NASA's $61.4M contract for space science research awarded to KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $61,424,886 ($61.4M)
Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2011-07-01
End Date: 2015-07-31
Contract Duration: 1,491 days
Daily Burn Rate: $41.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THIS CONTRACT SUPPORTS A WIDE ARRAY OF GEODYNAMIC, GEOMAGNETIC, GEOPHYSICAL, AND ATMOSPHERIC INVESTIGATIONS OF SOLAR SYSTEM BODIES SUCH AS THE EARTH, VENUS, MARS, AND MERCURY. AMONG THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THESE INVESTIGATIONS ARE INSTRUMENT DEVELOPMENT; SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE; DATA COLLECTION, ARCHIVING AND DISSEMINATION; SCIENTIFIC DATA ANALYSIS, MODELING AND INTERPRETATION; REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS OF SCIENTIFIC RESULTS; PUBLIC OUTREACH AND EDUCATION; AND ASSOCIATED TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE WORK. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE SUPPORT TO INVESTIGATORS ASSOCIATED WITH CURRENT PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS SUCH AS GRACE, THE OCEAN SURFACE TOPOGRAPHY MISSION, THE INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES IN EARTH SCIENCE, ICESAT, AND FUTURE MISSIONS OUTLINED IN THE ROADMAP OF EARTH-SCIENCE MISSIONS DEFINED THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCE DECADAL SURVEY, SUCH AS SWOT, DESDYNI, ICESAT-2, GPSRO, AND GRACE FOLLOW-ON. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE SUPPORT TO INVESTIGATORS INVOLVED IN ANALYSIS OF SPACE GEODETIC DATA (SLR, DORIS, AND GNSS), USED FOR GEODETIC ANALYSIS, PRECISION ORBIT DETERMINATION, AND THE DETERMINATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE TERRESTRIAL REFERENCE FRAME. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE SUPPORT TO INVESTIGATORS INVOLVED WITH LAGEOS-1, LAGEOS-2, STARLETTE, STELLA, LARETS, LARES, EARTH POSITIONING SATELLITES SUCH AS GPS, GALILEO, AND GLONASS; EARTH ALTIMETRY SATELLITES SUCH AS TOPEX/POSEIDON, JASON-1, JASON-2, GEOSAT, GEOSAT-FOLLOW-ON (GFO-1), GFO-2, CRYOSAT-2; PLANETARY SPACECRAFT SUCH AS MARS GLOBAL SURVEYOR, MARS ODYSSEY, LUNAR RECONNAISSANCE ORBITER, THE MARS RECONNAISSANCE ORBITER, MESSENGER, AND MAVEN. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR DATA SYSTEMS SUCH AS THE CDDIS. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT FOR MEETINGS.
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $61.4 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: THIS CONTRACT SUPPORTS A WIDE ARRAY OF GEODYNAMIC, GEOMAGNETIC, GEOPHYSICAL, AND ATMOSPHERIC INVESTIGATIONS OF SOLAR SYSTEM BODIES SUCH AS THE EARTH, VENUS, MARS, AND MERCURY. AMONG THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THESE INVESTIGATIONS ARE INSTRUMENT DEVELOPMENT; SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND MA… Key points: 1. Contract supports critical Earth and solar system science investigations, including instrument development and data analysis. 2. Focus on geodynamic, geomagnetic, geophysical, and atmospheric studies of celestial bodies. 3. Broad scope includes scientific analysis, modeling, interpretation, and public outreach. 4. Contractor provides support for ongoing and future NASA missions. 5. Performance period spans over four years, indicating long-term research commitment. 6. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is a key sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $61.4 million over approximately four years for comprehensive space science research appears reasonable given the extensive scope of work. This includes instrument development, data analysis, and support for multiple NASA missions. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D contracts in the aerospace sector suggests that this pricing is competitive for the specialized expertise and long-term support required. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type allows for flexibility while maintaining cost control.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The specific number of bidders is not detailed, but the full and open nature suggests a competitive process that likely drove pricing and ensured a wide pool of qualified contractors was considered. This approach is generally favored for complex research and development efforts to ensure the best value is obtained.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the most cost-effective and technically superior research services for NASA's scientific objectives.
Public Impact
Benefits NASA's scientific community by providing essential research support. Delivers critical data and analysis for understanding Earth and other solar system bodies. Contributes to advancements in space exploration and scientific knowledge. Supports public outreach and education initiatives, fostering interest in STEM fields. Involves highly skilled scientists, engineers, and technical personnel.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in long-term R&D projects.
- Reliance on a single contractor for a broad range of scientific support.
- Ensuring continued innovation and adaptation to evolving scientific needs.
Positive Signals
- Contractor's established presence and experience in supporting NASA missions.
- Comprehensive scope covering multiple facets of space science research.
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting strong technical and cost proposals.
- Long-term performance period allows for sustained research momentum.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically focusing on space science. This sector is characterized by high innovation, significant government investment, and long project lifecycles. NASA is a primary driver of spending in this area, funding fundamental research and mission-critical technology development. Comparable spending often involves large, multi-year contracts for complex scientific endeavors.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no explicit mention of small business subcontracting requirements. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal, though large prime contractors may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specialized services.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is likely managed by NASA program managers and contracting officers who monitor performance against contract requirements and milestones. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure implies financial oversight to ensure costs remain within the fixed fee parameters. Transparency is facilitated through regular reporting and scientific publications stemming from the research.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Earth Science Division Programs
- Planetary Science Division Missions
- Heliophysics Research Programs
- Space Technology Mission Directorate
Risk Flags
- Long-term R&D contract with potential for evolving requirements.
- Cost-plus contract type requires diligent oversight of expenditures.
- Scope includes support for multiple ongoing and future missions.
Tags
nasa, space-science, research-and-development, kbr-wyle-services, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, earth-science, planetary-science, maryland, large-contract, definitve-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $61.4 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. THIS CONTRACT SUPPORTS A WIDE ARRAY OF GEODYNAMIC, GEOMAGNETIC, GEOPHYSICAL, AND ATMOSPHERIC INVESTIGATIONS OF SOLAR SYSTEM BODIES SUCH AS THE EARTH, VENUS, MARS, AND MERCURY. AMONG THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THESE INVESTIGATIONS ARE INSTRUMENT DEVELOPMENT; SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE; DATA COLLECTION, ARCHIVING AND DISSEMINATION; SCIENTIFIC DATA ANALYSIS, MODELING AND INTERPRETATION; REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS OF SCIENTIFIC RESULTS; PUBLIC OUTREACH AND EDUCATION; AND ASSOCIATED TECHNICAL AND
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 $61.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2011-07-01. End: 2015-07-31.
What is the track record of KBR Wyle Services, LLC in supporting NASA's scientific research programs?
KBR Wyle Services, LLC, has a significant history of supporting NASA's complex scientific and engineering endeavors. Their involvement often spans various mission phases, from instrument development and testing to data analysis and mission operations. The company's expertise in areas like geophysics, atmospheric science, and space systems engineering makes them a recurring partner for NASA's ambitious research goals. This specific contract builds upon that established relationship, leveraging their demonstrated capabilities to fulfill the broad requirements for Earth and solar system investigations. Their long-standing presence suggests a reliable performance history and a deep understanding of NASA's operational and scientific needs.
How does the value of this contract compare to similar large-scale R&D contracts for space science research?
The $61.4 million contract value for KBR Wyle Services, LLC, over approximately four years, is within the expected range for comprehensive space science research support contracts awarded by NASA. Large-scale R&D contracts in this domain often involve multi-disciplinary teams, specialized equipment, extensive data processing, and long-term mission support, driving costs upwards. For instance, contracts for developing and operating complex scientific instruments or managing large datasets for planetary missions can easily reach tens to hundreds of millions of dollars over their lifecycle. Given the breadth of activities outlined—from instrument development to data analysis and public outreach for multiple celestial bodies—this contract appears to represent a fair market value for the specialized services rendered.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?
Primary risks for this contract include potential technical challenges in instrument development, unforeseen complexities in data analysis and modeling, and the possibility of scope creep in long-term research projects. Mitigations likely involve robust project management by NASA, clear definition of milestones and deliverables, and the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure, which provides a framework for managing costs while allowing for necessary adjustments. KBR Wyle Services' experience in similar projects also serves as a risk mitigator, as they are likely familiar with common challenges. Regular performance reviews and scientific peer reviews further help to identify and address issues proactively.
How effective is this contract in advancing NASA's stated goals for Earth and solar system science?
This contract is designed to be highly effective in advancing NASA's goals by providing essential support for critical scientific investigations. By funding instrument development, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, it directly contributes to the scientific output of programs like GRACE and ICESAT, as well as future missions. The contract's broad scope ensures that a wide range of research activities, from understanding Earth's climate to exploring other planets, are supported. The inclusion of public outreach also aligns with NASA's mission to inspire and educate, making the research findings accessible. The long-term nature of the contract allows for sustained progress and deeper scientific understanding.
What are the historical spending patterns for similar space science research support at NASA?
NASA's historical spending on space science research support contracts is substantial and follows a consistent pattern of awarding large, multi-year agreements for complex R&D. Agencies like NASA frequently issue contracts in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars for mission development, instrument fabrication, data management, and scientific analysis. These contracts are often competed broadly to ensure access to the best technological capabilities and scientific expertise. Spending in this area is driven by the long-term nature of space exploration and Earth observation missions, requiring sustained investment in research and development over many years, often through multiple contract vehicles.
What is the significance of the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' NAICS code for this contract?
The NAICS code 541712, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology),' is highly significant as it precisely categorizes the core nature of the work performed under this contract. This code signifies that the contract is focused on scientific inquiry, experimentation, and the creation of new knowledge or technologies within the physical and engineering domains, excluding biological sciences. For NASA, this code is fundamental, covering a vast array of activities from developing new materials and propulsion systems to conducting fundamental research in astrophysics, planetary science, and Earth observation. It indicates a contract aimed at pushing the boundaries of scientific understanding and technological capability.
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: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNG10316070R
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
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, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $76,800,000
Exercised Options: $76,800,000
Current Obligation: $61,424,886
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2011-07-01
Current End Date: 2015-07-31
Potential End Date: 2015-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-09-07
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