NASA's $162M NBL/SVMF Operations Contract Awarded to Raytheon Company for R&D Support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $162,242,000 ($162.2M)
Contractor: Raytheon Company
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2010-07-30
End Date: 2019-04-30
Contract Duration: 3,196 days
Daily Burn Rate: $50.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: NEUTRAL BUOYANCY LABORATORY (NBL)/ SPACE VEHICLE MOCKUP FACILITY (SVMF) OPERATIONS CONTRACT (NSOC)THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL RESOURCES AND SERVICES (EXCEPT AS MAY BE EXPRESSLY STATED IN THIS CONTRACT AS FURNISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT) NECESSARY TO OPERATE, MAINTAIN, AND PROVIDE SUSTAINING ENGINEERING FOR THE NEUTRAL BUOYANCY LABORATORY, THE SPACE VEHICLE MOCKUP FACILITY, AND THE LOGISTICS AND MOCKUP FACILITY. IN ADDITION THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL RESOURCES AND SERVICES (EXCEPT AS MAY BE EXPRESSLY STATED IN THIS CONTRACT AS FURNISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT) NECESSARY TO PERFORM PHASE-IN PERIOD ACTIVITIES, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PHASE-IN PLAN. THE NEUTRAL BUOYANCY LABORATORY (NBL) AND SPACE VEHICLE MOCKUP FACILITY (SVMF) ARE KEY AGENCY ASSETS THAT SUPPORT HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT TRAINING AND OPERATIONS. BOTH FACILITIES SUPPORT THE SPACE SHUTTLE, INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (ISS) AND OTHER FUTURE SPACE PROGRAMS. BOTH ARE OPERATED BY JSC S MISSION OPERATIONS DIRECTORATE (MOD). THE NBL SVMF OPERATIONS CONTRACT (NSOC) SPECIFIES TECHNICAL, MANAGERIAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE WORK NEEDED TO ENSURE THE AVAILABILITY, INTEGRITY, AND RELIABILITY OF MISSION OPERATIONS FACILITIES SUPPORTING NASA HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT PROGRAMS REQUIRING MISSION OPERATIONS SUPPORT. FOR THIS CONTRACT, FACILITY IS DEFINED AS THE SYSTEMS AND SUBSYSTEMS OF INTEGRATED HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE USED IN THE PREPARATION FOR AND PERFORMANCE OF MISSION OPERATIONS. THE TERM FACILITY DOES NOT REFER TO BRICK AND MORTAR BUILDINGS OR BUILDING FUNCTIONS, SUCH AS LIGHTING, ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, AND JANITORIAL SERVICES. THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS CONTRACT ARE TO: ACQUIRE SUPPORT (LABOR AND EXPERTISE) TO ENSURE THE CONTINUING SAFE OPERATION OF THE FACILITIES. INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SYNERGY ACROSS ALL FUNCTIONS, PROCESSES AND SYSTEMS. NASA WILL COLLABORATE WITH THE CONTRACTOR ON DEVELOPING TECHNICAL AND PROCEDURAL INNOVATIONS THAT IMPROVE SAFETY, ENHANCE QUALITY, ENSURE USER SATISFACTION, AND REDUCE COST. PROVIDE COST SAVINGS TO MOD BY DEVELOPING EXTERNAL CUSTOMER UTILIZATION OF CURRENT AND FUTURE EXCESS CAPACITY IN THE FACILITIES.
Place of Performance
Location: HOUSTON, HARRIS County, TEXAS, 77058
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $162.2 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY for work described as: NEUTRAL BUOYANCY LABORATORY (NBL)/ SPACE VEHICLE MOCKUP FACILITY (SVMF) OPERATIONS CONTRACT (NSOC)THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL RESOURCES AND SERVICES (EXCEPT AS MAY BE EXPRESSLY STATED IN THIS CONTRACT AS FURNISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT) NECESSARY TO OPERATE, MAINTAIN, AND PROVID… Key points: 1. Contract supports critical human spaceflight training assets. 2. Raytheon Company is the incumbent contractor. 3. Potential for high operational costs due to specialized facility needs. 4. Sector is Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $162M over approximately 9 years suggests a significant investment. Benchmarking against similar specialized facility operations contracts is difficult without more granular cost data.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing. However, the specialized nature of the NBL/SVMF may limit the number of capable bidders.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting essential infrastructure for NASA's human spaceflight program, with competition aiming for cost-effectiveness.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operation of vital training facilities for astronauts. Supports NASA's human spaceflight missions and research objectives. Contract value represents a substantial investment in space exploration infrastructure. Potential impact on future space program development based on facility availability.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in specialized facility operations.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical infrastructure.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Supports critical national space program assets.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically supporting physical and engineering sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and innovation, with benchmarks often tied to project scope and facility complexity.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses on this contract. The specialized nature of the work may present challenges for smaller firms to compete.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is managed by NASA, ensuring the contractor meets performance requirements for operating and maintaining critical facilities. The award fee structure suggests performance-based oversight.
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
- High cost of specialized facility operations.
- Potential for sole-source reliance in future contract renewals.
- Complexity of sustaining engineering for unique assets.
- Dependence on contractor expertise for critical training.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, tx, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $162.2 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY. NEUTRAL BUOYANCY LABORATORY (NBL)/ SPACE VEHICLE MOCKUP FACILITY (SVMF) OPERATIONS CONTRACT (NSOC)THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL RESOURCES AND SERVICES (EXCEPT AS MAY BE EXPRESSLY STATED IN THIS CONTRACT AS FURNISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT) NECESSARY TO OPERATE, MAINTAIN, AND PROVIDE SUSTAINING ENGINEERING FOR THE NEUTRAL BUOYANCY LABORATORY, THE SPACE VEHICLE MOCKUP FACILITY, AND THE LOGISTICS AND MOCKUP FACILITY. IN ADDITION THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL RESOURCES AND SERVICES (EXCEPT AS MAY B
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RAYTHEON COMPANY.
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 $162.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-07-30. End: 2019-04-30.
What is the specific breakdown of costs for operations, maintenance, and sustaining engineering within this contract?
A detailed cost breakdown is not publicly available in the provided data. Understanding the allocation between direct operations, routine maintenance, and long-term sustaining engineering would provide better insight into cost drivers and potential areas for efficiency improvements.
How does the performance of Raytheon Company on this contract compare to previous contracts for similar services?
Historical performance data for Raytheon on this specific contract is not detailed here. However, the 'Cost Plus Award Fee' structure implies that performance is monitored and incentivized, suggesting NASA has mechanisms to evaluate and influence contractor effectiveness over time.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to assess the contractor's success in operating and maintaining the NBL/SVMF?
Specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided summary. Typically, for such contracts, KPIs would include facility uptime, safety incident rates, response times for maintenance, and successful completion of training support activities. NASA's oversight would focus on meeting these metrics.
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: NNJ09040809R
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: RTX Corp
Address: 17225 EL CAMINO REAL STE 410, HOUSTON, TX, 77058
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: $254,584,661
Exercised Options: $192,243,520
Current Obligation: $162,242,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-07-30
Current End Date: 2019-04-30
Potential End Date: 2019-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-06-27
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