NOAA Awards $86.7M Contract for Space Weather Antenna Network to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $86,738,340 ($86.7M)
Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2021-04-30
End Date: 2026-04-29
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $47.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: CONTRACT FOR THE SPACE WEATHER FOLLOW ON (SWFO) ANTENNA NETWORK (SAN). SAN IS AN ANTENNA NETWORK AND RELATED CAPABILITIES IN SUPPORT OF THE SWFO-L1 MISSION.
Place of Performance
Location: COLUMBIA, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 21046
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $86.7 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: CONTRACT FOR THE SPACE WEATHER FOLLOW ON (SWFO) ANTENNA NETWORK (SAN). SAN IS AN ANTENNA NETWORK AND RELATED CAPABILITIES IN SUPPORT OF THE SWFO-L1 MISSION. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for the Space Weather Follow On (SWFO) Antenna Network (SAN). 2. The SAN is crucial for supporting the SWFO-L1 Mission, enhancing space weather forecasting capabilities. 3. This contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 4. The total contract value is $86,738,339.87, with a duration of 1825 days. 5. The contract was awarded under full and open competition.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $86.7M for an antenna network supporting a space mission appears reasonable given the complexity and specialized nature of the technology involved. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for satellite ground support systems would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust process for soliciting bids and ensuring fair pricing. This method typically leads to competitive pricing as multiple vendors have the opportunity to propose solutions.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process is expected to yield a fair price, ensuring taxpayer funds are used efficiently for this critical space weather monitoring capability.
Public Impact
Enhances national security by improving space weather prediction, which can disrupt critical infrastructure. Supports scientific research and understanding of solar activity and its impact on Earth. Contributes to the development of advanced antenna and network technologies. Ensures the continuity of vital data collection for NOAA's space weather services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
- Reliance on a single contractor for a critical network component warrants strong oversight.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects can impact final cost and timeline.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
- Clear definition of the network's purpose for a specific mission (SWFO-L1).
- Long-term contract duration allows for stable development and deployment.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. Spending in this area is critical for technological advancement and national security, with benchmarks varying widely based on project scope and innovation.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, which is common for large, specialized R&D contracts.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates diligent oversight from NOAA to manage costs and ensure performance. Regular reviews and audits will be essential to maintain accountability and prevent potential overspending.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF contract type.
- Dependence on a single contractor for a critical system.
- R&D projects inherently carry risks of unforeseen technical challenges.
- Cybersecurity risks associated with network infrastructure.
- Long-term duration increases exposure to changing technological landscapes.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-commerce, md, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $86.7 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. CONTRACT FOR THE SPACE WEATHER FOLLOW ON (SWFO) ANTENNA NETWORK (SAN). SAN IS AN ANTENNA NETWORK AND RELATED CAPABILITIES IN SUPPORT OF THE SWFO-L1 MISSION.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $86.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-04-30. End: 2026-04-29.
What is the projected impact of the SWFO-L1 mission, supported by this antenna network, on improving space weather forecasting accuracy and lead time?
The SWFO-L1 mission aims to provide crucial data for understanding solar flares and coronal mass ejections. The antenna network is vital for receiving this data. Improved accuracy and lead time in space weather forecasts can help mitigate disruptions to power grids, satellite operations, and communication systems, thereby enhancing national security and economic stability.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) being used to assess the contractor's performance and ensure the effectiveness of the antenna network?
Key performance indicators likely include network uptime, data transmission reliability and speed, signal integrity, adherence to deployment schedules, and compliance with technical specifications. NOAA will monitor these KPIs to ensure the antenna network meets the mission's requirements for timely and accurate space weather data collection.
Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to control costs and prevent potential overruns during the contract performance period?
NOAA will likely implement stringent cost control measures, including detailed budget reviews, regular financial reporting from the contractor, and performance-based milestones. Independent cost estimates and audits may also be employed. The fixed fee component provides an incentive for the contractor to manage costs efficiently to maximize their profit.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC EQPT COMPNTS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 1332KP21RNEEO2000
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Brown & Root Industrial Services Holdings, LLC
Address: 7701 GREENBELT RD STE 400, GREENBELT, MD, 20770
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $92,902,650
Exercised Options: $89,540,952
Current Obligation: $86,738,340
Actual Outlays: $35,264,026
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 24
Total Subaward Amount: $30,697,486
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-04-30
Current End Date: 2026-04-29
Potential End Date: 2026-10-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-13
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