DHS awards $25.3M for Cybersecurity Research and Technical Execution Support to SRI International

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,285,879 ($25.3M)

Contractor: SRI International

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2016-08-12

End Date: 2022-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,240 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORATE. CYBER SECURITY RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL EXECUTION SUPPORT REQUIREMENT.

Place of Performance

Location: MENLO PARK, SAN MATEO County, CALIFORNIA, 94025

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $25.3 million to SRI INTERNATIONAL for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORATE. CYBER SECURITY RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL EXECUTION SUPPORT REQUIREMENT. Key points: 1. SRI International secured a significant contract for critical cybersecurity support. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The duration of the contract (2240 days) indicates a long-term need for these services. 4. The 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' category suggests specialized expertise is required.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized technical consulting is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires diligent oversight to ensure fair pricing and prevent excessive costs.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are funding critical cybersecurity research, which is a public good. The effectiveness of the spending will depend on the successful execution of the services provided by SRI International.

Public Impact

Enhances national cybersecurity capabilities through research and technical support. Supports the Department of Homeland Security's mission to protect the nation. Investment in advanced technical services for critical infrastructure protection.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can be prone to cost escalation.
Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes outcome assessment challenging.

Positive Signals

Awarded via full and open competition.
Supports a critical national security function.
Experienced contractor (SRI International) likely to deliver specialized expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under scientific and technical consulting services, specifically focused on cybersecurity. Spending in this sector is crucial for national security and often involves specialized, high-cost expertise.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and SRI International is not typically considered a small business. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses is likely minimal.

Oversight & Accountability

The long duration and cost-plus nature of this contract necessitate robust oversight from the Office of Procurement Operations to ensure efficient use of funds and adherence to contract terms.

Related Government Programs

Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Office of Procurement Operations Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure
Long contract duration
Lack of detailed performance metrics
Potential for scope creep

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $25.3 million to SRI INTERNATIONAL. IGF::OT::IGF DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORATE. CYBER SECURITY RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL EXECUTION SUPPORT REQUIREMENT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SRI INTERNATIONAL.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Office of Procurement Operations).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $25.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-08-12. End: 2022-09-30.

What specific cybersecurity research and technical execution support tasks are included in this contract, and how do they align with current and future threats?

The contract details are not fully specified in the provided data. However, given the agency (DHS Science and Technology Directorate) and the service category, it likely encompasses research into emerging cyber threats, development of new defensive technologies, and providing technical expertise for implementing and testing cybersecurity solutions. The alignment with current and future threats would depend on the specific SOW and ongoing threat intelligence.

How will the effectiveness of SRI International's technical execution support be measured, particularly given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure?

Effectiveness measurement for a CPFF contract typically relies on meeting defined milestones, deliverables, and performance standards outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW). For technical execution support, this could include successful integration of new technologies, timely resolution of technical issues, and positive feedback from end-users within DHS. Regular performance reviews and adherence to budget constraints are also key indicators.

What is the potential for cost overruns with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts carry inherent risk of cost overruns if the fixed fee is not adequately calculated or if the scope of work expands without proper adjustments. Mitigation strategies typically involve stringent contract management, regular cost reviews, clear definition of scope, and potentially incentive clauses tied to cost savings or performance. The government's oversight team plays a crucial role in monitoring expenditures against the estimated cost.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: HSHQDC-15-R-00041

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 333 RAVENSWOOD AVE, MENLO PARK, CA, 94025

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: $25,285,879

Exercised Options: $25,285,879

Current Obligation: $25,285,879

Actual Outlays: $698,982

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 20

Total Subaward Amount: $5,881,703

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline