NASA Awards $35M CPFF Task Order to KBR Wyle for Intelligent Systems R&D

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,978,696 ($35.0M)

Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2022-05-01

End Date: 2024-04-30

Contract Duration: 730 days

Daily Burn Rate: $47.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: COST-PLUS FIXED FEE (CPFF) IDIQ TASK ORDER UNDER INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT-3 CONTRACT NO. 80ARC020D0010 TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENT TO SUPPORT THE INTELLIGENT SYSTEM DIVISION AT ARC.

Place of Performance

Location: MOFFETT FIELD, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 94035

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $35.0 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: COST-PLUS FIXED FEE (CPFF) IDIQ TASK ORDER UNDER INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT-3 CONTRACT NO. 80ARC020D0010 TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENT TO SUPPORT THE INTELLIGENT SYSTEM DIVISION AT ARC. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on technical advancement for NASA's Intelligent System Division. 2. KBR Wyle Services, LLC is the awardee. 3. The contract is a Cost-Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) type. 4. This task order falls under a larger IDIQ contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The CPFF contract type allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee, which can be appropriate for R&D where costs are uncertain. The fee structure needs careful monitoring to ensure it incentivizes efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The task order was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for critical research and development.

Public Impact

Supports NASA's advancement in intelligent systems, crucial for future space exploration and technology. The R&D investment could lead to breakthroughs with broader civilian applications. Contract duration of two years allows for focused development and testing.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • CPFF contracts can incentivize cost overruns if not managed tightly.
  • Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
  • Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded under full and open competition.
  • Supports a critical NASA mission area.
  • Experienced contractor likely involved.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the R&D sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is vital for technological innovation and national competitiveness.

Small Business Impact

The awardee, KBR Wyle Services, LLC, is a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific task order based on the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

NASA's contracting office is responsible for oversight. The IDIQ structure allows for task orders, requiring diligent management of each to ensure alignment with overall program goals and budget.

Related Government Programs

  • Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs

Risk Flags

  • Cost-Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type.
  • R&D projects inherently have uncertain outcomes and costs.
  • Potential for scope creep in advanced research.
  • No explicit mention of small business subcontracting goals.

Tags

research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $35.0 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. COST-PLUS FIXED FEE (CPFF) IDIQ TASK ORDER UNDER INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT-3 CONTRACT NO. 80ARC020D0010 TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENT TO SUPPORT THE INTELLIGENT SYSTEM DIVISION AT ARC.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $35.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-05-01. End: 2024-04-30.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this task order, and how will success be measured?

Key performance indicators are crucial for R&D contracts to ensure progress and value. While the contract type is CPFF, specific metrics related to technical milestones, research outcomes, and system advancements should be defined. NASA's oversight should focus on tracking these KPIs to validate the effective use of funds and the achievement of the Intelligent System Division's objectives.

What is the risk of cost escalation with this CPFF contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

CPFF contracts carry inherent risks of cost escalation due to their nature of reimbursing costs plus a fixed fee. Mitigation strategies typically include robust cost monitoring, clear definition of allowable costs, and strong program management oversight. NASA should ensure stringent controls are in place to prevent unnecessary expenditures and manage the scope effectively throughout the contract period.

How will the outcomes of this R&D effort be transitioned or applied to future NASA missions or programs?

The transition plan for R&D outcomes is critical for realizing long-term value. NASA should have a strategy for integrating the advancements from this task order into future missions, technologies, or operational systems. This ensures that the investment contributes to NASA's strategic goals and avoids research being conducted in isolation.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesScientific Research and Development ServicesResearch and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTSpace R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

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: $37,000,000

Exercised Options: $37,000,000

Current Obligation: $34,978,696

Actual Outlays: $34,906,932

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 80ARC020D0010

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2022-05-01

Current End Date: 2024-04-30

Potential End Date: 2024-04-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-04-17

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