NASA Awards $48.5M for Geophysics, Geodynamics, and Space Geodesy Support to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $48,471,225 ($48.5M)
Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2006-02-01
End Date: 2011-07-31
Contract Duration: 2,006 days
Daily Burn Rate: $24.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: GEOPHYSICS, GEODYNAMICS, AND SPACE GEODESY SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $48.5 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: GEOPHYSICS, GEODYNAMICS, AND SPACE GEODESY SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for specialized scientific support. 2. The contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, which incentivizes performance. 5. This award represents a significant investment in space science research.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The Cost Plus Award Fee structure allows for performance-based incentives, potentially leading to better value. However, the exact pricing effectiveness depends on the award fee criteria and KBR WYLE's performance.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was employed, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to compete. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical space science research and development, with the expectation of valuable scientific advancements.
Public Impact
Supports critical NASA missions in understanding Earth and space. Invests in scientific research with potential long-term benefits for technology and knowledge. Funds specialized scientific services, contributing to the aerospace sector's expertise.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Award Fee contracts can sometimes lead to higher costs if not managed carefully.
- The duration of the contract (2006-2011) means current pricing benchmarks may not apply.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition suggests a competitive environment.
- Award fee structure can drive performance and efficiency.
- Supports a critical area of scientific research for national interest.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement and technological innovation, often characterized by specialized expertise and long-term investment.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC, a large business. There is no specific information provided regarding small business participation or subcontracting goals within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's procurement processes are subject to oversight by various bodies, including the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Inspector General (IG). The use of a Cost Plus Award Fee contract requires careful monitoring of performance and costs to ensure accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract duration is historical (2006-2011).
- Cost Plus Award Fee contracts require diligent oversight.
- No specific small business subcontracting data provided.
- Specific performance metrics and award fee details are not public.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, md, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $48.5 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. GEOPHYSICS, GEODYNAMICS, AND SPACE GEODESY SUPPORT
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 $48.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-02-01. End: 2011-07-31.
What was the specific performance achieved by KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC that determined the award fee, and how did this impact the final cost to taxpayers?
The award fee is determined by NASA's assessment of KBR WYLE's performance against predefined criteria. Without access to the performance evaluations and the specific award fee structure, it's impossible to quantify the exact impact on the final cost. However, the structure is designed to reward superior performance, potentially leading to better outcomes than a fixed-price contract, but also carrying the risk of increased costs if performance is exceptionally high.
Given the contract's duration (2006-2011), what are the potential risks associated with using historical pricing data for current benchmarking or future contract negotiations?
Using historical data from 2006-2011 for current benchmarking poses significant risks due to inflation, market shifts, technological advancements, and changes in labor costs. The scientific and technical landscape has likely evolved considerably since then. Relying on outdated benchmarks could lead to inaccurate cost estimates, potentially resulting in overpaying for services or failing to secure competitive pricing in new solicitations.
How effectively did the full and open competition process ensure that NASA received the best value in terms of scientific expertise and cost for these specialized services?
Full and open competition is generally the most effective method for ensuring best value by allowing a wide range of qualified contractors to bid. This process fosters price discovery and encourages innovation. While the specific outcomes depend on the number and quality of bids received, this method increases the likelihood that NASA secured competitive pricing and the most capable provider for these complex geophysics, geodynamics, and space geodesy support services.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: KBR, Inc.
Address: 7701 GREENBELT RD STE 400, GREENBELT, MD, 20770
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $56,000,000
Exercised Options: $56,000,000
Current Obligation: $48,471,225
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-02-01
Current End Date: 2011-07-31
Potential End Date: 2011-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-13
More Contracts from KBR Wyle Services, LLC
- Bioastronautics Contract-Activities for the Health &productivity of Crews Working and Living in Space — $1.5B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Fpds-Ng Mission Systems Operations Contract (msoc) — $1.0B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- THE Purpose of This Contract IS to Acquire Engineering Services and Related Services to MSD and Related Organizations Throughout Gsfc, AS Required, for the Formulation, Design, Development, Fabrication, Integration, Testing, Verification, and Operations of Space Flight and Ground System Hardware and Software, Including Development and Validation of NEW Technologies to Enable Future Space and Science Missions. the Engineering Areas of Emphasis ARE Multidisciplinary With Concentration in the Mechanical Engineering Areas of Materials, Structural Analysis and Loads, Mechanical Design, Electromechanical Design, Thermal, Contamination and Coatings, Manufacturing and Integration and Test — $728.5M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- 200106!000121!1700!F7004 !marine Corps Logistics Base !M6700499C0002 !a!n!*!n!p00015 !20010228!20080930!041014242!041014242!139691877!n!honeywell Technology Solutions!7000 Columbia Gateway Driv!columbia !md!21046!35000!031!12!jacksonville !duval !florida !+000004292865!n!n!000000000000!j049!maint & Repair of Eq/Maintenance & Repair Shop EQ !a4a!combat Vehicles !2000!NOT Discernable or Classified !811310!*!*!3! ! !C!*!*!*!B!*!*!A! !A !N!J!2!006!B! !C!Y!Z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!d!n! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! — $670.1M (Department of Defense)
- Mission Operations Management Services (moms) — $623.8M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
Other National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts
- International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
- Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
- Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)
View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →