DoD Awards $17.9M Enterprise Search R&D Contract to KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,911,314 ($17.9M)
Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-09-27
End Date: 2027-09-26
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ENTERPRISE SEARCH RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS FOR DEFENSE TECHNICAL INFORMATION CENTER
Place of Performance
Location: FORT BELVOIR, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22060
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $17.9 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: ENTERPRISE SEARCH RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS FOR DEFENSE TECHNICAL INFORMATION CENTER Key points: 1. Contract awarded to KBR Wyle Services, LLC for enterprise search R&D. 2. Significant award value of $17.9 million over 5 years. 3. Competition method was full and open, suggesting market availability. 4. Sector is R&D, specifically physical, engineering, and life sciences. 5. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The $17.9 million award over 5 years averages $3.58 million annually. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more specific service details, but the duration and value suggest a substantial undertaking.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were likely considered. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and access to a broad range of capabilities.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced research and development, aiming to improve defense technical information access. The effectiveness of this investment will depend on the outcomes achieved.
Public Impact
Enhances defense technical information access through advanced search capabilities. Supports research and development in critical scientific and engineering fields. Potential for improved efficiency and knowledge sharing within the DoD. Long-term investment in technological advancement for national security.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs.
- Long contract duration may not adapt to rapidly changing technology.
- Limited information on specific performance metrics and success criteria.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports critical R&D for the Department of Defense.
- Significant investment in technological advancement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but requires careful oversight to ensure value.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to KBR Wyle Services, LLC, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation or subcontracting goals within the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of the Air Force within the Department of Defense. Oversight will be critical to ensure the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure does not lead to excessive spending and that deliverables meet R&D objectives.
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
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration (5 years).
- Potential for scope creep in R&D.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- No explicit small business participation mentioned.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $17.9 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. ENTERPRISE SEARCH RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS FOR DEFENSE TECHNICAL INFORMATION CENTER
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 $17.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-09-27. End: 2027-09-26.
What specific advancements in enterprise search technology are expected from this contract, and how will they be measured?
The contract aims to improve enterprise search for the Defense Technical Information Center. Expected advancements likely include enhanced indexing, retrieval accuracy, and user interface improvements for accessing vast technical data. Measurement will involve defined performance metrics related to search speed, relevance of results, and user satisfaction, though these specifics are not detailed in the provided data.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this R&D effort?
The primary risk with CPFF for R&D is that it incentivizes the contractor to incur costs, as their fee is a percentage of those costs. This can lead to cost overruns if not tightly managed. There's also a risk that the fixed fee might not adequately compensate for unforeseen technical challenges inherent in R&D, potentially impacting contractor motivation or leading to scope disputes.
How does this investment in enterprise search R&D align with broader DoD modernization goals?
This investment aligns with DoD modernization by aiming to improve the accessibility and utility of critical technical information. Modernizing search capabilities supports faster decision-making, better-informed research, and more efficient knowledge management, which are foundational to adopting new technologies and maintaining a strategic advantage.
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: 3
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: $20,506,474
Exercised Options: $20,506,474
Current Obligation: $17,911,314
Actual Outlays: $1,454,564
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $1,088,122
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: 2022-09-27
Current End Date: 2027-09-26
Potential End Date: 2027-09-26 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-10
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