Mitre Corporation awarded $15.9M contract for law enforcement R&D, with a 539-day duration

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,909,759 ($15.9M)

Contractor: THE Mitre Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-09-29

End Date: 2026-03-22

Contract Duration: 539 days

Daily Burn Rate: $29.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: LAW ENFORCEMENT MISSION CRITICAL & SENSITIVE. SHIP TO: HSI CYBER CRIMES CTR, 11320 RANDOM HILLS RD, STE 240, FAIRFAX, VA 22030 POP: 9/30/24 - 9/29/25 PROCUREMENT/WEBVIEW POC: DENNIS RILEY. TECH P

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22030

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $15.9 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION for work described as: LAW ENFORCEMENT MISSION CRITICAL & SENSITIVE. SHIP TO: HSI CYBER CRIMES CTR, 11320 RANDOM HILLS RD, STE 240, FAIRFAX, VA 22030 POP: 9/30/24 - 9/29/25 PROCUREMENT/WEBVIEW POC: DENNIS RILEY. TECH P Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical law enforcement and cybercrime support. 2. Procurement method indicates limited competition. 3. Performance period extends beyond the initial year. 4. Contract type suggests potential for cost overruns. 5. Delivery order under a larger IDIQ vehicle is likely. 6. Geographic focus on Virginia for delivery.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $15.9 million for a 539-day period appears reasonable for specialized R&D in cybercrime. However, without specific deliverables or benchmarks for similar R&D efforts, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure warrants close monitoring to ensure costs remain within expected bounds.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source or limited competition award. The absence of a competitive process means that pricing and innovation were not tested against market alternatives. This approach is often used for specialized R&D where a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price due to the lack of competition, although the specialized nature of the work might justify the approach.

Public Impact

Benefits U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and HSI Cyber Crimes Center. Supports critical law enforcement and sensitive cybercrime investigations. Services delivered in Fairfax, Virginia. Potential workforce implications for specialized R&D personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed effectively.
Lack of competition limits price discovery and potentially increases costs for taxpayers.
The specific R&D outcomes and their impact are not detailed, making performance assessment difficult.

Positive Signals

Contract supports critical national security functions related to cybercrime.
The MITRE Corporation is a well-established entity with a history of government R&D.
Clear delivery location and point of contact provided.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically related to cybercrime and law enforcement technology. The market for such specialized R&D is often dominated by a few key players with specific expertise, making sole-source or limited competition awards common. Benchmarking is difficult without knowing the exact nature of the R&D.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. There is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data. The focus is on a large, established R&D organization.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) contracting officers and program managers. Transparency is limited by the sole-source nature of the award. Specific Inspector General jurisdiction would depend on DHS-wide oversight policies for R&D contracts.

Related Government Programs

Department of Homeland Security R&D Programs
Cybersecurity Research Contracts
Law Enforcement Technology Development
HSI Cyber Crimes Center Initiatives

Risk Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type
Sole-source procurement method
Lack of detailed R&D deliverables

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $15.9 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION. LAW ENFORCEMENT MISSION CRITICAL & SENSITIVE. SHIP TO: HSI CYBER CRIMES CTR, 11320 RANDOM HILLS RD, STE 240, FAIRFAX, VA 22030 POP: 9/30/24 - 9/29/25 PROCUREMENT/WEBVIEW POC: DENNIS RILEY. TECH P

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE MITRE CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-29. End: 2026-03-22.

What specific research and development activities will be undertaken under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)' with a focus on 'LAW ENFORCEMENT MISSION CRITICAL & SENSITIVE' and specifically for the 'HSI CYBER CRIMES CTR'. While the exact nature of the R&D is not detailed, it likely involves developing or enhancing technologies, methodologies, or analytical tools to combat cybercrime, support investigations, and improve the operational capabilities of law enforcement agencies within Homeland Security. This could range from advanced data analysis techniques to forensic tool development or secure communication systems.

How does the $15.9 million value compare to similar R&D contracts for cybercrime support?

Benchmarking this $15.9 million contract is challenging without more specific details on the R&D scope and deliverables. However, R&D contracts for specialized areas like cybercrime can vary significantly in cost depending on complexity, duration, and the required expertise. Contracts for advanced analytics, AI development for threat detection, or secure network infrastructure research can easily reach multi-million dollar figures. Given the 539-day performance period, the annual spend is approximately $10.6 million, which is within the range for significant R&D efforts, but a direct comparison requires understanding the specific technological advancements or solutions being pursued.

What are the primary risks associated with a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for R&D?

The primary risks associated with a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D, like this one, revolve around cost control and potential overruns. The government agrees to pay the contractor's allowable costs plus a fixed fee, which represents profit. If the contractor's costs exceed initial estimates, the government bears that burden. For R&D, where the scope can be uncertain and innovation is key, estimating costs accurately is difficult. This can lead to the government paying more than anticipated if the project scope expands or unforeseen technical challenges arise. Effective oversight and clear milestones are crucial to mitigate these risks.

What is the significance of this contract being awarded to The MITRE Corporation?

The MITRE Corporation is a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) known for its work in systems engineering, research, and development for government agencies. Awarding this contract to MITRE suggests that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seeking specialized, objective technical expertise and analysis in critical areas like cybercrime. MITRE often operates in a unique position, providing impartial advice and solutions without competing with the private sector. Their involvement implies a need for deep technical understanding and a focus on mission-critical R&D that aligns with national security objectives.

What are the historical spending patterns for similar R&D services within DHS or ICE?

Historical spending patterns for similar R&D services within DHS or ICE are not directly available from the provided data. However, agencies like DHS and its components, including ICE, consistently invest in R&D to stay ahead of evolving threats, particularly in areas like cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, and border security technology. Spending in these areas can fluctuate based on emerging threats, technological advancements, and strategic priorities. Contracts for R&D can range from small, targeted studies to large, multi-year initiatives. The $15.9 million for this specific cybercrime R&D effort should be viewed within the broader context of DHS's overall R&D budget and its allocation towards critical mission areas.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 70CMSD24Q00000032

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7515 COLSHIRE DR, MC LEAN, VA, 22102

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,909,759

Exercised Options: $15,909,759

Current Obligation: $15,909,759

Actual Outlays: $8,905,876

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $2,181,716

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70RSAT20D00000001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline