DHS awards $2.7M to MITRE for R&D technical expertise to support implementation management

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,712,117 ($2.7M)

Contractor: THE Mitre Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-12-17

End Date: 2026-03-16

Contract Duration: 454 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: HSSEDI SHALL PROVIDE TECHNICAL EXPERTISE TO FACILITATE TRANSITION AND IMPLEMENTATION MANAGEMENT TO INCLUDE ADVISING ON OPERATIONAL DESIGN, RESOURCE PLANNING, OPERATING MODELS, ORGANIZATIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES AND GO

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20528

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $2.7 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION for work described as: HSSEDI SHALL PROVIDE TECHNICAL EXPERTISE TO FACILITATE TRANSITION AND IMPLEMENTATION MANAGEMENT TO INCLUDE ADVISING ON OPERATIONAL DESIGN, RESOURCE PLANNING, OPERATING MODELS, ORGANIZATIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES AND GO Key points: 1. The contract focuses on technical expertise for transition and implementation management. 2. MITRE Corporation, a well-known R&D organization, is the sole awardee. 3. The contract is for Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 4. The duration is 454 days, ending March 2026.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs compared to a competitive process.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for R&D support services without competitive bidding, which may not represent the best value.

Public Impact

Supports critical implementation and transition management for DHS initiatives. Leverages MITRE's expertise in operational design and organizational planning. Aims to improve the effectiveness of DHS programs through expert guidance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent cost risk.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes assessing value difficult.

Positive Signals

Utilizes a recognized expert organization (MITRE) for critical R&D support.
Focuses on improving operational efficiency and implementation success.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation but requires careful oversight to ensure value.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to The MITRE Corporation, a large R&D organization, and does not appear to include provisions for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the services provided are necessary and that costs are reasonable. DHS should monitor performance closely.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Office of Procurement Operations Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract.
Limited transparency on specific deliverables.
Potential for cost overruns.
No clear small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $2.7 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION. HSSEDI SHALL PROVIDE TECHNICAL EXPERTISE TO FACILITATE TRANSITION AND IMPLEMENTATION MANAGEMENT TO INCLUDE ADVISING ON OPERATIONAL DESIGN, RESOURCE PLANNING, OPERATING MODELS, ORGANIZATIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES AND GO

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 (Office of Procurement Operations).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-12-17. End: 2026-03-16.

What specific deliverables or outcomes are expected from MITRE's technical expertise to justify the sole-source award and cost-plus contract type?

The contract specifies advising on operational design, resource planning, operating models, organizational roles, processes, and procedures. While broad, the agency likely views MITRE's unique expertise in these areas as essential for successful transition and implementation management, justifying the sole-source approach. Specific deliverables would typically be detailed in task orders under this contract.

How will DHS ensure cost control and value for money given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and lack of competition?

DHS must implement rigorous oversight of MITRE's expenditures and performance. Regular reviews of invoices, detailed cost tracking, and performance metrics tied to successful implementation milestones are crucial. Benchmarking against similar advisory services, even if not directly competitive, can help identify potential cost inefficiencies.

What is the long-term strategic benefit of this R&D support contract for DHS's mission effectiveness?

The contract aims to enhance the effectiveness of DHS programs by ensuring smooth transitions and successful implementations of new operational designs and models. By leveraging MITRE's expertise, DHS seeks to mitigate risks associated with complex changes, improve resource allocation, and ultimately achieve its mission objectives more efficiently.

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: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

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: $2,712,117

Exercised Options: $2,712,117

Current Obligation: $2,712,117

Actual Outlays: $2,371,294

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