DoD's $100M Contract for F/A-18 & EA-18G Life Extension Analysis Awarded to KBR Wyle Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $100,053,607 ($100.1M)
Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-08-31
End Date: 2028-08-28
Contract Duration: 1,824 days
Daily Burn Rate: $54.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: FIGHTER ATTACK-18 & ELECTRONIC ATTACK-18G RELIABILITY, ENGINEERING, AND SERVICE LIFE EXTENSION ANALYSIS AND TESTING FOR NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ACQUISITION 265
Place of Performance
Location: PATUXENT RIVER, SAINT MARYS County, MARYLAND, 20670
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $100.1 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: FIGHTER ATTACK-18 & ELECTRONIC ATTACK-18G RELIABILITY, ENGINEERING, AND SERVICE LIFE EXTENSION ANALYSIS AND TESTING FOR NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ACQUISITION 265 Key points: 1. Focuses on critical naval aircraft sustainment and modernization. 2. KBR Wyle Services, a known entity in aerospace support, secured the contract. 3. The contract addresses reliability and service life extension, crucial for aging fleets. 4. Research and Development sector, specifically physical and engineering sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $100M over approximately 5 years for specialized R&D services appears reasonable given the complexity of extending the life of advanced fighter aircraft. Benchmarking against similar complex engineering analysis contracts would provide further context.
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 that likely drove a fair price. The use of a Delivery Order under an existing contract structure implies a structured approach to price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential defense readiness, ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of key naval aviation assets.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operational readiness of vital F/A-18 and EA-18G aircraft. Supports technological advancement in aircraft sustainment and engineering. Contributes to the long-term cost-effectiveness of the naval aviation fleet. Potential for job creation in specialized engineering and technical fields.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in complex R&D projects.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical analysis.
- Risk of technological obsolescence impacting the extension analysis.
Positive Signals
- Focus on extending the life of existing, proven platforms.
- Competitive award process.
- Experienced contractor in aerospace services.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining technological superiority and extending the operational life of complex defense systems like naval aircraft.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the prime contractor is KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC, and does not specify any small business subcontracting. Further investigation into subcontracting opportunities would be beneficial.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Naval Air Systems Command, part of the Department of Defense. Oversight would involve monitoring project progress, adherence to timelines, and quality of deliverables to ensure taxpayer value.
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
- Aging aircraft fleet requiring significant sustainment investment.
- Complexity of advanced avionics and weapon systems integration.
- Potential for unforeseen engineering challenges during analysis.
- Long contract duration increases exposure to changing technological landscapes.
- Reliance on contractor's expertise for critical R&D outcomes.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $100.1 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. FIGHTER ATTACK-18 & ELECTRONIC ATTACK-18G RELIABILITY, ENGINEERING, AND SERVICE LIFE EXTENSION ANALYSIS AND TESTING FOR NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ACQUISITION 265
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 $100.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-08-31. End: 2028-08-28.
What specific metrics will be used to measure the success of the reliability and service life extension analysis?
Success will likely be measured by the accuracy and feasibility of the proposed extension strategies, validated through rigorous testing and simulation. Key performance indicators may include projected increases in operational hours, reduction in failure rates, and cost-effectiveness of recommended upgrades or maintenance schedules compared to projected costs of new platforms.
What are the primary risks associated with extending the service life of the F/A-18 and EA-18G beyond their original design parameters?
Primary risks include unforeseen structural fatigue, integration challenges with newer technologies, increased maintenance complexity and cost, and potential degradation of performance characteristics. There's also a risk that the extended life may not meet future operational requirements or could be surpassed by adversary capabilities, necessitating premature replacement despite extension efforts.
How will the effectiveness of the service life extension be evaluated post-implementation?
Effectiveness will be evaluated through ongoing fleet performance monitoring, including tracking flight hours, maintenance records, and incident reports. Comparative analysis against baseline data before the extension, along with simulated stress tests and operational readiness assessments, will determine if the desired lifespan and performance improvements are achieved cost-effectively.
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: 2
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: $117,714,267
Exercised Options: $117,714,267
Current Obligation: $100,053,607
Actual Outlays: $129,475
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 17
Total Subaward Amount: $47,122,675
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: 2023-08-31
Current End Date: 2028-08-28
Potential End Date: 2028-08-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-10
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