DOE Awards $21.2M for Entrust Derived Credentials, Boosting Cybersecurity Capabilities
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,229 ($21.2K)
Contractor: Countertrade Products, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2026-04-01
End Date: 2027-04-30
Contract Duration: 394 days
Daily Burn Rate: $54/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 13
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: ACQUISITION OF OF ENTRUST DERIVED CREDENTIALS
Place of Performance
Location: LAKEWOOD, JEFFERSON County, COLORADO, 80228
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $21,229 to COUNTERTRADE PRODUCTS, INC. for work described as: ACQUISITION OF OF ENTRUST DERIVED CREDENTIALS Key points: 1. Significant investment in cybersecurity infrastructure. 2. Competition method suggests potential for price optimization. 3. Risk of vendor lock-in and reliance on a single provider. 4. IT services sector with a focus on secure credentialing.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $21.2 million over approximately 13 months appears reasonable for specialized cybersecurity services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for credentialing solutions is difficult without more granular data on scope and specific technologies.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
This was a limited competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a specific need or justification for not pursuing full and open competition. This approach may limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to a broader solicitation.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical cybersecurity infrastructure. The limited competition raises questions about whether the best possible price was achieved for the government.
Public Impact
Enhances the security posture of the Department of Energy's digital assets. Supports the government's broader cybersecurity initiatives and data protection efforts. Ensures the integrity and trustworthiness of digital identities within the agency.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may result in suboptimal pricing.
- Potential for vendor lock-in with specialized credentialing solutions.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical security functions.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical cybersecurity need.
- Supports agency operational continuity.
- Utilizes a firm-fixed-price contract type, providing cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically focusing on cybersecurity and identity management. Spending benchmarks for similar credentialing solutions vary widely based on scale and complexity, but this award appears to be a substantial investment.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to a small business. There is no indication of specific provisions or set-asides for small business participation in this particular award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Energy is responsible for overseeing this contract. The limited competition aspect warrants close monitoring to ensure fair pricing and performance standards are met throughout the contract duration.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of Energy Contracting
- Department of Energy Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential for vendor lock-in
- Lack of small business participation
- Reliance on a single source for critical security function
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-energy, co, delivery-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $21,229 to COUNTERTRADE PRODUCTS, INC.. ACQUISITION OF OF ENTRUST DERIVED CREDENTIALS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is COUNTERTRADE PRODUCTS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $21,229.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2027-04-30.
What was the specific justification for excluding other sources, and how was the price determined to be fair and reasonable under these circumstances?
The justification for excluding other sources is critical for understanding the limited competition. Agencies typically cite factors like unique capabilities, urgent needs, or existing infrastructure compatibility. A thorough price reasonableness analysis, comparing proposed costs to market research, historical data, or independent government estimates, is essential to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently, even when competition is restricted.
What are the long-term risks associated with relying on a single vendor for derived credentialing services, particularly concerning security vulnerabilities and future technological advancements?
Long-term reliance on a single vendor for derived credentialing can create significant risks. Security vulnerabilities specific to the vendor's platform could have widespread impact. Furthermore, if the vendor fails to innovate or adapt to new technological standards, the agency may be left with outdated and less secure systems, potentially requiring costly replacements or migrations.
How does this acquisition align with the Department of Energy's overall cybersecurity strategy and contribute to national security objectives?
This acquisition directly supports the Department of Energy's cybersecurity strategy by strengthening its ability to manage and verify digital identities, a fundamental aspect of protecting sensitive information and critical infrastructure. By ensuring the integrity of credentials, the contract contributes to the broader national security objective of safeguarding government systems against cyber threats and espionage.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 89503026QWA000290
Offers Received: 13
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 7585 W 66TH AVE, ARVADA, CO, 80003
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $21,229
Exercised Options: $21,229
Current Obligation: $21,229
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNG15SC65B
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-01
Current End Date: 2027-04-30
Potential End Date: 2027-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-01
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