Houston, January 6, 2026
Houston’s KBR has secured a groundbreaking $350 million contract from the USGS to provide technical support for Earth observation technologies. This contract enhances Houston’s status as a hub for innovation in science and technology, particularly in monitoring climate and geological activity. Under this five-year agreement, KBR will leverage advanced technologies, including AI and machine learning, to modernize USGS operations. The successful contract illustrates the importance of private sector capabilities in supporting national initiatives, especially as KBR prepares for the upcoming Landsat Next satellite program.
Houston Secures Key Role in Advancing Earth Observation
KBR’s $350 Million USGS Contract Reinforces Houston’s Leadership in Science and Technology
Houston, TX – The robust spirit of Texas TX entrepreneurs and their capacity for innovation continues to drive significant economic growth, exemplified by Houston-based KBR’s recent achievement. The engineering and technology firm has secured a substantial Technical Support Services Contract (TSSC) from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), valued at up to $350 million. This significant Nationwide agreement not only highlights KBR’s advanced capabilities but also solidifies Houston’s reputation as a vital hub for cutting-edge science and technology. The success of local companies in securing large-scale federal contracts underscores the broader positive impact of private sector expertise contributing to national strategic initiatives.
This milestone contract positions KBR to deliver advanced technical solutions for the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The five-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract will commence on June 2 and run through June 1, 2031. KBR’s long-standing partnership with the USGS, now in its 24th year with this being the fifth consecutive award, demonstrates a consistent track record of reliability and innovation in critical government service areas.
The Landmark USGS Contract
KBR has been awarded a Technical Support Services Contract by the U.S. Geological Survey, with a $350 million ceiling, to provide technical solutions for the Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center. This Nationwide contract focuses on expanding the company’s satellite data and Earth observation support services across multiple federal programs. The agreement reinforces KBR’s growing footprint in federal research and environmental monitoring, areas identified for long-term expansion. The work will help federal agencies better track climate conditions, natural resource changes, and geological activity, addressing accelerating Nationwide environmental data needs.
The scope of the IDIQ contract covers satellite operations for current Landsat missions and the development and operation of ground systems. Support services include science, data and information management, systems operations and maintenance, engineering, satellite data reception and operation, and communications and outreach. KBR will provide various services such as systems engineering support, software development, computer operations, project management, network engineering, systems administration, satellite data acquisition, scanning of aerial photography, long-term data preservation, and data distribution.
Innovation in Earth Observation
Under the contract, KBR will leverage advanced technologies to modernize USGS’s mission-critical operations. This includes harnessing cloud-native architectures, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), advanced software, and systems engineering. KBR will also focus on delivering intelligent data analytics, algorithm development, secure IT infrastructure, and the long-term preservation of global Earth observation records. These enhancements aim to provide the USGS with deeper insights into the planet’s dynamic systems than ever before.
A significant aspect of this contract involves supporting the USGS as it prepares for Landsat Next, a pioneering three-satellite constellation scheduled to launch in 2030. Equipped with advanced sensors, Landsat Next is designed to deliver unprecedented capabilities, including higher spatial resolution, global coverage every six days, and imaging across 26 spectral bands, which is more than double the capacity of current Landsat satellites. These technological innovations are expected to transform how scientists monitor land use, water quality, agriculture, wildland fire, and resource trends, providing actionable intelligence to governments, industries, and communities Worldwide.
Strategic Spinoff for Focused Growth
This contract award comes at a crucial time for KBR as it proceeds with a previously announced plan to separate its government-focused operations into a standalone public company. KBR’s board of directors approved the spin-off of its Mission Technology Solutions (MTS) segment, which is expected to finalize by mid-to-late 2026 through a tax-free transaction. Once separated, this new company will manage KBR’s federal portfolio, including work in defense, intelligence, and environmental science.
KBR leadership has indicated that this transition will allow both the parent company and the new entity to pursue targeted growth strategies. This strategic realignment demonstrates a proactive approach to optimizing business operations and fostering specialized growth within distinct market segments. Such moves reflect the dynamic nature of Houston TX business leaders constantly seeking to enhance efficiency and expand their capabilities in a competitive global landscape.
Houston’s Role in National Initiatives
The contract highlights Houston’s expanding influence in aerospace, science, and technology services. As one of the city’s most influential engineering employers, KBR’s success in securing a major Nationwide government science contract underscores Houston’s broader connection to national research efforts and its role in fostering economic growth. The work performed under this contract, while primarily based in Sioux Falls and other U.S. locations, strengthens the overall profile and talent pool emanating from KBR’s Houston headquarters.
This ongoing success story contributes significantly to the city’s reputation, attracting further investment and talent to the region. It showcases how entrepreneurial vision, even within large corporations, can lead to substantial Nationwide contracts, ultimately benefiting the local economy through job creation, intellectual capital, and enhanced community insights into technological advancements.
Long-Standing Partnership and Future Outlook
KBR’s consistent success with the USGS, marking its fifth consecutive award, is a testament to the enduring value of public-private partnerships. This 24-year collaboration demonstrates a proven track record and deep understanding of the USGS’s mission requirements. The integration of AI, cloud-native systems, and next-generation engineering will enable the USGS to deliver faster, smarter, and more resilient solutions for natural resource management and disaster response Worldwide.
The long-term implications of this contract are significant for advancing global environmental intelligence. By supporting the Landsat Next program, KBR is contributing to a future where scientists will have unparalleled capabilities to monitor Earth’s systems, providing critical data for informed decision-making on environmental stewardship. This endeavor positions Houston as a key player in pioneering solutions for some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Houston continues to prove its mettle as a hub for innovation and business leadership. KBR’s achievement with the USGS contract not only secures a substantial federal project for a Houston-based firm but also champions the city’s capacity for technological innovation and economic leadership. We encourage our readers to stay engaged with the unfolding stories of Houston’s dynamic business landscape and support the continued success of Houston TX businesses driving progress and prosperity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the value of the contract awarded to KBR by the USGS?
KBR has been awarded a Technical Support Services Contract by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) with a $350 million ceiling.
What is the duration of the KBR USGS contract?
The performance period of the USGS EROS indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract will kick off on June 2 and run through June 1, 2031, spanning five years.
What technologies will KBR utilize under this contract?
Under this contract, KBR will harness cloud-native architectures, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), advanced software, and systems engineering to modernize USGS’s mission-critical operations.
What is the purpose of the Landsat Next program mentioned in the contract?
The Landsat Next is a pioneering three-satellite constellation set to launch in 2030, which will deliver unprecedented capabilities for Earth observation, including higher spatial resolution and more frequent global coverage.
Is KBR planning a spinoff related to government contracting?
Yes, KBR is moving forward with a previously announced plan to separate its government-focused operations into a standalone public company, the Mission Technology Solutions (MTS) segment, expected to finalize by mid-to-late 2026.
Key Features of KBR’s USGS Contract and Spinoff
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Contracting Company | KBR, a Houston-based engineering and technology firm. | Houston |
| Awarding Agency | U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). | Nationwide |
| Contract Type | Technical Support Services Contract (TSSC), indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ). | Nationwide |
| Contract Value | Up to $350 million ceiling. | Nationwide |
| Contract Duration | Five years, from June 2, 2026, to June 1, 2031. | Nationwide |
| Primary Work Location (USGS EROS Center) | Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and other U.S. locations. | Nationwide |
| Key Technologies Utilized | Cloud-native architectures, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), advanced software and systems engineering. | Nationwide |
| Satellite Program Support | Landsat Next (three-satellite constellation launching in 2030) and current Landsat missions. | Nationwide |
| KBR’s Strategic Spinoff | Mission Technology Solutions (MTS) segment to become a standalone public company. | Nationwide |
| Spinoff Expected Completion | Mid-to-late 2026. | Nationwide |
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