Boeing's Commercial Crew Program contract valued at $3.6B aims to transport NASA astronauts to the ISS

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $360,607,891 ($360.6M)

Contractor: THE Boeing Company

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2015-05-22

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 4,057 days

Daily Burn Rate: $88.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF THE COMMERCIAL CREW PROGRAM (CCP) COMMERCIAL CREW TRANSPORTATION CAPABILITY (CCTCAP) CONTRACT WILL PROVIDE COMPLETION OF THE DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, EVALUATION, AND CERTIFICATION OF AN INTEGRATED CREW TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM (CTS) CAPABLE OF TRANSPORTING NASA CREW TO AND FROM THE ISS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DESIGN REFERENCE MISSIONS AND NASA'S CERTIFICATION STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS. CERTIFICATION OF THE CTS WILL BE DETERMINED BY NASA. NASA PLANS TO ISSUE TASK ORDERS FOR POST CERTIFICATION MISSIONS (PCM) TO AND FROM ISS THAT INCLUDE GROUND, LAUNCH, LIFEBOAT, ON-ORBIT, RETURN AND RECOVERY OPERATIONS. THE MINIMUM QUANTITY OF MISSIONS TO BE ORDERED IS TWO (2) AND THE MAXIMUM POTENTIAL QUANTITY OF MISSIONS WHICH MAY BE ORDERED IS SIX (6). IN ADDITION, NASA MAY ISSUE TASK ORDERS FOR SPECIAL STUDIES USED FOR RISK REDUCTION AND OTHER PURPOSES RELATED TO THE CTS. NASA CERTIFICATION UNDER CLIN 001 IS COMPLETE WHEN THE CONTRACTOR'S CREW TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM (CTS) HAS MET NASA S REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFELY TRANSPORTING CREW TO AND FROM THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (ISS) IN ACCORDANCE WITH DOCUMENTS IDENTIFIED IN SECTION C.1, SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK. SUBCLINS 001A AND 001B, IDENTIFIED IN TABLE B.3, DDTE/CERTIFICATION SUBCLINS, ARE DELIVERY MILESTONES THAT REPRESENT COMPLETION OF REQUIRED WORK NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE NASA CERTIFICATION. DELIVERY PAYMENT FOR THE ISS DESIGN CERTIFICATION REVIEW (DCR) FOR THE CREWED FLIGHT TO THE ISS INCLUDES ALL WORK UNDER THIS CLIN THAT OCCURS FROM THE CONTRACT EFFECTIVE DATE THROUGH THE ISS DCR COMPLETION. THE DELIVERY PAYMENT FOR THE CERTIFICATION REVIEW (CR) WILL INCLUDE ALL WORK THAT OCCURS FROMTHE ISS DCR DELIVERY DATE THROUGH THE END OF THE DDTE/CERTIFICATION CLIN 001. IN ACCORDANCE WITH CLAUSE C.1, SPECIFICATION/STATEMENT OF WORK, THE TASK ORDERING PROCEDURES AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS IN THE CONTRACT, THE CONTRACTING OFFICER MAY ISSUE POST CERTIFICATION MISSION (PCM) TASK ORDERS. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL USE THE MISSION PRICING RATES SHOWN IN TABLE B.4.1, POST CERTIFICATION MISSION PRICES. THE PER MISSION PRICES ARE FOR A SINGLE ORDER AT THE PRICE STATED PER THE CALENDAR YEAR (CY) BASED ON THE NUMBER OF MISSIONS ORDERED. CTS FULL MISSION CAPABILITY PRICES SHALL BE BASED ON (1) FULFILLMENT OF THE DESIGN REFERENCE MISSION TO THE ISS FOUND IN CCT-DRM-1110, CREW TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM DESIGN REFERENCE MISSIONS, ATTACHMENT J-03, CONTRACT PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT, AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS IN THE CONTRACT AND (2) ALL INHERENT CTS CAPABILITIES THAT ARE WITHIN THE PROPOSED MISSION PRICES. IN ACCORDANCE WITH ATTACHMENT J-03, CONTRACT PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT, THE TASK ORDERING PROCEDURES AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS IN THE CONTRACT, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PERFORM SPECIAL STUDIES, TEST AND ANALYSES, AS INITIATED BY WRITTEN DIRECTION FROM THE CONTRACTING OFFICER. BOEING CCTCAP POST CERTIFICATION MISSION 1 (PCM-1) TASK ORDER AGAINST NNK14MA75C CLIN 002, AS DESCRIBED IN CLAUSE B.4 POST CERTIFICATION MISSIONS (IDIQ)(CLIN 002) AND ALL OTHER APPLICABLE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

Place of Performance

Location: ORLANDO, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32899

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $360.6 million to THE BOEING COMPANY for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF THE COMMERCIAL CREW PROGRAM (CCP) COMMERCIAL CREW TRANSPORTATION CAPABILITY (CCTCAP) CONTRACT WILL PROVIDE COMPLETION OF THE DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, EVALUATION, AND CERTIFICATION OF AN INTEGRATED CREW TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM (CTS) CAPABLE OF TRANSPORTING NASA CREW … Key points: 1. Contract focuses on developing and certifying a crew transportation system. 2. Includes potential for post-certification missions to and from the ISS. 3. Minimum of two missions and a maximum of six are planned. 4. Contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating cost risk for the contractor. 5. The duration spans over 10 years, from 2015 to 2026. 6. Boeing is the sole contractor for this specific capability. 7. The contract is managed by NASA's Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. 8. Geographically, the contract has ties to Florida.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total contract value of $3.6 billion for the Commercial Crew Transportation Capability (CCTCAP) contract appears substantial, reflecting the complexity and criticality of developing a human-rated spaceflight system. Benchmarking this against other large-scale aerospace development programs is challenging due to the unique nature of commercial crew transport. However, considering the extensive research, development, testing, and certification required, the pricing is likely competitive within the specialized domain of human spaceflight. The firm-fixed-price structure shifts significant cost risk to Boeing, which can be a positive indicator of value if managed effectively.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple companies had the opportunity to bid. This process is designed to foster innovation and ensure the best value for the government. The specific details of the number of bidders and the evaluation criteria are not provided, but the open competition is a positive sign for price discovery and selection of a capable provider.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging a competitive environment that can lead to more favorable pricing and innovative solutions, reducing the risk of overpayment.

Public Impact

Benefits NASA by providing a reliable and safe means for transporting astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). Enables continued human presence and research aboard the ISS. Supports the U.S. commercial space industry and fosters innovation in space transportation. Creates high-skilled jobs in aerospace engineering, manufacturing, and operations. The program's success is crucial for NASA's long-term human spaceflight goals. Operations are primarily based in Florida, contributing to the state's aerospace sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

• Long-term nature of the contract could lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
• Reliance on a single contractor for critical crew transport poses a risk if performance issues arise.
• The complexity of human spaceflight certification introduces inherent technical risks.
• Potential for scope creep or changes in mission requirements over the extended contract period.

Positive Signals

• Firm-fixed-price contract structure places cost control responsibility on the contractor.
• Full and open competition at the outset suggests a robust selection process.
• The contract aims to establish a sustainable commercial capability for crew transport.
• Boeing's extensive experience in aerospace development is a positive signal.
• Clear definition of deliverables (design, development, test, certification) provides a framework for performance.

Sector Analysis

The Commercial Crew Program (CCP) falls within the Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing sector, a highly specialized and technologically advanced segment of the aerospace industry. This sector is characterized by significant R&D investment, stringent safety and performance requirements, and a limited number of highly capable contractors. The market size for human spaceflight transportation is niche but critical for national space programs. This contract represents a significant investment by NASA to leverage commercial capabilities, a trend seen across various government sectors aiming to reduce costs and foster private sector innovation.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have specific small business set-aside provisions, as it is a large-scale development and service contract awarded to a major aerospace prime contractor. However, Boeing, like other large aerospace companies, is expected to utilize a network of subcontractors, which may include small businesses. The extent of small business participation will depend on Boeing's subcontracting plan and the availability of specialized small businesses capable of contributing to such a complex program.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for the Commercial Crew Program is primarily conducted by NASA's own program management and safety organizations. This includes rigorous reviews, audits, and inspections throughout the design, development, testing, and operational phases. The contract's firm-fixed-price nature also provides a level of financial oversight. Transparency is maintained through public reports and program updates, although detailed contractual performance data may be proprietary. Inspector General oversight would apply to ensure efficient and effective use of funds.

Related Government Programs

• Commercial Crew Program (CCP)
• International Space Station (ISS) Operations
• Space Launch Systems
• Human Spaceflight Development
• Aerospace Manufacturing Contracts

Risk Flags

• Schedule delays impacting mission timelines.
• Technical performance issues during development and testing.
• Potential for cost growth if unforeseen issues require additional funding.
• Safety concerns related to human-rated spaceflight systems.
• Contractor performance below expected standards.

Tags

nasa, commercial-crew, space-transportation, human-spaceflight, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, aerospace, guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufacturing, boeing, florida, iss, development-contract

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $360.6 million to THE BOEING COMPANY. IGF::OT::IGF THE COMMERCIAL CREW PROGRAM (CCP) COMMERCIAL CREW TRANSPORTATION CAPABILITY (CCTCAP) CONTRACT WILL PROVIDE COMPLETION OF THE DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, EVALUATION, AND CERTIFICATION OF AN INTEGRATED CREW TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM (CTS) CAPABLE OF TRANSPORTING NASA CREW TO AND FROM THE ISS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DESIGN REFERENCE MISSIONS AND NASA'S CERTIFICATION STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS. CERTIFICATION OF THE CTS WILL BE DETERMINED BY NASA. NASA PLANS TO ISSUE TASK ORDERS FOR POST C

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE BOEING 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 $360.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-05-22. End: 2026-06-30.

What is Boeing's track record with NASA on complex human spaceflight programs?

Boeing has a long and extensive history with NASA, dating back to the Apollo program. They were a key contractor for the Space Shuttle program, responsible for building the orbiter's main fuselage and other critical components. More recently, Boeing has been involved in developing the Starliner spacecraft under the Commercial Crew Program, which is the subject of this contract. While the Starliner program has faced delays and technical challenges, including an uncrewed orbital flight test that did not achieve all its objectives, Boeing's overall experience in designing, manufacturing, and supporting complex aerospace systems for NASA is substantial. Their legacy includes significant contributions to human space exploration, demonstrating a deep understanding of NASA's requirements and the rigorous standards of human spaceflight.

How does the value of this contract compare to similar human spaceflight development efforts?

Comparing the $3.6 billion value of Boeing's Commercial Crew Transportation Capability (CCTCAP) contract directly to similar efforts is complex due to the unique nature of commercial crew development. Historically, NASA bore the full cost of developing human spaceflight systems, such as the Space Shuttle or the Orion spacecraft, which involved tens of billions of dollars. The CCTCAP contract represents a shift towards leveraging commercial industry capabilities, with NASA acting as a customer. While $3.6 billion is a significant sum, it is considerably less than the cost of developing a system entirely in-house. It's also important to note that SpaceX received a similar contract under the same program, indicating NASA's strategy to foster competition and redundancy. The value reflects the R&D, testing, certification, and initial operational phases required for a new human-rated vehicle.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract for NASA and taxpayers?

The primary risks for NASA and taxpayers associated with this contract revolve around schedule delays, cost overruns, and performance failures. Given the inherent complexity and high stakes of human spaceflight, technical challenges are almost inevitable, potentially leading to extended development timelines and increased costs, even under a firm-fixed-price contract if scope changes or unforeseen issues arise. A critical risk is the potential for mission failure or loss of crew, which would have catastrophic consequences. Furthermore, reliance on a single contractor for a critical capability like crew transport introduces a single point of failure. Taxpayers also bear the risk that the contracted services may not ultimately provide the most cost-effective or reliable solution compared to alternative approaches or future technologies.

How effective is the Commercial Crew Program in achieving its goals of safe and affordable astronaut transport?

The effectiveness of the Commercial Crew Program (CCP) is still being fully realized, but it has made significant strides. The program's core goals are to provide safe, reliable, and more affordable transportation for NASA astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS). By fostering competition between commercial providers like Boeing and SpaceX, NASA aimed to drive down costs compared to previous government-led development. Both providers have successfully launched crewed missions, demonstrating the viability of commercial crew transport. While challenges and delays have occurred, the program has successfully restored U.S. human launch capability, ending reliance on Russian Soyuz vehicles. The long-term affordability aspect is still under evaluation as operational costs mature, but the initial development contracts were structured to incentivize cost-efficiency.

What are the historical spending patterns for NASA's human spaceflight programs, and how does this contract fit?

Historically, NASA's human spaceflight programs have represented some of the largest and most complex endeavors undertaken by the agency, often involving tens of billions of dollars. Programs like Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, the Space Shuttle, and more recently the Constellation program and the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion, have seen massive investments over decades. These were typically developed and managed directly by NASA with extensive contractor support. The Commercial Crew Program, including this contract with Boeing, marks a significant shift in strategy. Instead of NASA developing and owning the entire transportation system, it is now purchasing services from commercial providers. This approach aims to reduce long-term costs by leveraging private sector efficiencies and innovation. The $3.6 billion for Boeing's CCTCAP is a substantial investment but represents a different model compared to the full development costs of previous government-owned systems.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATION › TRANSPORTATION OF THINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3700 BAY AREA BLVD, 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: $360,607,891

Exercised Options: $360,607,891

Current Obligation: $360,607,891

Actual Outlays: $32,978,089

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 344

Total Subaward Amount: $255,004,120

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNK14MA75C

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2015-05-22

Current End Date: 2026-06-30

Potential End Date: 2026-06-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-11-24

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