DoD CIO awards Battelle Memorial Institute $33.6M for Cyber Security and IT Analytics Research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,569,228 ($33.6M)

Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2017-09-01

End Date: 2022-08-31

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF CT 16-1370 CYBER SECURITY (CS)/CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION (CIP) AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) MODELING AND DATA ANALYTICS RESEARCH AND ANALYSES SUPPORT FOR DOD CIO

Place of Performance

Location: BURR RIDGE, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60527

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $33.6 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF CT 16-1370 CYBER SECURITY (CS)/CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION (CIP) AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) MODELING AND DATA ANALYTICS RESEARCH AND ANALYSES SUPPORT FOR DOD CIO Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Battelle Memorial Institute for critical IT and cybersecurity research. 2. The contract value is substantial at $33.6 million over five years. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The sector is R&D, specifically focusing on advanced IT and cybersecurity solutions.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility in research while managing costs. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of the work, but the value appears reasonable for the scope.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for critical cybersecurity and IT research.

Public Impact

Enhances national cybersecurity posture through advanced research. Supports the Department of Defense's technological superiority in IT. Potential for breakthroughs in critical infrastructure protection. Invests in cutting-edge research and development capabilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Reliance on a single contractor for specialized R&D may pose long-term dependency risks.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition ensures a robust selection process.
Focus on critical areas like cybersecurity and IT is a strategic priority.
Long-term contract duration allows for sustained research and development.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on IT and cybersecurity. Spending in this area is crucial for national security and technological advancement, with significant government investment allocated annually.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor is a large entity. There is no information provided on small business subcontracting participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Defense CIO's office is responsible for this contract. Oversight would involve monitoring research progress, adherence to cost controls, and ensuring deliverables meet the specified requirements.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns in CPFF contracts.
Dependency on a single large contractor for critical R&D.
Need for robust oversight to ensure research quality and relevance.
Risk of research findings not being fully adopted or implemented.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $33.6 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. IGF::OT::IGF CT 16-1370 CYBER SECURITY (CS)/CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION (CIP) AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) MODELING AND DATA ANALYTICS RESEARCH AND ANALYSES SUPPORT FOR DOD CIO

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $33.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-09-01. End: 2022-08-31.

What specific deliverables are expected from Battelle Memorial Institute under this contract?

The contract likely requires detailed research reports, analytical models, data analytics support, and potentially prototypes or recommendations for cybersecurity and IT infrastructure improvements for the DoD CIO. Specific deliverables would be outlined in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW), detailing milestones, reporting frequencies, and performance metrics.

How will the effectiveness of the cybersecurity and IT research be measured?

Effectiveness will likely be measured against predefined performance metrics in the SOW, such as the accuracy and utility of developed models, the impact of research findings on improving DoD's cybersecurity posture, and the successful implementation of recommended solutions. Independent reviews and user feedback from relevant DoD components will also contribute to assessing effectiveness.

What is the potential long-term impact of this research on critical infrastructure protection?

This research has the potential to significantly enhance critical infrastructure protection by developing advanced threat detection, mitigation strategies, and resilient IT systems. Findings could lead to more robust defenses against cyberattacks targeting essential services, thereby safeguarding national security and economic stability.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: FA807515R0001

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 505 KING AVENUE, COLUMBUS, OH, 43201

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $37,020,527

Exercised Options: $37,020,527

Current Obligation: $33,569,228

Actual Outlays: $509,276

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 32

Total Subaward Amount: $3,709,183

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA807516D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline