DoD Awards $5.8M RDT&E Labor Contract to KBR Wyle Services for Physical Sciences Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $5,844,877 ($5.8M)
Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-12-04
End Date: 2026-06-01
Contract Duration: 544 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: (RDT&E LABOR) KNOT
Place of Performance
Location: CHANTILLY, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20151
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $5.8 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: (RDT&E LABOR) KNOT Key points: 1. Contract focuses on RDT&E labor for physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. KBR Wyle Services, LLC is the awardee. 3. The contract is a Delivery Order under a larger contract. 4. Competition was full and open, suggesting market availability. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking CPFF contracts in R&D is challenging due to variability in scope and risk.
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.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for research and development, aiming for technological advancement. The value for money will depend on the successful outcomes of the research.
Public Impact
Supports advanced research and development efforts within the Department of Defense. Potential for technological breakthroughs that could have future defense or civilian applications. Contract duration extends into mid-2026, indicating a medium-term research project.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize contractor to increase costs.
- RDT&E projects carry inherent risks of not achieving desired outcomes.
- Contract duration is significant, requiring sustained oversight.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports critical research and development activities.
- Experienced contractor likely involved.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but can be subject to budget fluctuations and project success rates.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-aside for small businesses. The prime contractor, KBR Wyle Services, LLC, is a large business, suggesting limited direct opportunities for small businesses on this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be critical for the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure to ensure costs remain reasonable and that research objectives are met. The Department of the Navy is responsible for administering this delivery order.
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.
- RDT&E projects have inherent uncertainty.
- Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.
- No small business participation explicitly mentioned.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $5.8 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. (RDT&E LABOR) KNOT
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 $5.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-12-04. End: 2026-06-01.
What specific research objectives does this RDT&E labor contract aim to achieve, and how will success be measured?
The contract details are limited, but RDT&E labor contracts typically support specific research projects defined by the agency. Success measurement would likely involve milestones, deliverables, technical reports, and potentially prototypes or demonstrations aligned with the research goals outlined in the parent contract.
What are the potential risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for RDT&E, and how can they be mitigated?
CPFF contracts carry a risk of cost escalation if the contractor's costs exceed estimates, as the government pays actual costs plus a fixed fee. Mitigation involves robust oversight, clear definition of work, regular reviews of contractor expenditures, and strong negotiation of the fixed fee based on realistic cost projections.
How does this contract contribute to the Department of Defense's broader R&D strategy and technological advancement goals?
This contract likely supports specific technological development areas identified within the DoD's strategic research priorities. The RDT&E labor provided by KBR Wyle Services is intended to advance scientific understanding or engineering capabilities, ultimately contributing to future defense systems or operational effectiveness.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: N6893621R0004
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 #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: $5,844,878
Exercised Options: $5,844,878
Current Obligation: $5,844,877
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $903,001
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N6893621D0017
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-12-04
Current End Date: 2026-06-01
Potential End Date: 2026-06-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-16
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