Air Force Awards $3M for Advanced Space Tech R&D to KBR Wyle Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,999,197 ($3.0M)
Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-04-07
End Date: 2028-07-14
Contract Duration: 1,194 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: AF MAUI OPTICAL SUPERCOMPUTING ADVANCED SPACE, TECHNOLOGY, RESEARCH AND OPTIMIZATION (ASTRO). OPERATIONS ASTRO TASK ORDER 1
Place of Performance
Location: KIHEI, MAUI County, HAWAII, 96753
State: Hawaii Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $3.0 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: AF MAUI OPTICAL SUPERCOMPUTING ADVANCED SPACE, TECHNOLOGY, RESEARCH AND OPTIMIZATION (ASTRO). OPERATIONS ASTRO TASK ORDER 1 Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced space technology research and development. 2. KBR Wyle Services, a known entity, secured the contract. 3. The contract falls under the broad R&D category for physical, engineering, and life sciences. 4. Operations are based in Hawaii, potentially impacting local economic development.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type allows for flexibility in research but requires careful monitoring of costs to ensure value. The total award amount of $2.99M over approximately 4 years suggests a moderate investment per year for specialized R&D.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process that should drive favorable pricing. The specific task order mechanism (ASTRO TASK ORDER 1) suggests it's part of a larger framework, but the initial award was competitive.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical research and development in space technology, aiming for future advancements and potential long-term benefits.
Public Impact
Advancement of US space capabilities through dedicated research. Potential for technological breakthroughs with civilian and defense applications. Economic stimulus for the Hawaii region through contract performance. Investment in specialized scientific and engineering expertise.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus contracts can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- Long duration of the contract requires sustained oversight.
- Reliance on a single vendor for this specific task order.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition suggests a fair market approach.
- Focus on advanced R&D aligns with national strategic priorities.
- Experienced contractor (KBR Wyle Services) likely brings significant expertise.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced space technologies. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and innovation, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research scope and duration.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within the performance of this larger contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is responsible for overseeing this contract. Given the R&D nature and multi-year duration, robust oversight mechanisms will be essential to track progress, manage costs, and ensure deliverables meet 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 Overrun Potential (CPFF)
- Long Contract Duration
- Technical Feasibility Risk
- Dependency on Contractor Expertise
- Scope Creep Risk
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, hi, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $3.0 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. AF MAUI OPTICAL SUPERCOMPUTING ADVANCED SPACE, TECHNOLOGY, RESEARCH AND OPTIMIZATION (ASTRO). OPERATIONS ASTRO TASK ORDER 1
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 $3.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-04-07. End: 2028-07-14.
What specific technological advancements are anticipated from this ASTRO Task Order, and how will their success be measured?
The specific technological advancements are not detailed in the provided data. Success measurement would typically involve predefined milestones, performance metrics, and technical reviews outlined in the contract's Statement of Work. These could include successful prototype development, data analysis, or proof-of-concept demonstrations relevant to advanced space operations and optimization.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract structure for this advanced R&D project?
The primary risks with a CPFF structure include potential cost overruns if the contractor's estimated costs are inaccurate or if unforeseen technical challenges arise, increasing expenses. The government bears the risk of higher-than-expected costs, necessitating stringent oversight to ensure the fixed fee remains justified and the total cost stays within reasonable bounds for the R&D outcomes achieved.
How does this investment align with broader Department of Defense or Air Force strategic goals in space technology?
This investment likely aligns with strategic goals focused on enhancing space domain awareness, improving satellite capabilities, advancing space-based communication, or developing new operational concepts for space assets. Such R&D is critical for maintaining a competitive edge, ensuring national security, and supporting future space exploration and utilization initiatives.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: FA945122R1000
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Brown & Root Industrial Services Holdings, LLC
Address: 15020 CONFERENCE CENTER DR STE 100, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $16,547,824
Exercised Options: $16,547,824
Current Obligation: $2,999,197
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $51,166
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA945125DX001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-04-07
Current End Date: 2028-07-14
Potential End Date: 2028-07-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-07
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