Mitre Corporation awarded $2.7M for FDA IT infrastructure support, highlighting a need for specialized technical services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,737,108 ($2.7M)

Contractor: THE Mitre Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2017-09-28

End Date: 2018-09-28

Contract Duration: 365 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF: FDA OIMT DIVISION OF INFRASTRUCTURE OPERATIONS SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND ACQUISITIONS SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $2.7 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF: FDA OIMT DIVISION OF INFRASTRUCTURE OPERATIONS SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND ACQUISITIONS SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract value represents a moderate investment in essential IT operations. 2. The single award suggests a focused need for Mitre's specific expertise. 3. Performance period of one year indicates a need for ongoing, adaptable support. 4. The 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code points to a broad scope of potential tasks. 5. This contract falls within the broader IT services sector for the federal government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.74 million for a one-year period of performance is within a reasonable range for specialized IT support services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for IT infrastructure operations and systems engineering support would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, given the nature of the services, which likely involve complex technical problem-solving and advisory roles, the pricing appears competitive, especially considering the contractor's established reputation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the full and open nature suggests a competitive process that should drive fair pricing. The agency's decision to use this procurement method implies confidence in the market's ability to provide suitable solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to better pricing and a wider array of innovative solutions, ensuring federal dollars are used efficiently.

Public Impact

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) benefits from enhanced IT infrastructure operations and systems engineering. Users within the FDA gain access to more reliable and efficient IT systems, supporting their mission-critical work. The contract supports specialized technical roles within the IT services sector. The primary geographic impact is within the FDA's operational centers, likely in Virginia where the contractor is based.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' category is interpreted too broadly without clear task definitions.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical IT infrastructure operations could pose a risk if not managed proactively.

Positive Signals

Award to a well-established contractor like The MITRE Corporation suggests a high likelihood of successful technical execution.
Full and open competition indicates a robust procurement process, aiming for best value.
The contract's defined period of performance allows for periodic reassessment of needs and contractor performance.

Sector Analysis

The federal IT services market is vast and highly competitive, encompassing a wide range of support functions from basic maintenance to advanced systems engineering. Contracts like this, focused on infrastructure operations and systems engineering, are crucial for maintaining the backbone of government operations. The 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' category (NAICS 541990) is broad, but in this context, it points to specialized, non-standard technical support that requires deep expertise, often found with organizations like MITRE.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. While the prime contractor is The MITRE Corporation, a large research and development organization, there is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this specific award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved in the competitive bidding process or are expected to participate in subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Food and Drug Administration's contracting officers and program managers. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) necessitates careful monitoring of costs and performance to ensure adherence to the fixed fee and overall budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting mechanisms, and the Inspector General's office for the Department of Health and Human Services would have jurisdiction for audits and investigations if any irregularities were suspected.

Related Government Programs

FDA IT Modernization Initiatives
Federal Civilian IT Services
Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) Contracts
IT Infrastructure Support Services

Risk Flags

Potential for scope ambiguity due to broad NAICS code.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical functions requires robust oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $2.7 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION. IGF::OT::IGF: FDA OIMT DIVISION OF INFRASTRUCTURE OPERATIONS SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND ACQUISITIONS SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE MITRE CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Food and Drug Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-09-28. End: 2018-09-28.

What is The MITRE Corporation's track record with the FDA and similar federal agencies for IT infrastructure support?

The MITRE Corporation has a long-standing history of supporting federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its components like the FDA, across a wide spectrum of technical and advisory services. Their expertise often lies in complex systems engineering, research and development, and providing objective analysis. For IT infrastructure operations, MITRE typically engages in areas such as system architecture, cybersecurity strategy, and operational efficiency improvements. Their track record generally indicates a high level of technical competence and reliability, often undertaking challenging projects that require deep domain knowledge and innovative problem-solving. Specific to the FDA, MITRE has been involved in various initiatives aimed at modernizing IT systems and ensuring the security and reliability of critical infrastructure.

How does the $2.74 million contract value compare to other FDA IT support contracts?

The $2.74 million contract value for one year of IT infrastructure operations and systems engineering support is considered a moderate-sized award within the context of the FDA's overall IT spending. The FDA, like many large federal agencies, procures a wide range of IT services, from large-scale system development and integration projects that can run into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, to smaller, specialized support contracts. This particular award appears to be focused on specific operational and engineering support rather than a complete system overhaul. Benchmarking against contracts with similar scope (e.g., IT operations, systems engineering, technical advisory) for agencies of the FDA's size and complexity would reveal if this price point is competitive. However, for specialized, high-level technical support provided by a reputable organization like MITRE, this value is not inherently excessive.

What are the primary risks associated with this 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' contract?

The primary risks associated with a contract categorized under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' (NAICS 541990) often stem from the broadness of the description. This can lead to ambiguity in the scope of work, potentially resulting in scope creep where the contractor undertakes tasks beyond the original intent, or conversely, a misunderstanding of deliverables. For this specific contract with The MITRE Corporation supporting FDA IT infrastructure, risks could include ensuring clear definition and adherence to technical requirements, managing the integration of new solutions or advice into existing FDA systems, and maintaining continuity of operations if key personnel change. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type also introduces a risk of cost overruns if not meticulously managed and overseen by the government to ensure efficiency and prevent unnecessary expenditures.

How effective is The MITRE Corporation likely to be in delivering the specified IT infrastructure support?

The MITRE Corporation is widely recognized for its technical expertise and its role as a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC). Their engagement with agencies like the FDA typically involves providing high-level, objective technical guidance, systems engineering, and support for complex challenges. Given their established reputation and experience, the effectiveness in delivering IT infrastructure support is likely to be high, particularly in areas requiring strategic planning, architectural design, and problem-solving for intricate systems. The effectiveness will ultimately depend on the clarity of the FDA's requirements, the level of collaboration between the agency and MITRE, and the specific tasks outlined in the contract's statement of work. The CPFF structure incentivizes efficient performance while allowing for flexibility in addressing technical challenges.

What are the historical spending patterns for similar IT infrastructure support services at the FDA?

Historical spending patterns for IT infrastructure support services at the FDA reveal a consistent and significant investment in maintaining and modernizing its technological backbone. The FDA procures a diverse range of IT services, including network operations, data center management, cybersecurity, cloud services, and systems engineering. Spending in these areas often fluctuates based on agency-wide modernization initiatives, evolving regulatory requirements, and emerging technological threats. Contracts for specialized technical support, such as systems engineering and advisory services, are common and typically awarded to organizations with deep technical expertise. While the specific amount for this $2.74 million contract is modest in the grand scheme of federal IT spending, it aligns with the ongoing need for expert support to ensure the reliability, security, and efficiency of the FDA's critical IT infrastructure.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: RFPCMS20110021

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7515 COLSHIRE DR, MC LEAN, VA, 22102

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,737,108

Exercised Options: $2,737,108

Current Obligation: $2,737,108

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSM500201200008I

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline