DoD Awards $205M for Phased Array Radar R&D to KBR Wyle Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $204,925,876 ($204.9M)
Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-12-26
End Date: 2026-12-26
Contract Duration: 1,826 days
Daily Burn Rate: $112.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: PHASED ARRAY TRACKING RADAR TO INTERCEPT ON TARGET TECHNICAL ANALYSIS FOR THE UNITED STATES ARMY PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICE MISSILES AND SPACE, PATRIOT GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT, SYSTEM ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35898
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $204.9 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: PHASED ARRAY TRACKING RADAR TO INTERCEPT ON TARGET TECHNICAL ANALYSIS FOR THE UNITED STATES ARMY PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICE MISSILES AND SPACE, PATRIOT GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT, SYSTEM ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE Key points: 1. The contract focuses on advanced radar technology for the Army's Patriot program. 2. KBR Wyle Services, a significant defense contractor, secured this award. 3. The R&D nature suggests potential for future technological advancements but also inherent risks. 4. Spending is concentrated in the Research and Development sector, specifically physical and engineering sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type allows for cost reimbursement plus a predetermined profit. This can be less price-efficient than fixed-price contracts, especially for R&D where costs can be unpredictable. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to unique technological requirements.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure may limit the direct impact of competition on final cost savings.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers bear the cost of research and development, with the potential for significant future returns if the technology proves successful and cost-effective in deployment.
Public Impact
Advancement of critical missile defense technology for the U.S. Army. Potential for job creation and economic activity in Alabama. Investment in cutting-edge research and development with long-term national security implications.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost overruns due to R&D uncertainties
- Technological obsolescence
- Contract type may not incentivize cost efficiency
Positive Signals
- Investment in critical defense technology
- Full and open competition
- Experienced contractor
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but often involves higher risk and longer timelines compared to procurement of existing systems.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific subcontracting goals for small businesses on this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense's Program Executive Office Missiles and Space oversees this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for R&D contracts, including milestone reviews and financial audits, would apply.
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
- R&D inherent uncertainties
- Potential for technological obsolescence
- Integration challenges with existing systems
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, al, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $204.9 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. PHASED ARRAY TRACKING RADAR TO INTERCEPT ON TARGET TECHNICAL ANALYSIS FOR THE UNITED STATES ARMY PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICE MISSILES AND SPACE, PATRIOT GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT, SYSTEM ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
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 $204.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-12-26. End: 2026-12-26.
What is the projected return on investment for this R&D expenditure?
The return on investment for R&D contracts is inherently uncertain and long-term. Success hinges on the successful development and deployment of the phased array radar technology, which could significantly enhance missile defense capabilities and potentially lead to cost savings in future defense operations through improved effectiveness and reduced lifecycle costs.
What are the primary technical risks associated with developing this advanced radar system?
Key technical risks include achieving the required performance specifications for target interception, ensuring system reliability and durability in operational environments, integrating the radar with existing Patriot ground support equipment, and managing the complexities of phased array technology development. Unforeseen challenges in signal processing or material science could also arise.
How will the effectiveness of the developed radar system be measured and validated?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through a series of rigorous testing and evaluation phases. This includes laboratory testing, simulation, and live-fire exercises to validate performance against specified targets and environmental conditions. Independent verification and validation by government test agencies will ensure the system meets its intended operational requirements.
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: $207,781,943
Exercised Options: $207,781,943
Current Obligation: $204,925,876
Actual Outlays: $6,509,211
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 9
Total Subaward Amount: $28,438,338
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: 2021-12-26
Current End Date: 2026-12-26
Potential End Date: 2026-12-26 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-10
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