NOAA's Space Weather Follow On Antenna Network contract awarded 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
Sector: Other
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.
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 supports critical space weather monitoring capabilities. 2. KBR Wyle Services, LLC is the sole awardee. 3. Potential for future contract modifications exists. 4. Long-term contract duration indicates sustained need.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of approximately $86.7 million over its period of performance is substantial, reflecting the complexity and importance of the Space Weather Follow On (SWFO) Antenna Network (SAN).
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This appears to be a sole-source award, suggesting that KBR Wyle Services, LLC was identified as the only capable provider for these specialized antenna network services.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are funding specialized capabilities for essential space weather monitoring.
Public Impact
Ensures continuity of space weather data crucial for navigation and communication. Supports national security by providing early warnings of solar events. Contributes to scientific understanding of the space environment.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical infrastructure.
- Potential for cost overruns if scope expands significantly.
Positive Signals
- Establishes a dedicated network for vital space weather data.
- Long-term commitment ensures sustained operational capability.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the broader aerospace and defense sector, specifically supporting NOAA's mission-critical earth and space observation programs.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not set aside for small businesses, indicating that the scope and requirements likely favored larger, specialized contractors.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to ensure the successful deployment and operation of the antenna network.
Related Government Programs
- Space Weather Follow On (SWFO) Mission
- Antenna Network (SAN)
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Long-term contract
Tags
space-weather, antenna-network, noaa, kbr-wyle-services, definitive-contract, space-weather-follow-on, national-oceanic-and-atmospheric-administration
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.
Analysis insight 1
The contract's duration suggests a long-term need for these specialized antenna services.
Analysis insight 2
Further details on the specific capabilities provided by the SAN would clarify its technical scope.
Analysis insight 3
Understanding the rationale for a sole-source award could provide insight into market capabilities.