R&D and procurement?
NASA has consistently invested in ion propulsion R&D and procurement over several decades, recognizing its strategic importance for deep space exploration. Historical spending includes programs like the Deep Space 1 mission (which validated ion propulsion), the Dawn mission (using ion propulsion for asteroid exploration), and various technology development projects within the Game Changing Development program and the In-Space Propulsion Technology Project. While specific aggregate spending figures are difficult to pinpoint without extensive database searches, annual R&D budgets for advanced propulsion often run into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, with individual contracts for development and flight hardware varying significantly. This $44.8 million contract represents a significant, but not unprecedented, investment in this critical technology area.
What are the potential implications of this contract for the future of space exploration?
This contract has significant implications for the future of space exploration by advancing a key enabling technology. Next-generation ion propulsion systems promise greater efficiency and capability, potentially allowing for faster transit times to distant destinations, larger scientific payloads, or more complex mission profiles. This could enable more ambitious robotic missions to the outer planets, Kuiper Belt, and beyond, as well as support future human exploration architectures. By investing in these advanced capabilities, NASA aims to push the boundaries of scientific discovery and expand humanity's reach into the solar system and potentially interstellar 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
Solicitation ID: NNC14515408R
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST SHARING (T)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: L3harris Technologies, Inc
Address: 11411 139TH PL NE, REDMOND, WA, 98052
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $44,984,296
Exercised Options: $44,984,296
Current Obligation: $44,779,876
Actual Outlays: $6,180,345
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 31
Total Subaward Amount: $11,296,461
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2015-03-31
Current End Date: 2020-10-09
Potential End Date: 2020-10-09 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-08-25
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