NASA's Gateway Habitation Module Contract Awarded to Lockheed Martin for $48.6M
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $48,581,124 ($48.6M)
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corp
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2015-09-23
End Date: 2025-12-31
Contract Duration: 3,752 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 34
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF NEXTSTEP-2: THE GATEWAY PROGRAM OFFICE WAS DIRECTED BY NASA HQ TO COMMENCE WORK ON DEVELOPING AND REFINING GATEWAY HABITATION CONCEPTS, LEADING TO DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION (DDT&E) AND DELIVERY OF A U.S. HABITATION MODULE TO NASA.
Place of Performance
Location: LITTLETON, DOUGLAS County, COLORADO, 80125
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $48.6 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF NEXTSTEP-2: THE GATEWAY PROGRAM OFFICE WAS DIRECTED BY NASA HQ TO COMMENCE WORK ON DEVELOPING AND REFINING GATEWAY HABITATION CONCEPTS, LEADING TO DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION (DDT&E) AND DELIVERY OF A U.S. HABITATION MODULE TO NASA. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on developing and refining habitation concepts for NASA's Gateway program. 2. Lockheed Martin Corp. is the prime contractor for this significant R&D effort. 3. The contract involves design, development, testing, and delivery of a U.S. Habitation Module. 4. This initiative is crucial for the long-term success and functionality of the Gateway space station.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $48.6 million appears reasonable for a complex R&D project involving the design and development of a critical space module. Benchmarking against similar large-scale aerospace R&D contracts would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method allows multiple qualified vendors to bid, potentially leading to more competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for a high-value program like the Gateway.
Public Impact
Advancement of deep space exploration capabilities through the Gateway program. Potential for technological spin-offs benefiting various industries. Creation of high-skilled jobs in the aerospace sector. Contribution to international collaboration in space exploration. Ensuring U.S. leadership in human spaceflight beyond Earth orbit.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in long-term R&D projects.
- Schedule delays due to the complexity of space module development.
- Technological challenges in achieving desired performance specifications.
Positive Signals
- Clear objective for a critical component of the Gateway program.
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Significant investment in future space exploration infrastructure.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically related to aerospace engineering. Spending in this sector is often characterized by long development cycles, high upfront investment, and significant technological risk.
Small Business Impact
While the prime contractor is Lockheed Martin Corp, the contract details do not specify any subcontracting goals or participation from small businesses. Further investigation into subcontracting plans would be beneficial.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's internal oversight mechanisms and the contracting process itself provide a framework for accountability. Regular reporting and milestone reviews are expected to ensure progress and responsible use of funds.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Long-term project duration with potential for scope creep.
- High reliance on advanced and potentially unproven technologies.
- Dependency on continued congressional appropriations for program funding.
- Complexity of integrating with other international Gateway modules.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, co, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $48.6 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP. IGF::OT::IGF NEXTSTEP-2: THE GATEWAY PROGRAM OFFICE WAS DIRECTED BY NASA HQ TO COMMENCE WORK ON DEVELOPING AND REFINING GATEWAY HABITATION CONCEPTS, LEADING TO DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION (DDT&E) AND DELIVERY OF A U.S. HABITATION MODULE TO NASA.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP.
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 $48.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2015-09-23. End: 2025-12-31.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the Habitation Module's development and how will they be measured?
Key performance indicators likely include structural integrity, life support system efficiency, radiation shielding effectiveness, and integration capabilities with other Gateway elements. NASA will likely employ rigorous testing protocols, including ground-based simulations and potentially in-orbit demonstrations, to measure these KPIs. Regular technical reviews and milestone achievements will also serve as critical checkpoints throughout the DDT&E phases.
What are the primary technical risks associated with developing a new Habitation Module for deep space, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
Primary technical risks include material degradation in the harsh space environment, ensuring long-term reliability of life support systems, radiation shielding effectiveness, and successful integration with the Gateway's power and communication systems. Mitigation strategies likely involve extensive material testing, redundant system design, advanced simulation modeling, and phased development with rigorous testing at each stage.
How will the success of this Habitation Module contribute to the overall effectiveness and scientific goals of the Gateway program?
The Habitation Module is fundamental to the Gateway's effectiveness, providing a safe and functional living and working environment for astronauts on extended missions. Its success will enable critical scientific research, technology demonstrations, and serve as a staging point for lunar and potentially Martian missions, directly supporting NASA's broader objectives for sustained human presence in deep 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: NNH15ZCQ001K
Offers Received: 34
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 12257 S WADSWORTH BLVD, LITTLETON, CO, 80125
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $48,581,124
Exercised Options: $48,581,124
Current Obligation: $48,581,124
Actual Outlays: $24,531,167
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 46
Total Subaward Amount: $2,921,845
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2015-09-23
Current End Date: 2025-12-31
Potential End Date: 2025-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-11
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