IMOC, FDOC Expand USA's Partnership with NASA

Two recent contract awards for mission operations support at the Johnson Space Center will provide more than 1,000 jobs and extends USA’s partnership with NASA as it transitions to the Constellation Program.

In late October, NASA awarded the Integrated Mission Operations Contract (IMOC) to USA. Under IMOC, USA will support NASA with flight operations work for Constellation and the International Space Station. The contract, which was sole-sourced to USA, specifically supports JSC’s Mission Operations Directorate and Flight Crew Operations Directorate for mission operations planning, training and execution.

“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 the future exploration missions.”

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.

“USA is uniquely positioned to leverage the experience and capabilities of our current contract resources to help meet the needs of NASA through IMOC,” Hartwig said. “We will capitalize on our lessons learned in the Shuttle and Station programs and continue to share NASA’s goal of safe operations in an environment of teamwork and cooperation.”

In early November, NASA awarded the Facilities Development & Operations Contract (FDOC) to the team led by Lockheed Martin Corp, of which USA is a key member. FDOC provides for the development, sustaining engineering, operations, and maintenance of multiple Mission Operations Directorate facilities supporting training, flight design, flight planning, reconfiguration, and real-time operations for the Space Shuttle, International Space Station and Constellation Programs.

“As a major subcontractor to Lockheed Martin, USA personnel will continue in their significant roles supporting MOD and the challenging 21st century goals for human space flight,” said Per Barsten, USA FDOC Program Manager. “The experience, skills, and dedication of our people will enable continued and future Shuttle, Station, and Constellation successes.”

USA also was a member of the Boeing team which submitted a proposal for FDOC.

“All of the proposal efforts relating to the two contracts were critical for USA’s future success,” said Chuck Knarr, VP for Flight Operations. “These efforts required intensive work and superior dedication from a large number of people, and their efforts are sincerely appreciated.”

The FDOC award is the first contract awarded to USA under one of the new subsidiary companies – United Space Alliance Space Operations, LLC (USASO). A limited liability company owned by USA, USASO enables USA to compete for new work under a more competitive price structure without disrupting ongoing support of the Space Program Operations Contract (SPOC).

“The aerospace industry is extremely competitive,” Knarr said. “To win new work, we have to give our customers superior performance at a competitive cost. Our performance has always been superior. The subsidiaries allow us to provide NASA with lower overall rates.”

Under USASO, employee benefits will be different from those currently available through USA. Key changes include:

• The employee share of the premium cost for health insurance and co-pays have been increased.
• Retirement is limited to individual 401k retirement savings with a modified company contribution. Credited service in USA’s retirement plan is frozen, with recognition of salary growth.
• Government holidays will be observed.
• Vacation schedules will be maintained or improved.

“This is a comprehensive and competitive plan,” said Norm Gookins, Vice President of Human Resources and Administration. “It provides a good selection of benefits for employees and still allows us to reduce our overall rates.”

In early November, several hundred employees were presented with job offers for FDOC. Others will be receiving FDOC offers from Lockheed Martin or other team subcontractors. Employees not receiving offers at USASO or with a FDOC successor contractor will be eligible for redeployment, layoff benefits, under the current USA Layoff Policy, and completion bonus plan benefits, if currently eligible under the SPOC Contract.

USA also will provide assistance for job placement, career enhancement, career development and change management.

“The work that was done in support of both the IMOC and FDOC was excellent,” said USA President and CEO Dick Covey. “Not only has that work resulted in new contracts and jobs, it also gives us additional experience in pursuing and preparing successful proposals for upcoming business opportunities.”

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IMOC, FDOC Expand USA's Partnership with NASA

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