- KBR has won a potential $8 billion NSF contract supporting U.S. Antarctic operations
- The award covers logistics, infrastructure and scientific mission support
- The contract sustains U.S. research presence at key Antarctic facilities
KBR has secured a potential $8 billion contract from the National Science Foundation to provide planning, management and operational support for the U.S. Antarctic Program, or USAP, which supports U.S. scientific research activities and logistics operations in Antarctica.
NSF said Tuesday it awarded KBR the Antarctic Science and Engineering Support Contract, or ASESC, a single-award indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a 20-year period of performance.
The award follows a full and open competition that NSF launched in 2025 for the long-term support effort.
What Support Will KBR Provide?
Under the contract, KBR will support operations at the program’s three year-round research stations and other scientific assets, helping ensure continuity of research and logistics activities on the continent.
“The United States Antarctic Program is the cornerstone of our nation’s scientific leadership and strategic presence in Antarctica, and NSF takes seriously our responsibility to operate it with the highest standards of excellence,” said Brian Stone, acting NSF director.
What Does the Antarctic Support Contract Cover?
According to the solicitation issued last year, the ASESC contract encompasses management, planning and integration; research and development support; laboratory services; Antarctic operations; vessel operations; information technology and communications; infrastructure maintenance and recapitalization; medical services; and financial oversight activities.
The contract is intended to support NSF’s Antarctic research portfolio, including studies focused on interactions between Antarctica and global systems, Antarctic processes and ecosystems, and the use of the region as a scientific observing platform.
NSF said the contractor will work with the agency and USAP partners to advance scientific missions while maintaining the operational infrastructure required to conduct research in one of the world’s most remote environments.
