Commerce's Census Bureau Awards $95M Cybersecurity Contract to Iron Vine Security LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $95,298,133 ($95.3M)

Contractor: Iron Vine Security LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2021-09-28

End Date: 2027-03-27

Contract Duration: 2,006 days

Daily Burn Rate: $47.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 14

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: ENTERPRISE CYBERSECURITY SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: SUITLAND, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20746

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $95.3 million to IRON VINE SECURITY LLC for work described as: ENTERPRISE CYBERSECURITY SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract is for enterprise cybersecurity support services. 2. Iron Vine Security LLC is the sole awardee. 3. The contract has a duration of approximately 5.5 years. 4. The NAICS code 541519 indicates 'Other Computer Related Services'.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a Time and Materials type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The awarded amount of $95.3M over 5.5 years suggests a significant investment in cybersecurity.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. However, it is a delivery order under a larger contract, the details of which are not provided.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to secure critical government data and systems through cybersecurity services.

Public Impact

Ensures the security of sensitive U.S. Census Bureau data. Supports the operational integrity of vital government IT infrastructure. Protects against evolving cyber threats to national security.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost uncertainty.
Limited information on the specific services provided.
Potential for scope creep without strict oversight.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Addresses critical cybersecurity needs.
Long-term contract provides stability for services.

Sector Analysis

Cybersecurity services are crucial for government agencies to protect sensitive data and infrastructure. Spending in this sector has increased significantly due to rising cyber threats.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the awardee, Iron Vine Security LLC, is not identified as a small business in this context.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be critical to manage the Time and Materials aspect of this contract and ensure services are delivered effectively and within budget.

Related Government Programs

Other Computer Related Services
Department of Commerce Contracting
U.S. Census Bureau Programs

Risk Flags

Cost uncertainty due to Time and Materials contract.
Potential for vendor lock-in if not managed.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical services.
Scope creep risk without rigorous management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $95.3 million to IRON VINE SECURITY LLC. ENTERPRISE CYBERSECURITY SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is IRON VINE SECURITY LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (U.S. Census Bureau).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $95.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-28. End: 2027-03-27.

What specific cybersecurity threats is this contract designed to mitigate, and how will success be measured?

The contract aims to address a broad range of enterprise cybersecurity needs, including threat detection, incident response, and vulnerability management. Success will likely be measured through performance metrics outlined in the contract, such as response times to security incidents, reduction in successful cyber-attacks, and compliance with security standards. Detailed threat assessments and specific KPIs are essential for effective measurement.

Given the Time and Materials contract type, what mechanisms are in place to control costs and prevent overruns?

Mechanisms to control costs for Time and Materials contracts typically include established labor rates, defined ceilings for material costs, and strict oversight of hours worked. The government contracting officer and technical representatives play a crucial role in monitoring progress, approving expenditures, and ensuring that the work performed directly aligns with the contract's objectives. Regular reporting and audits are also key.

How does this contract align with the U.S. Census Bureau's overall IT modernization and cybersecurity strategy?

This contract likely supports the Census Bureau's broader IT strategy by providing essential cybersecurity services that underpin data integrity and system availability. It should align with strategic goals related to protecting sensitive demographic data, ensuring compliance with federal cybersecurity mandates (like CMMC or NIST frameworks), and enabling the secure operation of critical census-related IT systems throughout their lifecycle.

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 - DELIVERY

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 14

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1400 I STREET NW, SUITE 925, WASHINGTON, DC, 20005

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $165,539,731

Exercised Options: $95,641,523

Current Obligation: $95,298,133

Actual Outlays: $59,782,062

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA19D00HF

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline