DoD's Air Force Awards $6M Task Order for Simulator Architecture Security Operations to CAE USA INC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $6,003,615 ($6.0M)
Contractor: CAE USA Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-03-29
End Date: 2026-01-16
Contract Duration: 658 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: TASK ORDER #11 SIMULATOR COMMON ARCHITECTURE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS (SCARS) INTERIM SECURITY OPERATIONS CENTER (ISOC) ARLINGTON
Place of Performance
Location: ARLINGTON, TARRANT County, TEXAS, 76011
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $6.0 million to CAE USA INC. for work described as: TASK ORDER #11 SIMULATOR COMMON ARCHITECTURE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS (SCARS) INTERIM SECURITY OPERATIONS CENTER (ISOC) ARLINGTON Key points: 1. Contract awarded to CAE USA INC. for simulator common architecture requirements and standards. 2. Focus on interim security operations center (ISOC) services. 3. Competition method was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. Sector is IT services, specifically computer systems design. 5. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can carry cost overrun risks.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $6.00M for a duration of 658 days appears reasonable for specialized IT security operations services. Benchmarking against similar DoD contracts for cybersecurity and system integration would provide a more precise assessment.
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 allows the government to select the best value offer.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical IT security infrastructure for the Air Force's simulator systems, aiming for robust defense against cyber threats.
Public Impact
Enhances cybersecurity posture for Air Force simulator training environments. Supports the operational readiness of critical defense systems. Ensures compliance with security standards for sensitive defense technology. Potential for improved threat detection and response capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs if not closely managed.
- Limited information on specific performance metrics and success criteria.
- Potential for scope creep in complex IT security operations.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
- Focus on critical security operations for defense simulators.
- Experienced contractor (CAE USA INC.) likely brings specialized expertise.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically computer systems design. Spending in this area is substantial across the government, particularly within defense agencies requiring advanced cybersecurity solutions for complex systems like simulators.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific set-aside for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on small business participation is likely minimal unless they are subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is responsible for oversight. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates diligent monitoring of costs and performance to ensure value for taxpayer money and prevent cost overruns.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Systems Design Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Potential for scope creep in security operations.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical security functions.
- Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, requiring continuous adaptation.
Tags
computer-systems-design-services, department-of-defense, tx, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $6.0 million to CAE USA INC.. TASK ORDER #11 SIMULATOR COMMON ARCHITECTURE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS (SCARS) INTERIM SECURITY OPERATIONS CENTER (ISOC) ARLINGTON
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CAE USA INC..
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 $6.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-03-29. End: 2026-01-16.
What is the projected return on investment for enhanced security operations in simulator systems?
The return on investment is primarily measured in risk reduction and operational continuity. By preventing security breaches, the Air Force avoids costly downtime, potential data loss, and compromised training integrity. Quantifying this ROI involves assessing the potential cost of a breach versus the cost of preventative security measures.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the effectiveness of the ISOC services?
Key performance indicators likely include metrics such as incident response time, threat detection rates, system availability, compliance with security protocols, and the number of vulnerabilities identified and remediated. These KPIs would be crucial for assessing the contractor's performance and ensuring the security operations meet the Air Force's stringent requirements.
How does this contract align with broader DoD cybersecurity strategies and initiatives?
This contract aligns with the DoD's overarching strategy to modernize and secure its IT infrastructure against evolving cyber threats. By focusing on the security of simulator systems, it directly supports the readiness and effectiveness of aircrews, ensuring that training environments are protected and reliable for national defense purposes.
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 - NETWORK
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: CAE Inc
Address: 2200 ARLINGTON DOWNS RD, ARLINGTON, TX, 76011
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $6,003,615
Exercised Options: $6,003,615
Current Obligation: $6,003,615
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 4
Total Subaward Amount: $459,901
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA862120D0013
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-03-29
Current End Date: 2026-01-16
Potential End Date: 2026-01-16 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-09
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