NASA's $13M Space Shuttle Support Contract Awarded to Lockheed Martin Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $12,994,080 ($13.0M)
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2004-03-01
End Date: 2010-10-06
Contract Duration: 2,410 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: SPACE SHUTTLE LANDING & RESEARCH AIRCRAFT SUPPORT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: EDWARDS, KERN County, CALIFORNIA, 93523, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $13.0 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION for work described as: SPACE SHUTTLE LANDING & RESEARCH AIRCRAFT SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value of $12.99M for specialized engineering services. 2. Awarded to Lockheed Martin Corporation, a major aerospace contractor. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. Services support the Space Shuttle program and research aircraft operations.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $12.99M for a duration of approximately 2410 days (around 6.6 years) suggests an average annual spend of roughly $1.97M. Without specific service details or comparable contract data, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing against similar contracts, but the duration and value appear moderate for specialized aerospace support.
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 were likely considered. This method generally promotes price discovery and can lead to more competitive pricing for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by securing the best value through a competitive process.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operational support for the Space Shuttle program during its later years. Supports critical research aircraft operations, potentially for scientific or developmental purposes. Maintains a skilled workforce and infrastructure necessary for complex aerospace engineering tasks. Contributes to the overall success and safety of NASA's high-profile missions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Contract duration extends beyond the operational life of the Space Shuttle program.
- Potential for cost overruns if scope or requirements change significantly.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical support services.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating competitive pricing.
- Experienced contractor with a strong track record in aerospace.
- Services are essential for ongoing NASA operations.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Engineering Services (NAICS 541330), a sector characterized by specialized technical expertise. Spending in this area is crucial for government agencies like NASA to maintain and advance complex technological programs. Benchmarks for similar contracts would depend heavily on the specific nature of the engineering support required.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Lockheed Martin Corporation, a large business. There is no indication that small businesses were specifically subcontracted or involved in the primary award, which is common for large, complex aerospace contracts.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's procurement processes are subject to oversight from various bodies, including the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Inspector General (IG). The use of full and open competition suggests adherence to standard procurement regulations designed to ensure fairness and accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract duration extends beyond the Space Shuttle program's operational retirement.
- Potential for scope creep or unforeseen technical challenges impacting cost.
- Reliance on a single large contractor for critical, specialized support.
- Lack of explicit small business participation noted in the award data.
Tags
engineering-services, 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 $13.0 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION. SPACE SHUTTLE LANDING & RESEARCH AIRCRAFT SUPPORT SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LOCKHEED MARTIN 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 $13.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-03-01. End: 2010-10-06.
What specific engineering services were provided under this contract, and how did they directly contribute to the Space Shuttle's mission success or research aircraft operations?
The contract likely encompassed a range of engineering support, including systems engineering, integration, testing, analysis, and potentially modifications or upgrades for the Space Shuttle and associated research aircraft. These services were crucial for ensuring the safety, reliability, and operational readiness of these complex vehicles throughout their missions, contributing directly to scientific data collection and mission objectives.
Given the contract's end date (October 2010) and the Space Shuttle's retirement in July 2011, what was the rationale for a contract extending so close to the program's conclusion?
The contract's duration likely covered the final operational years of the Space Shuttle program, including post-mission analysis, data reduction, and final decommissioning support. Extending the contract ensured continuity of essential services during this critical phase, allowing for thorough mission wrap-up, safety assessments, and the transition to future programs without operational gaps.
How did the 'full and open competition' process ensure value for money, considering the specialized nature of Space Shuttle support and the contractor's established role?
Full and open competition, even for specialized services, allows multiple qualified firms to bid, fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovative solutions. While Lockheed Martin was likely a strong contender due to its existing role, the process ensured that NASA received proposals from various sources, enabling a thorough evaluation of technical capabilities and cost-effectiveness to secure the best overall value.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Lockheed Martin Corp (UEI: 834951691)
Address: TWO CORPORATE PLAZA, HOUSTON, TX, 77058
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $14,906,924
Exercised Options: $14,906,924
Current Obligation: $12,994,080
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-03-01
Current End Date: 2010-10-06
Potential End Date: 2010-10-06 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-11-03
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