NASA's $447M GSFC Ground Systems Contract Awarded to KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $447,738,649 ($447.7M)
Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2011-11-01
End Date: 2017-08-31
Contract Duration: 2,130 days
Daily Burn Rate: $210.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO ACQUIRE ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER (GSFC) FOR GROUND SYSTEMS AND MISSION OPERATIONS SUPPORT IN ALL PHASES OF A MISSION LIFE CYCLE. THE SCOPE ENCOMPASSES CONCEPT STUDIES, DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, INTEGRATION, TEST, VERIFICATION, OPERATIONS, AND SUSTAINMENT OF MISSION OPERATIONS SYSTEMS AND SUBSYSTEMS, AND OPERATIONS PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES. THE GOVERNMENT ISSUED TASK ORDERS WILL SPECIFY THE SPECIFIC WORK TO BE PERFORMED, INCLUDING THE REQUIREMENTS TO BE MET, THE STANDARD(S) OF PERFORMANCE, REQUIRED DELIVERABLES OR OUTPUT, GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY OR INFORMATION, AND APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS WITHIN THIS BROADER CONTRACT SCOPE.
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $447.7 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO ACQUIRE ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER (GSFC) FOR GROUND SYSTEMS AND MISSION OPERATIONS SUPPORT IN ALL PHASES OF A MISSION LIFE CYCLE. THE SCOPE ENCOMPASSES CONCEPT STUDIES, DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, INTEGRATION, TEST, VERI… Key points: 1. This contract focuses on critical engineering services for NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), covering the entire mission lifecycle. 2. KBR Wyle Services, LLC secured this significant award, indicating strong performance or competitive positioning. 3. The contract's broad scope for ground systems and mission operations support presents potential risks related to complexity and evolving requirements. 4. The sector is aerospace and defense, a high-technology field with substantial government investment.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $447.7 million over approximately 6 years suggests a substantial but not exorbitant investment for comprehensive engineering services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale aerospace engineering support 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, which typically drives competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value. The specific pricing mechanisms within the Cost Plus Award Fee structure will influence the final cost based on performance.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to more efficient use of taxpayer funds by fostering a competitive environment.
Public Impact
Ensures continued support for critical NASA missions, including space exploration and Earth science. Supports technological advancement in ground systems and mission operations, benefiting future space endeavors. Provides stable employment for highly skilled engineers and technical personnel within the aerospace sector. Contributes to the operational readiness and success of numerous scientific and exploratory missions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Scope creep potential due to evolving mission requirements.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical, long-term support.
- Complexity of integrating diverse ground systems and operations.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Long-term contract provides stability for operations.
- Focus on critical national space infrastructure.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on engineering services for space mission operations. Spending in this sector is driven by national security, scientific research, and technological development, with significant government investment.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (sb: false). While this specific award may not directly benefit SMBs, NASA's broader contracting ecosystem often includes subcontracting opportunities for smaller firms.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), a civilian agency with established oversight mechanisms. The use of task orders allows for specific oversight of individual work packages within the broader contract.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPAF structure.
- Risk of contractor lock-in due to specialized knowledge.
- Dependency on a single entity for critical infrastructure support.
- Challenges in adapting to rapidly evolving space technologies.
- Ensuring consistent quality over a multi-year period.
Tags
engineering-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, md, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $447.7 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO ACQUIRE ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER (GSFC) FOR GROUND SYSTEMS AND MISSION OPERATIONS SUPPORT IN ALL PHASES OF A MISSION LIFE CYCLE. THE SCOPE ENCOMPASSES CONCEPT STUDIES, DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, INTEGRATION, TEST, VERIFICATION, OPERATIONS, AND SUSTAINMENT OF MISSION OPERATIONS SYSTEMS AND SUBSYSTEMS, AND OPERATIONS PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES. THE GOVERNMENT ISSUED TASK ORDERS WILL SPECIFY THE SPECIFIC WORK TO BE PERFORMED, INCLUDING
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $447.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2011-11-01. End: 2017-08-31.
How effectively does the Cost Plus Award Fee structure incentivize performance and cost control for complex engineering services?
The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure aims to incentivize contractor performance by allowing for award fees based on meeting or exceeding performance objectives, while also reimbursing allowable costs. For complex engineering services, it can be effective if performance metrics are well-defined and measurable. However, it requires robust government oversight to ensure that award fees are justified and that costs remain controlled, preventing potential overruns or unnecessary expenditures.
What are the primary risks associated with the long duration and broad scope of this engineering services contract?
The primary risks include scope creep, where requirements expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost overruns and schedule delays. Technological obsolescence is another risk, as systems and procedures may become outdated over the contract's lifespan. Furthermore, maintaining consistent quality and performance from a single contractor over an extended period requires diligent oversight to prevent complacency or a decline in service standards.
How does this contract contribute to NASA's overall mission effectiveness and technological advancement?
This contract is crucial for the operational success of NASA's missions by ensuring the reliability and efficiency of ground systems and mission operations. It directly supports the planning, execution, and sustainment of space exploration and scientific research. By providing essential engineering expertise, it facilitates the development and integration of new technologies, thereby advancing NASA's capabilities and contributing to its long-term scientific and exploratory goals.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNG10315881R
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 7000 COLUMBIA GATEWAY DR STE 100, COLUMBIA, MD, 21046
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $540,000,000
Exercised Options: $447,936,143
Current Obligation: $447,738,649
Actual Outlays: $383,871
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2011-11-01
Current End Date: 2017-08-31
Potential End Date: 2017-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-09-04
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