NASA's $144M Max Launch Abort System Contract Awarded to Northrop Grumman
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $14,424,596 ($14.4M)
Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2007-09-14
End Date: 2010-03-31
Contract Duration: 929 days
Daily Burn Rate: $15.5K/day
Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Number of Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: MAX LAUNCH ABORT SYSTEM (MLAS) REQUIREMENT.
Place of Performance
Location: EL SEGUNDO, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 90245
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $14.4 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: MAX LAUNCH ABORT SYSTEM (MLAS) REQUIREMENT. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for a critical space safety system. 2. Northrop Grumman is a major aerospace contractor. 3. Potential risks include R&D complexity and schedule adherence. 4. Spending falls within the Research and Development sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the unique nature of the MLAS.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
The contract type is listed as 'COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER', but details on the competitive process are not provided. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced aerospace research and development, with the ultimate goal of enhancing astronaut safety.
Public Impact
Enhances astronaut safety for future space missions. Supports technological advancement in aerospace engineering. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting other industries.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Limited transparency on competition
- R&D complexity
Positive Signals
- Critical safety system development
- Major aerospace contractor involved
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation but can be subject to high uncertainty and cost fluctuations.
Small Business Impact
No information is available regarding small business participation in this contract. Large, established contractors like Northrop Grumman often dominate major aerospace development projects.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is provided by NASA. The effectiveness of oversight will depend on rigorous monitoring of R&D progress, cost controls, and adherence to safety and performance requirements.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract
- Lack of detailed competition information
- R&D inherent risks
- Potential for schedule slippage
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $14.4 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. MAX LAUNCH ABORT SYSTEM (MLAS) REQUIREMENT.
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 $14.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-09-14. End: 2010-03-31.
What specific metrics are used to evaluate the value and effectiveness of the Max Launch Abort System development?
Value is likely assessed through successful demonstration of system functionality, meeting performance specifications, and achieving critical design reviews. Effectiveness will be measured by the system's ability to perform its intended safety function during launch abort scenarios, contributing to overall mission success and astronaut survivability.
What are the primary risks associated with the R&D nature of this contract and how are they being mitigated?
Primary risks include technical challenges in developing novel technology, potential for schedule delays due to unforeseen R&D hurdles, and cost overruns inherent in fixed-fee contracts for research. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust project management, phased development with clear milestones, and close collaboration between NASA and Northrop Grumman to address issues proactively.
How does this investment align with NASA's broader strategic goals for space exploration and safety?
This investment directly aligns with NASA's core mission of ensuring astronaut safety during spaceflight. The development of an advanced launch abort system is critical for crewed missions, particularly for new launch vehicles. It supports NASA's long-term goals of enabling safe and reliable access to space for exploration and scientific endeavors.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Titan II Inc. (UEI: 016435559)
Address: ONE HORNET WAY, EL SEGUNDO, CA, 36
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $14,424,596
Exercised Options: $14,424,596
Current Obligation: $14,424,596
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNL04AA13B
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-09-14
Current End Date: 2010-03-31
Potential End Date: 2010-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2013-01-11
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