Air Force awards $6.3M for advanced space technology R&D, extending through July 2028

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,324,893 ($6.3M)

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: $5.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: AF MAUI OPTICAL AND SUPERCOMPUTING (AMOS) ADVANCED SPACE, TECHNOLOGY, RESEARCH AND OPTIMIZATION (ASTRO). MAINTENANCE ASTRO TASK ORDER 2

Place of Performance

Location: KIHEI, MAUI County, HAWAII, 96753

State: Hawaii Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $6.3 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: AF MAUI OPTICAL AND SUPERCOMPUTING (AMOS) ADVANCED SPACE, TECHNOLOGY, RESEARCH AND OPTIMIZATION (ASTRO). MAINTENANCE ASTRO TASK ORDER 2 Key points: 1. Contract focuses on specialized research and development in advanced space technologies. 2. The award represents a significant investment in optimizing space-based systems. 3. Performance period extends over three years, indicating a sustained need for these services. 4. The task order is part of a larger contract vehicle, suggesting potential for follow-on work. 5. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is a critical sector for national security and technological advancement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.3 million for a period of approximately three years appears reasonable for specialized R&D in advanced space technologies. Benchmarking against similar contracts in the R&D sector for space systems is challenging without more specific service details. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type suggests that costs are monitored, and the fixed fee provides a level of predictability for the contractor's profit. Further analysis would require comparing the labor rates and overhead applied to this contract with industry standards for similar expertise.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but full and open competition generally fosters a competitive environment that can lead to better pricing and innovation. This approach allows the government to select the best value offer from a wide pool of potential contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for cost savings and ensures that the government is receiving services at competitive market rates.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Air Force and potentially other branches of the U.S. military, gaining access to advanced space technologies. Services delivered include research, development, and optimization of space-based systems and technologies. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, with potential applications extending to global space operations. This contract supports a highly specialized workforce in the aerospace and R&D sectors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts if not closely managed.
The specialized nature of the R&D may limit the pool of truly qualified subcontractors, potentially impacting small business participation.
Long-term sustainment and integration costs of developed technologies are not detailed in this award.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
The extended performance period indicates a strategic, long-term investment by the Air Force.
Focus on advanced space technology aligns with critical national security objectives.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences, with an emphasis on advanced space technologies. The aerospace R&D market is highly competitive and technologically driven, with significant government investment. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within broader Department of Defense R&D budgets for space systems and advanced technologies, often involving large, multi-year contracts with specialized firms.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation (sb) is false, and there is no indication of a small business set-aside. This suggests that the primary contractor is likely a large business. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist, but they are not explicitly detailed in this award notice. The impact on the small business ecosystem will depend on whether KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC actively seeks small business subcontractors for specialized support.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the Department of the Air Force, likely through contracting officers and technical representatives. Accountability measures are embedded within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, requiring detailed cost reporting and justification. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award notice and the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS). Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Space Force Research and Development Programs
Air Force Advanced Technology Development
Department of Defense Space Systems Research
National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Technology Development

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
Scope Creep Potential in R&D
Limited Competition Data Provided

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $6.3 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. AF MAUI OPTICAL AND SUPERCOMPUTING (AMOS) ADVANCED SPACE, TECHNOLOGY, RESEARCH AND OPTIMIZATION (ASTRO). MAINTENANCE ASTRO TASK ORDER 2

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 $6.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-07. End: 2028-07-14.

What is the track record of KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC in performing advanced space technology R&D contracts for the Department of Defense?

KBR Wyle Services, LLC has a substantial history of performing complex engineering, scientific, and technical services for government agencies, including the Department of Defense. Their experience spans various domains, including space operations, research and development, and systems engineering. While specific details on past "advanced space technology R&D" contracts of similar scope to this ASTRO task order would require deeper database analysis, KBR's overall profile suggests a strong capability in this area. They have been involved in numerous large-scale contracts supporting NASA and military space programs, often involving research, testing, and operational support. Their performance on previous contracts, including those with similar cost-plus fee structures, would be a key indicator of their ability to successfully execute this new task order. Reviewing past performance evaluations and contract close-outs would provide further insight into their reliability and effectiveness in delivering on complex R&D objectives.

How does the $6.3 million value compare to similar advanced space technology R&D contracts awarded by the Air Force?

The $6.3 million value for this specific task order, spanning approximately three years, represents a moderate investment for advanced space technology R&D. To provide a precise comparison, one would need to analyze a dataset of similar Air Force contracts within the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' NAICS code (541715), specifically those related to space systems, advanced materials, or orbital mechanics. However, R&D contracts of this nature can range significantly in value, from a few million dollars for focused studies to hundreds of millions for large-scale system development. Given the 'task order' nature, this $6.3M likely represents a specific phase or component of a larger, potentially indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. Without knowing the scope of the underlying IDIQ or the specific technological advancements sought, it's difficult to definitively benchmark. However, for a focused R&D effort over three years, this amount is within a plausible range for specialized expertise.

What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for the government?

The primary risk for the government with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is the potential for cost overruns. While the contractor's fee is fixed, the total contract cost is not capped, meaning the government pays the actual allowable costs incurred by the contractor, plus the predetermined fixed fee. If the contractor's costs exceed initial estimates, the government's total expenditure will be higher than anticipated. This risk is amplified in R&D environments where the scope and technical challenges can be uncertain, leading to unforeseen expenses. Effective oversight, rigorous cost monitoring, and clear definition of allowable costs are crucial to mitigate this risk. The government must ensure that all costs submitted by the contractor are reasonable, allocable, and directly related to the contract effort to prevent unnecessary spending.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' approach likely to be in ensuring value for money on this R&D contract?

The 'full and open competition' approach is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for money, especially in R&D contracts. By allowing all responsible sources to submit bids, the government maximizes the potential for receiving innovative solutions and competitive pricing. This broad competition drives contractors to offer their best technical approaches and most cost-effective proposals to win the contract. For an R&D contract like this, it increases the likelihood that the Air Force will find a contractor with the most suitable expertise and a fair price for the specialized services required. The success of this approach hinges on the clarity of the government's requirements and the evaluation criteria used to select the winning proposal, ensuring that the 'best value' is indeed achieved, not just the lowest price.

What are the historical spending patterns for advanced space technology R&D by the Department of the Air Force?

Historical spending patterns for advanced space technology R&D by the Department of the Air Force (and now Space Force) have shown a consistent and increasing trend over the past decade. Driven by evolving geopolitical landscapes, the need for resilient space architectures, and the rapid advancement of commercial space capabilities, the Air Force has allocated significant resources to R&D in areas such as satellite technology, space situational awareness, hypersonics, advanced propulsion, and secure communications. Funding often flows through various mechanisms, including direct R&D appropriations, specific program offices, and task orders against larger IDIQ contracts like the one this award falls under. While specific dollar amounts fluctuate annually based on strategic priorities and budget cycles, the overall trajectory indicates a sustained commitment to maintaining technological superiority in the space domain. This $6.3M award aligns with this broader pattern of investment in future space 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: 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: $38,519,807

Exercised Options: $38,519,807

Current Obligation: $6,324,893

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