DHS awards $11.7M for Cybersecurity Workforce Support to Personnel Decisions Research Institutes, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,677,697 ($11.7M)

Contractor: Personnel Decisions Research Institutes, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2023-09-28

End Date: 2028-03-21

Contract Duration: 1,636 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: CYBERSECURITY WORKFORCE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (CSWAP) SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: SPRINGFIELD, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22150

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $11.7 million to PERSONNEL DECISIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTES, LLC for work described as: CYBERSECURITY WORKFORCE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (CSWAP) SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is for Human Resources Consulting Services, specifically supporting the Cybersecurity Workforce Assessment Program. 3. The award value is $11.7 million over approximately 4.5 years. 4. The contractor, Personnel Decisions Research Institutes, LLC, has experience in HR consulting. 5. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control risks.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's Time and Materials pricing structure requires careful monitoring to ensure costs remain within reasonable bounds compared to similar HR consulting services. The benchmark of $7,138 (likely a total value or a significant portion) needs further context against specific deliverables.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically allows multiple vendors to bid, driving competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is positive for taxpayers, aiming to secure the best value. However, the Time and Materials pricing model necessitates vigilant oversight to prevent cost overruns.

Public Impact

Enhances the Cybersecurity Workforce Assessment Program (CSWAP) to strengthen national cybersecurity capabilities. Supports critical HR functions for a key government agency. Ensures the government has access to specialized expertise in workforce development for cybersecurity roles. Potential for improved efficiency and effectiveness in cybersecurity personnel management.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials pricing can lead to cost overruns if not managed closely.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
Potential for scope creep with T&M contracts.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Supports a critical national security function (cybersecurity).
Long-term contract provides stability for program support.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Human Resources Consulting Services, a sector that supports various government functions. Benchmarks for HR consulting can vary widely based on specialization, but cybersecurity workforce assessment is a niche requiring specific expertise.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and the awardee is not listed as a small business. Therefore, there is no direct small business participation evident in this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

The Time and Materials contract type requires robust oversight from the Department of Homeland Security to manage costs effectively and ensure deliverables align with program objectives. Regular performance reviews and cost tracking are crucial.

Related Government Programs

Human Resources Consulting Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Office of Procurement Operations Programs

Risk Flags

Time and Materials pricing structure.
Potential for scope creep.
Need for strong contract oversight.
Lack of specific performance metrics provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $11.7 million to PERSONNEL DECISIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTES, LLC. CYBERSECURITY WORKFORCE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (CSWAP) SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PERSONNEL DECISIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTES, LLC.

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 $11.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-28. End: 2028-03-21.

What specific metrics will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the HR consulting services in improving the cybersecurity workforce assessment program?

The effectiveness will be evaluated based on the program's ability to accurately assess the current cybersecurity workforce, identify skill gaps, and inform strategic recruitment and training initiatives. Key metrics may include the accuracy of skill gap analyses, the responsiveness of HR recommendations to agency needs, and the impact on the overall readiness and capability of the cybersecurity workforce.

How will the Department of Homeland Security mitigate the risks associated with the Time and Materials contract type to ensure cost control?

DHS will implement stringent oversight mechanisms, including detailed monitoring of labor hours and material costs, regular progress reports, and defined ceiling limitations. Independent cost estimates and comparison with market rates for similar services will be employed. The contracting officer's representative (COR) will play a critical role in approving all expenditures and ensuring work performed aligns with the contract's scope and objectives.

What is the anticipated impact of this contract on the government's ability to recruit and retain skilled cybersecurity professionals?

This contract is expected to significantly enhance the government's ability to recruit and retain skilled cybersecurity professionals by providing expert analysis of workforce needs and recommending targeted HR strategies. Improved assessment tools and data-driven insights will enable more effective talent acquisition, development, and retention programs, ultimately strengthening the nation's cybersecurity posture.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Human Resources Consulting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 70RDAD23Q00000084

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 111 WASHINGTON AVENUE SOUTH, SUITE 600, MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 55401

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,379,474

Exercised Options: $11,677,697

Current Obligation: $11,677,697

Actual Outlays: $9,471,389

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $1,280,975

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS02Q16DCR0061

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline