Air Force Spends $35.9M on B-1 Bomber Reliability Program with KBR Wyle Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $35,949,283 ($35.9M)
Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-05-29
End Date: 2023-06-30
Contract Duration: 1,493 days
Daily Burn Rate: $24.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: UNITED STATES AIR FORCE BOMBER RELIABILITY AND SUSTAINMENT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, AFLCMC,WWD B1 BOMBER DIVISION
Place of Performance
Location: LEXINGTON PARK, SAINT MARYS County, MARYLAND, 20653
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $35.9 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: UNITED STATES AIR FORCE BOMBER RELIABILITY AND SUSTAINMENT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, AFLCMC,WWD B1 BOMBER DIVISION Key points: 1. The program focuses on R&D for bomber sustainment, a critical but often costly area. 2. KBR Wyle Services, a large government contractor, secured this award. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' NAICS code indicates a technical focus.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for complex systems is difficult due to unique requirements.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was utilized, which generally promotes competitive pricing. However, the specific nature of bomber sustainment R&D may limit the number of truly capable bidders.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for research aimed at improving the longevity and effectiveness of a major defense asset.
Public Impact
Enhances the operational readiness of the B-1 bomber fleet. Supports the Air Force's long-term strategic bomber capabilities. Invests in technological advancements for defense systems. Contributes to the knowledge base for future aircraft sustainment programs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Limited public information on specific performance metrics.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Focus on improving reliability and sustainment of a key asset.
- Contract duration of over 4 years indicates a significant commitment.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on research and development for aircraft sustainment. Spending benchmarks for such specialized R&D are highly variable, but significant investments are typical for maintaining aging, complex military platforms.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, KBR Wyle Services, LLC, is a large business. There is no indication that small businesses were significantly involved as subcontractors on this specific contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force, through AFLCMC, is responsible for oversight. The contract type and duration necessitate diligent monitoring to ensure cost control and effective research outcomes.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract risk.
- Potential for R&D project overruns.
- Limited transparency on specific outcomes.
- Dependence on a single large contractor.
- Aging platform requires continuous investment.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $35.9 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. UNITED STATES AIR FORCE BOMBER RELIABILITY AND SUSTAINMENT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, AFLCMC,WWD B1 BOMBER DIVISION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $35.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-05-29. End: 2023-06-30.
What specific reliability improvements were achieved, and what is the projected cost savings from these improvements?
The specific reliability improvements achieved are not detailed in the provided data. Quantifying cost savings from R&D is challenging and often realized over the long term through reduced maintenance and extended operational life. Further analysis would require access to program performance reports and lifecycle cost assessments.
How does the per-unit cost of this sustainment program compare to similar R&D efforts for other bomber platforms?
Direct per-unit cost comparison is difficult due to the unique nature of each bomber platform's R&D needs and sustainment challenges. Benchmarking would require detailed cost breakdowns and scope definitions across multiple, potentially classified, programs. The $35.9M total award provides a scale but not a direct comparable metric.
What is the long-term strategic value of investing in the B-1 bomber's reliability given its age and potential future role?
Investing in the B-1's reliability extends its operational lifespan and maintains its strategic value as a long-range strike platform. This program ensures the aircraft remains a viable asset, potentially delaying costly replacements and maximizing the return on the initial investment in the fleet.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: FA807513R0001
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Brown & Root Industrial Services Holdings, LLC
Address: 22309 EXPLORATION DR, LEXINGTON PARK, MD, 20653
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $40,152,364
Exercised Options: $40,152,364
Current Obligation: $35,949,283
Actual Outlays: $1,727,402
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 12
Total Subaward Amount: $8,722,836
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA807514D0025
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-05-29
Current End Date: 2023-06-30
Potential End Date: 2023-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-12
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