NASA's Green Propellant Infusion Mission contract awarded to BAE Systems for $57.9M to advance green propulsion technology
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $57,879,141 ($57.9M)
Contractor: BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2012-09-28
End Date: 2021-01-31
Contract Duration: 3,047 days
Daily Burn Rate: $19.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 16
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF GREEN PROPELLANT INFUSION MISSION THE GREEN PROPELLANT INFUSION MISSION WILL BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY INFUSION FOR GREEN PRO-PULSION TECHNOLOGIES. GPIM WILL BRING GREEN PROPULSION TECHNOLOGY FROM A CURRENT TRL 5 STATE TO A TRL 9 STATE. THE TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION MISSION (TDM) IS BROKEN INTO THREE PHASES: BASE PERIOD, OPTION 1 AND OPTION 2. IN THE BASE PERIOD, BOTH A 1N AND A 22N THRUSTER WILL BE MATURED TO FLIGHT READY STATUS. THE THRUSTERS, DESIGNED FOR USE WITH AF-M315E FUEL, WILL BE GROUND TESTED TO SHOW THEY MEET THE FUNCTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS NEEDED FOR A SMALL SPACECRAFT PROPULSION SYSTEM. OPTION I INCLUDES SPACECRAFT BUS ASSEMBLY, INTEGRATION, TEST AND ASSEMBLY INTEGRATION AND TEST OF THE PROPULSION PAYLOAD FLIGHT SYSTEM. OPTION II INCLUDES SYSTEM LEVEL INTEGRATION AND TEST OF THE FULL SPACE VEHICLE, LAUNCH PREPARATION AND OPERATIONS AND FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION OF THE PROPULSION PAYLOAD.
Place of Performance
Location: BOULDER, BOULDER County, COLORADO, 80301
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $57.9 million to BAE SYSTEMS SPACE & MISSION SYSTEMS INC. for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF GREEN PROPELLANT INFUSION MISSION THE GREEN PROPELLANT INFUSION MISSION WILL BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY INFUSION FOR GREEN PRO-PULSION TECHNOLOGIES. GPIM WILL BRING GREEN PROPULSION TECHNOLOGY FROM A CURRENT TRL 5 STATE TO A TRL 9 S… Key points: 1. Focuses on maturing green propulsion technology from TRL 5 to TRL 9 for small spacecraft. 2. Contract includes thruster maturation, ground testing, and spacecraft integration for AF-M315E fuel. 3. Demonstrates NASA's commitment to developing and infusing advanced, environmentally friendly space technologies. 4. The project spans multiple phases, indicating a phased approach to technology development and demonstration. 5. BAE Systems is the sole contractor, highlighting specialized capabilities required for this mission. 6. The contract duration of over 3000 days suggests a long-term investment in technological advancement.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $57.9 million for a technology infusion mission appears reasonable given the scope of advancing a propulsion system from TRL 5 to TRL 9. Comparing this to similar advanced propulsion development contracts, the cost per year is within a typical range for complex space technology maturation. The phased approach with base and option periods allows for flexibility and cost control as milestones are met. However, a detailed cost breakdown and comparison to independent cost estimates would provide a more definitive assessment of value for money.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, this procurement method generally fosters competitive pricing and encourages innovation. The selection of BAE Systems suggests they offered the best value proposition based on technical merit, past performance, and price. The competitive process is crucial for ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently in acquiring advanced technologies.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition helps ensure that the government receives the best possible price and technological solution, ultimately benefiting taxpayers by avoiding inflated costs associated with less competitive procurements.
Public Impact
Benefits the space industry by advancing environmentally friendly propulsion alternatives. Delivers a demonstrated green propulsion system ready for integration into small spacecraft missions. Geographic impact is primarily within the aerospace sector, with potential for broader adoption in satellite technology. Workforce implications include specialized engineering and technical roles in propulsion development and spacecraft integration.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if technology maturation encounters unforeseen challenges.
- Dependence on a single contractor for a critical technology infusion could pose supply chain risks.
- The long duration of the contract may lead to scope creep or changes in technological requirements over time.
Positive Signals
- Focus on 'green' propulsion aligns with environmental sustainability goals in space exploration.
- Advancing technology readiness levels (TRL) reduces risk for future operational missions.
- The contract structure with option periods allows for adaptive management of project scope and budget.
- BAE Systems has a significant track record in space systems, suggesting technical competence.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls within the Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing sector, a critical area for national defense and space exploration. This sector is characterized by high R&D investment, long development cycles, and stringent performance requirements. Spending in this area is driven by the need for advanced capabilities, technological superiority, and increasingly, environmental considerations. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve other advanced propulsion system development contracts or major satellite component procurements, which often run into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Given the specialized nature of advanced propulsion technology and the large contract value, it is likely that large aerospace contractors like BAE Systems are best positioned to execute. Subcontracting opportunities may exist for smaller firms specializing in specific components or testing services, but the primary awardee is a large entity. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on the extent of subcontracting opportunities offered by the prime contractor.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract is likely managed by NASA's contracting officers and program managers, ensuring adherence to contract terms, milestones, and budget. The agency's internal review processes and potentially the NASA Office of Inspector General would provide accountability. Transparency is facilitated through contract awards databases and public reporting requirements. The phased nature of the contract allows for regular reviews and adjustments, contributing to effective oversight.
Related Government Programs
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) programs
- Advanced Propulsion Technology Research
- Small Spacecraft Technology Partnerships
- NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs
Risk Flags
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Advancement Risk
- Integration Complexity Risk
- Long-Term Contract Management Risk
Tags
nasa, aerospace, propulsion-systems, technology-development, spacecraft, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, advanced-technology, defense-sector, guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufacturing, colorado, bae-systems
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $57.9 million to BAE SYSTEMS SPACE & MISSION SYSTEMS INC.. IGF::CT::IGF GREEN PROPELLANT INFUSION MISSION THE GREEN PROPELLANT INFUSION MISSION WILL BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY INFUSION FOR GREEN PRO-PULSION TECHNOLOGIES. GPIM WILL BRING GREEN PROPULSION TECHNOLOGY FROM A CURRENT TRL 5 STATE TO A TRL 9 STATE. THE TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION MISSION (TDM) IS BROKEN INTO THREE PHASES: BASE PERIOD, OPTION 1 AND OPTION 2. IN THE BASE PERIOD, BOTH A 1N AND A 22N THRUSTER WILL BE MATURED TO FLIGHT READY STATUS. THE THRUSTERS, DE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BAE SYSTEMS SPACE & MISSION SYSTEMS INC..
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 $57.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-09-28. End: 2021-01-31.
What is the specific performance history of BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems Inc. with NASA on similar advanced propulsion contracts?
BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems Inc. has a substantial history of working with NASA and other government agencies on complex space systems, including propulsion and satellite components. While specific performance data on prior advanced propulsion contracts is not detailed here, their extensive experience in the sector suggests a strong capability. NASA typically evaluates past performance rigorously during the procurement process. For this specific contract, the 'ST' (Source Selection Tool) code might indicate a strong past performance rating. Further investigation into NASA's contract database or BAE Systems' portfolio would reveal more granular details on their track record with similar technologies and mission requirements.
How does the cost of developing and infusing this green propellant technology compare to historical benchmarks for similar advancements?
The total contract value of $57.9 million for the Green Propellant Infusion Mission (GPIM) represents a significant investment in advancing green propulsion technology from TRL 5 to TRL 9. Benchmarking this cost requires comparing it to other NASA or DoD contracts focused on developing and demonstrating novel propulsion systems. Historically, such advanced technology development programs can range widely in cost depending on complexity, required testing, and the maturity of the base technology. Given that GPIM aims to mature a specific technology for small spacecraft, the cost appears aligned with the typical investment needed for such specialized R&D efforts. Without specific cost breakdowns or comparisons to peer programs, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the phased approach suggests an effort to manage costs effectively.
What are the primary technical risks associated with the GPIM contract, and how are they being mitigated?
The primary technical risks associated with the GPIM contract likely revolve around the successful maturation of the green propellant thrusters (1N and 22N) to a flight-ready state and their integration with the spacecraft bus. Challenges could include achieving the required performance specifications with the AF-M315E fuel, ensuring reliability under various environmental conditions, and successful integration of the propulsion system with the spacecraft. Mitigation strategies typically involve rigorous ground testing, detailed design reviews, adherence to strict quality control processes, and the phased approach of the contract itself, allowing for iterative development and problem-solving. NASA's oversight and BAE Systems' technical expertise are key to managing these risks.
What is the expected impact of the GPIM technology on future NASA missions and the broader aerospace industry?
The GPIM contract is expected to have a significant impact by demonstrating and infusing 'green' propulsion technologies, which are more environmentally friendly and potentially more efficient than traditional hypergolic propellants. This advancement is crucial for future NASA missions, particularly those involving small spacecraft, where reduced environmental impact and improved performance are desirable. For the broader aerospace industry, the successful demonstration of this technology could spur wider adoption of green propellants, leading to new market opportunities, reduced operational costs, and enhanced sustainability in space operations. It positions NASA and its partners as leaders in developing next-generation space propulsion solutions.
How has NASA's spending on advanced propulsion technology evolved over the past decade, and where does GPIM fit in?
NASA's spending on advanced propulsion technology has generally seen consistent investment, driven by the need for more efficient, capable, and sustainable systems for various mission classes, from deep space exploration to small satellite constellations. Over the past decade, there has been a notable increase in focus on electric propulsion, in-space propulsion systems, and environmentally benign propellants, aligning with broader technological trends and policy objectives. The GPIM contract, with its $57.9 million value, fits within this trend by specifically targeting the infusion of green propellant technology. It represents a targeted investment to bridge the gap between laboratory development and operational use, complementing broader research efforts and contributing to NASA's strategic goals for advanced space capabilities.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 16
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Ball Corp
Address: 1600 COMMERCE ST, BOULDER, CO, 80301
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $57,879,141
Exercised Options: $57,879,141
Current Obligation: $57,879,141
Actual Outlays: $1,046,169
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 3
Total Subaward Amount: $350,011
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-09-28
Current End Date: 2021-01-31
Potential End Date: 2021-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-09-29
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