DoD's $198.7M Airmen Readiness Medical Research Contract Awarded to KBR Wyle Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,867,934 ($19.9M)
Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-09-29
End Date: 2026-12-29
Contract Duration: 1,917 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: AIRMEN READINESS MEDICAL RESEARCH
Place of Performance
Location: FULTON, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20759
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $19.9 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: AIRMEN READINESS MEDICAL RESEARCH Key points: 1. Contract awarded to KBR Wyle Services for medical research. 2. Significant investment in R&D for Air Force readiness. 3. Competition method was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 4. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost control but requires careful oversight.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $198.7 million over approximately 5 years appears reasonable for specialized R&D in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. Benchmarking against similar DoD research contracts would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for price discovery. This method allows all eligible contractors to bid, fostering a competitive environment that can lead to better pricing and innovation.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical research aimed at improving Air Force personnel readiness, which has long-term strategic benefits.
Public Impact
Enhances medical research capabilities for Air Force personnel. Supports advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences relevant to military health. Potential for improved health outcomes and operational effectiveness for airmen.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs effectively.
- Long contract duration (approx. 5 years) necessitates ongoing performance monitoring.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition promotes a competitive marketplace.
- Focus on critical R&D for military readiness.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement and maintaining a competitive edge, particularly in defense applications.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate specific subcontracting goals for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation in this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates robust oversight from the Department of the Air Force to ensure costs are reasonable and performance objectives are met. Regular audits and performance reviews are critical.
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.
- Potential for cost overruns if not managed properly.
- Need for clear performance metrics and oversight.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $19.9 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. AIRMEN READINESS MEDICAL RESEARCH
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 $19.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-09-29. End: 2026-12-29.
What specific medical research areas will this contract focus on, and how do they align with current Air Force readiness needs?
The contract, 'AIRMEN READINESS MEDICAL RESEARCH,' implies a focus on health and performance optimization for Air Force personnel. Specific areas likely include physiological resilience, injury prevention and treatment, environmental health hazards, and psychological well-being. Alignment with readiness needs would involve research directly contributing to maintaining deployable forces, enhancing operational effectiveness under stress, and reducing medical attrition rates.
What are the potential risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for this type of R&D, and how can they be mitigated?
The primary risk with CPFF is that the contractor may not be sufficiently incentivized to control costs, as their fee is fixed regardless of the final cost. Mitigation strategies include stringent cost monitoring, detailed performance metrics, clear scope definition, and robust negotiation of the fixed fee based on realistic cost estimates. Regular audits and transparent reporting are essential.
How will the effectiveness of the medical research funded by this contract be measured and evaluated?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through a combination of scientific milestones, peer-reviewed publications, successful development of new medical technologies or protocols, and ultimately, demonstrable improvements in Air Force personnel health and readiness metrics. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) should be established upfront, tied to specific research objectives and their impact on operational capabilities.
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: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: FA865020S6008
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Brown & Root Industrial Services Holdings, LLC
Address: 2400 NASA PKWY, HOUSTON, TX, 77058
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $21,159,609
Exercised Options: $21,159,609
Current Obligation: $19,867,934
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 4
Total Subaward Amount: $733,636
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-09-29
Current End Date: 2026-12-29
Potential End Date: 2026-12-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-09
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