Boeing Receives $156.5 Million NASA Payload Processing Option

Boeing [NYSE: BA] has received a three-year, $156.5 million extension and modification to its Checkout, Assembly and Payload Processing Services (CAPPS) contract with NASA. The CAPPS contract is a performance-based, cost-plus-award fee agreement to provide services at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

The contract extension and modification is Boeing's second and final CAPPS option. It covers Oct. 1, 2009, through Sept. 30, 2012. The total potential value of the CAPPS contract is approximately $824 million.

"The CAPPS program is a good example of NASA and Boeing working together to ensure vital components for America's space program arrive safely on-orbit," said Mark Jager, CAPPS program manager for Boeing. "Our people show our customer every day that Boeing is dedicated to reducing cost, increasing efficiency and safely delivering high-quality products to space."

To date, the CAPPS team has processed more than 500,000 pounds of on-orbit hardware for delivery to the International Space Station (ISS). The team is responsible for processing payloads that ensure the final assembly of and provision of critical spares for the ISS. When complete, the ISS will weigh nearly 1 million pounds and measure 361 feet from one solar array to the other.

Under the contract, Boeing provides management and technical support of payload processing for NASA's space shuttle, ISS and expendable launch vehicle programs. Services and support include planning for and receiving payloads, maintaining associated ground support systems, integrating payloads with the space shuttle, and supporting space shuttle launches and post-landing payload activities.