KBR WYLE SERVICES awarded $14.5M contract for seismic lab technical support by the Department of the Interior

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,459,934 ($14.5M)

Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2022-06-03

End Date: 2026-06-02

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ALBUQUERQUE SEISMIC LAB TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: KIRTLAND AFB, BERNALILLO County, NEW MEXICO, 87117

State: New Mexico Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $14.5 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: ALBUQUERQUE SEISMIC LAB TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized technical support services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these services. 3. Contract duration of four years indicates a need for sustained support. 4. Cost Plus Fixed Fee pricing structure requires careful monitoring of costs. 5. The contract supports critical scientific research infrastructure. 6. Geographic concentration in New Mexico may have local economic impacts.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $14.5 million over four years for technical support services at a seismic laboratory seems within a reasonable range for specialized scientific support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for scientific equipment maintenance and technical assistance would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure, while common for research and development, necessitates robust oversight to ensure costs remain controlled and provide good value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple capable vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of two bidders suggests a competitive environment, which typically drives better pricing and service offerings for the government. The level of competition is a positive sign for price discovery and ensuring the government receives a fair market price for the services rendered.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently by leveraging market forces to obtain the best possible value for technical support services.

Public Impact

The U.S. Geological Survey benefits from continued technical support for its seismic monitoring and research activities. Scientific research and data collection related to seismic activity will be sustained. The contract supports specialized technical expertise within the scientific community. The geographic impact is primarily concentrated in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the seismic lab is located. Workforce implications include the potential for employment of skilled technicians and support staff in New Mexico.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) requires diligent oversight to prevent cost overruns and ensure value.
The contract's duration of four years necessitates ongoing performance monitoring.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical technical support could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process.
The contract supports essential scientific infrastructure for the U.S. Geological Survey.
The contractor, KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC, likely possesses specialized expertise for this role.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the scientific and technical services sector, specifically supporting geological research and monitoring. The market for such specialized technical support is often niche, involving companies with deep expertise in scientific instrumentation, data acquisition, and laboratory operations. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found in contracts supporting other federal research laboratories or scientific agencies requiring similar technical maintenance and operational support.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC actively engages small businesses for specialized support services not covered by their core capabilities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the U.S. Geological Survey contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, which requires detailed reporting and justification of costs. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics and detailed cost breakdowns may not be publicly available. The Inspector General for the Department of the Interior would have jurisdiction over potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Geological Survey Research and Development
Scientific Equipment Maintenance Services
National Earthquake Information Center Operations
Federal Scientific Laboratory Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires robust government oversight to manage costs.
Contract duration of four years necessitates ongoing performance monitoring.
Potential for vendor lock-in if specialized knowledge is highly concentrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $14.5 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. ALBUQUERQUE SEISMIC LAB TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (U.S. Geological Survey).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-06-03. End: 2026-06-02.

What is the track record of KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC in providing similar technical support services to federal scientific agencies?

KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC has a significant history of performing complex technical services for various government agencies, including those in the defense, aerospace, and scientific research sectors. Their experience often encompasses engineering, logistics, and operational support for specialized facilities and equipment. While specific details for seismic laboratory support would require a deeper dive into their contract history, their broad capabilities suggest they are well-positioned for this type of work. Past performance evaluations from previous federal contracts would be a key indicator of their reliability and effectiveness in delivering similar services, including adherence to schedules, quality of work, and cost management.

How does the awarded amount compare to historical spending on technical support for the Albuquerque Seismic Lab?

To accurately compare the awarded amount of $14.5 million to historical spending, access to historical contract data for the Albuquerque Seismic Lab's technical support services is necessary. This would involve reviewing prior contracts awarded for similar services, noting their values, durations, and the scope of work. If this contract represents a significant increase or decrease compared to previous funding levels for equivalent services, it could indicate changes in operational needs, inflation, or market pricing. Without this historical context, it is difficult to definitively assess if the current award represents a favorable or unfavorable financial outcome relative to past investments.

What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this service?

The primary risk associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, like the one awarded to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC, is the potential for cost overruns if not managed diligently. While the contractor is incentivized to control costs to maximize their fixed fee, there is less direct financial risk to the contractor compared to fixed-price contracts. The government bears the risk of increased costs above the estimated amount. Effective oversight, detailed cost tracking, and robust auditing by the government are crucial to mitigate this risk and ensure that the final cost represents good value for the services rendered. Scope creep can also be a significant risk under CPFF if not carefully controlled.

How will the performance of KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC be measured and evaluated under this contract?

Performance under this contract will likely be measured through a combination of technical, management, and cost performance metrics, often outlined in the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS) or Statement of Work (SOW). Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) may include equipment uptime, response times for maintenance and repair, accuracy of data collection and reporting, adherence to safety protocols, and successful completion of project milestones. The government will assign a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to monitor performance on a day-to-day basis. Formal performance evaluations, such as Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) reports, will be completed periodically to document the contractor's overall performance, which can influence future contract awards.

What is the potential impact of this contract on the broader scientific research community relying on seismic data?

This contract is crucial for ensuring the continued operational integrity and reliability of the Albuquerque Seismic Lab, a key facility for monitoring seismic activity. By providing essential technical support, the contract helps guarantee that the lab's equipment functions correctly and that data collection is uninterrupted. This, in turn, supports the broader scientific research community by providing consistent, high-quality seismic data necessary for earthquake forecasting, hazard assessment, and fundamental research into Earth's processes. Disruptions or failures at the lab due to inadequate technical support could hinder scientific progress and impact public safety initiatives reliant on seismic information.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance › Other Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 140G0221R0003

Offers Received: 2

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: $19,856,645

Exercised Options: $14,459,934

Current Obligation: $14,459,934

Actual Outlays: $12,972,760

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $212,464

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline