Air Force Awards $2.5M for Electro-Optic Infrared Technologies to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,531,275 ($2.5M)
Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-07-02
End Date: 2030-07-01
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ELECTRO OPTIC INFRARED TECHNOLOGIES FOR AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY, SENSORS DIRECTORATE
Place of Performance
Location: DAYTON, GREENE County, OHIO, 45433
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $2.5 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: ELECTRO OPTIC INFRARED TECHNOLOGIES FOR AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY, SENSORS DIRECTORATE Key points: 1. Contract awarded for advanced sensor technologies, crucial for Air Force research. 2. KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC, a significant player, secured this R&D contract. 3. The contract's value is moderate, but its impact on technological advancement is high. 4. Focus on R&D in physical sciences highlights a key government investment area.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $2.53 million is reasonable for specialized R&D in electro-optic infrared technologies. Benchmarking against similar complex research contracts suggests this pricing is competitive, especially given the fixed-fee structure which incentivizes efficiency.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method likely ensured the government received competitive pricing and access to the best available solutions in the market.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical research and development, aiming to enhance national security and technological superiority, which represents a strategic investment.
Public Impact
Enhances Air Force's sensor capabilities for intelligence and surveillance. Drives innovation in infrared and electro-optic technologies. Supports advanced research in physical sciences, potentially leading to dual-use applications. Contributes to the technological edge of the U.S. military.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
- Long contract duration (5 years) requires sustained oversight to ensure objectives are met.
- Specific performance metrics and deliverables need clear tracking.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
- Focus on R&D aligns with strategic national security goals.
- Contractor has a history of performance in related fields.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical sciences. Government spending in this area is critical for maintaining technological leadership and national security, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research domain.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC, a large business. There is no explicit indication of small business subcontracting in the provided data, which could be an area for future monitoring.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's duration and CPFF structure necessitate diligent oversight from the Air Force Research Laboratory to ensure cost control and adherence to research objectives. Regular performance reviews and milestone tracking are crucial for accountability.
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 in CPFF structure.
- Long-term contract requires sustained oversight.
- Lack of explicit small business participation noted.
- Dependence on contractor's specialized expertise.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, oh, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $2.5 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. ELECTRO OPTIC INFRARED TECHNOLOGIES FOR AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY, SENSORS DIRECTORATE
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 $2.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-07-02. End: 2030-07-01.
What specific advancements in electro-optic infrared technologies are expected from this contract, and how will they be measured?
The contract aims to advance technologies for the Sensors Directorate, likely focusing on improved detection, tracking, and imaging capabilities in the infrared spectrum. Specific advancements will be measured against defined technical milestones and performance metrics outlined in the contract's statement of work, ensuring progress in areas like sensor resolution, sensitivity, and operational effectiveness under various conditions.
What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, and how are they being mitigated?
The primary risk with CPFF contracts is potential cost overruns if the contractor's actual costs exceed estimates, although the fixed fee provides a ceiling. Mitigation strategies include rigorous cost monitoring by the government, clear definition of allowable costs, and performance incentives tied to achieving specific research objectives efficiently. Regular audits and progress reviews are essential.
How effective is the full and open competition process in ensuring value for money for this specialized R&D effort?
Full and open competition is generally effective in ensuring value for money by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation. For specialized R&D, its effectiveness depends on the clarity of the solicitation and the ability of diverse, qualified firms to understand and bid on the complex technical requirements, ensuring the best technical solution is secured at a fair price.
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: $42,273,715
Exercised Options: $42,273,715
Current Obligation: $2,531,275
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: 2025-07-02
Current End Date: 2030-07-01
Potential End Date: 2030-07-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-24
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