NASA's SLS Booster R&D Contract Awarded to ATK Launch Systems for $31.3M
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $31,326,278 ($31.3M)
Contractor: ATK Launch Systems LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2012-10-01
End Date: 2017-03-15
Contract Duration: 1,626 days
Daily Burn Rate: $19.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM (SLS) ADVANCED BOOSTER ENGINEERING DEMONSTRATION AND/OR RISK REDUCTION
Place of Performance
Location: BRIGHAM CITY, BOX ELDER County, UTAH, 84302
State: Utah Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $31.3 million to ATK LAUNCH SYSTEMS LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM (SLS) ADVANCED BOOSTER ENGINEERING DEMONSTRATION AND/OR RISK REDUCTION Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced booster engineering for the Space Launch System. 2. ATK Launch Systems, a significant player in aerospace, is the sole awardee. 3. The contract aims to reduce risks associated with booster technology. 4. Spending falls under Research and Development in Physical and Engineering Sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $31.3M for a 5-year R&D effort appears reasonable given the specialized nature of space launch technology. Benchmarking is difficult without specific comparable contracts for similar advanced booster development.
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. However, the specific awardee, ATK Launch Systems, implies they were selected based on their capabilities and proposal.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in developing critical technology for future space exploration missions, potentially leading to long-term benefits.
Public Impact
Supports the development of NASA's next-generation heavy-lift rocket, the Space Launch System. Invests in advanced engineering and risk reduction for critical booster components. Potential for technological advancements with broader applications in aerospace. Contributes to U.S. leadership in space exploration and scientific discovery.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long-term R&D projects can face scope creep and cost overruns.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical technology development.
- Potential for delays in the SLS program impacting broader NASA goals.
Positive Signals
- Focus on risk reduction can lead to more reliable future systems.
- Investment in cutting-edge technology fosters innovation.
- Supports a key national strategic asset (SLS).
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences related to aerospace. Spending benchmarks for advanced booster development are highly specialized and not readily available, but NASA's R&D investments are substantial.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the awardee is ATK Launch Systems LLC, a large business. There is no specific indication of small business participation in this particular contract award.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's internal oversight mechanisms and program management are responsible for monitoring the progress and expenditures of this R&D contract to ensure objectives are met.
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
- Potential for cost overruns in long-term R&D.
- Dependency on a single contractor for critical technology.
- Risk of schedule delays impacting broader program timelines.
- Difficulty in benchmarking specialized R&D costs.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ut, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $31.3 million to ATK LAUNCH SYSTEMS LLC. IGF::OT::IGF SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM (SLS) ADVANCED BOOSTER ENGINEERING DEMONSTRATION AND/OR RISK REDUCTION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ATK LAUNCH SYSTEMS LLC.
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 $31.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-10-01. End: 2017-03-15.
What is the projected return on investment for this advanced booster engineering R&D in terms of mission success and cost savings for future SLS flights?
The return on investment is primarily measured by the successful development of a reliable and cost-effective booster system for the SLS, which is crucial for NASA's deep space exploration objectives. Risk reduction in this phase aims to prevent costly failures or redesigns in later stages, ultimately contributing to the long-term affordability and success of the SLS program.
What are the primary technical risks being addressed, and what are the contingency plans if these risks cannot be mitigated within the contract period?
The primary technical risks likely involve material science, structural integrity, and performance under extreme launch conditions for the advanced booster. Contingency plans would typically involve phased development, alternative design considerations, and potentially extending the R&D period or re-evaluating requirements if significant unforeseen challenges arise.
How effectively does this contract contribute to the overall readiness and cost-efficiency goals of the Space Launch System program?
This contract is designed to directly enhance the readiness and cost-efficiency of the SLS by addressing critical booster technologies early in the development cycle. By mitigating risks and refining engineering designs now, it aims to prevent more expensive problems and delays during later stages of the program, thereby contributing to the overall program's success and fiscal responsibility.
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 › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems LLC (UEI: 618705925)
Address: 9160 N HWY 83, CORINNE, UT, 84307
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: $51,302,310
Exercised Options: $51,302,310
Current Obligation: $31,326,278
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 11
Total Subaward Amount: $7,224,785
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-10-01
Current End Date: 2017-03-15
Potential End Date: 2017-03-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-03-03
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