DoD Awards $51M R&D Contract to KBR Wyle for C-5M Aircraft Sustainment Analysis
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $50,984,814 ($51.0M)
Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-06-16
End Date: 2026-06-20
Contract Duration: 1,830 days
Daily Burn Rate: $27.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: C-5M RELIABILITY, MAINTAINABILITY, QUALITY, SUPPORTABILITY, AND INTEROPERABILITY AND SUSTAINMENT ANALYSIS
Place of Performance
Location: WARNER ROBINS, HOUSTON County, GEORGIA, 31098
State: Georgia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $51.0 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: C-5M RELIABILITY, MAINTAINABILITY, QUALITY, SUPPORTABILITY, AND INTEROPERABILITY AND SUSTAINMENT ANALYSIS Key points: 1. This contract focuses on research and development for the C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft's reliability and sustainment. 2. KBR Wyle Services, LLC, a significant player in aerospace and defense services, secured this award. 3. The contract is structured as Cost Plus Fixed Fee, indicating potential for cost overruns. 4. The R&D sector, particularly for aging aircraft, represents a critical area of defense spending.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts if not managed tightly. Benchmarking against similar R&D sustainment analysis contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of the C-5M.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee pricing model may not incentivize the most aggressive cost discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for research to improve the longevity and operational effectiveness of a major military transport aircraft, potentially leading to long-term cost savings through enhanced reliability.
Public Impact
Ensures the continued operational readiness of a vital strategic airlift capability. Supports advanced research in aerospace engineering and logistics. Invests in maintaining and improving the lifespan of aging, but critical, military assets. Potential for technological advancements that could benefit future aircraft sustainment programs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure
- Long contract duration (1830 days)
- No explicit small business participation noted
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Focus on critical aircraft sustainment
- Potential for improved operational efficiency
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on engineering and physical sciences related to aircraft sustainment. Defense R&D spending is substantial, with a significant portion allocated to maintaining and upgrading existing platforms like the C-5M.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to small businesses (sb: false). There is no information provided on subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is the awarding agency, implying internal oversight. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type necessitates robust monitoring to ensure costs remain reasonable and aligned with the fixed fee 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
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Long contract duration may increase risk exposure
- Lack of explicit small business participation
- Potential for scope creep in R&D efforts
- Aging aircraft platform requires continuous investment
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ga, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $51.0 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. C-5M RELIABILITY, MAINTAINABILITY, QUALITY, SUPPORTABILITY, AND INTEROPERABILITY AND SUSTAINMENT ANALYSIS
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 $51.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-06-16. End: 2026-06-20.
What specific metrics will be used to measure the 'reliability, maintainability, quality, supportability, and interoperability' improvements for the C-5M aircraft under this contract?
The contract likely specifies Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) and other measurable outcomes related to Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), Mean Time To Repair (MTTR), operational availability rates, and reduction in unscheduled maintenance events. Detailed technical requirements and reporting protocols would define these metrics, ensuring the R&D efforts translate into tangible improvements in the C-5M's operational readiness and lifecycle cost.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure mitigate risks associated with R&D uncertainty compared to other contract types for this specific C-5M sustainment analysis?
CPFF allows for flexibility in R&D where scope can evolve. The fixed fee provides the contractor an incentive to control costs to maximize profit, while the government pays actual allowable costs. This balances the risk of unknown R&D challenges against the need for contractor diligence, making it suitable when precise cost outcomes are hard to predict upfront, unlike fixed-price contracts which might deter innovation or lead to scope limitations.
What is the anticipated long-term return on investment for taxpayers from this $51 million R&D expenditure on C-5M sustainment?
The anticipated ROI stems from extending the operational life of the C-5M fleet, reducing costly unscheduled maintenance and component failures, and improving fuel efficiency. By enhancing reliability and maintainability, the Air Force can reduce overall lifecycle costs, minimize downtime, and ensure the continued strategic airlift capability, thereby maximizing the value derived from this significant asset over its remaining service life.
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: 3
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: $53,514,945
Exercised Options: $53,514,945
Current Obligation: $50,984,814
Actual Outlays: $297,494
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 18
Total Subaward Amount: $20,997,185
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: 2021-06-16
Current End Date: 2026-06-20
Potential End Date: 2026-06-20 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-10
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