DoD's $35M botnet detection R&D contract awarded to Packet Forensics LLC for enhanced sensing capabilities

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $35,060,000 ($35.1M)

Contractor: Packet Forensics LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2018-08-30

End Date: 2023-08-10

Contract Duration: 1,806 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 30

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: PACKET FORENSICS HACCS PROGRAM - TASK 1 - THE PERFORMER IS CONDUCTING RESEARCH INTO THE CREATION OF AN ENHANCED SENSING ENVIRONMENT FOCUSED ON BOTNETS TO LEVERAGE STREAMING ALGORITHMS TO ENHANCE BOTNET INFRASTRUCTURE DETECTION, INDICATIONS AND WARNINGS.

Place of Performance

Location: VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA BEACH CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23451

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $35.1 million to PACKET FORENSICS LLC for work described as: PACKET FORENSICS HACCS PROGRAM - TASK 1 - THE PERFORMER IS CONDUCTING RESEARCH INTO THE CREATION OF AN ENHANCED SENSING ENVIRONMENT FOCUSED ON BOTNETS TO LEVERAGE STREAMING ALGORITHMS TO ENHANCE BOTNET INFRASTRUCTURE DETECTION, INDICATIONS AND WARNINGS. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced research for botnet infrastructure detection using streaming algorithms. 2. Performance period spans over 5 years, indicating a long-term research and development effort. 3. The contract type is a firm-fixed-price definitive contract, providing cost certainty for the government. 4. Awarded by DARPA, suggesting a focus on cutting-edge and potentially high-risk, high-reward research. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715 points to significant R&D investment. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized, indicating a focus on specialized capabilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $35.06 million over approximately 5 years for R&D in botnet detection appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar DARPA contracts for advanced cybersecurity research is challenging due to the unique focus on streaming algorithms for botnet infrastructure. However, the firm-fixed-price structure provides a degree of cost control for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 30 bids indicates a competitive environment for this specialized research area. This level of competition is generally positive for price discovery and ensuring the government receives proposals from a range of qualified entities.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and encourage innovation.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense benefits from advancements in botnet detection, enhancing national security. Research into enhanced sensing environments and streaming algorithms aims to improve cybersecurity capabilities. The project's success could lead to more robust defenses against cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure. Workforce implications include potential for specialized cybersecurity and data science roles within the contractor's organization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The long performance period (1806 days) could lead to scope creep if not managed effectively.
Reliance on specialized algorithms may present integration challenges with existing defense systems.
The success of the research is inherently uncertain, typical of advanced R&D projects.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process and potential for innovative solutions.
Awarded by DARPA, indicating a focus on potentially groundbreaking technological advancements.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on cybersecurity and network defense technologies. The market for advanced cybersecurity solutions is rapidly growing, driven by increasing cyber threats. DARPA's investment in this area aligns with national priorities to maintain a technological edge in defense capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the niche focus on botnet detection via streaming algorithms, but R&D contracts of this magnitude are common within defense agencies.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the specialized nature of the research required capabilities typically found in larger or more specialized firms. The absence of small business involvement means direct benefits to the small business ecosystem from this specific contract are unlikely.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program managers. Accountability measures would be tied to the achievement of research milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally maintained through contract awards databases and public reporting, though specific research details may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

Cybersecurity Research and Development
Network Defense Technologies
Botnet Detection Systems
Advanced Sensing Technologies
Information Warfare Research

Risk Flags

Long performance period may increase risk of scope creep or obsolescence.
R&D projects inherently carry technical uncertainty.
Reliance on specialized algorithms requires careful integration planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $35.1 million to PACKET FORENSICS LLC. PACKET FORENSICS HACCS PROGRAM - TASK 1 - THE PERFORMER IS CONDUCTING RESEARCH INTO THE CREATION OF AN ENHANCED SENSING ENVIRONMENT FOCUSED ON BOTNETS TO LEVERAGE STREAMING ALGORITHMS TO ENHANCE BOTNET INFRASTRUCTURE DETECTION, INDICATIONS AND WARNINGS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PACKET FORENSICS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $35.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-08-30. End: 2023-08-10.

What is the specific technical approach Packet Forensics LLC is taking to enhance botnet detection using streaming algorithms?

The provided data does not detail the specific technical approach. However, research into streaming algorithms for botnet detection typically involves analyzing network traffic in real-time to identify patterns indicative of botnet activity. This could include techniques like anomaly detection, machine learning models trained on live data streams, and behavioral analysis of network flows. The 'enhanced sensing environment' suggests a focus on improving the collection and processing of data relevant to identifying botnet command and control infrastructure or infected hosts. Further details would likely be found in the technical proposal or subsequent project reports.

How does the $35 million contract value compare to similar R&D efforts in cybersecurity by DARPA?

The $35.06 million contract value is within the typical range for advanced research and development projects undertaken by DARPA. DARPA often funds high-risk, high-reward research that requires significant investment over several years. While specific figures for comparable botnet detection R&D are not publicly itemized, contracts for developing novel cybersecurity tools, artificial intelligence applications for defense, or advanced network analysis often fall into the tens of millions of dollars. The firm-fixed-price nature of this contract provides a defined budget ceiling, which is a common contracting approach for R&D where outcomes can be uncertain.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or milestones for this contract?

The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) or milestones for this contract. Typically, for R&D contracts, milestones would be tied to the successful development and demonstration of specific research objectives, such as the creation of functional prototypes, validation of algorithms against test data, or the delivery of research reports detailing findings and methodologies. DARPA contracts often emphasize achieving technological breakthroughs and demonstrating feasibility, with progress assessed through regular reviews and technical interchange meetings.

What is Packet Forensics LLC's track record in cybersecurity R&D, particularly in botnet detection?

Packet Forensics LLC has a history of working on cybersecurity-related projects, including those involving network forensics and analysis. While specific details on their prior experience with botnet detection using streaming algorithms are not provided in this summary, their involvement in projects funded by defense agencies suggests a capability in advanced technical research. A deeper dive into their contract history and published research would be necessary to fully assess their specific expertise and track record in this niche area.

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

The primary risks associated with this contract are typical of advanced R&D: technical feasibility (the algorithms may not perform as expected), schedule delays (research can be unpredictable), and potential for cost overruns if not managed tightly (though mitigated by the firm-fixed-price structure). Mitigation strategies likely involve rigorous project management by DARPA, phased research approaches with clear go/no-go decision points, and regular technical reviews to assess progress and address challenges proactively. The long performance period also presents a risk of the technology becoming obsolete before completion, requiring adaptive research planning.

How does this contract contribute to the broader Department of Defense cybersecurity strategy?

This contract directly supports the DoD's cybersecurity strategy by investing in advanced capabilities to detect and counter emerging threats like botnets. Botnets pose a significant risk to military networks and critical infrastructure. By funding research into novel detection methods, such as those leveraging streaming algorithms, the DoD aims to stay ahead of adversaries who continuously evolve their tactics. The insights gained could lead to improved threat intelligence, faster response times, and more resilient network defenses, aligning with strategic goals of maintaining information superiority and protecting national security interests.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Solicitation ID: HR001117S0051

Offers Received: 30

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 576 N BIRDNECK RD #710, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, 23451

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $40,200,000

Exercised Options: $35,060,000

Current Obligation: $35,060,000

Actual Outlays: $3,060,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline