Advanced Aerospace Weapon System Applications Contract - Update

This document is a briefing update regarding the Advanced Aerospace Weapon System Applications contract, managed by the Defense Intelligence Agency. The program originated from a July 2008 supplemental appropriation, which tasked the agency with studying foreign advanced aerospace weapon threats over a 40-year horizon, supported by $10 million in FY08 funds. Bigelow Aerospace was awarded the contract to investigate 11 technical areas, with a specific emphasis on unconventional technologies. The contractor, Bigelow Aerospace Advanced Space Studies (BAASS), has demonstrated excellent performance under contract HHM402-08-C-0072. By June 30, 2009, the contractor had delivered extensive monthly status reports, 12 project management plans, and 26 detailed research reports, exceeding the minimum requirements. These reports have received overwhelmingly positive reviews. The DIA has executed option year 1 of the contract, subject to funding availability. The FY10 defense budget includes $12 million for the continuation of this contract. To ensure continuity, the contracting officer extended the contract through September 30, allowing for the utilization of FY10 funds. During this transition, BAASS has been operating at risk. The document outlines the deliverables for option year 1, which include monthly status reports, area management plans, worldwide survey technical reports, and various classified and unclassified technical reports. The research topics covered are diverse, ranging from Inertial Electrostatic Confinement Fusion and Warp Drives to Metamaterials and Quantum Entanglement Communications. Independent reviews of these reports have been conducted, with some involving Sandia National Laboratories. The briefing also notes future program issues, indicating that the project will be transferring during FY10 and recommending that the contract be moved out of the DIA if the project continues past that fiscal year.