KBR Inc. (NYSE: KBR) announced it received an $8 billion Antarctic Science and Engineering Support Contract from the U.S. National Science Foundation. The 20-year indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract begins in June 2026.

Under the agreement, KBR will provide operations, maintenance, logistics and science support for the U.S. Antarctic Program across three year-round research stations and field sites in Antarctica. The company will also support ships operating in the Southern Ocean.

The contract encompasses support for scientific missions at McMurdo, Palmer and South Pole stations, along with all U.S. field sites across the continent. KBR will handle global logistics operations including cold chain management of scientific samples transported from Antarctica to U.S. laboratories.

The company will also provide information technology, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity support for U.S. Antarctic Program locations domestically and at the three Antarctic stations.

"KBR is proud to support the National Science Foundation's U.S. Antarctic Program, maintaining a robust U.S. presence on the continent while advancing research that unlocks fundamental insights into life on Earth and beyond," said Doug Hill, KBR Readiness and Sustainment president.

The contract requires year-round operations supporting researchers during the austral summer and winter months when temperatures can reach -40 degrees Fahrenheit with 24-hour darkness.

KBR has provided logistics, operations and science support for over 55 years, serving clients including NASA, the U.S. Geological Survey, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and various military branches. The Houston-based company employs approximately 36,000 people worldwide with operations in over 28 countries.