DoD awards $9.3M for Aircraft Armament Systems R&D to KBR Wyle Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,349,421 ($9.3M)

Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-09-27

End Date: 2029-09-26

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: P1 23-2433, AIRCRAFT ARMAMENT EQUIPMENT AND AERIAL REFUELING SYSTEMS, RELIABILITY, MAINTAINABILITY, QUALITY, SUPPORTABILITY, AND INTEROPERABILITY ANALYSIS FOR NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND PRECISION STRIKE WEAPONS PROGRAM OFFICE

Place of Performance

Location: JACKSONVILLE, DUVAL County, FLORIDA, 32212

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $9.3 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: P1 23-2433, AIRCRAFT ARMAMENT EQUIPMENT AND AERIAL REFUELING SYSTEMS, RELIABILITY, MAINTAINABILITY, QUALITY, SUPPORTABILITY, AND INTEROPERABILITY ANALYSIS FOR NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND PRECISION STRIKE WEAPONS PROGRAM OFFICE Key points: 1. Focus on reliability, maintainability, quality, supportability, and interoperability for naval systems. 2. KBR Wyle Services, LLC, a significant player in aerospace and defense. 3. High risk associated with R&D contracts due to evolving requirements and technological uncertainty. 4. Sector is Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without specific performance metrics and comparable R&D projects.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific price discovery mechanisms for this R&D effort are not detailed.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated for critical defense research, aiming for technological advancement. The ultimate value depends on the successful outcomes of the R&D.

Public Impact

Enhances naval aviation capabilities through improved armament systems. Supports advanced research and development in defense technology. Potential for technological breakthroughs with broad military applications. Ensures readiness and effectiveness of naval air power.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Cost overruns due to CPFF contract type
  • Uncertainty in R&D outcomes
  • Potential for scope creep

Positive Signals

  • Full and open competition
  • Focus on critical defense capabilities
  • Long-term contract duration for sustained effort

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 a technological edge but often involves higher risk and less predictable outcomes compared to procurement of existing systems.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and the prime contractor, KBR Wyle Services, LLC, is a large business. There is no information on small business subcontracting participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be critical for the Naval Air Systems Command Precision Strike Weapons Program Office to manage the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract effectively, ensuring R&D objectives are met within budget and on 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

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type increases risk of cost overruns.
  • R&D projects inherently carry uncertainty regarding successful outcomes.
  • Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment difficult.
  • No indication of small business participation.

Tags

research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, fl, delivery-order, 1m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $9.3 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. P1 23-2433, AIRCRAFT ARMAMENT EQUIPMENT AND AERIAL REFUELING SYSTEMS, RELIABILITY, MAINTAINABILITY, QUALITY, SUPPORTABILITY, AND INTEROPERABILITY ANALYSIS FOR NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND PRECISION STRIKE WEAPONS PROGRAM OFFICE

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 $9.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-27. End: 2029-09-26.

What specific performance metrics will be used to evaluate the success of the reliability, maintainability, quality, supportability, and interoperability analysis?

The success of the R&D effort will likely be evaluated based on the delivery of comprehensive analysis reports, identification of key areas for improvement in existing or future armament systems, and the development of actionable recommendations. Specific metrics might include the number of critical issues identified, the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of proposed solutions, and the degree to which the analysis aligns with naval operational requirements and technological roadmaps.

How will potential cost overruns be mitigated under the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract structure for this R&D project?

Mitigation of cost overruns in a CPFF contract typically involves stringent oversight, detailed progress tracking, and clear definition of work. The Naval Air Systems Command will need to closely monitor expenditures against the fixed fee, review all cost proposals, and ensure that any changes in scope are formally approved with corresponding adjustments to the fee and timeline. Regular performance reviews and milestone achievements will be crucial.

What is the expected long-term impact of this R&D on the operational effectiveness and cost of naval air armament systems?

The long-term impact is expected to be significant, leading to more reliable, maintainable, and interoperable aerial refueling and armament systems. This could translate into reduced lifecycle costs through lower maintenance burdens, increased mission readiness, and enhanced combat effectiveness. By addressing key supportability and quality aspects early in the R&D phase, the program aims to prevent costly retrofits or performance issues later.

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 DEVELOPMENTC – 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: $80,090,320

Exercised Options: $80,090,320

Current Obligation: $9,349,421

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $3,929,845

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: 2024-09-27

Current End Date: 2029-09-26

Potential End Date: 2029-09-26 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-12-10

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