Air Force awards $36.1M for Optoelectronic Technology Research to KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $36,139,633 ($36.1M)
Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-01-20
End Date: 2026-01-24
Contract Duration: 1,830 days
Daily Burn Rate: $19.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: OPTOELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH FOR AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY
Place of Performance
Location: DAYTON, GREENE County, OHIO, 45433
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $36.1 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: OPTOELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH FOR AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY Key points: 1. This contract focuses on advanced optoelectronic technology research, a critical area for defense applications. 2. KBR Wyle Services, LLC, a significant player in aerospace and defense, secured this award. 3. The contract's value is substantial, indicating a significant investment in R&D. 4. The sector is Research and Development, specifically in physical, engineering, and life sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee. This structure can be effective for R&D where costs are uncertain, but requires careful oversight to manage expenses.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing by allowing all eligible contractors to bid.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for critical research and development.
Public Impact
Advancement in optoelectronic technology could lead to enhanced military capabilities. Investment in R&D supports innovation and technological superiority for the Air Force. The research may have dual-use applications, benefiting both defense and civilian sectors. Long-term contract duration suggests sustained focus on developing complex technologies.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize cost overruns if not managed properly.
- Long-term R&D projects carry inherent risks of not achieving desired technological outcomes.
- Dependence on a single contractor for a critical technology area.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating strong market interest.
- Focus on a high-priority research area for national security.
- Experienced contractor selected for a complex R&D effort.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological advantage, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research domain and agency.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to KBR Wyle Services, LLC, a large business. There is no indication of specific subcontracting goals for small businesses within the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type necessitates robust oversight from the Department of the Air Force to monitor costs, ensure progress, and verify the achievement of research objectives.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure.
- Inherent R&D uncertainty regarding successful technological outcomes.
- Long contract duration may lead to scope creep or evolving requirements.
- Lack of explicit small business subcontracting goals.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, oh, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $36.1 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. OPTOELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH FOR AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY
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 $36.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-01-20. End: 2026-01-24.
What specific optoelectronic technologies are being researched, and what are the expected advancements?
The specific optoelectronic technologies are not detailed in the provided data. However, given the Air Force's mission, research likely focuses on areas such as advanced sensors, laser systems, optical communication, or countermeasures. Expected advancements could include improved detection capabilities, enhanced targeting systems, or more secure communication channels, ultimately contributing to the Air Force's technological superiority.
What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee R&D contract?
The primary risks include potential cost overruns, as the contractor is reimbursed for actual costs plus a fixed fee, which might incentivize less cost-conscious spending. There's also the risk that the research may not yield the desired technological breakthroughs within the projected timeline or budget, given the inherent uncertainties in R&D. Effective government oversight is crucial to mitigate these risks.
How will the success of this optoelectronic technology research be measured and evaluated?
Success will likely be measured through a combination of technical milestones, performance metrics, and deliverables outlined in the contract. The Air Force Research Laboratory will evaluate the contractor's progress against these defined objectives. This could include demonstrations of prototype capabilities, successful integration into existing systems, or the development of new theoretical models and practical applications.
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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Brown & Root Industrial Services Holdings, LLC
Address: 22309 EXPLORATION DR, LEXINGTON PARK, MD, 20653
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $48,581,108
Exercised Options: $48,581,108
Current Obligation: $36,139,633
Actual Outlays: $875,253
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 66
Total Subaward Amount: $10,937,952
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA807518D0015
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-01-20
Current End Date: 2026-01-24
Potential End Date: 2026-01-24 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-10
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