NASA's $102M R&D contract for space geodynamics support awarded to KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $102,314,031 ($102.3M)
Contractor: KBR Wyle Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2015-08-01
End Date: 2020-07-31
Contract Duration: 1,826 days
Daily Burn Rate: $56.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF GGSG3 SUPPORT SERVICES CONTRACT. UNDER THIS CONTRACT, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE SUPPORT TO A WIDE ARRAY GEODYNAMIC, GEOMAGENTIC, GEOPHYSICAL, AND ATMOSPHERIC INVESTIGATIONS OF SOLAR SYSTEM BODIES SUCH AS THE EARTH, VENUS, MARS, AND MERCURY. AMONG THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THESE INVESTIGATIONS ARE INSTRUMENT DEVELOPMENT, SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE, DATA ARCHIVING AND DISSEMINATION; SCIENTIFIC DATA ANALYSIS, MODELING AND INTERPRETATION, REPORTS AND PRESENTATION OF SCIENTIFIC RESULTS; PUBLIC OUTREACH AND EDUCATION, AND ASSOCIATED TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE WORK.
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $102.3 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF GGSG3 SUPPORT SERVICES CONTRACT. UNDER THIS CONTRACT, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE SUPPORT TO A WIDE ARRAY GEODYNAMIC, GEOMAGENTIC, GEOPHYSICAL, AND ATMOSPHERIC INVESTIGATIONS OF SOLAR SYSTEM BODIES SUCH AS THE EARTH, VENUS, MARS, AND MERCURY. AMONG THE REQUIREMENTS … Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical research and development for understanding planetary bodies. 2. Broad scope includes instrument and software development, data analysis, and public outreach. 3. Long-term engagement (5 years) suggests a need for sustained scientific support. 4. Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a potentially competitive bidding process. 5. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost control but also carries risk. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541712 points to specialized scientific research services.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $102.3 million over five years averages approximately $20.46 million annually. Benchmarking this against similar large-scale R&D contracts in the physical sciences is challenging without more specific service details. However, the duration and scope suggest a significant investment in specialized scientific expertise. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure means that while the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs, a fixed fee is added, which can provide some cost predictability for the government. Further analysis would require comparing the fixed fee percentage and the overall cost performance against industry standards for similar complex R&D efforts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This approach is generally favored for maximizing competition and achieving the best value for the government. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition mechanism implies a robust process designed to solicit a range of technical approaches and pricing structures. This should theoretically lead to more competitive pricing and a wider selection of innovative solutions.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of securing services at a fair and reasonable price by fostering a competitive environment among potential contractors.
Public Impact
Benefits NASA's scientific mission by providing essential support for understanding Earth, Venus, Mars, and Mercury. Delivers services including instrument development, software maintenance, data analysis, and scientific reporting. Supports public outreach and education initiatives, disseminating scientific findings to a broader audience. Implies a workforce of highly skilled scientists, engineers, and technical professionals within KBR Wyle Services, LLC.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
- The long duration of the contract may require adjustments for evolving scientific needs and technologies.
- Reliance on a single contractor for such a broad scope of critical research could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process that should yield good value.
- The contractor, KBR Wyle Services, LLC, likely possesses specialized expertise required for complex space science research.
- The contract's focus on fundamental scientific investigation aligns with NASA's core mission objectives.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically NAICS code 541712. This sector is characterized by highly specialized scientific inquiry and innovation. The market often involves a mix of large, established aerospace and defense contractors, as well as specialized research firms. Spending in this area is driven by government agencies like NASA, DoD, and DOE, as well as private sector investment in technological advancement. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within large-scale scientific research grants and contracts awarded by federal agencies for similar exploratory and developmental work.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a large contract awarded under full and open competition, it is likely that KBR Wyle Services, LLC is a large business. While there is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data, large prime contractors are often encouraged or required to subcontract portions of their work to small businesses to foster their participation in federal contracting. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether KBR Wyle Services, LLC actively pursues small business subcontractors for specialized services within this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), specifically the awarding and contracting offices. The Inspector General's office at NASA would have jurisdiction to investigate potential fraud, waste, or abuse. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases and public reporting requirements. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates robust financial oversight to ensure that costs are allowable and reasonable, and that the fixed fee is justified.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Science Mission Directorate Contracts
- Space Science Research Grants
- Planetary Science Research Programs
- Geophysical and Geodynamic Research
- Aerospace Engineering Services
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent cost oversight.
- Long contract duration may necessitate adaptability to evolving research needs.
- Scope of work is broad, requiring comprehensive management and technical expertise.
- Potential for cost overruns inherent in CPFF structure.
Tags
nasa, research-and-development, space-science, geodynamics, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, kbr-wyle-services, maryland, definitive-contract, scientific-research, planetary-science, software-development
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $102.3 million to KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC. IGF::OT::IGF GGSG3 SUPPORT SERVICES CONTRACT. UNDER THIS CONTRACT, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE SUPPORT TO A WIDE ARRAY GEODYNAMIC, GEOMAGENTIC, GEOPHYSICAL, AND ATMOSPHERIC INVESTIGATIONS OF SOLAR SYSTEM BODIES SUCH AS THE EARTH, VENUS, MARS, AND MERCURY. AMONG THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THESE INVESTIGATIONS ARE INSTRUMENT DEVELOPMENT, SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE, DATA ARCHIVING AND DISSEMINATION; SCIENTIFIC DATA ANALYSIS, MODELING AND INTERPRETATION, REPORTS AND PRESENTATION OF SCIENTIFIC R
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 $102.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2015-08-01. End: 2020-07-31.
What is the track record of KBR Wyle Services, LLC with NASA for similar R&D contracts?
KBR Wyle Services, LLC, and its predecessors, have a significant history of supporting NASA's scientific and engineering endeavors. They have been involved in various aspects of space exploration, including instrument development, mission operations support, and scientific data analysis across multiple NASA centers. Their experience often spans complex R&D projects requiring specialized expertise in areas like physics, engineering, and atmospheric sciences. While specific details on past performance metrics for comparable contracts are not provided here, their continued engagement with NASA suggests a generally positive track record in delivering required services. A deeper dive into NASA's contract databases and performance evaluations would reveal more granular details about their past successes and any challenges encountered.
How does the annual value of this contract compare to other large NASA R&D awards?
This contract's annual value of approximately $20.46 million (based on $102.3M over 5 years) places it as a substantial, but not exceptionally large, R&D award for NASA. NASA frequently awards contracts in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars for major research initiatives, instrument development, and mission support services. For instance, contracts for developing new space telescopes, propulsion systems, or complex scientific payloads can often exceed this value significantly. However, for ongoing support services in specialized scientific domains like geodynamics, this annual figure represents a significant commitment, indicating the depth and breadth of the services required and the specialized nature of the contractor's expertise.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this project?
The primary risks associated with a CPFF contract for this type of R&D project revolve around cost control and potential for scope creep. While the fixed fee provides some predictability for the contractor's profit, the government bears the risk of cost overruns if the contractor's actual costs exceed estimates. This necessitates rigorous oversight by NASA to ensure that all incurred costs are allowable, reasonable, and allocable to the contract. Additionally, the CPFF structure can sometimes disincentivize the contractor from aggressively seeking cost efficiencies, as their fee is fixed regardless of the final cost. Scope creep, where project requirements expand beyond the original agreement, can also inflate costs significantly under a CPFF arrangement if not managed tightly.
How effective is NASA's current oversight for R&D contracts of this magnitude?
NASA generally employs a multi-layered oversight approach for R&D contracts of this magnitude, involving contract officers, technical monitors, and financial analysts. Technical monitors are crucial for ensuring the scientific and technical objectives are being met, while financial analysts scrutinize cost reports. The NASA Office of Inspector General (OIG) provides an additional layer of independent oversight, conducting audits and investigations to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. The effectiveness of this oversight is contingent on adequate staffing, clear communication channels, and the proactive identification and mitigation of risks. While NASA has robust systems in place, the complexity of R&D projects means that continuous vigilance and adaptation of oversight strategies are necessary to ensure program effectiveness and fiscal responsibility.
What are the historical spending patterns for NASA's geodynamic and space science research support?
NASA's historical spending on geodynamic and broader space science research support has been substantial and relatively consistent, reflecting the agency's core mission. Funding typically flows through various directorates, including the Science Mission Directorate, supporting areas like Earth science, heliophysics, planetary science, and astrophysics. Contracts for research services, instrument development, data analysis, and mission operations form a significant portion of this spending. Annual outlays can fluctuate based on specific mission priorities, the lifecycle of major projects (e.g., development vs. operations), and overall budgetary allocations. However, there is a sustained commitment to funding fundamental research and the technological development required to explore the solar system and beyond.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except 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: NNG14469449R
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Brown & Root Industrial Services Holdings, LLC
Address: 7701 GREENBELT RD STE 400, GREENBELT, MD, 20770
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: $114,400,049
Exercised Options: $114,400,049
Current Obligation: $102,314,031
Actual Outlays: $16,335,142
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 22
Total Subaward Amount: $196,385,897
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2015-08-01
Current End Date: 2020-07-31
Potential End Date: 2020-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-16
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 National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts
- International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
- Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
- Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)
View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →