NASA's TESS Mission Phase B-F Contract Awarded to Northrop Grumman for $102M
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $101,978,516 ($102.0M)
Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2014-03-24
End Date: 2026-06-18
Contract Duration: 4,469 days
Daily Burn Rate: $22.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 22
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: THIS EFFORT IS FOR WORK PERFORMED DURING PHASE B THROUGH F OF THE TRANSITING EXOPLANET SURVEY SATELLITE (TESS) MISSION. THE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH OF THESE PHASES ARE PRESENTED IN INDIVIDUAL SECTIONS BELOW. THE EFFORT ALSO INCLUDES TASKS TO: DESIGN, ANALYZE, VALIDATE, DEVELOP, FABRICATE, ASSEMBLE, INTEGRATE, TEST, AND DELIVER THE TESS SPACECRAFT; INTEGRATE, TEST, AND OPERATE THE TESS OBSERVATORY; AND DEVELOP, TEST, OPERATE, AND SUSTAIN THE ASSOCIATED MISSION OPERATIONS CENTER (MOC). THE CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPACECRAFT AND CAMERA ACCOMMODATION STRUCTURE, INCLUDING THE SUNSHADE. THE TESS INSTRUMENT, CONSISTING OF THE CAMERA STRUCTURE ASSEMBLY, DATA HANDLING UNIT AND HARNESS, WILL BE PROVIDED AS GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR INTEGRATION ACTIVITIES BETWEEN THE INSTRUMENT AND THE SPACECRAFT WITH INSTRUMENT PERSONNEL SUPPORT. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL PERSONNEL, MATERIALS, FACILITIES AND RESOURCES NECESSARY TO CONDUCT THESE ACTIVITIES.
Place of Performance
Location: STERLING, LOUDOUN County, VIRGINIA, 20166
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $102.0 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: THIS EFFORT IS FOR WORK PERFORMED DURING PHASE B THROUGH F OF THE TRANSITING EXOPLANET SURVEY SATELLITE (TESS) MISSION. THE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH OF THESE PHASES ARE PRESENTED IN INDIVIDUAL SECTIONS BELOW. THE EFFORT ALSO INCLUDES TASKS TO: DESIGN, ANALYZE, VALIDATE, DEV… Key points: 1. Contract covers spacecraft development, integration, testing, and operations for TESS. 2. Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation is the sole awardee. 3. Significant risk associated with complex space mission development and long-term operations. 4. Spending falls within the Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $101.98M for a mission spanning over 12 years (2014-2026) appears reasonable given the complexity of space missions. Benchmarking against similar NASA spacecraft development contracts would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method is expected to yield fair pricing, though specific details of the bidding outcomes are not provided.
Taxpayer Impact: The investment supports critical scientific research in exoplanet discovery, potentially leading to significant advancements in our understanding of the universe.
Public Impact
Advances the search for exoplanets, potentially habitable worlds. Enhances understanding of planetary systems beyond our own. Contributes to NASA's broader astrophysics and space exploration goals. Supports technological innovation in spacecraft design and operation.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long duration of contract increases risk of cost overruns.
- Complexity of space mission operations requires robust oversight.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical mission phases.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports a high-impact scientific mission.
- Clear definition of deliverables across multiple phases.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing sector, characterized by high R&D investment, long development cycles, and significant technological complexity. Spending benchmarks for similar NASA missions are typically in the hundreds of millions to billions of dollars.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation was not a stated factor in this award (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests the prime contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and their involvement would likely be as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by NASA, a federal agency with established oversight mechanisms for large-scale projects. However, the long duration and complexity necessitate continuous monitoring to ensure performance, cost control, and adherence to mission objectives.
Related Government Programs
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration increases risk of cost escalation.
- Complexity of space mission operations.
- Potential for technical failures during extended mission life.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical phases.
Tags
guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufac, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, va, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $102.0 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. THIS EFFORT IS FOR WORK PERFORMED DURING PHASE B THROUGH F OF THE TRANSITING EXOPLANET SURVEY SATELLITE (TESS) MISSION. THE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH OF THESE PHASES ARE PRESENTED IN INDIVIDUAL SECTIONS BELOW. THE EFFORT ALSO INCLUDES TASKS TO: DESIGN, ANALYZE, VALIDATE, DEVELOP, FABRICATE, ASSEMBLE, INTEGRATE, TEST, AND DELIVER THE TESS SPACECRAFT; INTEGRATE, TEST, AND OPERATE THE TESS OBSERVATORY; AND DEVELOP, TEST, OPERATE, AND SUSTAIN THE ASSOCIATED MISSION OPERATIONS CENTER (MOC). THE
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 $102.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2014-03-24. End: 2026-06-18.
What is the projected return on investment for the TESS mission in terms of scientific discoveries and potential technological spin-offs?
The TESS mission's primary return is scientific discovery, aiming to identify thousands of exoplanets, including those in the habitable zones of their stars. While direct financial ROI is difficult to quantify, the value lies in advancing fundamental knowledge, inspiring future generations, and potentially identifying targets for future exploration. Technological spin-offs are also likely, as innovations developed for TESS could find applications in other fields.
What are the key technical risks associated with the TESS mission's extended operational phases (B-F) and how are they being mitigated?
Key risks include spacecraft component degradation over time, unforeseen operational challenges in deep space, and the need for continuous software updates. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust testing, redundant systems, comprehensive operational plans developed by Northrop Grumman, and ongoing monitoring by NASA's mission control. The phased approach allows for adaptation and risk management as the mission progresses.
How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee contract structure balance contractor incentives with taxpayer protection for this complex space mission?
A Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure allows the contractor to recover all allowable costs plus a fixed fee, providing incentive to control costs to maximize their profit margin. For a complex, high-risk mission like TESS, this structure is often used to encourage innovation and ensure mission success when exact costs are difficult to predict upfront. However, it requires diligent oversight from NASA to ensure costs remain reasonable and within scope.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: SPACE VEHICLES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 22
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation
Address: 45101 WARP DRIVE, DULLES, VA, 20166
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: $101,978,516
Exercised Options: $101,978,516
Current Obligation: $101,978,516
Actual Outlays: $6,975,523
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 4
Total Subaward Amount: $7,193,701
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2014-03-24
Current End Date: 2026-06-18
Potential End Date: 2026-06-18 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-19
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