USAF Bomber Program Awarded $39.3M for R&D, KBR Wyle Services Secures Contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $39,270,327 ($39.3M)

Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-06-10

End Date: 2025-06-17

Contract Duration: 1,833 days

Daily Burn Rate: $21.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: USAF BOMBER RELIABILITY AND SUSTAINMENT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Place of Performance

Location: MIDWEST CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73110

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $39.3 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: USAF BOMBER RELIABILITY AND SUSTAINMENT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Key points: 1. The contract focuses on research and development for bomber reliability and sustainment. 2. KBR Wyle Services, LLC, a significant player in government contracting, was awarded this delivery order. 3. The award falls under the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' NAICS code. 4. This initiative aims to enhance the operational readiness and longevity of critical Air Force assets.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $39.3M appears reasonable for a multi-year R&D effort focused on complex systems like bombers. Benchmarking against similar sustainment and R&D contracts for major weapon systems would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing as multiple vendors have the opportunity to bid.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

Enhances national security through improved bomber readiness. Supports technological advancements in aerospace engineering. Contributes to the long-term viability of strategic air assets. Potential for job creation within the aerospace R&D sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Potential for cost overruns in long-term R&D projects.
  • Dependence on a single contractor for critical sustainment knowledge.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded through full and open competition.
  • Focus on improving critical defense capabilities.
  • Long-term contract duration allows for sustained development.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences related to aerospace. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority in defense.

Small Business Impact

While the prime contractor is KBR Wyle Services, LLC, information regarding small business participation in this specific delivery order was not provided. Subcontracting opportunities may exist, but are not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Air Force is responsible for oversight. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) requires careful monitoring of costs and performance to ensure value for money.

Related Government Programs

  • Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

  • Potential for cost overruns.
  • Long-term R&D project risks.
  • Dependence on contractor expertise.
  • Scope creep in R&D efforts.

Tags

research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ok, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $39.3 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. USAF BOMBER RELIABILITY AND SUSTAINMENT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

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 $39.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-06-10. End: 2025-06-17.

What specific reliability and sustainment metrics are being targeted by this program, and how will success be measured?

The program aims to improve key performance indicators related to bomber operational availability, mean time between failures, and overall system lifespan. Success will be measured through rigorous testing, data analysis of component performance, and demonstrated improvements in mission readiness rates. Specific targets are likely detailed in the SOW but are not publicly available in this summary.

What are the potential risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type for this R&D effort?

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can pose risks of cost overruns if the contractor's estimated costs are inaccurate or if unforeseen technical challenges arise. The fixed fee provides incentive for efficiency, but the government bears the risk of increased costs. Robust oversight is crucial to manage these risks effectively.

How will the R&D outcomes translate into tangible improvements in bomber operational effectiveness and cost savings over the system's lifecycle?

The R&D is expected to yield advancements in materials, diagnostics, and maintenance procedures, leading to reduced downtime and fewer costly repairs. Improved reliability directly translates to higher operational availability for bomber missions. Over the lifecycle, these improvements should reduce the total cost of ownership for the affected aircraft.

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 DEVELOPMENTOTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

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: $39,853,433

Exercised Options: $39,853,433

Current Obligation: $39,270,327

Actual Outlays: $1,567,859

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 21

Total Subaward Amount: $16,447,189

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA807518D0015

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2020-06-10

Current End Date: 2025-06-17

Potential End Date: 2025-06-17 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-12-10

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