The National Aeronautics and Space Administration said the facilities development and operations contract, with a potential total value of nearly $1 billion, is for the hardware, software, data and displays used to train for and execute human spaceflight missions.

"This award offers the opportunity to effectively transition experienced mission operations capabilities from the Space Shuttle Program to the Constellation Program," said NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier. "Specifically, this contract will make possible the efficient transformation of shuttle operations personnel, knowledge and facilities to enable success in future human spaceflight programs."

The contract base period begins Jan. 1 and continues through Sept. 30, 2012. It includes two one-year extension options valued at approximately $155 million each. Officials said exercising both options would extend the contract through Sept. 30, 2014, and increase the total contract value to $977 million.