DoD Awards KBR Wyle $30.5M for Space Systems R&D and Engineering Support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $30,491,442 ($30.5M)
Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2011-03-30
End Date: 2017-04-19
Contract Duration: 2,212 days
Daily Burn Rate: $13.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: PR-82-1039-10 -- RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TECHNICAL AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT FOR SPACE SYSTEMS, I.E., CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF SPACEFLIGHT STRUCTURES, MECHANISMS, SUB-ASSEMBLIES, ELECTRONICS, ANTENNAS, SOFTWARE AND AEROSPACE GROUND EQUIPMENT (AGE), (II) SPACE VEHICLE PROTOTYPE, FABRICATING, ASSEMBLING, AND PROCESSING SERVICES; (III) DEVELOPING, TESTING, MAINTAINING SPACE VEHICLE PROPULSION SYSTEMS, ATTITUDE CONTROL SYSTEMS (ACS), THERMAL CONTROL SYSTEMS (TCS), POWER SYSTEMS, TELEMETRY, TRACKING AND COMMAND SYSTEMS, RADIO FREQUENCY SYSTEMS, SOFTWARE AND HARNESS SYSTEMS; (IV) SUPPORTING DESIGN VERIFICATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING ACTIVITIES; AND (V) DESIGNING AND INTEGRATING ELECTROMECHANICAL INTERFACES BETWEEN EXISTING SPACE VEHICLES AND VARIOUS LAUNCH VEHICLES (MANNED AND UNMANNED).
Place of Performance
Location: COLUMBIA, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 21046
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $30.5 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: PR-82-1039-10 -- RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TECHNICAL AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT FOR SPACE SYSTEMS, I.E., CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF SPACEFLIGHT STRUCTURES, MECHANISMS, SUB-ASSEMBLIES, ELECTRONICS, ANTENNAS, SOFTWARE AND AEROSPACE GROUND EQUIPMENT (AGE), (II) SPACE VEHICLE PROTOTYPE, FABRICAT… Key points: 1. Significant contract for comprehensive space systems engineering and development. 2. KBR Wyle, a single awardee, suggests potential for specialized expertise. 3. Risk of cost overruns due to Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type. 4. Sector focus on Defense, specifically space systems, is critical for national security.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $30.5 million over approximately 6 years for complex space systems R&D appears reasonable given the scope. However, the CPFF structure warrants close monitoring for potential cost creep compared to fixed-price contracts.
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. However, the single award to KBR Wyle suggests they were the most qualified or best value offeror for this specialized work.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical defense-related research and development, aiming for technological advancement and national security. The CPFF structure necessitates robust oversight to ensure cost efficiency.
Public Impact
Supports advanced space technology development crucial for national defense. Contract ensures continued engineering and technical support for vital space systems. Potential for technological spin-offs benefiting civilian space exploration and commercial applications. Job creation in specialized engineering and technical fields.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to higher costs if not managed tightly.
- Long contract duration increases exposure to changing technological landscapes and potential scope creep.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.
- Contract addresses critical national security needs in space systems.
- Experienced contractor likely to deliver specialized technical expertise.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting the Department of Defense's advanced space systems initiatives. Benchmarks for similar R&D contracts in this highly specialized area are difficult to establish due to unique requirements.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no small business participation in this contract. This suggests the prime contractor, KBR Wyle, is handling all aspects of the work, potentially missing opportunities for subcontracting to smaller, specialized firms.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, through the Defense Contract Management Agency, is responsible for oversight. The CPFF contract type requires diligent monitoring of costs and performance to ensure value for taxpayer money and adherence to technical specifications.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration.
- No noted small business participation.
- Complexity of space systems R&D.
- Potential for evolving technological requirements.
Tags
engineering-services, department-of-defense, md, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $30.5 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. PR-82-1039-10 -- RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TECHNICAL AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT FOR SPACE SYSTEMS, I.E., CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF SPACEFLIGHT STRUCTURES, MECHANISMS, SUB-ASSEMBLIES, ELECTRONICS, ANTENNAS, SOFTWARE AND AEROSPACE GROUND EQUIPMENT (AGE), (II) SPACE VEHICLE PROTOTYPE, FABRICATING, ASSEMBLING, AND PROCESSING SERVICES; (III) DEVELOPING, TESTING, MAINTAINING SPACE VEHICLE PROPULSION SYSTEMS, ATTITUDE CONTROL SYSTEMS (ACS), THERMAL CONTROL SYSTEMS (TCS), POWER SYSTEMS, TELEMETRY, TRACKING AND COM
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 (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $30.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2011-03-30. End: 2017-04-19.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this research and development effort, and how will they contribute to the DoD's strategic objectives?
This contract aims to advance conceptual design, prototyping, fabrication, assembly, and testing of spaceflight structures, mechanisms, electronics, and software. Expected advancements include improved satellite capabilities, more resilient communication systems, and enhanced propulsion technologies. These directly support DoD objectives for maintaining space superiority, ensuring secure command and control, and developing next-generation space-based assets for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
Given the CPFF structure, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure efficient use of funds?
The CPFF structure necessitates robust oversight. Mechanisms likely include detailed cost tracking, regular performance reviews against milestones, independent cost audits, and strict change control processes. The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) plays a crucial role in monitoring expenditures and ensuring that costs incurred are reasonable, allocable, and allowable, while the fixed fee provides a baseline incentive for the contractor.
How will the effectiveness of the developed space systems be measured, and what are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through rigorous testing and validation against predefined technical specifications and performance requirements outlined in the contract. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) could include successful prototype development, achievement of specific performance metrics in areas like propulsion efficiency or data transmission rates, successful integration with launch vehicles, and reliability demonstrated during environmental testing. Formal acceptance testing and operational assessments will confirm effectiveness.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: N0017310RSE07
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: KBR, Inc. (UEI: 784072626)
Address: 7000 COLUMBIA GATEWAY DR STE 100, COLUMBIA, MD, 21046
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $34,929,732
Exercised Options: $34,929,732
Current Obligation: $30,491,442
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $69,627
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2011-03-30
Current End Date: 2017-04-19
Potential End Date: 2017-04-19 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-09-29
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