DOJ's FBI awards $24.7M for RCFL support, with BAE Systems securing the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,686,668 ($24.7M)

Contractor: BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2019-09-30

End Date: 2025-10-31

Contract Duration: 2,223 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: STOR205 - REGIONAL COMPUTER FORENSICS LABORATORIES (RCFL) SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: ROCKVILLE, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20850

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $24.7 million to BAE SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS & SERVICES INC. for work described as: STOR205 - REGIONAL COMPUTER FORENSICS LABORATORIES (RCFL) SUPPORT Key points: 1. The contract's value of $24.7 million over its period of performance suggests a significant investment in specialized IT support. 2. BAE Systems, a large defense contractor, is the awardee, indicating a reliance on established players for complex federal needs. 3. The 'Time and Materials' contract type introduces potential cost variability, requiring close monitoring of labor hours and rates. 4. With a duration of 2223 days, this represents a long-term commitment to the Regional Computer Forensics Laboratories. 5. The contract is categorized under 'Other Computer Related Services,' highlighting a niche but critical area of federal IT operations. 6. The award was made via a Delivery Order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $24.7 million for 2223 days of support averages approximately $11,105 per day. Benchmarking this against similar IT support contracts is challenging without more specific service details. However, the 'Time and Materials' pricing structure suggests that the final cost will be heavily influenced by the actual hours worked and the labor rates applied. Given the specialized nature of computer forensics, the rates may be higher than general IT support, but the overall value proposition depends on the effectiveness and efficiency of the services provided by BAE Systems.

Cost Per Unit: $11,105 per day (estimated average)

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a reasonably competitive environment for this specific requirement. Full and open competition is generally preferred as it allows the government to solicit proposals from the widest possible range of sources, theoretically leading to better pricing and innovative solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition as it drives down prices through market forces and encourages a wider pool of contractors to vie for government business, potentially leading to cost savings.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Regional Computer Forensics Laboratories (RCFLs), which receive essential support to conduct digital forensic investigations. Services delivered likely include technical support, maintenance, and potentially specialized analysis for digital evidence. The geographic impact is nationwide, supporting the network of RCFLs across the United States. This contract supports a specialized workforce of technical experts crucial for law enforcement and national security investigations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'Time and Materials' contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed and monitored for efficiency.
Reliance on a single large contractor like BAE Systems for critical forensic support could pose risks if performance issues arise.
The specific details of the 'Other Computer Related Services' are not fully elaborated, making a precise assessment of value difficult.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process and potential for competitive pricing.
The long contract duration (2223 days) indicates a stable and ongoing need for these critical services.
BAE Systems is a well-established contractor with significant experience in government IT services, suggesting a degree of reliability.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, particularly specialized areas like digital forensics, is a critical component of federal operations. This contract falls under 'Other Computer Related Services,' a broad category that encompasses niche expertise. The market for such specialized IT support is competitive, with a mix of large defense contractors and smaller, specialized firms. The FBI's reliance on BAE Systems for this RCFL support highlights the demand for experienced providers capable of handling sensitive and complex digital investigations, aligning with broader government spending trends in cybersecurity and digital evidence analysis.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'sb': false. The awardee, BAE Systems, is a large corporation. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Without specific subcontracting goals or reporting, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this particular contract is likely minimal, though large prime contractors often engage small businesses for various support roles.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), a component of the Department of Justice. As a delivery order under a larger IDIQ, the oversight mechanisms would be defined by the parent contract. The 'Time and Materials' pricing structure necessitates diligent monitoring of labor hours, rates, and deliverables to ensure cost control and performance. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting requirements, and the DOJ Office of the Inspector General could provide oversight if any performance or financial irregularities were identified.

Related Government Programs

Regional Computer Forensics Laboratories (RCFL) Program
FBI IT Support Services
Digital Forensics Services Contracts
Department of Justice IT Procurement
Law Enforcement Technology Support

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing.
Reliance on a single large contractor for critical services.
Need for robust government oversight to manage performance and costs.
Scope definition and management for specialized digital forensic services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $24.7 million to BAE SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS & SERVICES INC.. STOR205 - REGIONAL COMPUTER FORENSICS LABORATORIES (RCFL) SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BAE SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS & SERVICES INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Bureau of Investigation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $24.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-30. End: 2025-10-31.

What is the track record of BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services Inc. with the FBI and DOJ?

BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services Inc. has a substantial history of contracting with the FBI and the broader Department of Justice. Their portfolio includes a wide range of IT services, support, and technology solutions. For the FBI specifically, they have been involved in contracts related to mission support, cybersecurity, and specialized technical services. Their long-standing presence suggests a demonstrated capability to meet the complex requirements of federal law enforcement agencies. Analyzing past performance on similar contracts, including adherence to schedules, quality of deliverables, and cost management, would provide further insight into their reliability for the RCFL support.

How does the $11,105 daily average cost compare to similar federal IT support contracts?

The estimated daily average cost of $11,105 for this RCFL support contract is on the higher end for general IT services but may be reasonable for highly specialized digital forensics support. Benchmarking requires detailed comparison of service scope, labor categories, and geographic locations. Contracts for cybersecurity, advanced data analysis, or specialized technical support often command higher rates due to the required expertise and security clearances. Without a direct comparison of the specific tasks, skill sets, and deliverables outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW) for this BAE Systems contract against other federal contracts for similar niche IT functions, a definitive value-for-money assessment is difficult. However, given the critical nature of forensic analysis, the investment reflects the specialized talent and technology required.

What are the primary risks associated with a 'Time and Materials' contract for digital forensics support?

The primary risk with a 'Time and Materials' (T&M) contract for digital forensics support is the potential for cost escalation if not managed rigorously. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M agreements reimburse the contractor for actual labor hours and material costs incurred. This can lead to budget uncertainty and potential overspending if the scope of work expands, inefficiencies arise, or if the contractor's labor rates are high. For digital forensics, the complexity and evolving nature of investigations can lead to unpredictable hours. Effective risk mitigation requires strong government oversight, detailed tracking of all billable hours and expenses, clear definition of material costs, and proactive communication between the government and the contractor to manage scope creep and ensure efficient service delivery.

How effective are Regional Computer Forensics Laboratories (RCFLs) in supporting federal investigations, and how does this contract contribute?

Regional Computer Forensics Laboratories (RCFLs) are critical assets for federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, providing specialized expertise and equipment for analyzing digital evidence. They play a vital role in investigations ranging from cybercrime and terrorism to financial fraud and child exploitation. This contract directly contributes to the operational effectiveness of the RCFL network by ensuring that these labs have the necessary technical support, maintenance, and potentially specialized analytical services. By securing reliable support through BAE Systems, the FBI ensures that the RCFLs can continue to process complex digital evidence efficiently, thereby strengthening the investigative capabilities of law enforcement agencies nationwide and contributing to successful prosecutions.

What are the historical spending patterns for similar IT support services by the FBI or DOJ?

Historical spending patterns for IT support services by the FBI and DOJ reveal a consistent and significant investment in technology to support their diverse missions. Both agencies procure a wide array of IT services, including infrastructure management, software development, cybersecurity, and specialized technical support like digital forensics. Spending in these areas has generally trended upwards over the years, driven by increasing digitalization of crime, evolving cyber threats, and the need for advanced analytical capabilities. Contracts for specialized services, such as those provided to RCFLs, often represent a smaller but critical portion of the overall IT budget, reflecting the unique expertise required. Analyzing past awards for similar forensic support or specialized IT services can provide context for the current $24.7 million award.

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

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Ball Corporation

Address: 520 GAITHER RD, ROCKVILLE, MD, 20850

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $49,702,642

Exercised Options: $49,032,346

Current Obligation: $24,686,668

Actual Outlays: $23,828,394

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F0045K

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline