DOT awards $18.3M for FAA Safety Assurance System support to KBR Wyle Services, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,267,625 ($18.3M)

Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2023-11-15

End Date: 2024-11-14

Contract Duration: 365 days

Daily Burn Rate: $50.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: NEW TASK ORDER UNDER MITS CONTRACT 6913G621D300001 FOR SAFETY ASSURANCE SYSTEM (SAS) SUPPORT, TO SUPPORT THE FAA SAS WHICH IS A COMPREHENSIVE, INTEGRATED APPROACH TO ENSURE THAT ALL REGULATED AVIATION ENTITIES OPERATE AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF SAFETY.

Place of Performance

Location: CAMBRIDGE, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02142

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $18.3 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: NEW TASK ORDER UNDER MITS CONTRACT 6913G621D300001 FOR SAFETY ASSURANCE SYSTEM (SAS) SUPPORT, TO SUPPORT THE FAA SAS WHICH IS A COMPREHENSIVE, INTEGRATED APPROACH TO ENSURE THAT ALL REGULATED AVIATION ENTITIES OPERATE AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF SAFETY. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical safety systems for regulated aviation entities. 2. Task order issued under an existing Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract. 3. Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type aims to control costs. 4. Performance period of one year indicates a focused scope of work. 5. KBR Wyle Services, LLC is the incumbent contractor for this support. 6. The contract is for engineering services, aligning with the SAS's technical needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

This task order, valued at $18.3 million, is a delivery order under an existing MAS contract. While specific pricing details for this task order are not provided, the FFP contract type suggests a defined cost structure. Benchmarking against similar engineering support contracts for complex federal systems would be necessary for a comprehensive value assessment. The duration of one year suggests a manageable scope, potentially limiting long-term cost escalation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders for this particular task order is not detailed, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a competitive process. This approach generally promotes price discovery and can lead to more favorable pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs.

Public Impact

Enhances the safety and reliability of the U.S. aviation system. Supports the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) mission to ensure aviation safety. Benefits regulated aviation entities by ensuring a robust safety oversight system. Indirectly impacts air travelers through improved safety standards. Requires specialized engineering and technical expertise, potentially supporting a skilled workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if the SAS requirements evolve beyond the initial task order.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical safety system support could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
The effectiveness of the 'full and open' competition for this specific task order is not fully detailed.

Positive Signals

Task order issued under an established MAS contract, suggesting a streamlined procurement process.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty for this period of performance.
The focus on safety assurance systems is critical for national aviation infrastructure.
KBR Wyle Services, LLC's incumbency may indicate a level of established expertise and familiarity with the system.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting a critical government function related to aviation safety. The market for such specialized engineering support is often characterized by a few large, experienced contractors capable of handling complex federal systems. Spending in this area is driven by the need to maintain and enhance the safety and efficiency of national infrastructure, with significant government investment in aviation safety technologies and support.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses. As a task order under a MAS contract, the prime contractor, KBR Wyle Services, LLC, may have its own small business subcontracting goals, but this is not detailed here. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely indirect, depending on the prime contractor's subcontracting practices.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Transportation and the FAA, as it supports the Safety Assurance System. As a task order under an existing MAS contract, the foundational oversight mechanisms of the parent contract would apply. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, but specific performance monitoring details are not provided. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

FAA Safety Assurance System (SAS)
Department of Transportation IT and Engineering Services
Federal Aviation Administration Operations Support
Aviation Safety and Security Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in due to specialized system support.
Performance degradation could impact critical aviation safety functions.
Reliance on incumbent contractor may limit opportunities for new technological integration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $18.3 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. NEW TASK ORDER UNDER MITS CONTRACT 6913G621D300001 FOR SAFETY ASSURANCE SYSTEM (SAS) SUPPORT, TO SUPPORT THE FAA SAS WHICH IS A COMPREHENSIVE, INTEGRATED APPROACH TO ENSURE THAT ALL REGULATED AVIATION ENTITIES OPERATE AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF SAFETY.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Immediate Office of the Secretary of Transportation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-11-15. End: 2024-11-14.

What is the historical spending trend for Safety Assurance System (SAS) support under the MITS contract?

Analyzing historical spending for SAS support under the MITS contract (6913G621D300001) is crucial for understanding trends and future budgetary needs. While this specific task order is for $18.3 million, prior task orders under the same contract for similar support would provide context. For instance, if previous years saw significantly lower or higher spending on SAS support, it could indicate evolving requirements, increased system complexity, or changes in contractor performance. A detailed review of past task orders would reveal if this $18.3 million represents a consistent level of investment, a surge due to new initiatives, or a potential anomaly. Understanding these patterns helps in assessing the long-term financial commitment and the stability of the SAS program's operational budget.

How does the cost of this SAS support task order compare to similar engineering services contracts for aviation safety systems?

Benchmarking the $18.3 million cost of this SAS support task order against similar engineering services contracts for aviation safety systems is essential for evaluating value for money. Contracts supporting complex federal systems, particularly within the aviation sector, often involve specialized expertise and rigorous compliance requirements, which can influence pricing. Comparing this award to other contracts for system development, maintenance, or operational support for agencies like the FAA or other transportation-related bodies would provide a clearer picture. Factors such as contract duration, scope of work, required security clearances, and the level of competition can significantly impact cost. If this task order's cost per unit of service or overall value appears higher than comparable contracts, it may warrant further investigation into the specific requirements or market conditions.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of KBR Wyle Services, LLC in providing SAS support?

The success of KBR Wyle Services, LLC in providing Safety Assurance System (SAS) support is likely measured through a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) defined within the contract. While not explicitly detailed in the award notice, typical KPIs for such engineering support contracts often include system uptime and availability, response times for critical issue resolution, accuracy and timeliness of safety data analysis, and adherence to project milestones and deadlines. For a system like SAS, KPIs might also focus on the effectiveness of the support in identifying and mitigating safety risks within the aviation industry. The government's performance evaluation of the contractor, often documented through Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), would reflect performance against these KPIs, influencing future contract awards and contractor viability.

What is the track record of KBR Wyle Services, LLC with the FAA and similar federal aviation contracts?

KBR Wyle Services, LLC has a significant track record supporting federal agencies, including the FAA and other entities within the Department of Defense and NASA. Their experience often spans complex engineering, scientific, and technical services. For the FAA specifically, KBR Wyle has likely been involved in various support roles related to aviation systems, infrastructure, and safety initiatives. Reviewing their past performance on similar contracts, particularly those involving safety-critical systems or large-scale IT/engineering support, is crucial. Past performance evaluations, available through systems like CPARS, would indicate their reliability, quality of work, and ability to meet contractual obligations. A history of successful contract completions and positive performance reviews suggests a lower risk associated with this current task order.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single contractor for critical safety assurance system support?

Relying on a single contractor, such as KBR Wyle Services, LLC, for critical safety assurance system (SAS) support presents several potential risks. One primary concern is vendor lock-in, where the government becomes heavily dependent on the contractor's specific knowledge and processes, making transitions difficult and potentially costly. Performance issues, such as delays, quality deficiencies, or failure to innovate, can have significant impacts on aviation safety operations. Furthermore, a sole reliance can reduce competitive pressure, potentially leading to less favorable pricing or service levels over time. Contingency planning, robust oversight, and clear performance metrics are essential to mitigate these risks. The government must ensure strong contract management and maintain the option to transition support if necessary, although this can be challenging with specialized systems.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Brown & Root Industrial Services Holdings, LLC

Address: 8120 MAPLE LAWN BLVD, FULTON, MD, 20759

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: $18,267,625

Exercised Options: $18,267,625

Current Obligation: $18,267,625

Actual Outlays: $18,267,625

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 6913G621D300001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline