FA945322CA019
Definitive Contract
Overview
Government Description
(RPS) RADIOISOTOPE POWER SYSTEM
Awardee
Awarding / Funding Agency
Place of Performance
Saint Louis, MO 63141 United States
Pricing
Cost Sharing
Set Aside
Small Business Set Aside - Total (SBA)
Extent Competed
Full And Open Competition After Exclusion Of Sources
Est. Average FTE
21
Related Opportunity
None
Zeno Power Systems was awarded
Definitive Contract FA945322CA019 (FA9453-22-C-A019)
for (RPS) Radioisotope Power System
worth up to $14,997,863
by Air Force Research Laboratory
in August 2022.
The contract
has a duration of 4 years and
was awarded
through SBIR Topic Direct to Phase II Open Topic: Open Call for Innovative Defense-Related Dual-Purpose Technologies/Solutions with a Clear Air Force Stakeholder Need
with a Small Business Total set aside
with
NAICS 541715 and
PSC AR12
via direct negotiation acquisition procedures with 2 bids received.
DOD Announcements
May 2022:
Zeno Power Systems Inc., St. Louis, Missouri, has been awarded a $14,997,863 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the radioisotope power system. This contract is to provide, develop and demonstrate the concept of a next-generation radioisotope power system. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri, and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026. This award is the result of a Small Business Innovation Research Sequential Phase II acquisition. Fiscal 2022 research and development funds in the amount of $428,000 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the contracting activity (FA9453-22-C-A019).
Aug 2023: Zeno Power Systems, Washington, D.C., has been awarded a $7,841,963 modification (P00003) to previously awarded FA9453-22-C-A019 to expand research in radioisotope power systems. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $14,997,863. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C., and is expected to be completed by July 20, 2026. Fiscal 2023 Space Force research and development funds in the amount of $2,000,000; and fiscal 2023 Department of Defense research and development funds in the in the amount of $2,000,000, are being obligated at time of award. Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, is the contracting activity.
Aug 2023: Zeno Power Systems, Washington, D.C., has been awarded a $7,841,963 modification (P00003) to previously awarded FA9453-22-C-A019 to expand research in radioisotope power systems. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $14,997,863. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C., and is expected to be completed by July 20, 2026. Fiscal 2023 Space Force research and development funds in the amount of $2,000,000; and fiscal 2023 Department of Defense research and development funds in the in the amount of $2,000,000, are being obligated at time of award. Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, is the contracting activity.
SBIR Details
Research Type
Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase II
Title
Zeno Power Systems Strategic Financing Increase (STRATFI) Proposal
Related Solicitation
Abstract
At Zeno, we're developing an next-generation radioisotope power system (RPS) that operates by converting the heat from decaying radioisotopes directly into electricity providing always-on, resilient power in the W-kW range for years at a time. NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense have historically used RPSs, but the cost or weight of these systems limited their broader usability. Zeno's patented and demonstrated design results in an affordable and lightweight RPS opening up broad usability in commercial and government operations.
Research Objective
The goal of phase II is to continue the R&D efforts initiated in Phase I. Funding is based on the results achieved in Phase I and the scientific and technical merit and commercial potential of the project proposed in Phase II.
Topic Code
AF192-D001
Agency Tracking Number
F2-11777
Solicitation Number
19.2
Contact
Tyler Bernstein
Status
(Open)
Last Modified 4/22/25
Period of Performance
8/16/22
Start Date
7/20/26
Current End Date
7/20/26
Potential End Date
Obligations
$15.0M
Total Obligated
$15.0M
Current Award
$15.0M
Potential Award
Award Hierarchy
Definitive Contract
FA945322CA019
Subcontracts
Activity Timeline
Transaction History
Modifications to FA945322CA019
People
Suggested agency contacts for FA945322CA019
Competition
Number of Bidders
2
Solicitation Procedures
Negotiated Proposal/Quote
Evaluated Preference
None
Commercial Item Acquisition
Commercial Item Procedures Not Used
Simplified Procedures for Commercial Items
No
Other Categorizations
Subcontracting Plan
Plan Not Required
Cost Accounting Standards
Exempt
Business Size Determination
Small Business
Defense Program
None
DoD Claimant Code
Missile And Space Systems
IT Commercial Item Category
Not Applicable
Awardee UEI
H3C5EJV1XTM1
Awardee CAGE
84G47
Agency Detail
Awarding Office
FA9453 FA9453 AFRL RVK
Funding Office
F4FBEQ
Created By
francis.eggert@us.af.mil
Last Modified By
fpdsadmin
Approved By
francis.eggert@us.af.mil
Legislative
Legislative Mandates
None Applicable
Performance District
MO-01
Senators
Joshua Hawley
Eric Schmitt
Eric Schmitt
Representative
Cori Bush
Budget Funding
| Federal Account | Budget Subfunction | Object Class | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Defense-Wide (097-0400) | Department of Defense-Military | Research and development contracts (25.5) | $3,454,400 | 100% |
Modified: 4/22/25