NOAA Awards $5.08M to MITRE for Strategic Advising Support Services in FY26

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,081,192 ($5.1M)

Contractor: THE Mitre Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2026-03-20

End Date: 2027-03-19

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SWO - FY26 MITRE SUPPORT_STRATEGIC ADVISING SUPPORT SERVICES (SASS)

Place of Performance

Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $5.1 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION for work described as: SWO - FY26 MITRE SUPPORT_STRATEGIC ADVISING SUPPORT SERVICES (SASS) Key points: 1. MITRE Corporation, a non-profit, is the sole awardee for these strategic advising services. 2. The contract is a delivery order under an existing agreement, indicating a continuation of services. 3. The primary risk lies in the lack of competition, potentially impacting price discovery and value. 4. The sector is professional, scientific, and technical services, with a focus on government advisory.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if the pricing is optimal compared to similar services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, meaning it was awarded directly to The MITRE Corporation. This limits price discovery and may not yield the best value for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition raises concerns about whether taxpayer funds are being used most efficiently for these strategic advising services.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may not be receiving the best value due to the absence of a competitive bidding process. The reliance on a single provider, MITRE, could limit innovative solutions or cost-saving opportunities. Transparency in pricing and service delivery is reduced without a competitive benchmark.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Cost-plus contract type
Lack of transparency in pricing

Positive Signals

Award to established entity (MITRE)
Clear service period

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'. Government spending in this area often involves specialized expertise and advisory roles.

Small Business Impact

The awardee is The MITRE Corporation, a non-profit organization. There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific sole-source award.

Oversight & Accountability

As a sole-source award, oversight is crucial to ensure the services provided are necessary, effective, and priced reasonably. The fixed fee component offers some cost control, but the overall value depends on performance.

Related Government Programs

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Department of Commerce Contracting
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for cost overruns
Limited transparency
Dependence on a single provider

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $5.1 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION. SWO - FY26 MITRE SUPPORT_STRATEGIC ADVISING SUPPORT SERVICES (SASS)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE MITRE CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-20. End: 2027-03-19.

What is the justification for awarding this contract sole-source to MITRE?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, specialized knowledge, or a critical need that only the specific contractor can fulfill. For MITRE, this often relates to their role as a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) providing objective advice and analysis to government agencies.

How will NOAA ensure fair pricing and value without competition?

NOAA will likely rely on internal cost analysis, benchmarking against historical data or similar contracts (if available), and rigorous performance monitoring. The fixed fee component provides some predictability, but the agency must actively manage the scope and quality of services to ensure value.

What specific strategic advising services will MITRE provide to NOAA?

The contract specifies 'Strategic Advising Support Services (SASS)'. This likely encompasses a range of high-level advisory functions, potentially including policy analysis, strategic planning, organizational assessment, technology roadmapping, or program evaluation, tailored to NOAA's mission and objectives.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 1332KP26R0015

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7515 COLSHIRE DR, MC LEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,899,926

Exercised Options: $5,081,192

Current Obligation: $5,081,192

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1331L523D13OS0003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline