United Space Alliance Awarded IMOC Contract

HOUSTON --- NASA awarded United Space Alliance the Integrated Mission Operations Contract (IMOC) today, signaling a continuing partnership between the agency and the space operations company.>> The sole-sourced contract will support NASA Johnson Space Center with flight operations work for the Constellation and International Space Station programs. The contract is valued at $206.5 million for the base contract period, which could grow to a potential of $371 million if the option year and variable work content are fully exercised.>> The cost-plus-award fee contract has a basic period of performance of three years and includes a one-year option. The base contract from 2009-2011 will involve Constellation tasks for 2009-2010 with Space Station tasks joining in 2011. Once the contract is fully staffed, it could require a workforce of up to 700 employees.>> "This contract represents the continuation of NASA's confidence in our capabilities and extends our partnership with the Johnson Space Center," said Scott Hartwig, IMOC Program Manager. "USA's unique skill set and experience will help NASA transition between programs and the work gives USA an excellent opportunity to be a part of future exploration missions.">> The contract is designed to support Johnson Space Center's Mission Operations Directorate and Flight Crew Operations Directorate on flight operations tasks such as mission preparation, trajectory analysis, astronaut and flight controller training, development of flight procedures, and mission execution. The work is geared toward preparing for Constellation as well as transitioning the ISS to a post-assembly sustaining and operational basis.