NASA Awards $233M for Wallops Range Operations and Maintenance Support to KBR Wyle Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $232,853,660 ($232.9M)
Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2019-08-10
End Date: 2026-06-30
Contract Duration: 2,516 days
Daily Burn Rate: $92.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: THE OVERALL SCOPE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE WALLOPS RANGE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE SUPPORT SERVICES TRAINING COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS SERVICES TESTING, MODIFYING AND INSTALLING COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS AT LAUNCH FACILITIES, LAUNCH CONTROL CENTERS AND TEST FACILITIES RANGE SUSTAINING ENGINEERING SERVICES, AND GROUND OPERATIONS SUPPORT. THIS EFFORT PROVIDES DIRECT CUSTOMER SUPPORT TO NASA WFF'S RANGE BY PROVIDING QUALIFIED PERSONNEL, EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, MATERIALS, VEHICLES, SPECIALIZED TEST EQUIPMENT, SUPERVISION, AND OTHER SERVICES. NASA'S WFF REQUIRES AN INNOVATIVE, INTEGRATED, FLEXIBLE AND EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT APPROACH AND THE CONTRACTOR MUST PROVIDE TECHNICAL SUPPORT IN A PLANNED AND COORDINATED MANNER WHICH WILL ENSURE ESSENTIAL WALLOPS RANGE SUPPORT SYSTEMS ARE READY TO SUPPORT USER REQUIREMENTS, AND CAUSE NO IMPACT TO WALLOPS RANGE PROGRAM SCHEDULES DUE TO EQUIPMENT DEGRADATION, FAILURES, SYSTEM PROBLEMS OR REPRIORITIZATION OF PREEXISTING PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS. THE WIDE VARIETY OF SUPPORT SYSTEMS INVOLVES FLEXIBLE WORKLOAD PLANNING, COST MANAGEMENT, AND SCHEDULING OF RESOURCES TO IDENTIFY AND RESOLVE TECHNICAL SYSTEMS PROBLEMS. AVAILABLE CAPACITY FOR OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, AND SUSTAINING ENGINEERING MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE TO OTHER WFF ORGANIZATIONS WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR), AND RMMO MANAGEMENT. INSTRUMENTATION SYSTEMS ARE PERMANENTLY LOCATED AT WFF, BERMUDA, AND IN ALASKA. IN ADDITION, MOBILE INSTRUMENTATION IS DEPLOYED TO LOCATIONS WORLDWIDE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO NORWAY KWAJALEIN ATOLL COQUINA, NC AUSTRALIA AND FRENCH GUIANA TO MEET RANGE CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS. THE WALLOPS RANGE RECEIVES AND PROVIDES RANGE SUPPORT FROM AND TO VARIOUS AGENCIES. THE WALLOPS RANGE CONSTANTLY STRIVES TO ENSURE IT IS PREPARED TO ACCOMMODATE THE CURRENT AND FUTURE NEEDS OF ITS CUSTOMERS. TO THAT END, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PURSUE ONGOING PREVENTIVE AND CORRECTIVE MAINTENANCE AND SUSTAINING ENGINEERING TASKS TO ENSURE READINESS AND MITIGATE THE EFFECTS OF OBSOLESCENCE OF ITS CURRENT RANGE EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL ALSO WORK WITH RMMO IN COOPERATION WITH OTHER NASA CENTERS AND ORGANIZATIONS TO MAINTAIN AND SUSTAIN RANGE SYSTEMS TO COMMON STANDARDS. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL WORK WITH WFF ORGANIZATIONS AND PROVIDE OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS TO SUPPORT NEW ENGINEERING AND/OR TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES APPROVED BY THE RANGE. SUCH ACTIVITIES ENABLE THE EVOLUTION OF THE RANGE ARCHITECTURE TO INCLUDE SPACE-BASED METRIC TRACKING, TELEMETRY, AND COMMAND RELAY, AND MISSION PLANNING SYSTEMS. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL ALSO PROVIDE OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND SUPPORT TRANSITIONING NEW ENGINEERING OR TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENTS TO OPERATIONS.
Place of Performance
Location: WALLOPS ISLAND, ACCOMACK County, VIRGINIA, 23337
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $232.9 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: THE OVERALL SCOPE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE WALLOPS RANGE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE SUPPORT SERVICES TRAINING COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS SERVICES TESTING, MODIFYING AND INSTALLING COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS AT LAUNCH FACILI… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on comprehensive range operations, including IT, communications, and engineering support for NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. 2. KBR Wyle Services, LLC is the incumbent contractor, suggesting potential for continuity but also a need to assess ongoing value. 3. The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 4. The 'All Other Telecommunications' NAICS code indicates a specialized but broad service area within the IT and communications sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires close monitoring to ensure costs remain reasonable and aligned with the fixed fee. Benchmarking against similar large-scale range support contracts is difficult without more granular cost data.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can sometimes obscure true price discovery compared to fixed-price contracts.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical space launch infrastructure support. The competitive award aims for efficiency, but the CPFF structure necessitates oversight to prevent excessive costs.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operational capability for NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, crucial for space exploration and research. Supports advanced telecommunications and IT infrastructure necessary for modern launch operations. Provides employment opportunities in specialized technical fields. Contributes to the broader aerospace and defense industrial base.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure may lead to cost overruns.
- Potential for contractor lock-in if competition is not robust in future re-competes.
- Complexity of services requires strong government oversight.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Long-term contract provides stability for critical operations.
- Incumbent contractor may bring efficiencies.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Telecommunications and IT services sector, specifically supporting critical infrastructure for aerospace operations. Spending benchmarks for similar large-scale range support services are not readily available but are typically substantial given the specialized nature and high stakes involved.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and the awardee is KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC, a large business. There is no explicit mention of small business subcontracting goals or performance in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Oversight will be critical, particularly given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, to ensure performance standards are met and costs are controlled effectively throughout the contract duration.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Telecommunications
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure
- Potential for cost overruns
- Complexity of services requires significant oversight
- Limited visibility into specific performance metrics
- Incumbent contractor may face less competitive pressure
Tags
all-other-telecommunications, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, va, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $232.9 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. THE OVERALL SCOPE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE WALLOPS RANGE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE SUPPORT SERVICES TRAINING COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS SERVICES TESTING, MODIFYING AND INSTALLING COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS AT LAUNCH FACILITIES, LAUNCH CONTROL CENTERS AND TEST FACILITIES RANGE SUSTAINING ENGINEERING SERVICES, AND GROUND OPERATIONS SUPPORT. THIS EFFORT PROVIDES DIRECT CUSTOMER SUPPORT TO NASA WFF'S RANGE BY PROVIDING QUALIFIED PERSONNEL, E
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 $232.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-08-10. End: 2026-06-30.
What is the projected cost efficiency of this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract compared to alternative contract types for similar range support services?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts are generally less efficient in terms of cost control compared to fixed-price contracts, as the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a fixed fee. While they offer flexibility for complex or uncertain scopes, they require robust government oversight to prevent cost overruns and ensure value for money. Benchmarking against fixed-price contracts for similar, well-defined services would likely show higher potential for cost savings under the latter.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) being used to measure the effectiveness of KBR Wyle Services' support, and how are they monitored?
The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract. Effective monitoring would typically involve metrics related to system uptime, response times for technical support, successful test completions, adherence to safety protocols, and overall mission support. NASA's contracting officers and technical representatives would be responsible for tracking these KPIs and ensuring contractor performance meets the contract's requirements.
How does the specialized nature of Wallops Range operations influence the competitive landscape and potential for future innovation?
The highly specialized nature of Wallops Range operations, encompassing complex communications, IT, and engineering support for space launches, limits the pool of qualified contractors. While full and open competition was used, the technical expertise required may favor large, established firms like KBR Wyle Services. This specialization can foster innovation through deep domain knowledge but may also present barriers to entry for smaller, innovative companies in future procurements.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Information › Other Telecommunications › All Other Telecommunications
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNG17611358R
Offers Received: 3
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: $270,000,000
Exercised Options: $270,000,000
Current Obligation: $232,853,660
Actual Outlays: $216,094,686
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 82
Total Subaward Amount: $15,499,230
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-08-10
Current End Date: 2026-06-30
Potential End Date: 2026-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-19
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