DoD's $4M CASTLE Program Awarded to SIX24 CYBER LABS LLC for R&D in Cyber Security

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,044,807 ($4.0M)

Contractor: SIX24 Cyber Labs LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-07-01

End Date: 2026-08-09

Contract Duration: 769 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 65

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: CYBER AGENTS FOR SECURITY TESTING AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS (CASTLE) PROGRAM.

Place of Performance

Location: GAMBRILLS, ANNE ARUNDEL County, MARYLAND, 21054

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $4.0 million to SIX24 CYBER LABS LLC for work described as: CYBER AGENTS FOR SECURITY TESTING AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS (CASTLE) PROGRAM. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on research and development for cyber security testing and learning environments. 2. Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for these specialized services. 3. The contract duration of 769 days indicates a significant, medium-term project. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type aims to control costs and provide budget certainty. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715 points to a specialized R&D sector. 6. The awardee, SIX24 CYBER LABS LLC, is a key player in this specific R&D niche. 7. The project is located in Maryland, a hub for defense and technology contracting.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $4 million for a nearly two-year R&D effort appears reasonable given the specialized nature of cyber security testing and learning environments. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in the defense sector for advanced cyber capabilities suggests this pricing is within an expected range. The firm fixed price structure further supports value by capping potential cost overruns for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple capable vendors were likely solicited and had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 65 proposals suggests a competitive marketplace for these advanced cyber security R&D services. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures the government can select from a wide pool of qualified contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely drove down prices and ensured the selection of the most capable and cost-effective solution for developing advanced cyber security testing and learning environments.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and its various branches, which will gain enhanced capabilities for cyber security training and testing. The services delivered will likely involve the development of innovative platforms and methodologies for simulating cyber threats and evaluating defensive strategies. The geographic impact is concentrated in Maryland, a key region for defense contracting and technological innovation. Workforce implications may include the creation of specialized R&D jobs in cyber security, software development, and systems engineering within the awarded contractor's organization and potentially its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in R&D projects if not tightly managed.
Reliance on a single contractor for a critical R&D program could pose a risk if performance falters.
The specialized nature of the R&D may lead to challenges in finding alternative solutions if the current path proves unsuccessful.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a healthy market and strong vendor interest.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contractor, SIX24 CYBER LABS LLC, is likely specialized in this niche R&D area.
The project duration suggests a commitment to developing robust solutions.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically focusing on advanced cyber security capabilities. This is a rapidly evolving and critical area for national defense. The market for cyber security R&D is substantial, driven by increasing global cyber threats and the need for sophisticated defense mechanisms. Comparable spending benchmarks in this niche often involve significant investment due to the intellectual property and specialized expertise required.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. The focus on specialized R&D in cyber security may mean that larger, more established firms or those with specific technological expertise are better positioned to compete. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses have opportunities within the supply chain or in related support roles.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which is known for its rigorous program management. Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract's milestones and deliverables, with regular reporting requirements. Transparency is generally maintained through contract awards databases and program reports, though specific R&D details may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Cyber Security Research Programs
Advanced Technology Development Contracts
Defense R&D Initiatives
Information Assurance Programs
DARPA Research Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for R&D project delays
Technological feasibility risks
Evolving cyber threat landscape requiring adaptability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $4.0 million to SIX24 CYBER LABS LLC. CYBER AGENTS FOR SECURITY TESTING AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS (CASTLE) PROGRAM.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SIX24 CYBER LABS 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 $4.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-07-01. End: 2026-08-09.

What is the specific technical objective of the CASTLE Program and how does SIX24 CYBER LABS LLC's proposed solution address it?

The CASTLE (Cyber Agents for Security Testing and Learning Environments) Program aims to develop advanced capabilities for cyber security testing and learning. This includes creating sophisticated environments where cyber threats can be simulated, analyzed, and used to train defensive systems and personnel. SIX24 CYBER LABS LLC's proposed solution likely involves developing novel software agents, simulation platforms, and data analytics tools that enable realistic and dynamic cyber warfare training and testing scenarios. The objective is to enhance the Department of Defense's ability to anticipate, detect, and respond to evolving cyber threats by providing a cutting-edge, adaptive learning and testing infrastructure.

How does the $4.04 million contract value compare to other R&D contracts for similar cyber security capabilities within the Department of Defense?

The $4.04 million contract value for the CASTLE Program, spanning approximately 26 months, appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized cyber security R&D efforts within the Department of Defense. While exact comparisons are difficult without specific project details, R&D contracts in advanced cyber technologies, particularly those involving simulation, AI-driven agents, and complex learning environments, can range from a few million to tens of millions of dollars depending on scope, duration, and technological innovation. Given that this is a definitive contract awarded under full and open competition, the price likely reflects a competitive market assessment for the required expertise and deliverables. It is not an exceptionally large award, suggesting a focused scope or a phase within a larger program.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or milestones that SIX24 CYBER LABS LLC must meet to successfully fulfill this contract?

While specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided data, typical milestones for an R&D contract like CASTLE would include the successful development and demonstration of core software modules, the integration of cyber agents, the establishment of functional learning environments, and the generation of actionable threat intelligence reports. Key performance indicators would likely focus on the fidelity of simulations, the effectiveness of the learning environment in improving cyber defense outcomes, the scalability of the developed platforms, and the security of the systems themselves. Regular technical reviews and progress reports would be mandated to track adherence to schedule, budget, and technical objectives.

What is the track record of SIX24 CYBER LABS LLC in delivering complex R&D projects for the federal government, particularly in cyber security?

Information regarding the specific track record of SIX24 CYBER LABS LLC in delivering complex R&D projects for the federal government, especially in cyber security, is not provided in the data. To assess their capabilities, one would typically examine past performance evaluations, previous contract awards, and any publicly available project outcomes. A thorough review would involve looking at their history with DARPA or other defense agencies, their success in developing similar technologies, and client feedback. Without this data, it's difficult to definitively gauge their experience and reliability for this specific CASTLE Program.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies might be in place?

Potential risks for this R&D contract include technological hurdles in developing novel cyber agents and learning environments, potential delays due to the complexity of the research, and the possibility that the developed solutions may not meet evolving operational requirements. Mitigation strategies could involve phased development with regular reviews, incorporating flexibility into the contract to adapt to research findings, ensuring strong project management oversight from DARPA, and potentially having contingency plans for alternative technological approaches. The firm fixed price nature also implies the contractor bears much of the financial risk for cost overruns.

How does this contract align with broader Department of Defense strategies for enhancing cyber warfare capabilities and readiness?

This contract directly aligns with the Department of Defense's overarching strategy to maintain superiority in cyberspace. By investing in the CASTLE Program, the DoD aims to develop more effective training and testing environments, which are crucial for preparing personnel and systems against sophisticated adversaries. Advanced simulation and learning platforms enable the DoD to practice offensive and defensive cyber operations in realistic, yet controlled, settings. This initiative supports the goal of building resilient cyber defenses, improving threat detection, and fostering innovation in cyber warfare technologies, ultimately enhancing overall military readiness in the digital domain.

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 › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: HR001123S0002

Offers Received: 65

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1522 WINFIELDS LN, GAMBRILLS, MD, 21054

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,814,144

Exercised Options: $4,044,807

Current Obligation: $4,044,807

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline