DoD Awards $9M to KBR Wyle for Naval Research Lab Space Capabilities
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $9,056,194 ($9.1M)
Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-08-15
End Date: 2026-08-14
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ENABLE AND SUPPORT THE U.S. NAVAL RESEARCH LAB (NRL) WITH RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT THAT WILL ENSURE OPERATIONAL ACCESS TO CRITICAL SPACE CAPABILITIES AND SPACE FORCE ENHANCEMENT CAPABILITIES BY UTILIZATION OF THE SPACE ENVIRONMENT.
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20375
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $9.1 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: ENABLE AND SUPPORT THE U.S. NAVAL RESEARCH LAB (NRL) WITH RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT THAT WILL ENSURE OPERATIONAL ACCESS TO CRITICAL SPACE CAPABILITIES AND SPACE FORCE ENHANCEMENT CAPABILITIES BY UTILIZATION OF THE SPACE ENVIRONMENT. Key points: 1. Contract supports critical space capabilities for the U.S. Naval Research Lab. 2. KBR Wyle Services, LLC is the sole awardee. 3. The contract aims to enhance space force capabilities through space environment utilization. 4. Focus on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
This is a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. While the specific pricing structure is not detailed, the fixed fee component suggests some cost control. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts would be necessary for a full assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests efforts to secure fair pricing, but the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure warrants ongoing monitoring to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently.
Public Impact
Enhances U.S. national security through advanced space research. Supports technological innovation in the space domain. Ensures operational access to critical space-based assets. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting the civilian sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical R&D may pose a risk if performance issues arise.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition promotes a robust marketplace.
- Focus on enhancing space capabilities aligns with strategic national interests.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the R&D sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences related to space capabilities. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and national security.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and the awardee is not a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in the provided details.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Navy is responsible for oversight. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure necessitates diligent monitoring of costs and performance to ensure accountability and value for money.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type requires close monitoring.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical research.
- Ensuring long-term relevance of R&D outcomes.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, dc, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $9.1 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. ENABLE AND SUPPORT THE U.S. NAVAL RESEARCH LAB (NRL) WITH RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT THAT WILL ENSURE OPERATIONAL ACCESS TO CRITICAL SPACE CAPABILITIES AND SPACE FORCE ENHANCEMENT CAPABILITIES BY UTILIZATION OF THE SPACE ENVIRONMENT.
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 Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $9.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-08-15. End: 2026-08-14.
What specific performance metrics will be used to evaluate KBR Wyle's success in enabling operational access to critical space capabilities?
Performance metrics will likely focus on milestones related to research advancements, successful integration of new technologies, and demonstrated improvements in operational access to space capabilities. The contract's definitive nature and fixed-fee structure suggest clear deliverables and timelines will be established, with performance tied to achieving these objectives within the agreed-upon cost and schedule.
How will the Department of Defense ensure that the R&D conducted under this contract remains aligned with evolving space force enhancement needs?
Continuous engagement between the Naval Research Lab and KBR Wyle, including regular technical reviews and strategic planning sessions, will be crucial. The DoD will likely monitor technological trends and adjust research priorities through contract modifications or future solicitations to ensure alignment with evolving space force requirements and emerging threats.
What is the potential long-term impact of this investment on the U.S. position in space-based technological development compared to international competitors?
This investment aims to bolster U.S. leadership in space R&D, potentially leading to breakthroughs that enhance national security and provide a competitive advantage. By focusing on critical space capabilities and space force enhancement, the U.S. seeks to maintain its technological edge, deter potential adversaries, and foster innovation that could have broader economic and scientific benefits.
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 › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: N0017322RSD01
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Brown & Root Industrial Services Holdings, LLC
Address: 8120 MAPLE LAWN BLVD, FULTON, MD, 20759
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: $39,999,275
Exercised Options: $15,473,430
Current Obligation: $9,056,194
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $254,592
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-08-15
Current End Date: 2026-08-14
Potential End Date: 2029-08-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-17
More Contracts from KBR Wyle Services, LLC
- Bioastronautics Contract-Activities for the Health &productivity of Crews Working and Living in Space — $1.5B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Fpds-Ng Mission Systems Operations Contract (msoc) — $1.0B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- THE Purpose of This Contract IS to Acquire Engineering Services and Related Services to MSD and Related Organizations Throughout Gsfc, AS Required, for the Formulation, Design, Development, Fabrication, Integration, Testing, Verification, and Operations of Space Flight and Ground System Hardware and Software, Including Development and Validation of NEW Technologies to Enable Future Space and Science Missions. the Engineering Areas of Emphasis ARE Multidisciplinary With Concentration in the Mechanical Engineering Areas of Materials, Structural Analysis and Loads, Mechanical Design, Electromechanical Design, Thermal, Contamination and Coatings, Manufacturing and Integration and Test — $728.5M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- 200106!000121!1700!F7004 !marine Corps Logistics Base !M6700499C0002 !a!n!*!n!p00015 !20010228!20080930!041014242!041014242!139691877!n!honeywell Technology Solutions!7000 Columbia Gateway Driv!columbia !md!21046!35000!031!12!jacksonville !duval !florida !+000004292865!n!n!000000000000!j049!maint & Repair of Eq/Maintenance & Repair Shop EQ !a4a!combat Vehicles !2000!NOT Discernable or Classified !811310!*!*!3! ! !C!*!*!*!B!*!*!A! !A !N!J!2!006!B! !C!Y!Z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!d!n! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! — $670.1M (Department of Defense)
- Mission Operations Management Services (moms) — $623.8M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)