DoD's $27.4M ADVANCE Contract Funds R&D for Warfighting Tech
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $27,432,685 ($27.4M)
Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-07-01
End Date: 2025-05-30
Contract Duration: 2,160 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ADVANCED VISUALIZATION, AUTOMATION, AND NOVEL COMPUTING ENTERPRISE (ADVANCE) IS TO RESEARCH, INVESTIGATE, COMPARE, AND PROTOTYPE CAPABILITIES TO ASSIST OPERATIONAL MISSION EFFECT ACROSS THE WARFIGHTING TECHNOLOGICAL DOMAIN.
Place of Performance
Location: CHANTILLY, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20151
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $27.4 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: ADVANCED VISUALIZATION, AUTOMATION, AND NOVEL COMPUTING ENTERPRISE (ADVANCE) IS TO RESEARCH, INVESTIGATE, COMPARE, AND PROTOTYPE CAPABILITIES TO ASSIST OPERATIONAL MISSION EFFECT ACROSS THE WARFIGHTING TECHNOLOGICAL DOMAIN. Key points: 1. Focuses on advanced visualization, automation, and computing for military operations. 2. Contract awarded to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. 3. Significant investment in R&D for the physical, engineering, and life sciences. 4. Potential for technological advancements impacting warfighting capabilities.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure allows for flexibility in R&D but requires careful monitoring to ensure cost efficiency. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of the work.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' suggesting a specific justification for limiting the pool. This method may impact price discovery compared to unrestricted full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical research with potential long-term defense benefits, but the specific pricing structure warrants scrutiny for efficiency.
Public Impact
Enhances national defense through cutting-edge technological research. Supports innovation in areas like AI, simulation, and advanced data analysis. Potential for dual-use technologies benefiting civilian sectors. Invests in the future capabilities of the U.S. Air Force.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may lead to higher costs.
- CPFF contract type can incentivize cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Addresses critical warfighting needs.
- Invests in advanced technological capabilities.
- Long-term contract duration allows for sustained research.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining a technological edge, with significant government investment annually.
Small Business Impact
The contract data indicates no specific set-aside for small businesses (sb: false). This suggests that larger, established contractors are likely performing the work, potentially limiting opportunities for smaller innovative firms in this specific procurement.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is the awarding agency, with KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC as the contractor. Oversight will be critical to ensure the R&D objectives are met efficiently and effectively within the CPFF structure.
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
- Limited competition
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure
- Potential for cost overruns
- Lack of small business participation
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $27.4 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. ADVANCED VISUALIZATION, AUTOMATION, AND NOVEL COMPUTING ENTERPRISE (ADVANCE) IS TO RESEARCH, INVESTIGATE, COMPARE, AND PROTOTYPE CAPABILITIES TO ASSIST OPERATIONAL MISSION EFFECT ACROSS THE WARFIGHTING TECHNOLOGICAL DOMAIN.
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 $27.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-07-01. End: 2025-05-30.
How will the effectiveness of the R&D be measured to ensure mission impact?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through a series of milestones, prototype demonstrations, and technical reviews aligned with the operational mission requirements of the Air Force's warfighting domain. The CPFF structure necessitates clear performance metrics and deliverables to justify expenditures and ensure the research translates into tangible capabilities.
What are the specific risks associated with the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method?
This method implies that initial broad solicitation occurred, but only a limited number of sources were ultimately considered or qualified. Risks include potentially overlooking innovative solutions from excluded sources, reduced competitive pressure leading to less favorable pricing, and the need for strong justification to avoid perceptions of impropriety.
What is the projected return on investment for this $27.4M R&D expenditure?
Quantifying ROI for R&D is inherently challenging. The investment aims to enhance warfighting capabilities, which has an indirect but significant return in terms of national security and operational effectiveness. Specific metrics might include improved mission success rates, reduced operational risks, or the development of technologies that deter adversaries.
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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Brown & Root Industrial Services Holdings, LLC
Address: 15020 CONFERENCE CENTER DR STE 100, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151
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: $28,479,117
Exercised Options: $28,479,117
Current Obligation: $27,432,685
Actual Outlays: $7,409,660
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $60,059
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-07-01
Current End Date: 2025-05-30
Potential End Date: 2025-05-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-04-22
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