DHS awards $12.1M for Cyber Ops Support, highlighting IT services competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $12,099,760 ($12.1M)
Contractor: First Information Technology Services, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2018-09-16
End Date: 2020-09-15
Contract Duration: 730 days
Daily Burn Rate: $16.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 16
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: CYBER OPS SUPPORT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22202
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $12.1 million to FIRST INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, INC. for work described as: CYBER OPS SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract value of $12.1 million for cyber operations support is significant within the IT services sector. 2. FIRST INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, INC. secured this award under full and open competition. 3. The fixed-price contract structure aims to control costs for the U.S. Coast Guard. 4. This award falls under the Computer Systems Design Services NAICS code, a common area for federal IT spending.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $12.1 million appears reasonable for specialized cyber operations support services, especially given the duration. Benchmarking against similar contracts for complex IT support would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The award was made under full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to more competitive pricing by allowing all eligible vendors to bid.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is expected to yield fair market prices, maximizing the value of taxpayer dollars spent on essential cyber operations support.
Public Impact
Enhances cybersecurity capabilities for the U.S. Coast Guard. Supports critical national security missions through advanced IT services. Ensures operational readiness by maintaining complex cyber systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in cyber operations support.
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical services.
- Ensuring continued technological relevance in a fast-evolving cyber landscape.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Firm fixed-price contract type.
- Supports a critical agency mission (DHS/Coast Guard).
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically Computer Systems Design Services. Federal spending in this area is substantial, driven by the need for advanced cyber defense and operational support across agencies.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific set-aside for small businesses. Analysis of subcontracting opportunities would be needed to assess small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The U.S. Coast Guard's procurement process, including the use of full and open competition, suggests a degree of oversight. However, ongoing monitoring of performance and cost is crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Systems Design Services
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Coast Guard Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in if not managed carefully.
- Risk of outdated technology if vendor's innovation lags.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical cyber functions.
- Ensuring adequate security clearances and background checks for personnel.
Tags
computer-systems-design-services, department-of-homeland-security, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $12.1 million to FIRST INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, INC.. CYBER OPS SUPPORT SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FIRST INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $12.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-09-16. End: 2020-09-15.
What specific cyber operations are covered under this contract, and how do they align with current threats?
The contract likely encompasses a range of services such as threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management, and system security monitoring. Alignment with current threats would depend on the specific technical requirements and the vendor's demonstrated capabilities in addressing emerging cyber risks relevant to maritime operations.
Are there any performance metrics or KPIs tied to this contract to ensure effectiveness?
While not explicitly stated in the provided data, effective government contracts typically include Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and performance standards. These metrics would measure the vendor's success in delivering cyber support services, ensuring the U.S. Coast Guard receives the expected level of protection and operational continuity.
What is the potential for this contract to be extended or re-competed, and what are the implications for long-term cyber strategy?
The contract has a defined end date, suggesting it may be re-competed or extended based on performance and evolving needs. Re-competition allows for incorporating new technologies and competitive pricing, while extensions might offer continuity. The implications for long-term strategy depend on how well the services integrate with the Coast Guard's overall cybersecurity roadmap.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 16
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2461 S CLARK ST STE 830, ARLINGTON, VA, 22202
Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $12,099,760
Exercised Options: $12,099,760
Current Obligation: $12,099,760
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS35F0364X
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-09-16
Current End Date: 2020-09-15
Potential End Date: 2020-09-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-10
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