USDA Awards $3M for Cybersecurity Support to Crest Security Assurance LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,014,411 ($3.0M)

Contractor: Crest Security Assurance LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2023-09-29

End Date: 2026-08-15

Contract Duration: 1,051 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.9K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: USDA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER (OCIO), DEPARTMENTAL ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OFFICE (DAITO): CYBER SECURITY SERVICES SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: WOODBRIDGE, PRINCE WILLIAM County, VIRGINIA, 22193

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $3.0 million to CREST SECURITY ASSURANCE LLC for work described as: USDA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER (OCIO), DEPARTMENTAL ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OFFICE (DAITO): CYBER SECURITY SERVICES SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Crest Security Assurance LLC for $3.01M. 2. Services are for cybersecurity support to the USDA OCIO. 3. The contract was not competed under SAP, raising potential competition concerns. 4. The sector is IT services, specifically computer-related services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $3.01M for cybersecurity support appears reasonable given the duration and scope. However, without a competitive benchmark, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a limited competition approach. This method may not yield the best price discovery compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of full competition could potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers than if the contract had been more widely solicited.

Public Impact

Ensures critical cybersecurity infrastructure for the USDA. Supports the Departmental Administration Information Technology Office (DAITO). Potential for increased costs due to limited competition.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Lack of clear justification for limited competition

Positive Signals

Essential service for government operations
Firm fixed price contract limits cost overrun risk

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically 'Other Computer Related Services'. Spending in this area is substantial across government, with cybersecurity being a high priority. Benchmarks vary widely based on service type and duration.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Crest Security Assurance LLC, and there is no indication that small businesses were involved in the subcontracting or prime contracting. Further analysis is needed to determine if small business participation was considered.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight responsibility lies with the USDA Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) and the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO). The 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' status warrants closer scrutiny regarding procurement procedures and justification.

Related Government Programs

Other Computer Related Services
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Office of the Chief Financial Officer Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition raises concerns about best value.
Lack of transparency in procurement process.
Potential for higher costs to taxpayers.
Need for clear performance metrics and oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $3.0 million to CREST SECURITY ASSURANCE LLC. USDA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER (OCIO), DEPARTMENTAL ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OFFICE (DAITO): CYBER SECURITY SERVICES SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CREST SECURITY ASSURANCE LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Office of the Chief Financial Officer).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-29. End: 2026-08-15.

What is the specific justification for not competing this contract under SAP, and what steps were taken to ensure fair pricing?

The provided data states 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP,' which implies a limited competition approach. A thorough review of the contract file would be necessary to ascertain the specific justification, such as urgency, unique capabilities, or existing relationships. Without this documentation, it's challenging to confirm if fair pricing was achieved through adequate market research or sole-source justifications.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the cybersecurity services, and how will their effectiveness be measured?

The contract details do not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the cybersecurity services. Effective oversight would require clearly defined metrics related to threat detection, incident response times, vulnerability management, and overall system security posture. Measuring these KPIs will be crucial to assessing the contractor's performance and the value delivered to the USDA.

What is the potential impact of awarding this contract to a single vendor without broader competition on future cybersecurity service procurements?

Awarding this contract without broader competition could set a precedent for future procurements, potentially limiting market entry for other qualified vendors and reducing overall competition. This could lead to less innovation and potentially higher prices in the long run. Agencies should ensure robust market research and justification for limited competition to maintain a healthy and competitive IT services market.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - SECURITY AND COMPLIANCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12905 LARKMEADE LN, WOODBRIDGE, VA, 22193

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,014,411

Exercised Options: $3,014,411

Current Obligation: $3,014,411

Actual Outlays: $2,472,942

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline