DoD's Missile Defense Agency awards $25.2M contract for near-real-time cyber threat detection

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,239,964 ($25.2M)

Contractor: Amentum Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-07-01

End Date: 2027-02-08

Contract Duration: 952 days

Daily Burn Rate: $26.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS EFFORT IS TO PROVIDE A NEAR-REAL TIME DETECT CAPABILITY WITH VISIBILITY INTO CYBER ACTIVITIES ACROSS MISSION SYSTEM NETWORKS AND OTHER RELATED MISSION SETS. ADDITIONAL OBJECTIVE OF ENTERPRISE CYBER-SECURITY SYSTEM MANAGEMENT.

Place of Performance

Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, EL PASO County, COLORADO, 80912

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $25.2 million to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS EFFORT IS TO PROVIDE A NEAR-REAL TIME DETECT CAPABILITY WITH VISIBILITY INTO CYBER ACTIVITIES ACROSS MISSION SYSTEM NETWORKS AND OTHER RELATED MISSION SETS. ADDITIONAL OBJECTIVE OF ENTERPRISE CYBER-SECURITY SYSTEM MANAGEMENT. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on enhancing cyber visibility across critical mission systems. 2. Amentum Technology, Inc. secured the award through full and open competition. 3. The contract duration is 952 days, indicating a significant, ongoing effort. 4. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is the primary NAICS code. 5. The firm fixed-price contract type suggests defined scope and cost control. 6. This award contributes to the broader enterprise cyber-security system management objectives. 7. The contract is a delivery order, likely part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $25.2 million over approximately 2.6 years appears reasonable for advanced cyber-security research and development. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for cyber defense capabilities is challenging due to the specialized nature of the work. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests a degree of cost certainty for the government. Further analysis would require comparing specific deliverables and technical capabilities to other contracts in this niche sector.

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 process is designed to foster a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and innovative solutions. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by promoting a wider range of offers and driving down costs through market forces, ensuring the government receives the best value.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and its mission systems, which will receive enhanced cyber threat detection capabilities. The services delivered will improve the near-real-time visibility into cyber activities across critical networks. The geographic impact is likely focused on Department of Defense installations and operational environments. Workforce implications may include specialized cybersecurity analysts, researchers, and engineers employed by Amentum Technology, Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if initial cyber visibility requirements are not clearly defined.
Dependence on Amentum Technology, Inc. for critical cyber defense capabilities.
Risk of evolving cyber threats outpacing the developed detection capabilities.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive selection process.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability.
Focus on near-real-time detection aligns with current cybersecurity needs.
Contract supports critical national security missions for the Missile Defense Agency.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced cybersecurity solutions for defense applications. The market for cybersecurity R&D is substantial and growing, driven by increasing global cyber threats. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve other government contracts for cyber threat intelligence, network defense systems, and advanced security analytics, often awarded to specialized technology firms.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a result, small businesses are unlikely to be direct prime contractors. However, Amentum Technology, Inc. may engage small businesses as subcontractors, providing opportunities within the broader defense technology ecosystem. The impact on the small business ecosystem will depend on Amentum's subcontracting strategy.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Missile Defense Agency's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms and performance requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract award announcements and potential reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Cybersecurity Services
Information Technology Research and Development
Missile Defense Systems
Network Security
Threat Detection Systems

Risk Flags

Evolving Cyber Threats
Technical Complexity
Contractor Performance Risk
Integration Challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $25.2 million to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC.. THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS EFFORT IS TO PROVIDE A NEAR-REAL TIME DETECT CAPABILITY WITH VISIBILITY INTO CYBER ACTIVITIES ACROSS MISSION SYSTEM NETWORKS AND OTHER RELATED MISSION SETS. ADDITIONAL OBJECTIVE OF ENTERPRISE CYBER-SECURITY SYSTEM MANAGEMENT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Missile Defense Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $25.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-07-01. End: 2027-02-08.

What is Amentum Technology, Inc.'s track record with similar cybersecurity R&D contracts for the Department of Defense?

Amentum Technology, Inc. has a history of performing various technical services for the Department of Defense, including areas related to engineering, research, and systems integration. While specific details on prior cybersecurity R&D contracts of this exact nature are not immediately available from the provided data, their general experience with complex defense systems suggests a foundational capability. Further investigation into their contract history with agencies like the Missile Defense Agency or other DoD components would reveal their specific performance metrics, past successes, and any challenges encountered on similar projects. This would provide a clearer picture of their suitability and expertise for this particular cyber threat detection effort.

How does the $25.2 million contract value compare to similar cybersecurity R&D efforts for cyber threat detection?

Benchmarking the $25.2 million contract value requires comparing it to similar cybersecurity R&D efforts focused on near-real-time threat detection within defense contexts. Contracts for advanced persistent threat (APT) detection, network anomaly detection, and security information and event management (SIEM) system development can range significantly. Given that this is an R&D effort for a critical mission set within the Missile Defense Agency, the value appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized, cutting-edge technology development. However, without access to a comprehensive database of comparable R&D contracts with detailed technical scopes and performance metrics, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult. The firm fixed-price nature suggests a defined scope, which aids in cost control.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include the rapidly evolving nature of cyber threats, which could render developed detection capabilities obsolete; potential technical challenges in achieving near-real-time detection across complex mission systems; and contractor performance risks. Mitigation strategies likely involve clearly defined performance metrics and milestones within the firm fixed-price contract, regular technical reviews, and potentially incorporating agile development methodologies. The Missile Defense Agency's oversight and Amentum's technical expertise are crucial for managing these risks. The contract's focus on R&D also implies an inherent risk that the final developed solution may not perfectly meet all initial expectations, necessitating adaptive management.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' approach likely to be in ensuring the best value for this cybersecurity R&D contract?

The 'full and open competition' approach is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring best value, as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors and encourages competitive pricing and innovation. For a specialized R&D contract like this, it allows the Missile Defense Agency to solicit proposals from a wide range of companies with diverse technological approaches to cyber threat detection. This broad competition increases the likelihood of identifying the most capable and cost-effective solution. The success of this approach hinges on the clarity of the solicitation's requirements and the evaluation criteria used to select the winning proposal, ensuring that technical merit and value are prioritized over price alone.

What are the historical spending patterns for cybersecurity R&D within the Missile Defense Agency or similar DoD entities?

Historical spending patterns for cybersecurity R&D within the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and similar Department of Defense (DoD) entities show a consistent and increasing trend. As cyber threats become more sophisticated and pervasive, agencies like the MDA allocate significant resources to research and develop advanced defensive capabilities. This includes investments in areas such as threat intelligence, network monitoring, intrusion detection systems, and secure software development. While the specific annual R&D budget for cybersecurity within the MDA fluctuates based on strategic priorities and emerging threats, it represents a substantial portion of their overall technology acquisition. This $25.2 million contract aligns with this ongoing investment strategy to maintain a technological edge against adversaries.

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 › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: H9500115R0001

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Pae-Parsons Global Logistics Services, LLC

Address: 550 WILLIAM NORTHERN BLVD, TULLAHOMA, TN, 37388

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $59,743,272

Exercised Options: $59,743,272

Current Obligation: $25,239,964

Actual Outlays: $20,001

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HQ079617D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline