DHS OIG contract for cybersecurity services awarded to B & M Consulting Group for over $3.5M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,533,768 ($3.5M)

Contractor: B & M Consulting Group, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2022-07-15

End Date: 2027-10-13

Contract Duration: 1,916 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 12

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: HIGHLY ADAPTIVE CYBERSECURITY SERVICES (HACS) SUPPORT SERVICES.

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 $3.5 million to B & M CONSULTING GROUP, INC. for work described as: HIGHLY ADAPTIVE CYBERSECURITY SERVICES (HACS) SUPPORT SERVICES. Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control risks if not managed effectively. 3. The duration of the contract is substantial, spanning over 1900 days, requiring sustained oversight. 4. The award was made by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Inspector General. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541519 indicates a broad range of computer-related services. 6. The contract is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total contract value is $3,533,767.55. Without specific deliverables or labor categories, a direct value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure necessitates careful monitoring to ensure costs remain reasonable and do not escalate beyond initial expectations. Benchmarking against similar cybersecurity support services contracts would provide a clearer picture of its competitiveness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of 12 bidders suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this requirement. A competitive process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely drove down prices and encouraged innovative solutions from multiple vendors.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Inspector General, which will receive cybersecurity support services. These services are crucial for protecting sensitive government data and systems from cyber threats. The contract's impact is primarily within the District of Columbia, where the agency is located. The contract supports roles within the IT and cybersecurity sectors, potentially creating or sustaining jobs in these fields.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
The long contract duration requires consistent performance monitoring and adaptation to evolving threats.
Cybersecurity services are critical, making any performance issues highly impactful.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition with 12 bidders, indicating strong market interest and potential for competitive pricing.
The contract supports a vital function for the DHS OIG, enhancing its operational security.
The vendor, B & M Consulting Group, Inc., is a participant in the federal contracting market.

Sector Analysis

The cybersecurity services market is a rapidly growing and critical sector within the broader IT industry. Federal agencies increasingly rely on specialized support to defend against sophisticated cyber threats. This contract fits within the segment of IT support services, specifically focusing on cybersecurity. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar cybersecurity support contracts within federal agencies can vary widely based on scope, duration, and required expertise.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information about subcontracting plans. Given the nature of cybersecurity services, it's possible that larger, more specialized firms or their subcontractors are involved. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is overseen by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Inspector General (OIG), which is responsible for auditing and investigating programs and operations. The OIG's involvement suggests a degree of inherent oversight. However, the specific mechanisms for monitoring performance, costs, and adherence to contract terms would be detailed within the contract itself and managed by the contracting officer's representative.

Related Government Programs

Cybersecurity Services
IT Support Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracts
Inspector General Services

Risk Flags

Time and Materials Pricing
Long Contract Duration
Cybersecurity Criticality

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $3.5 million to B & M CONSULTING GROUP, INC.. HIGHLY ADAPTIVE CYBERSECURITY SERVICES (HACS) SUPPORT SERVICES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is B & M CONSULTING GROUP, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Office of the Inspector General).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-07-15. End: 2027-10-13.

What is the specific nature of the 'HIGHLY ADAPTIVE CYBERSECURITY SERVICES (HACS) SUPPORT SERVICES' being provided?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'HIGHLY ADAPTIVE CYBERSECURITY SERVICES (HACS) SUPPORT SERVICES'. While the specific tasks are not detailed, this generally encompasses a range of activities aimed at protecting information systems and networks from cyber threats. This could include vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, threat intelligence analysis, incident response, security monitoring, and the implementation of security controls. The 'highly adaptive' nature suggests services designed to respond to evolving and sophisticated cyber threats, requiring flexibility and advanced technical expertise from the contractor. The contract's NAICS code (541519 - Other Computer Related Services) further supports a broad scope within IT services.

How does the awarded amount of $3.53 million compare to similar cybersecurity support contracts?

Comparing the $3.53 million award requires context regarding the contract's duration, scope, and specific services. This contract has a duration of approximately 5 years (from July 2022 to October 2027), with a total value of $3,533,767.55. This averages to roughly $706,000 per year. Cybersecurity support contracts can range significantly in price. Smaller, more focused contracts might be in the hundreds of thousands, while large-scale, comprehensive cybersecurity programs for major agencies can run into tens or hundreds of millions. Given the duration and the fact it's for an OIG, this appears to be a moderately sized contract for specialized support, but without knowing the exact deliverables, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, the competitive bidding process suggests the price was deemed fair at the time of award.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for cybersecurity services?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts, like the one awarded to B & M Consulting Group, carry inherent risks, primarily related to cost control. In a T&M structure, the government pays the contractor for the actual labor hours expended (at pre-negotiated hourly rates) plus the cost of materials used. The main risk is that the contractor may not be incentivized to control costs or complete tasks efficiently, as more hours worked directly translate to more revenue. For cybersecurity services, this could lead to inflated labor hours or unnecessary material purchases if not rigorously monitored. Effective oversight, detailed task tracking, and clear performance metrics are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives good value.

What does the number of bidders (12) indicate about the market for these cybersecurity services?

The fact that 12 bidders competed for this contract suggests a healthy and active market for highly adaptive cybersecurity support services. A larger number of bidders typically indicates that the requirement is well-defined, the potential for profit is attractive, and there are multiple capable vendors in the space. This level of competition is beneficial for the government as it increases the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing, innovative solutions, and a wider range of technical capabilities. It also suggests that B & M Consulting Group, Inc. was successful in a competitive environment, potentially indicating a strong proposal and relevant expertise.

What is the track record of B & M Consulting Group, Inc. in federal contracting, particularly for cybersecurity?

Information on B & M Consulting Group, Inc.'s specific track record for cybersecurity services within federal contracting is not detailed in the provided data. However, their ability to win a contract under full and open competition with 12 other bidders suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience to compete effectively in the federal market. To fully assess their track record, one would need to examine their past performance on similar contracts, client feedback, any past performance evaluations, and their history with government agencies, particularly regarding cybersecurity-related tasks. Their presence as a bidder and awardee indicates they are an established entity within the federal contracting landscape.

How does the geographic location (District of Columbia) influence the contract's execution and impact?

The contract's designation of 'DC' (District of Columbia) as the place of performance or performance location indicates that the services are likely being delivered in or around the nation's capital. This is common for contracts supporting federal agencies headquartered in Washington D.C., such as the Department of Homeland Security. For cybersecurity services, this proximity can facilitate collaboration, on-site support, and direct interaction between the contractor and agency personnel. It also means the economic impact, such as job creation or spending, is concentrated within the D.C. metropolitan area. The physical location does not inherently change the nature of cybersecurity work but can influence logistical aspects and communication efficiency.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related 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: 70VT1522Q00009

Offers Received: 12

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10401 GROSVENOR PL APT 925, ROCKVILLE, MD, 20852

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, HUBZone Firm, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,058,400

Exercised Options: $3,533,768

Current Obligation: $3,533,768

Actual Outlays: $2,324,160

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F122BA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline