R--Technical Support Services for Radioisotope Heat Sources and Power Systems

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded a sole-source contract to Orbital Sciences Corporation for providing technical support in the development, design, production, testing, acceptance, and delivery of radioisotope power systems intended for space exploration and related applications. This contract, which follows a notice of intent published in June 2009, is structured as a cost-plus-fixed-fee agreement with the final value to be established within 180 days of award. The contract duration spans from August 1, 2009, to July 31, 2014. The solicitation number for this contract is DE-SOL-0000249, classified under NAICS code 541330, which relates to engineering services. It addresses critical technical support services aimed at advancing radioisotope heat sources and power systems, which are integral for long-duration space missions. The award aligns with federal acquisition regulations and reflects the strategic importance of developing reliable power systems to support NASA and other space exploration initiatives.