Doi's Usgs Awards $16.8M for Seismic Station Support to KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,775,453 ($16.8M)
Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2016-05-01
End Date: 2022-06-02
Contract Duration: 2,223 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF, TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION FOR SEISMIC STATIONS.
Place of Performance
Location: COLUMBIA, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 21046
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $16.8 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF, TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION FOR SEISMIC STATIONS. Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting market availability. 2. KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC, a large business, secured the award. 3. The contract spans over 6 years, indicating a long-term need. 4. The total award value is $16.8 million. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $16.8 million over 6 years averages to approximately $2.8 million annually. Benchmarking against similar technical support and maintenance contracts for specialized equipment is difficult without more specific data on the scope of work.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value offer.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for taxpayer value, as it encourages a competitive bidding process that should drive down costs.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operation and maintenance of critical seismic monitoring infrastructure. Supports scientific research and data collection for earthquake preparedness and understanding. Provides essential technical services for national security and public safety. The long duration of the contract may offer stability for the service provider and consistent support for the agency.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess value for money.
- No indication of small business participation.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Long contract duration provides stability.
- Supports critical scientific infrastructure.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the 'Other Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance' category. Spending in this sector can vary widely depending on the complexity and criticality of the equipment being serviced. The USGS's need for seismic station support suggests specialized, high-stakes equipment.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false, sb: false). There is no information provided on subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of the Interior's U.S. Geological Survey. Oversight would typically involve contract officers and technical monitors ensuring performance and adherence to contract terms, especially given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure.
Related Government Programs
- Other Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- U.S. Geological Survey Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- No small business participation noted.
- Limited detail on specific services and performance metrics.
- Long contract duration without clear exit strategy or review points.
Tags
other-electronic-and-precision-equipment, department-of-the-interior, md, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $16.8 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. IGF::OT::IGF, TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION FOR SEISMIC STATIONS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (U.S. Geological Survey).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $16.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2016-05-01. End: 2022-06-02.
What specific technical support and construction services are included in the $16.8 million award, and how do these align with the agency's seismic monitoring needs?
The contract details are limited, but the description 'TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION FOR SEISMIC STATIONS' implies a broad scope. This likely includes maintenance, repair, calibration, and potentially upgrades or new installations for seismographs and related data acquisition systems. The alignment with agency needs would depend on the USGS's strategic goals for seismic network coverage, data quality, and operational reliability.
How effectively was the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure managed to control costs and ensure value for money, given the potential for cost overruns?
Assessing the effectiveness of cost control for a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract requires detailed financial and performance data post-award. While the fixed fee provides some incentive for the contractor to manage costs efficiently, the government bears the risk of actual costs exceeding estimates. Robust oversight, clear performance metrics, and regular audits are crucial to mitigate risks and ensure the $16.8 million award delivered optimal value.
What is the long-term strategy for maintaining and upgrading seismic stations, and how does this contract fit into that broader plan?
This contract's 6-year duration suggests it addresses immediate and medium-term needs for maintaining existing seismic stations. A long-term strategy would likely involve periodic reviews of technology, network expansion plans, and potential future procurements for next-generation equipment or services. Understanding how this contract supports or integrates with those future plans is key to evaluating its strategic effectiveness.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance › Other Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance
Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: G15PS00618
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 7000 COLUMBIA GATEWAY DR STE 100, COLUMBIA, MD, 21046
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $17,893,869
Exercised Options: $16,775,453
Current Obligation: $16,775,453
Actual Outlays: $8,594,008
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2016-05-01
Current End Date: 2022-06-02
Potential End Date: 2022-06-02 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-02
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