DoD's $30.4M Cyber Fast Track R&D contract awarded to SIX3 Advanced Systems Inc. for rapid cyber solutions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,415,641 ($30.4M)

Contractor: SIX3 Advanced Systems Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2011-08-22

End Date: 2015-04-27

Contract Duration: 1,344 days

Daily Burn Rate: $22.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: CYBER FAST TRACK PHASE I - PROGRAM WILL ENGAGE NUMEROUS CYBER RELATED EFFORTS ACROSS THE SPECTRUM OF COMPUTER AND NETWORK OPERATIONS (CNO) TO DEMONSTRATE THAT CYBER EFFORTS CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED RAPIDLY AND COST EFFECTIVELY.

Place of Performance

Location: STERLING, LOUDOUN County, VIRGINIA, 20166, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $30.4 million to SIX3 ADVANCED SYSTEMS INC for work described as: CYBER FAST TRACK PHASE I - PROGRAM WILL ENGAGE NUMEROUS CYBER RELATED EFFORTS ACROSS THE SPECTRUM OF COMPUTER AND NETWORK OPERATIONS (CNO) TO DEMONSTRATE THAT CYBER EFFORTS CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED RAPIDLY AND COST EFFECTIVELY. Key points: 1. Contract aimed to prove rapid and cost-effective cyber operations. 2. Focus on computer and network operations (CNO) demonstrates a strategic approach to cybersecurity. 3. The firm fixed-price contract type suggests a defined scope and cost control. 4. Awarded by the Department of the Air Force, indicating a specific need within air and space cyber defense. 5. The contract duration of 1344 days allowed for substantial development and testing. 6. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology) is a key area for innovation.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this R&D contract is challenging without specific deliverables and performance metrics. The total award of $30.4 million over approximately 3.7 years suggests a significant investment in cyber capabilities. However, without comparable contracts for similar rapid cyber development programs, it's difficult to definitively assess if this represents excellent value for money. The firm fixed-price nature implies cost certainty for the government, but the effectiveness of the R&D outcomes is the primary determinant of value.

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 competitive process is generally expected to yield better pricing and innovative solutions. The fact that there were 2 bids suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific R&D effort.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down costs and encourages a wider pool of talent to compete, potentially leading to more cost-effective solutions.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force, benefits from advancements in cyber capabilities. The contract supports the development of rapid and cost-effective solutions for computer and network operations. Geographic impact is likely concentrated within defense research facilities and potentially impacts national security infrastructure. Workforce implications include specialized roles in cybersecurity research and development.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for R&D outcomes to not meet rapid deployment expectations.
Cost-effectiveness claims require validation against actual performance and future operational savings.
Dependence on a single contractor (SIX3 Advanced Systems Inc.) for the full scope of this R&D program.
The 'fast track' nature might imply trade-offs in thoroughness or long-term sustainability of developed solutions.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Focus on critical cybersecurity capabilities aligns with current defense priorities.
The contract duration allowed for substantial research and development efforts.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on cybersecurity. The market for cybersecurity R&D is highly dynamic, driven by evolving threats and technological advancements. The Department of Defense is a major investor in this sector, seeking innovative solutions to maintain technological superiority. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the specialized nature of R&D, but significant government investment in cyber capabilities is a consistent trend.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly provided for this contract. As a research and development contract awarded under full and open competition, it is possible that small businesses could have participated as prime contractors or subcontractors if they possessed the requisite capabilities. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program management office within the Department of the Air Force. Accountability measures would be tied to the achievement of R&D milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, though specific R&D progress reports may be considered sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Cybersecurity Research and Development Programs
Department of Defense Advanced Technology Initiatives
Air Force Research Laboratory Contracts
Computer Network Operations Development

Risk Flags

R&D Contract Risk
Cybersecurity Technology Evolution
Rapid Development Trade-offs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $30.4 million to SIX3 ADVANCED SYSTEMS INC. CYBER FAST TRACK PHASE I - PROGRAM WILL ENGAGE NUMEROUS CYBER RELATED EFFORTS ACROSS THE SPECTRUM OF COMPUTER AND NETWORK OPERATIONS (CNO) TO DEMONSTRATE THAT CYBER EFFORTS CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED RAPIDLY AND COST EFFECTIVELY.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SIX3 ADVANCED SYSTEMS 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 $30.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-08-22. End: 2015-04-27.

What specific cyber capabilities or technologies were developed under this 'Cyber Fast Track' program?

The contract description indicates the program aimed to 'demonstrate that cyber efforts can be accomplished rapidly and cost effectively' across the spectrum of Computer and Network Operations (CNO). While specific deliverables are not detailed in the provided data, the objective suggests the development of methodologies, tools, or prototypes for rapid cyber defense, offense, or intelligence gathering. This could encompass areas like automated threat detection, rapid vulnerability patching, or accelerated incident response frameworks. The 'fast track' nature implies a focus on agility and speed in developing and proving these capabilities, likely resulting in prototypes or proof-of-concept demonstrations rather than fully operational systems at the outset.

How does the $30.4 million award compare to other R&D contracts in cybersecurity for the Department of Defense?

The $30.4 million award for this 1344-day (approx. 3.7 years) R&D contract is a substantial investment. However, comparing it directly to other DoD cybersecurity R&D contracts requires access to a broader dataset and specific details about the scope and objectives of those contracts. DoD cybersecurity R&D spending can range significantly, from smaller, focused research grants to multi-billion dollar programs. Contracts for developing advanced cyber warfare capabilities, AI-driven defense systems, or large-scale network security infrastructure can easily exceed this amount. Conversely, smaller, more targeted research efforts might be in the single-digit millions. Without knowing the specific technological advancements sought and the maturity level targeted by this 'Cyber Fast Track' program, a precise benchmark is difficult, but it represents a significant commitment to accelerating cyber innovation.

What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) or success metrics for this contract?

The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or success metrics for the 'Cyber Fast Track' program. However, based on the contract's objective to 'demonstrate that cyber efforts can be accomplished rapidly and cost effectively,' potential KPIs would likely revolve around the speed of development and deployment of cyber solutions, the reduction in costs compared to traditional methods, the effectiveness of the developed cyber tools or techniques in simulated or real-world scenarios, and the successful transition of prototypes to operational testing. The 'fast track' aspect suggests metrics related to time-to-market or time-to-capability would be paramount.

What is the track record of SIX3 Advanced Systems Inc. in performing similar R&D contracts for the government?

SIX3 Advanced Systems Inc. (now part of T-Rex Solutions) has a history of performing various contracts, including those related to intelligence, defense, and technology services. While specific details on their R&D performance in cybersecurity prior to or during this contract require deeper investigation into contract databases and performance reports, their involvement in defense-related technology suggests experience in the sector. Analyzing their portfolio of awarded contracts, including their value, duration, and agency, would provide a clearer picture of their capabilities and track record in delivering complex R&D outcomes, particularly in the specialized area of rapid cyber solutions.

Were there any identified risks or challenges associated with this contract, and how were they managed?

The 'fast track' nature of the program itself implies inherent risks, such as potential trade-offs in thoroughness, scalability, or long-term maintainability of developed solutions in exchange for speed. Other potential risks in R&D contracts include technological feasibility challenges, cost overruns if not managed tightly under a fixed-price agreement, and the possibility that the developed solutions might not meet the evolving operational needs of the Air Force. Management strategies would typically involve rigorous project oversight, phased development with clear milestones, regular technical reviews, and proactive risk assessment and mitigation planning by both the contractor and the government program office.

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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: CACI International Inc (UEI: 045534641)

Address: 45200 BUSINESS CT, DULLES, VA, 20166

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $30,424,523

Exercised Options: $30,424,523

Current Obligation: $30,415,641

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS10F0247U

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline