Commerce Awards $8.5M for CATO Implementation Services to Aquia Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $8,518,754 ($8.5M)
Contractor: Aquia Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2024-09-24
End Date: 2026-03-05
Contract Duration: 527 days
Daily Burn Rate: $16.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS
Sector: IT
Official Description: CONTINUOUS AUTHORIZATION TO OPERATE (CATO) IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES.
Place of Performance
Location: ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22314
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $8.5 million to AQUIA INC. for work described as: CONTINUOUS AUTHORIZATION TO OPERATE (CATO) IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for IT services related to Continuous Authorization to Operate (CATO). 2. Aquia Inc. is the prime contractor for this $8.5M award. 3. The contract falls under the 'Other Computer Related Services' NAICS code. 4. This award represents a significant investment in IT infrastructure modernization.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract is for labor hours, making direct price comparisons difficult without detailed task breakdowns. However, the total award value seems reasonable for the scope of IT implementation services.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures fair market value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure services at a fair price for essential IT modernization.
Public Impact
Enhances cybersecurity posture for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Supports critical IT infrastructure for intellectual property protection. Streamlines operational efficiency through continuous authorization processes.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in implementation services.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical IT functions.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports modernization of essential government IT systems.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically focusing on cybersecurity and IT infrastructure management. Spending in this area is crucial for government agencies to maintain secure and efficient operations.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is a definitive contract, suggesting a clear scope and terms. Oversight will be crucial to ensure timely delivery and adherence to CATO requirements.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if scope is not managed tightly.
- Dependency on contractor expertise for critical security functions.
- Risk of technology obsolescence if implementation lags.
- Need for robust performance monitoring to ensure value.
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-commerce, va, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $8.5 million to AQUIA INC.. CONTINUOUS AUTHORIZATION TO OPERATE (CATO) IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AQUIA INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $8.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-09-24. End: 2026-03-05.
What is the projected impact of CATO implementation on the USPTO's operational efficiency and security?
The CATO implementation is expected to significantly enhance the USPTO's cybersecurity posture by ensuring continuous monitoring and authorization of its systems. This proactive approach should reduce vulnerabilities and streamline compliance efforts, leading to improved operational efficiency and greater confidence in the security of sensitive intellectual property data.
What are the key risks associated with the 'Other Computer Related Services' category for this contract?
Risks in this category can include the rapid evolution of technology, requiring continuous adaptation and upskilling of personnel. There's also a risk of vendor lock-in if specialized knowledge becomes concentrated. Ensuring clear deliverables and performance metrics is crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the services remain relevant and effective.
How does this contract contribute to the overall modernization goals of the Department of Commerce?
This contract directly supports the Department of Commerce's modernization goals by strengthening the IT infrastructure of a key agency, the USPTO. By implementing CATO, the USPTO can ensure its systems are continuously secure and compliant, which is fundamental to its mission of protecting intellectual property and fostering innovation. This investment is a building block for a more resilient and efficient digital government.
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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 24408 SHADY LN, MILLSBORO, DE, 19966
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $34,735,650
Exercised Options: $8,518,754
Current Obligation: $8,518,754
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-09-24
Current End Date: 2026-03-05
Potential End Date: 2030-02-03 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-03
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