DOJ's FBI awards $28.3M for Cybersecurity Services to ECS Federal, LLC under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,257,669 ($28.3M)

Contractor: ECS Federal, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2021-01-27

End Date: 2025-01-17

Contract Duration: 1,451 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: REBL SERVICES: INFORMATION SECURITY TECHNICAL SERVICES UNIT (ISTSU) WAS TASKED WITH CONDUCTING MANDATORY DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE DISCOVERY/VULNERABILITY SCANS FOR THE ENTERPRISE AND OFFERING ADVANCED CYBER THREAT ANALYTIC AND MITIGATION SERVICES BROKEN

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22031

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $28.3 million to ECS FEDERAL, LLC for work described as: REBL SERVICES: INFORMATION SECURITY TECHNICAL SERVICES UNIT (ISTSU) WAS TASKED WITH CONDUCTING MANDATORY DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE DISCOVERY/VULNERABILITY SCANS FOR THE ENTERPRISE AND OFFERING ADVANCED CYBER THREAT ANALYTIC AND MITIGATION SERVICES BROKEN Key points: 1. Contract awarded to ECS Federal, LLC for critical cybersecurity services. 2. Significant investment in enterprise vulnerability scanning and threat mitigation. 3. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive pricing environment. 4. Services are vital for the Federal Bureau of Investigation's operational security.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract is a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) type, which allows for performance-based incentives. Pricing will be assessed based on the awarded fee structure and the effectiveness of the services provided in meeting the FBI's cybersecurity needs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders were considered. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value offer.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential cybersecurity services to protect sensitive federal data and infrastructure.

Public Impact

Enhances national security by strengthening the FBI's cyber defenses. Protects sensitive government data from potential breaches and cyber threats. Supports the ongoing fight against cybercrime and espionage. Ensures the integrity and availability of critical federal systems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns with CPAF contract type if performance incentives are not managed effectively.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical cybersecurity services could pose a risk if vendor performance degrades.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Services are crucial for national security and data protection.
Long-term contract (2021-2025) provides stability for essential services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Scientific and Technical Consulting Services sector, specifically focusing on information security. The $28.3 million award is substantial for specialized cybersecurity services, reflecting the growing importance of cyber defense in government operations.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that ECS Federal, LLC is the awardee. There is no explicit information provided regarding small business participation or subcontracting goals within this specific delivery order.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Justice, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation as the primary agency. Oversight would involve monitoring performance, costs, and adherence to contract terms to ensure effective delivery of cybersecurity services.

Related Government Programs

Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Department of Justice Contracting
Federal Bureau of Investigation Programs

Risk Flags

Contract type (CPAF) requires careful monitoring to control costs.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical services.
Potential for scope creep if not managed tightly.
Effectiveness of threat mitigation services needs continuous evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $28.3 million to ECS FEDERAL, LLC. REBL SERVICES: INFORMATION SECURITY TECHNICAL SERVICES UNIT (ISTSU) WAS TASKED WITH CONDUCTING MANDATORY DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE DISCOVERY/VULNERABILITY SCANS FOR THE ENTERPRISE AND OFFERING ADVANCED CYBER THREAT ANALYTIC AND MITIGATION SERVICES BROKEN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ECS FEDERAL, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $28.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-01-27. End: 2025-01-17.

What is the specific breakdown of costs within the Cost Plus Award Fee structure, and how are award fees determined?

The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure involves a base cost plus an award fee determined by the government based on contractor performance against defined criteria. Specific cost breakdowns and award fee metrics are typically detailed in the contract's contract line item numbers (CLINs) and performance work statement (PWS), which are not provided here. Effective oversight is crucial to ensure fair and appropriate fee allocation.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the effectiveness of the cybersecurity technical services provided by ECS Federal, LLC?

Key performance indicators for cybersecurity services often include metrics such as the number of vulnerabilities identified and remediated, the speed of threat detection and response, the success rate of vulnerability scans, and the overall reduction in security incidents. The specific KPIs for this contract would be outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and are essential for assessing the value and effectiveness of the services rendered.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar cybersecurity technical services contracts awarded by other federal agencies?

Benchmarking this contract's pricing requires access to comparable contract data, including scope of work, service levels, and contract type. Given it was awarded under full and open competition, it suggests a competitive market price. However, without specific unit costs or detailed service comparisons, a precise benchmark against other agencies is difficult to ascertain from the provided data alone.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Asgn Incorporated

Address: 2750 PROSPERITY AVE STE 600, FAIRFAX, VA, 22031

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $34,730,812

Exercised Options: $31,310,609

Current Obligation: $28,257,669

Actual Outlays: $34,732,516

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15F06718D0007162

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline