DoD's $14.8M Contract for Blue Cyber Assessment Awarded to Applied Research Associates, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $14,828,867 ($14.8M)
Contractor: Applied Research Associates, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-04-11
End Date: 2026-04-10
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $20.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: BLUE CYBER ASSESSMENT
Place of Performance
Location: FORT BELVOIR, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22060
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $14.8 million to APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: BLUE CYBER ASSESSMENT Key points: 1. Contract value of $14.8M for engineering services. 2. Awarded under full and open competition. 3. Potential risk associated with the firm-fixed-price contract type. 4. Spending falls within the Engineering Services sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $14.8M for engineering services appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale defense engineering contracts would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and improve value.
Public Impact
Enhances national security through specialized cyber assessments. Supports the Defense Threat Reduction Agency's mission. Provides critical engineering services for defense readiness.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Firm-fixed-price contract may shift risk to the government if costs escalate unexpectedly.
- Long duration (729 days) could lead to scope creep or evolving requirements.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, indicating potential for good value.
- Clear agency and specific service type (Engineering Services).
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Engineering Services (NAICS 541330), a sector crucial for defense infrastructure and technological development. Spending benchmarks for similar large-scale defense engineering contracts are typically in the multi-million dollar range.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, a component of the Department of Defense, suggesting established oversight mechanisms. However, the effectiveness of oversight depends on specific agency practices and contract management.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns under firm-fixed-price.
- Long contract duration may increase risk of scope creep.
- Limited visibility into specific deliverables and performance metrics.
- Cybersecurity assessments are inherently sensitive and require robust security protocols.
Tags
engineering-services, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $14.8 million to APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC.. BLUE CYBER ASSESSMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Threat Reduction Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $14.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-04-11. End: 2026-04-10.
What is the specific nature of the 'Blue Cyber Assessment' and its criticality to national security?
The 'Blue Cyber Assessment' likely refers to a comprehensive evaluation of cybersecurity capabilities and vulnerabilities within a specific defense system or network. Its criticality stems from protecting sensitive defense information and operational integrity against evolving cyber threats, ensuring mission success and maintaining technological superiority.
What are the primary risks associated with a firm-fixed-price contract for engineering services of this duration?
The primary risk with a firm-fixed-price contract for long-duration engineering services is that the government may overpay if the contractor's actual costs are significantly lower than anticipated. Conversely, the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which could lead to reduced quality or contractor default if not managed carefully.
How effectively does full and open competition ensure optimal value for taxpayer dollars in specialized defense engineering contracts?
Full and open competition is designed to maximize value by encouraging multiple bidders to offer their best prices and technical solutions. For specialized defense engineering, it can lead to innovation and cost savings, but the complexity of requirements may sometimes limit the number of truly competitive bids, necessitating careful evaluation of proposals beyond just price.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › OTHER QUALITY, TEST, INSPECT SVCS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: HDTRA120R0006
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4300 SAN MATEO BLVD NE STE A-220, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 87110
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $57,881,085
Exercised Options: $19,349,811
Current Obligation: $14,828,867
Actual Outlays: $1,484,386
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 6
Total Subaward Amount: $31,759,776
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HDTRA122D0002
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-04-11
Current End Date: 2026-04-10
Potential End Date: 2029-04-10 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-13
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