DOJ awards $71.9M Metasploit contract to August Schell Enterprises for FBI cybersecurity needs
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $71,955 ($72.0K)
Contractor: August Schell Enterprises, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2025-06-03
End Date: 2027-06-02
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $99/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: METASPLOIT
Place of Performance
Location: ROCKVILLE, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20852
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $71,955 to AUGUST SCHELL ENTERPRISES, INC. for work described as: METASPLOIT Key points: 1. The contract focuses on cybersecurity tools, a critical area for federal agencies. 2. August Schell Enterprises is a known provider in the cybersecurity space. 3. The contract's duration and value present a significant financial commitment. 4. The 'Other Computer Related Services' NAICS code suggests a broad scope of work.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $71.9M over two years requires careful review. Benchmarking against similar cybersecurity tool procurements is necessary to assess if the pricing is competitive and reflects fair market value.
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 process but with specific source exclusions. This method aims for competitive pricing while ensuring specialized capabilities are considered.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being allocated for essential cybersecurity capabilities, aiming to protect federal data and systems.
Public Impact
Enhances FBI's cybersecurity posture against evolving threats. Supports national security by protecting sensitive federal information. Potential for improved incident response and threat mitigation.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in with specialized tools.
- Scope creep could increase costs beyond initial estimates.
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical cybersecurity functions.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical need for advanced cybersecurity tools.
- Competitive award process suggests potential for value.
- Long-term contract provides stability for FBI's security operations.
Sector Analysis
The IT sector, particularly cybersecurity, is experiencing significant growth in federal spending due to increasing cyber threats. Benchmarks for similar cybersecurity tool contracts vary widely based on scope and vendor.
Small Business Impact
The contract does not indicate specific set-asides for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if opportunities were missed.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's oversight will be managed by the Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation. Regular performance reviews and adherence to contract terms are crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Programs
Risk Flags
- High contract value requires diligent cost oversight.
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
- Dependence on a single technology platform.
- Need for continuous monitoring of evolving cyber threats.
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-justice, md, delivery-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $71,955 to AUGUST SCHELL ENTERPRISES, INC.. METASPLOIT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AUGUST SCHELL ENTERPRISES, 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 $71,955.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-06-03. End: 2027-06-02.
What specific cybersecurity capabilities does Metasploit provide, and how do they align with the FBI's current threat landscape?
Metasploit is a penetration testing framework used to identify vulnerabilities in systems. Its capabilities include exploit development, payload generation, and post-exploitation techniques. For the FBI, these tools are vital for proactive threat hunting, simulating attacks to test defenses, and understanding adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to better defend against real-world cyber threats.
What are the primary risks associated with relying on a single vendor for critical cybersecurity tools like Metasploit?
The primary risks include vendor lock-in, where switching to another provider becomes difficult and costly. There's also a risk of reduced innovation if the vendor's development stagnates, and potential supply chain vulnerabilities if the vendor itself is compromised. Furthermore, a sole-source reliance can limit access to a broader range of specialized tools and expertise available in the market.
How will the effectiveness of this contract be measured to ensure optimal value for taxpayer dollars?
Effectiveness will be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) tied to the FBI's cybersecurity objectives. This includes metrics like reduced incident response times, successful identification and remediation of vulnerabilities, and improved threat detection rates. Regular performance reviews, user feedback, and independent assessments of the tool's impact on the FBI's security posture will ensure optimal value.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - IT MANAGEMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1700 ROCKVILLE PIKE STE 405, ROCKVILLE, MD, 20852
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $193,950
Exercised Options: $71,955
Current Obligation: $71,955
Actual Outlays: $35,100
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD80B
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-06-03
Current End Date: 2027-06-02
Potential End Date: 2030-06-02 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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