HHS Awards $8.46M for NHLBI Data Science Cybersecurity Support to Triple Point Security

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,460,872 ($8.5M)

Contractor: Triple Point Security Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2023-08-30

End Date: 2027-08-29

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: NHLBI ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE AND CYBER SECURITY SUPPORT FOR DATA SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Place of Performance

Location: LEESBURG, LOUDOUN County, VIRGINIA, 20176

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $8.5 million to TRIPLE POINT SECURITY INC for work described as: NHLBI ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE AND CYBER SECURITY SUPPORT FOR DATA SCIENCE PROGRAMS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical cybersecurity and enterprise architecture for NIH's data science initiatives. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The award value is moderate for specialized IT support services. 4. Sector is IT services, specifically computer systems design, supporting healthcare research. 5. No small business set-aside was used.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $8.46 million over approximately 4 years appears reasonable for specialized cybersecurity and enterprise architecture support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for IT support services at federal research institutions would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests that taxpayer funds are being used efficiently for essential IT support services.

Public Impact

Enhances cybersecurity for sensitive health data used in research. Supports the advancement of data science programs at the National Institutes of Health. Ensures robust enterprise architecture for critical research infrastructure. Contributes to the integrity and security of public health research data.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of small business participation noted.
Contract duration is significant, requiring ongoing performance monitoring.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition utilized.
Supports critical data science and cybersecurity functions.
Awarded by a reputable agency (NIH).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically computer systems design. Spending in this area supports federal agencies' digital transformation and data management needs. Benchmarks for similar cybersecurity and architecture support contracts can vary widely based on scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the awardee, Triple Point Security Inc., is not identified as a small business in this context. This suggests that larger, established firms were best positioned to meet the requirements.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a component of HHS. Standard government oversight processes for IT service contracts, including performance reviews and financial monitoring, would apply.

Related Government Programs

Computer Systems Design Services
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
National Institutes of Health Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if labor hours are not managed effectively.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical cybersecurity functions.
Risk of vendor lock-in if knowledge transfer is insufficient.
Need for continuous monitoring of evolving cyber threats.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $8.5 million to TRIPLE POINT SECURITY INC. NHLBI ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE AND CYBER SECURITY SUPPORT FOR DATA SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRIPLE POINT SECURITY INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (National Institutes of Health).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $8.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-08-30. End: 2027-08-29.

What specific data science programs will this cybersecurity support enhance, and what is the potential impact on research timelines?

This support is crucial for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's (NHLBI) data science initiatives, which likely involve large, sensitive datasets for research into various diseases. Enhanced cybersecurity ensures the integrity and availability of this data, preventing breaches that could halt or delay critical research projects and compromise findings. The impact is maintaining research momentum and protecting the confidentiality of participant data.

How does the pricing structure (labor hours) compare to industry standards for similar cybersecurity and enterprise architecture roles?

The contract utilizes a labor hour pricing model. Assessing the 'fairness' of the hourly rates requires detailed analysis of the specific labor categories, skill levels, and geographic location. Benchmarking these rates against publicly available data for comparable federal IT support contracts and private sector cybersecurity expertise is essential to determine if the pricing is competitive and represents good value for the taxpayer.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will their achievement be measured to ensure effectiveness?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through KPIs related to system uptime, vulnerability remediation times, adherence to security protocols, successful implementation of architectural changes, and timely support response. The NIH will monitor these metrics through regular reporting, performance reviews, and potentially independent audits to ensure Triple Point Security Inc. is meeting the contract's objectives and delivering the expected level of cybersecurity and architectural support.

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 - IT MANAGEMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 75N92023R0197

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 161 FORT EVANS RD NE, LEESBURG, VA, 20176

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, HUBZone Firm, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,460,872

Exercised Options: $8,460,872

Current Obligation: $8,460,872

Actual Outlays: $6,083,559

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75N92023A00005

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline