State Department's $45.8M Open Source Intelligence Program Awarded to Intelliware Systems Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $45,869,783 ($45.9M)

Contractor: Intelliware Systems Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2019-05-09

End Date: 2025-06-02

Contract Duration: 2,216 days

Daily Burn Rate: $20.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 28

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE OPEN SOURCE INTELLIGENCE PROGRAM IDENTIFIES AND ANALYZES INFORMATION WITHIN THE OPEN SOURCE ENVIRONMENT RELATED TO TERRORISM, POLITICAL VIOLENCE, THREATS, AND SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY DIRECTED AGAINST THE SECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL AND FACILITIES, DESIGNATED FOREIGN DIGNITARIES AND FACILITIES IN THE UNITED STATES, AND PERSONNEL ABROAD UNDER CHIEF OF MISSION AUTHORITY.

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22209

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $45.9 million to INTELLIWARE SYSTEMS INC for work described as: THE OPEN SOURCE INTELLIGENCE PROGRAM IDENTIFIES AND ANALYZES INFORMATION WITHIN THE OPEN SOURCE ENVIRONMENT RELATED TO TERRORISM, POLITICAL VIOLENCE, THREATS, AND SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY DIRECTED AGAINST THE SECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL AND FACILITIES, DESIGNATED FOREIGN … Key points: 1. The contract focuses on identifying and analyzing open-source information related to terrorism and threats. 2. Value for money is assessed through the lens of intelligence gathering capabilities and threat mitigation. 3. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for these services. 4. Risk indicators are primarily tied to the sensitive nature of intelligence analysis and data security. 5. Performance context is within the Department of State's mission to protect personnel and facilities. 6. Sector positioning is within professional, scientific, and technical services, specifically intelligence analysis. 7. The contract duration extends over 2216 days, indicating a long-term need for these services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $45.8 million over its period of performance appears reasonable for a specialized intelligence analysis program. Benchmarking against similar intelligence support contracts is challenging due to the proprietary nature of such services. However, the scope of work, which includes identifying and analyzing threats against sensitive government interests, suggests a significant operational requirement justifying the investment. The pricing structure, based on labor hours, allows for flexibility but requires diligent oversight to ensure efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

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 28 bids suggests a competitive marketplace for open-source intelligence services. A high number of bidders generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more innovative solutions, as contractors vie for the award. This level of competition is a positive sign for the government in securing quality services at a competitive price.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently by leveraging market forces to obtain the best value. It minimizes the risk of overpayment that can occur with less competitive solicitations.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of State and its personnel, who receive enhanced security through threat intelligence. Services delivered include the identification and analysis of terrorism, political violence, and suspicious activities. Geographic impact is global, focusing on threats directed against U.S. interests and personnel abroad. Workforce implications include the need for skilled intelligence analysts and data scientists within the contractor's organization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for over-reliance on a single contractor for critical intelligence analysis.
Data security and privacy concerns inherent in handling sensitive open-source information.
Ensuring continuous adaptation to evolving threat landscapes and analytical methodologies.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive market.
Long contract duration suggests a stable and ongoing need for these critical services.
Contractor's focus on specialized intelligence analysis aligns with stated program objectives.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically focusing on intelligence analysis and information services. This sector is crucial for national security and government operations, encompassing a wide range of analytical and research capabilities. The market size for such specialized intelligence services is significant, driven by ongoing global security challenges and the increasing volume of digital information. This contract represents a key component of the Department of State's intelligence gathering apparatus.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside requirement (ss: false, sb: false). While Intelliware Systems Inc. may be a small business itself, the contract was competed broadly. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this data. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved in the supply chain or if there are opportunities for them to participate in future procurements of this nature.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is primarily the responsibility of the Department of State's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are typically embedded in contract clauses, performance metrics, and regular reporting requirements. Transparency is often limited in intelligence-related contracts due to national security considerations. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to investigations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Intelligence Community Information Sharing
Threat Assessment and Analysis Services
National Security Programs
Department of State Security Operations
Open Source Intelligence Gathering

Risk Flags

Sensitive Data Handling
Intelligence Analysis Accuracy
Evolving Threat Landscape
Contractor Performance Monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $45.9 million to INTELLIWARE SYSTEMS INC. THE OPEN SOURCE INTELLIGENCE PROGRAM IDENTIFIES AND ANALYZES INFORMATION WITHIN THE OPEN SOURCE ENVIRONMENT RELATED TO TERRORISM, POLITICAL VIOLENCE, THREATS, AND SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY DIRECTED AGAINST THE SECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL AND FACILITIES, DESIGNATED FOREIGN DIGNITARIES AND FACILITIES IN THE UNITED STATES, AND PERSONNEL ABROAD UNDER CHIEF OF MISSION AUTHORITY.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INTELLIWARE SYSTEMS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $45.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-05-09. End: 2025-06-02.

What is Intelliware Systems Inc.'s track record with government contracts, particularly in intelligence analysis?

Intelliware Systems Inc. has a history of performing services for government agencies, including the Department of State. While specific details on past performance metrics for this particular program are not provided in the summary data, the award of this significant contract suggests a satisfactory performance history or a strong competitive proposal. Government contract awards are typically based on a combination of technical capability, past performance, and price. Further investigation into Intelliware's contract history, including any performance reviews or past issues, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and expertise in delivering intelligence analysis services.

How does the $45.8 million contract value compare to similar open-source intelligence programs?

Directly comparing the $45.8 million value of this contract to similar open-source intelligence (OSINT) programs is challenging due to the proprietary nature of intelligence services and the varied scopes of work. However, for a program spanning over 2216 days (approximately 6 years) and involving comprehensive threat analysis for a major federal agency like the Department of State, this figure appears within a reasonable range. OSINT services can range from basic data aggregation to sophisticated predictive analysis, influencing costs significantly. The number of bids received (28) suggests that the pricing was competitive within the market for the defined scope.

What are the primary risks associated with this intelligence analysis contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract are multifaceted. Firstly, there's the risk of data security breaches, given the sensitive nature of the intelligence being gathered and analyzed. Compromise of this data could have severe national security implications. Secondly, there's the risk of analytical errors or biases, which could lead to flawed intelligence assessments and potentially misguided policy decisions. Thirdly, the dynamic nature of global threats requires constant adaptation; failure to keep analytical methodologies and tools current poses a risk. Finally, over-reliance on contractor-provided analysis without sufficient internal government validation could be a systemic risk.

How effective is the Department of State's Open Source Intelligence Program in mitigating threats?

The effectiveness of the Department of State's Open Source Intelligence Program is difficult to quantify precisely without access to classified performance metrics and threat mitigation outcomes. However, the program's existence and continued funding, along with the competitive award of this contract, suggest it is considered valuable and effective by the agency. The program's objective is to provide timely and actionable intelligence to protect personnel, facilities, and U.S. interests globally. Its success is likely measured by its contribution to preventing or responding to terrorist incidents, political violence, and other security threats identified through open-source monitoring.

What are the historical spending patterns for open-source intelligence analysis at the Department of State?

Historical spending patterns for open-source intelligence (OSINT) analysis at the Department of State are not detailed in the provided data. However, the award of a definitive contract valued at $45.8 million with a duration extending to mid-2025 indicates a sustained and significant investment in these capabilities. Federal agencies, particularly those involved in national security and foreign affairs, have increasingly relied on OSINT due to the proliferation of digital information. Spending in this area has generally trended upwards across the government over the past decade, reflecting the growing importance of analyzing publicly available data for intelligence purposes.

What is the significance of the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code (541990) for this contract?

The NAICS code 541990, 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services,' signifies that this contract encompasses a broad range of specialized services that do not fit into more specific categories within the professional and technical services sector. For the Department of State's Open Source Intelligence Program, this code likely covers the complex analytical, research, and data processing activities involved in identifying, collecting, and analyzing information from open sources. It suggests a unique or multifaceted service offering that requires expertise beyond standard consulting or IT support, focusing on the interpretation and strategic application of gathered intelligence.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 19AQMM19R0093

Offers Received: 28

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Intellibridge LLC

Address: 5608 SOUTHPOINT CENTRE BLVD STE 100, FREDERICKSBURG, VA, 22407

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $49,327,825

Exercised Options: $49,327,825

Current Obligation: $45,869,783

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $582,060

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline