Air Force awards $21M R&D contract to KBR WYLE SERVICES for F-15 lifecycle analysis
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,065,991 ($21.1M)
Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-04-06
End Date: 2027-04-05
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RESEARCH, LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS, RAPID ENGINEERING, AND TESTING FOR THE AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER F-15 DIVISION, FIGHTER AND ADVANCED AIRCRAFT DIRECTORATE, AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND
Place of Performance
Location: LEXINGTON PARK, SAINT MARYS County, MARYLAND, 20653
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $21.1 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: RESEARCH, LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS, RAPID ENGINEERING, AND TESTING FOR THE AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER F-15 DIVISION, FIGHTER AND ADVANCED AIRCRAFT DIRECTORATE, AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical R&D for F-15 aircraft lifecycle management. 2. KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC, a significant player, secured this award. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive pricing environment. 4. The sector is R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $21.1M over 5 years for specialized R&D appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar complex engineering and analysis contracts would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust process for soliciting bids and ensuring fair market pricing. This method generally leads to better price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition aims to secure the best value for taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment among qualified contractors.
Public Impact
Enhances the longevity and effectiveness of the F-15 fighter fleet. Supports advanced research and engineering critical for national defense. Ensures continued technological superiority in air combat capabilities. Provides vital analysis for future aircraft development and sustainment.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in complex R&D projects.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical F-15 lifecycle data.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Focus on essential R&D for a key defense asset.
- Long-term contract provides stability for research efforts.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically for physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological advantage, with benchmarks varying widely based on project complexity and duration.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC, is not identified as a small business. The contract does not appear to have specific small business set-aside provisions.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force's Life Cycle Management Center is responsible for this award. Oversight will focus on ensuring the contractor meets R&D milestones and delivers high-quality analysis within the agreed-upon cost and schedule.
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
- Complexity of R&D projects can lead to scope creep and cost increases.
- Dependence on contractor expertise for critical defense systems.
- Potential for technological obsolescence if research is not forward-looking.
- Ensuring effective knowledge transfer from contractor to government personnel.
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 $21.1 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. RESEARCH, LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS, RAPID ENGINEERING, AND TESTING FOR THE AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER F-15 DIVISION, FIGHTER AND ADVANCED AIRCRAFT DIRECTORATE, AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND
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 $21.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-04-06. End: 2027-04-05.
What specific metrics will be used to evaluate the 'research, life cycle analysis, rapid engineering, and testing' outcomes?
The contract likely specifies key performance parameters (KPPs) and metrics tied to the F-15's operational readiness, sustainment costs, and technological modernization roadmap. These could include analysis of component failure rates, effectiveness of proposed engineering solutions, and validation of testing protocols against established standards.
How will the government ensure the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure doesn't lead to excessive profit for the contractor?
The government will closely monitor the contractor's cost accounting and performance against the fixed fee. Robust oversight, including regular audits and reviews of incurred costs, is essential. The fixed fee itself is negotiated based on the estimated cost and the contractor's risk, aiming for a fair profit margin.
What is the potential impact of this R&D on future fighter aircraft development beyond the F-15?
Insights gained from the F-15's lifecycle analysis, engineering, and testing can directly inform the design, material selection, and sustainment strategies for next-generation fighter programs. Lessons learned in areas like advanced materials, system integration, and predictive maintenance can accelerate development and reduce long-term costs for future platforms.
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: 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: $31,221,860
Exercised Options: $31,221,860
Current Obligation: $21,065,991
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 6
Total Subaward Amount: $3,128,079
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: 2022-04-06
Current End Date: 2027-04-05
Potential End Date: 2027-04-05 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-10
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