NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract for Mars Science Rover Project Phase A exceeds $1.4 billion
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $1,403,381,590 ($1.4B)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2013-07-24
End Date: 2020-09-27
Contract Duration: 2,622 days
Daily Burn Rate: $535.2K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF 2020 MARS SCIENCE ROVER PROJECT - PHASE A THE CONTRACT IS THE SPONSORING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA) AND THE CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (CONTRACTOR), A PRIVATE NONPROFIT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION, WHICH ESTABLISHES THE RELATIONSHIP FOR THE OPERATION OF THE FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER (FFRDC) KNOWN AS THE JET PROPULSION LABORATORY. THE CONTRACTOR, JPL, IS REQUIRED TO PERFORM WORK THAT IS DESIGNATED IN TASK ORDERS ISSUED BY THE NASA MANAGEMENT OFFICE (NMO) CONTRACTING OFFICERS. NASA - SPONSORED WORK: JPL'S PRIMARY MISSION IS TO SUPPORT THE NASA SCIENCE MISSION DIRECTORATE (SMD) IN CARRYING OUT THE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES IDENTIFIED IN THE SMD SCIENCE PLAN. THE FOUR BROAD SCIENTIFIC AREAS ARE: EARTH SCIENCE, PLANETARY SCIENCE, HELIOPHYSICS, AND ASTROPHYSICS. IN PERFORMANCE OF THIS CONTRACT, JPL SHALL: 1) SUPPLY A BROAD BASE OF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES RELEVANT TO NASA PROGRAM AND PROJECT RESPONSIBILITIES AND ASSIGNMENTS. 2) FOSTER ITS UNIQUE RELATIONSHIP WITH A TOP-TIER UNIVERSITY TO FACILITATE THE INVOLVEMENT OF SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS, AND STUDENTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY AND RESEARCH COMMUNITIES IN NASA MISSION AND IN SUPPORTING OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. 3) SUPPORT NASA IN ENABLING PROGRAM AND INSTITUTIONAL CAPABILITIES. 4) DEVELOP SPACECRAFT AND INSTRUMENTS THAT ARE SENT TO VARIOUS DESTINATIONS WITH OUR SOLAR SYSTEM, INCLUDING EARTH ORBIT, PLANETS, PLANETARY SATELLITES, ASTEROIDS, AND COMETS. THESE MISSIONS MAY BE ORBITERS, LANDERS, OR ROVERS, AND TYPICALLY INCLUDE CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGIES REQUIRED TO MEET SCIENTIFIC REQUIREMENTS. 5) PERFORM PROJECT TASKS INVOLVING: (I) AUTONOMOUS DEEP-SPACE, INNER-SPACE AND EARTH-ORBITING SPACECRAFT OR MAJOR SUBSYSTEMS, (II) EXPERIMENTS, INSTRUMENTS, OR OTHER DEVICES WHICH MAY BE CARRIED AS PAYLOAD ON SPACECRAFTS IN MISSIONS MANAGED BY OTHERS, AND/OR (III) GROUND-BASED SYSTEMS. 6) BEYOND ITS PRIMARY MISSION, JPL MAY PERFORM WORK FOR OTHER NASA MISSION DIRECTORATES OR OFFICES. 7) JPL IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OPERATION, RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGY INSERTION, AND MANAGEMENT OF NASA S DEEP SPACE NETWORK TO PROVIDE TELECOMMUNICATION AND OPERATION SERVICES, INCLUDING DATA ACQUISITION AND DATA DELIVERY REQUIRED TO MEET ESTABLISHED AGENCY OBJECTIVES. 8) JPL IS ALSO REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN AND CONDUCT AN EDUCATION PROGRAM IN CLOSE COORDINATION WITH THE NASA HEADQUARTERS EDUCATION OFFICE, THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY AT LARGE, AND IN SUPPORT TO NASA STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES TO IMPROVE STUDENT RETENTION IN THE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS (STEM) DISCIPLINES. WORK FOR NON-NASA SPONSORS: JPL MAY PERFORM WORK FOR NON-NASA SPONSORS. THIS WORK WILL BE DESIGNATED IN TASK ORDERS ISSUED BY NMO CONTRACTING OFFICERS BASED ON TASK PLANS INITIATED BY THE CONTRACTOR.
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91109
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $1.40 billion to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF 2020 MARS SCIENCE ROVER PROJECT - PHASE A THE CONTRACT IS THE SPONSORING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA) AND THE CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (CONTRACTOR), A PRIVATE NONPROFIT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION, WHICH ESTABLISHES… Key points: 1. Contract supports NASA's Science Mission Directorate objectives in Earth Science and other areas. 2. Operates as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) through a partnership. 3. Work is performed under task orders issued by NASA contracting officers. 4. Contract duration spans over three years, from July 2013 to September 2020. 5. Focuses on research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 6. The contractor is a private non-profit educational institution, the California Institute of Technology.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of over $1.4 billion for a multi-year R&D project is substantial. Benchmarking this against similar large-scale space exploration and research contracts is challenging due to the unique FFRDC nature of JPL. However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure suggests a managed approach to cost control, aiming for value within the defined scope. The long-term nature of the contract also implies a strategic investment in scientific advancement.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, operating under a sole-source arrangement. JPL functions as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), which by its nature is typically established through sole-source agreements due to its unique capabilities and mission alignment. This structure allows for a dedicated, long-term partnership focused on specific government objectives.
Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, a sole-source contract for an FFRDC like JPL means that the cost is negotiated directly with the designated entity, rather than being driven by competitive bidding. While this can ensure specialized expertise, it places a greater emphasis on NASA's oversight to ensure fair pricing and efficient use of funds.
Public Impact
Benefits NASA's Science Mission Directorate by advancing scientific understanding. Delivers research and development services crucial for space exploration and Earth science. Impacts scientific communities globally through the dissemination of research findings. Supports a highly skilled workforce in aerospace engineering and scientific research. Contributes to the development of advanced technologies with potential dual-use applications.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source nature requires robust oversight to ensure value for money.
- Long-term nature of the contract could lead to scope creep if not managed tightly.
- Reliance on a single FFRDC may limit exposure to broader market innovation.
Positive Signals
- Established partnership with a leading research institution (Caltech/JPL).
- Clear mission alignment with NASA's scientific objectives.
- FFRDC structure provides specialized, long-term capability for critical national goals.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The aerospace and defense R&D market is characterized by high barriers to entry, significant government investment, and long development cycles. JPL, as an FFRDC, represents a significant portion of specialized R&D capability within this sector, often undertaking projects of national importance that require unique expertise and infrastructure.
Small Business Impact
As this contract is a sole-source award to an FFRDC (JPL, operated by Caltech), there is no direct small business set-aside. However, FFRDCs are often required to have robust subcontracting plans. The extent to which JPL utilizes small businesses for specialized services or components in support of this contract would be a key factor in assessing its impact on the small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is primarily conducted by NASA through its management and contracting officers who issue task orders and monitor performance. As an FFRDC, JPL operates under specific agreements that include oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through NASA's reporting requirements, though the specific details of internal FFRDC operations may be less public than typical competitive contracts. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to any potential fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Mars Exploration Program
- NASA Earth Science Division
- Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs)
- Space Exploration Technology Development
- Aerospace Research and Development
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- High contract value
- Long contract duration
Tags
research-and-development, nasa, california, sole-source, large-contract, ffrdc, space-exploration, science, cost-plus-fixed-fee, mars-rover-project
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $1.40 billion to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF 2020 MARS SCIENCE ROVER PROJECT - PHASE A THE CONTRACT IS THE SPONSORING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA) AND THE CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (CONTRACTOR), A PRIVATE NONPROFIT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION, WHICH ESTABLISHES THE RELATIONSHIP FOR THE OPERATION OF THE FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER (FFRDC) KNOWN AS THE JET PROPULSION LABORATORY. THE CONTRACTOR, JPL, IS REQUIRED TO PERFORM WORK THAT IS DESIGNATED IN TASK ORDE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY.
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 $1.40 billion.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2013-07-24. End: 2020-09-27.
What is the historical spending trend for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) under NASA contracts?
Historical spending data for JPL under NASA contracts reveals a consistent and substantial investment over many years, reflecting its critical role in space exploration and Earth science. While the specific contract in question covers a period from 2013 to 2020 with a value exceeding $1.4 billion, JPL's overall funding from NASA has historically been in the hundreds of millions to over a billion dollars annually. This includes funding for numerous missions, research projects, and operational support. The trend indicates a long-standing, significant financial commitment from NASA to leverage JPL's unique capabilities as an FFRDC for advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation in space.
How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract type typically perform in terms of cost control for R&D projects?
The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract type is commonly used for research and development efforts where the scope may not be fully defined at the outset, or where innovation is a primary goal. In this structure, the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. While CPFF aims to incentivize the contractor to control costs to protect their fixed profit margin, it can also present risks. If the initial cost estimates are inaccurate or if the project scope expands significantly, costs can escalate. Effective oversight, clear task orders, and robust cost accounting by the procuring agency are crucial to ensure that CPFF contracts deliver value and remain within budgetary expectations for R&D projects.
What are the primary risks associated with sole-source contracts for large-scale R&D initiatives?
Sole-source contracts for large-scale R&D initiatives, such as the one awarded to JPL, carry specific risks. Foremost among these is the potential for reduced price competition, which could lead to higher costs for the government compared to a competitively bid contract. There's also a risk of complacency or reduced incentive for innovation if the contractor faces no competitive pressure. Furthermore, reliance on a single source can create vulnerabilities if the contractor experiences performance issues, financial instability, or faces unforeseen challenges. Robust government oversight, including detailed performance metrics, regular reviews, and strong negotiation capabilities, is essential to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives optimal value and performance.
What is the typical performance benchmark for FFRDCs like JPL in delivering complex scientific missions?
Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) like JPL are generally benchmarked against their ability to deliver complex scientific missions on time and within budget, while also achieving stated scientific objectives. JPL, in particular, has a strong track record of successfully developing and operating sophisticated space missions, including numerous Mars rovers and orbiters, deep space probes, and Earth-observing satellites. Performance is often measured by mission success rates, scientific return (e.g., data quality and discoveries), adherence to schedule and cost constraints (though R&D often involves inherent uncertainties), and technological innovation. While occasional cost overruns or schedule delays can occur in such complex endeavors, JPL's overall performance is considered high, making it a trusted partner for NASA's most ambitious scientific endeavors.
How does NASA ensure accountability and value for money in its long-term partnerships with FFRDCs?
NASA ensures accountability and value for money in its long-term partnerships with FFRDCs through a multi-faceted approach. This includes establishing clear performance metrics and milestones within the FFRDC's charter and subsequent task orders. Regular program reviews, technical assessments, and financial audits are conducted to monitor progress and ensure adherence to objectives and budgets. The FFRDC structure itself promotes accountability by requiring the contractor to operate in the public interest, free from conflicts of interest, and to provide unique capabilities that cannot be readily obtained from the commercial sector. Furthermore, NASA maintains oversight through dedicated program managers and contracting officers who are responsible for managing the relationship and ensuring that the FFRDC's work aligns with NASA's strategic goals and provides a strong return on investment for taxpayer funds.
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: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4800 OAK GROVE DR, PASADENA, CA, 91109
Business Categories: Category Business, Federally Funded Research and Development Corp, Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $1,697,435,000
Exercised Options: $1,697,435,000
Current Obligation: $1,403,381,590
Actual Outlays: $2,796,733
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNN12AA01C
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2013-07-24
Current End Date: 2020-09-27
Potential End Date: 2020-09-27 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-09-23
More Contracts from California Institute of Technology
- Europa Clipper Project the Contract IS the Sponsoring Agreement Between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Nasa and the California Institute of Technology-Contractor, a Private Nonprofit Educational Institution, Which Establishes the Relationship for the Operation of the Federally Funded Research and Development Center-Ffrdc Known AS the JET Propulsion Laboratory. the Contractor, JPL, IS Required to Perform Work That IS Designated in Task Orders Issued by the Nasa Management Office-Nmo Contracting Officers. Nasa-Sponsored Work: Jpls Primary Mission IS to Support the Nasa Science Mission Directorate-Smd in Carrying OUT the Specific Objectives Identified in the SMD Science Plan. the Four Broad Scientific Areas ARE: Earth Science, Planetary Science, Heliophysics, and Astrophysics. in Performance of This Contract, JPL Shall: 1. Supply a Broad Base of Scientific and Technical Capabilities Relevant to Nasa Program and Project Responsibilities and Assignments. 2. Foster ITS Unique Relationship With a Top-Tier University to Facilitate the Involvement of Scientists, Engineers, and Students From the University and Research Communities in Nasa Mission and in Supporting Other Government Agencies. 3. Support Nasa in Enabling Program and Institutional Capabilities. 4. Develop Spacecraft and Instruments That ARE Sent to Various Destinations With OUR Solar System, Including Earth Orbit, Planets, Planetary Satellites, Asteroids, and Comets. These Missions MAY BE Orbiters, Landers, or Rovers, and Typically Include Cutting-Edge Technologies Required to Meet Scientific Requirements. 5. Perform Project Tasks Involving: I-Autonomous Deep-Space, Inner-Space and Earth-Orbiting Spacecraft or Major Subsystems, Ii-Experiments, Instruments, or Other Devices Which MAY BE Carried AS Payload on Spacecrafts in Missions Managed by Others, And-Or Iii-Ground-Based Systems. 6. Beyond ITS Primary Mission, JPL MAY Perform Work for Other Nasa Mission Directorates or Offices. 7. JPL IS Also Responsible for the Operation, Research, Technology Insertion, and Management of Nasas Deep Space Network to Provide Telecommunication and Operation Services, Including Data Acquisition and Data Delivery Required to Meet Established Agency Objectives. 8. JPL IS Also Required to Maintain and Conduct an Education Program in Close Coordination With the Nasa Headquarters Education Office, the Academic Community AT Large, and in Support to Nasa Strategic Objectives to Improve Student Retention in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics-Stem Disciplines. Work for Non-Nasa Sponsors: JPL MAY Perform Work for Non-Nasa Sponsors. This Work Will BE Designated in Task Orders Issued by NMO Contracting Officers Based on Task Plans Initiated by the Contractor — $2.9B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Mars Science Laboratory — $1.7B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Mars Sample Return (MSR) Program - Phase a 40-108270 — $1.6B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Deep Space Network (DSN) the Contract IS the Sponsoring Agreement Between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (nasa) and the California Institute of Technology (contractor), a Private Nonprofit Educational Institution, Which Establishes the Relationship for the Operation of the Federally Funded Research and Development Center (ffrdc) Known AS the JET Propulsion Laboratory. the Contractor, JPL, IS Required to Perform Work That IS Designated in Task Orders Issued by the Nasa Management Office (NMO) Contracting Officers. Nasa - Sponsored Work: Jpl's Primary Mission IS to Support the Nasa Science Mission Directorate (SMD) in Carrying OUT the Specific Objectives Identified in the SMD Science Plan. the Four Broad Scientific Areas ARE: Earth Science, Planetary Science, Heliophysics, and Astrophysics. in Performance of This Contract, JPL Shall: 1) Supply a Broad Base of Scientific and Technical Capabilities Relevant to Nasa Program and Project Responsibilities and Assignments. 2) Foster ITS Unique Relationship With a Top-Tier University to Facilitate the Involvement of Scientists, Engineers, and Students From the University and Research Communities in Nasa Mission and in Supporting Other Government Agencies. 3) Support Nasa in Enabling Program and Institutional Capabilities. 4) Develop Spacecraft and Instruments That ARE Sent to Various Destinations With OUR Solar System, Including Earth Orbit, Planets, Planetary Satellites, Asteroids, and Comets. These Missions MAY BE Orbiters, Landers, or Rovers, and Typically Include Cutting-Edge Technologies Required to Meet Scientific Requirements. 5) Perform Project Tasks Involving: (I) Autonomous Deep-Space, Inner-Space and Earth-Orbiting Spacecraft or Major Subsystems, (II) Experiments, Instruments, or Other Devices Which MAY BE Carried AS Payload on Spacecrafts in Missions Managed by Others, And/Or (III) Ground-Based Systems. 6) Beyond ITS Primary Mission, JPL MAY Perform Work for Other Nasa Mission Directorates or Offices. 7) JPL IS Also Responsible for the Operation, Research, Technology Insertion, and Management of Nasa S Deep Space Network to Provide Telecommunication and Operation Services, Including Data Acquisition and Data Delivery Required to Meet Established Agency Objectives. 8) JPL IS Also Required to Maintain and Conduct an Education Program in Close Coordination With the Nasa Headquarters Education Office, the Academic Community AT Large, and in Support to Nasa Strategic Objectives to Improve Student Retention in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (stem) Disciplines. Work for Non-Nasa Sponsors: JPL MAY Perform Work for Non-Nasa Sponsors. This Work Will BE Designated in Task Orders Issued by NMO Contracting Officers Based on Task Plans Initiated by the Contractor — $1.4B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Deep Space Network — $1.4B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
View all California Institute of Technology federal contracts →
Other National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts
- International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
- Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
- Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)
View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →