NASA's $202M Intelligent Research and Development Support Contract for Ames Research Center awarded to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $202,147,939 ($202.1M)
Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2008-09-29
End Date: 2014-05-31
Contract Duration: 2,070 days
Daily Burn Rate: $97.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: INTELLIGENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT (ISRDS) CONTRACT FOR AMES RESEARCH CENTER INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS DIVISION THAT SUPPORTS THE FOLLOWING: SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH, DEVELOPS TECHNOLOGIES, BUILDS APPLICATIONS AND INFUSES AND DEPLOYS ADVANCED INFORMATION SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGIES INTO NASA MISSIONS AND OTHER FEDERAL GOVENMENT PROJECTS.
Place of Performance
Location: MOFFETT FIELD, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 94035
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $202.1 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: INTELLIGENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT (ISRDS) CONTRACT FOR AMES RESEARCH CENTER INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS DIVISION THAT SUPPORTS THE FOLLOWING: SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH, DEVELOPS TECHNOLOGIES, BUILDS APPLICATIONS AND INFUSES AND DEPLOYS ADVANCED INFORMATION SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGIES INTO … Key points: 1. Contract supports scientific research, technology development, and advanced information systems deployment for NASA missions. 2. Focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D, excluding biotechnology. 3. Contract duration spanned over 6 years, indicating a long-term need for these services. 4. Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for these specialized R&D services. 5. The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract type allows for flexibility in research projects but requires careful cost oversight. 6. The contract's scope is broad, encompassing research, development, and infusion of advanced technologies.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $202,147,939 over approximately 6.7 years suggests an average annual spend of roughly $30 million. Benchmarking this against similar large-scale R&D support contracts for federal agencies requires detailed analysis of scope and specific deliverables. However, the duration and comprehensive nature of the services indicate a significant investment in advancing NASA's technological capabilities. The CPFF structure, while common for R&D, necessitates diligent monitoring to ensure cost efficiency.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified contractors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of four bidders (no) suggests a competitive environment for this type of specialized research and development support. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and can lead to more competitive pricing for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition likely resulted in a more favorable price for taxpayers compared to a sole-source or limited competition award, as contractors vied to offer their best value proposition.
Public Impact
Benefits NASA's Ames Research Center by providing essential research and development support. Advances scientific research and develops new technologies relevant to space exploration and federal government projects. Infuses and deploys advanced information systems technologies into NASA missions. Supports the development of applications and scientific research in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Contributes to the technological advancement of federal government projects beyond NASA.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- The broad scope of R&D may present challenges in precisely defining and controlling project outcomes and costs.
- Reliance on a single contractor for a significant period (over 6 years) could create vendor lock-in risks.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a healthy market and potential for competitive pricing.
- The contract's long duration suggests a sustained and critical need for the services provided.
- The contractor, KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC, has a track record with government contracts, implying experience in this domain.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, a critical area for innovation and technological advancement within the federal government. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541712 specifically covers R&D in these fields. Spending in this sector is vital for maintaining a technological edge and driving progress in areas like aerospace, defense, and scientific discovery. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large federal R&D contracts awarded to support research centers and mission-critical scientific endeavors.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a set-aside provision. However, the prime contractor, KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC, may engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill specific aspects of the R&D requirements, contributing indirectly to the small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), specifically the Ames Research Center. As a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, NASA's contracting officers and technical representatives would be responsible for monitoring expenditures, ensuring compliance with the contract terms, and verifying the progress and quality of the research and development work performed. Transparency would be facilitated through regular reporting requirements from the contractor and potentially through NASA's public contract databases.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Contracts
- Federal Scientific Research Support
- Advanced Technology Development Contracts
- Information Systems R&D
- Aerospace Research Support
Risk Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract requires diligent oversight to ensure cost efficiency.
- Broad R&D scope may present challenges in defining and controlling project outcomes.
- Long-term reliance on a single contractor could pose vendor lock-in risks.
Tags
research-and-development, nasa, ames-research-center, kbr-wyle-services-llc, definitive-contract, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, california, large-contract, scientific-research, technology-development, information-systems
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $202.1 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. INTELLIGENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT (ISRDS) CONTRACT FOR AMES RESEARCH CENTER INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS DIVISION THAT SUPPORTS THE FOLLOWING: SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH, DEVELOPS TECHNOLOGIES, BUILDS APPLICATIONS AND INFUSES AND DEPLOYS ADVANCED INFORMATION SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGIES INTO NASA MISSIONS AND OTHER FEDERAL GOVENMENT PROJECTS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $202.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-09-29. End: 2014-05-31.
What is the historical spending pattern for this specific contract over its performance period?
The contract, awarded on September 29, 2008, and ending on May 31, 2014, had a total value of $202,147,939. This represents a performance period of approximately 6.7 years. The contract type was Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF). While the total obligated amount is provided, detailed year-over-year spending data is not available in the provided snippet. However, the total value suggests an average annual expenditure of roughly $30 million. This sustained funding indicates a consistent demand for the intelligent research and development support services provided to NASA's Ames Research Center throughout the contract's life.
How does the pricing structure (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) typically impact value for money in R&D contracts?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure is common for research and development (R&D) where the scope of work can be uncertain or evolve. In a CPFF contract, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure incentivizes the contractor to complete the work but can sometimes lead to less price sensitivity compared to fixed-price contracts. For value for money, rigorous oversight by the government is crucial to ensure that costs are reasonable and allocable, and that the fixed fee adequately compensates the contractor for the risks and efforts involved without being excessive. When managed effectively, CPFF can facilitate innovation in complex R&D projects.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) typically used to assess the success of R&D support contracts like this one?
Assessing the success of R&D support contracts involves evaluating both the process and the outcomes. Key performance indicators (KPIs) often include: 1. Technical Milestones: Achievement of specific research and development goals and project milestones within agreed-upon timelines. 2. Deliverable Quality: The quality and utility of research reports, prototypes, developed technologies, and deployed systems. 3. Innovation and Novelty: The degree to which the research leads to new discoveries, patents, or significant technological advancements. 4. Cost Control: While costs are reimbursed, effective management of project expenditures within allocated budgets is important. 5. Schedule Adherence: Meeting project deadlines and delivery dates for key research phases and deliverables. 6. Impact and Application: The successful infusion and deployment of developed technologies into NASA missions or other federal projects, demonstrating practical value.
What is the contractor's track record with similar federal R&D contracts?
KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC, as a large government contractor, likely has a substantial track record with various federal agencies, including NASA. While specific details of their past performance on similar R&D support contracts are not provided in this data snippet, their ability to win and perform on a $202 million contract over nearly seven years suggests a demonstrated capability. Companies of this size typically have established processes for managing complex R&D projects, adhering to government regulations, and delivering technical expertise. A deeper dive into contract databases and performance reviews would be necessary to fully assess their specific R&D track record.
How does the geographic location of Ames Research Center influence the contract's execution and impact?
Ames Research Center is located in Mountain View, California, a hub for technological innovation and a region with a highly skilled workforce, particularly in aerospace and computer science. The contract's execution would likely leverage this local talent pool, potentially leading to higher quality research and development due to the expertise available. The geographic concentration of R&D activities at Ames also fosters collaboration and synergy within the center's ecosystem. While the direct geographic impact is focused on supporting NASA's operations at Ames, the technologies and research outcomes developed could have broader national and international implications for space exploration and scientific advancement.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 7701 GREENBELT RD 400, GREENBELT, MD, 20770
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $300,000,000
Exercised Options: $300,000,000
Current Obligation: $202,147,939
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-09-29
Current End Date: 2014-05-31
Potential End Date: 2014-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-04-01
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