DoD's $42.6M Cyber Security Assessment contract awarded to KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $42,641,434 ($42.6M)
Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-10-15
End Date: 2026-10-17
Contract Duration: 1,828 days
Daily Burn Rate: $23.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: CYBER SECURITY ASSESSMENT FOR COMMAND AND CONTROL AND RAPID CYBER ACQUISITION
Place of Performance
Location: HANSCOM AFB, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01731
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $42.6 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: CYBER SECURITY ASSESSMENT FOR COMMAND AND CONTROL AND RAPID CYBER ACQUISITION Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical cyber security assessments for command and control systems. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust market. 3. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. 4. Long duration of 1828 days indicates a sustained need for these services. 5. Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type may incentivize cost overruns if not managed closely. 6. Delivery Order under an existing contract vehicle (MAS) suggests potential for streamlined acquisition.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's value of $42.6 million over approximately five years requires careful benchmarking against similar cyber security assessment contracts. Without specific details on the scope of work and deliverables, it is difficult to definitively assess value for money. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure, while common for R&D, can lead to higher costs if not managed with strict oversight to control contractor expenses. Benchmarking against industry standards for similar R&D services would be necessary for a more precise evaluation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple capable vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 4 bidders suggests a competitive environment, which generally benefits price discovery and can lead to more favorable terms for the government. The specific details of the bidding process and the evaluation criteria would further illuminate the effectiveness of this competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically results in better pricing for taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment where multiple companies vie for the contract, driving down costs and improving the quality of services offered.
Public Impact
The Department of the Air Force benefits from enhanced cyber security for its command and control systems. Services delivered include critical assessments to identify and mitigate cyber vulnerabilities. The contract supports the Air Force's operational readiness and national security posture. Workforce implications may include specialized cyber security professionals employed by KBR Wyle Services, LLC and potentially subcontractors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to increased costs if not closely monitored.
- Long contract duration may present challenges in adapting to rapidly evolving cyber threats.
- Reliance on a single awardee for critical cyber security assessments could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a healthy market and potential for competitive pricing.
- The contractor, KBR Wyle Services, LLC, likely possesses specialized expertise in cyber security and R&D.
- Delivery Order under an existing contract vehicle (MAS) suggests a pre-vetted contractor and potentially faster acquisition.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The cyber security assessment services are crucial for modern defense systems, which are increasingly reliant on complex digital infrastructure. The market for cyber security R&D is substantial and growing, driven by the constant evolution of threats and the need for advanced protective measures. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other DoD contracts for similar cyber security R&D and assessment services.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While KBR Wyle Services, LLC is a large business, the subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not explicitly detailed in this summary. Analysis of the subcontracting plan, if available, would be necessary to determine the extent of small business participation and its impact on the small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Air Force, with potential involvement from the Department of Defense's Inspector General. The CPFF contract type necessitates robust financial oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable. Transparency would be enhanced through regular reporting requirements and performance reviews stipulated in the contract.
Related Government Programs
- Cyber Security Services
- Research and Development Contracts
- Department of Defense IT Spending
- Command and Control Systems
- Acquisition Support Services
Risk Flags
- Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
- Evolving Threat Landscape
- Contractor Performance Dependency
Tags
cyber-security, command-and-control, acquisition, department-of-defense, air-force, research-and-development, full-and-open-competition, cost-plus-fixed-fee, delivery-order, massachusetts, kbr-wyle-services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $42.6 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. CYBER SECURITY ASSESSMENT FOR COMMAND AND CONTROL AND RAPID CYBER ACQUISITION
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 $42.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-10-15. End: 2026-10-17.
What is the specific scope of 'Cyber Security Assessment for Command and Control' services required under this contract?
The contract specifies 'CYBER SECURITY ASSESSMENT FOR COMMAND AND CONTROL AND RAPID CYBER ACQUISITION'. This suggests the scope includes evaluating the security posture of systems used for command and control (C2) operations, identifying vulnerabilities, and potentially recommending or implementing rapid cyber acquisition strategies to address identified weaknesses. The 'Rapid Cyber Acquisition' component implies a focus on agile development and deployment of cyber solutions. Specific deliverables would likely include detailed assessment reports, risk analyses, vulnerability assessments, and potentially prototype development or testing of new cyber defense mechanisms. The exact nature of C2 systems involved (e.g., communication networks, operational planning software, intelligence platforms) would further define the scope.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure impact the government's risk and potential cost overruns compared to other contract types?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is often used for research and development efforts where the scope is not fully defined or is expected to evolve. Under CPFF, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure shifts much of the cost risk to the government, as the final contract price is not fixed upfront. If the contractor's costs exceed initial estimates, the government still pays those costs, along with the fixed fee. This can lead to cost overruns if the contractor does not manage expenses efficiently or if the scope expands significantly. Effective oversight, detailed cost accounting, and clear performance metrics are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure value for money.
What is KBR Wyle Services, LLC's track record with similar cyber security R&D contracts for the Department of Defense?
KBR Wyle Services, LLC has a significant history of performing contracts for the Department of Defense, including in areas related to research, development, and technical services. While specific details on their cyber security R&D track record for command and control systems would require a deeper dive into contract databases and performance reviews, their extensive experience with DoD suggests a familiarity with government acquisition processes and technical requirements. It would be prudent to examine past performance evaluations, any reported issues or successes on similar contracts, and their overall financial stability to fully assess their capability and reliability for this specific requirement.
What are the potential implications of the long contract duration (1828 days) on the effectiveness of cyber security assessments in a rapidly evolving threat landscape?
A long contract duration of 1828 days (approximately five years) for cyber security assessments presents both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, it allows for sustained focus, deep understanding of the systems being assessed, and the development of long-term relationships and trust between the contractor and the government. This can lead to more comprehensive and effective assessments over time. However, the cyber threat landscape evolves at an extremely rapid pace. A five-year assessment contract might struggle to remain relevant if it doesn't incorporate mechanisms for continuous adaptation, frequent re-assessments, and the integration of the latest threat intelligence. The government must ensure that the contract includes provisions for updating methodologies, tools, and knowledge to keep pace with emerging threats throughout its duration.
How does the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' NAICS code (541715) align with the stated purpose of cyber security assessment?
The NAICS code 541715, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology),' is a broad category. While cyber security is often associated with computer science (NAICS 541511/541512), R&D in physical and engineering sciences can encompass the development of novel hardware, secure communication protocols, advanced materials for defense systems, or innovative engineering approaches to system resilience. If this contract involves developing new methodologies, tools, or foundational technologies for cyber security within these broader engineering and physical science domains, then NAICS 541715 could be appropriate. It suggests the work goes beyond standard IT services to potentially include fundamental research or engineering advancements related to securing complex physical and engineered systems.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 4
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: $44,541,943
Exercised Options: $44,541,943
Current Obligation: $42,641,434
Actual Outlays: $143,705
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 9
Total Subaward Amount: $15,823,459
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: 2021-10-15
Current End Date: 2026-10-17
Potential End Date: 2026-10-17 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-31
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