The contract, awarded on Jan. 30, will enable the continued use of the Rolls-Royce MK511-8 SPEY engine installed on NASA's Gulfstream III aircraft (tail number N808NA). The engine, which is becoming obsolete, requires a technical variance to extend its service life beyond the overhaul due date.
According to contract documents, Rolls-Royce is the only
authorized source for the technical variance evaluation, and no other repair
station companies or organizations have been authorized to perform such
assessments. The contract will cover the analysis required to determine whether
an operational extension can be granted, ensuring the engine's airworthiness
and allowing the Gulfstream III aircraft to continue operating.
AFRC conducted market research, including research of the
NASA Vendor Database and the Small Business Dynamic Search, but did not find
any capable businesses other than Rolls-Royce. The contract specialist also
searched the Rolls-Royce website and confirmed that the company is the only
source of this service.
The award of this contract is critical to support NASA's
high-visibility programs, including the Artemis II moon mission scheduled for
launch on March 6. The Gulfstream III aircraft will host imaging equipment
essential for assessing the Orion capsule's viability during re-entry into the
Earth's atmosphere. Any delay in awarding the contract would jeopardize
aircraft availability and mission readiness.
NASA’s contracting officer has determined that the
anticipated cost to the government will be fair and reasonable. The contract is
expected to be completed within 24 months.
This contract is a significant step forward in ensuring the
continued operation of NASA's Gulfstream III aircraft and supporting the
agency's critical missions. The partnership with Rolls-Royce will enable the
AFRC to maintain the airworthiness of the MK511-8 SPEY engine and ensure the
success of future NASA programs.
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