DoD Awards $26.5M for Information Assurance/Cyber Security Services to Sentar, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $26,496,327 ($26.5M)
Contractor: Sentar, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2013-06-04
End Date: 2020-11-30
Contract Duration: 2,736 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: INFORMATION ASSURANCE/CYBER SECURITY
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35898
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $26.5 million to SENTAR, INC. for work described as: INFORMATION ASSURANCE/CYBER SECURITY Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Sentar, Inc. for cyber security services. 2. The contract spans over 7 years, from 2013 to 2020. 3. Awarded by the Department of the Army, part of the DoD. 4. The NAICS code 541519 suggests a broad range of computer-related services. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, indicating potential for cost overruns.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can lead to higher costs compared to fixed-price contracts if not managed tightly. Benchmarking against similar cyber security contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a limited competition. This method may not have resulted in the most competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The pricing structure and limited competition raise concerns about maximizing taxpayer value for these essential cyber security services.
Public Impact
Ensures critical cyber security for Department of the Army operations. Supports national defense by protecting sensitive information systems. Long-term contract may indicate ongoing need for these specific services. Potential for cost increases due to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may have inflated costs.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent cost risk.
- Long duration could lead to outdated technology if not managed.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical national security need.
- Long-term engagement suggests sustained capability development.
- Awarded to a single vendor, potentially indicating specialized expertise.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT and Defense sectors, specifically focusing on information assurance and cyber security. Spending in this area is consistently high across government agencies due to evolving threats.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors. The primary awardee, Sentar, Inc., is not explicitly identified as a small business in this data.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's long duration and Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure warrant close oversight to ensure cost control and effective service delivery, particularly given the critical nature of cyber security.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
- Limited competition may have resulted in suboptimal pricing.
- Long contract duration could lead to technology obsolescence.
- Lack of transparency on specific services provided.
- Unclear small business participation.
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-defense, al, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $26.5 million to SENTAR, INC.. INFORMATION ASSURANCE/CYBER SECURITY
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SENTAR, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $26.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2013-06-04. End: 2020-11-30.
What specific cyber security services were provided under this contract, and how did they align with evolving threats during the contract period?
The contract focused on information assurance and cyber security, likely encompassing a range of services such as threat detection, vulnerability assessment, incident response, and system hardening. Given the 7-year duration, the specific services would have needed to adapt to the rapidly changing cyber threat landscape. Effective management would involve regular reviews and adjustments to the scope of work to ensure continued relevance and protection against emerging threats.
How did the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' process impact the final pricing and overall value for taxpayers?
This procurement method implies that initial sources were excluded before a broader competition, or that only a limited number of sources were considered. This can restrict the number of potential bidders, potentially leading to less competitive pricing than a truly open competition. The impact on taxpayer value depends on the justification for excluding sources and whether the selected vendor provided demonstrably superior capabilities justifying any price premium.
What mechanisms were in place to manage the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and mitigate potential cost overruns for this significant contract?
Managing a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract requires robust government oversight. Mechanisms typically include detailed audits of incurred costs, clear definitions of allowable costs, and performance metrics tied to the fixed fee. Regular reviews of the contractor's performance and cost submissions are crucial. The government must ensure that the contractor is operating efficiently and that the fixed fee adequately compensates for the risks undertaken without incentivizing unnecessary spending.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 675 DISCOVERY DR NW, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $26,901,506
Exercised Options: $26,901,506
Current Obligation: $26,496,327
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W31P4Q13D0029
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2013-06-04
Current End Date: 2020-11-30
Potential End Date: 2020-11-30 12:11:00
Last Modified: 2024-03-27
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