HHS FDA Awards $4.2M Cybersecurity Task Order to Copper River Cyber Solutions for Threat Hunting

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,206,709 ($4.2M)

Contractor: Copper River Cyber Solutions, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2023-09-07

End Date: 2026-09-07

Contract Duration: 1,096 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: IDIQ CYBERSECURITY THREAT HUNT SERVICES - TASK ORDER #7

Place of Performance

Location: SILVER SPRING, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20993

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $4.2 million to COPPER RIVER CYBER SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: IDIQ CYBERSECURITY THREAT HUNT SERVICES - TASK ORDER #7 Key points: 1. Contract awarded for cybersecurity threat hunting services. 2. Copper River Cyber Solutions, LLC is the awardee. 3. The contract has a value of $4.2 million. 4. Competition method was 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources'.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $4.2 million for a 3-year period appears reasonable for specialized cybersecurity threat hunting services. Benchmarking against similar IDIQ task orders for advanced cyber services would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating a competitive process but with specific source exclusions. This method can impact price discovery by narrowing the pool of potential bidders.

Taxpayer Impact: The $4.2 million expenditure supports critical cybersecurity infrastructure for the FDA, aiming to protect public health data and systems, representing a necessary investment for national security.

Public Impact

Enhances FDA's ability to detect and respond to cyber threats. Protects sensitive public health data and research. Supports national cybersecurity efforts by securing a key health agency.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition due to source exclusion.
Potential for price escalation if exclusions limit viable bidders.

Positive Signals

Addresses critical cybersecurity needs.
Utilizes a competitive award process.
Supports a vital government agency.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Computer Systems Design Services, a sector experiencing high demand due to increasing cyber threats. Spending benchmarks for cybersecurity services vary widely based on scope and expertise, but this award appears within a typical range for specialized threat hunting.

Small Business Impact

The awardee, Copper River Cyber Solutions, LLC, is listed as not being a small business (sb: false). Therefore, this specific task order does not appear to directly benefit small businesses through subcontracting or direct award.

Oversight & Accountability

The use of an IDIQ contract with task orders allows for flexibility and competitive pricing over time. Oversight will be crucial to ensure the effectiveness of threat hunting services and adherence to contract terms by the FDA.

Related Government Programs

Computer Systems Design Services
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
Food and Drug Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition due to source exclusion.
Potential for vendor lock-in if specialized skills are not transferable.
Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, requiring continuous adaptation.
Dependence on a single task order for critical cybersecurity functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $4.2 million to COPPER RIVER CYBER SOLUTIONS, LLC. IDIQ CYBERSECURITY THREAT HUNT SERVICES - TASK ORDER #7

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is COPPER RIVER CYBER SOLUTIONS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Food and Drug Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-07. End: 2026-09-07.

What is the specific scope of 'threat hunting' services required under this task order, and how will performance be measured to ensure value for money?

The specific scope of threat hunting services would detail proactive and reactive measures against cyber threats, including intelligence gathering, anomaly detection, and incident response support. Performance measurement would likely involve metrics such as detection rates, response times, and the reduction of identified vulnerabilities. Ensuring value for money requires clear deliverables and performance standards tied to the $4.2 million investment.

What were the specific reasons for excluding certain sources in the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' process, and did this exclusion potentially limit competitive pricing?

The reasons for excluding sources typically relate to specific technical capabilities, past performance, or security clearances required for specialized services like cybersecurity threat hunting. While intended to ensure the best fit, excluding sources can sometimes limit the number of bidders, potentially impacting the competitiveness of the final pricing. A thorough justification for exclusions is necessary to ensure fairness and optimal value.

How does this cybersecurity threat hunting contract contribute to the FDA's overall mission and the broader public health infrastructure's resilience against cyberattacks?

This contract directly enhances the FDA's cybersecurity posture by enabling proactive identification and mitigation of threats that could compromise sensitive health data, research, or operational systems. By securing the FDA, it contributes to the resilience of the broader public health infrastructure, ensuring continuity of critical services and maintaining public trust in health-related information and regulatory processes.

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 › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 721 DEPOT DR, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99501

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,321,826

Exercised Options: $4,206,709

Current Obligation: $4,206,709

Actual Outlays: $3,352,882

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75F40120D00030

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline