DHS Exercises $6M Option for IT Security Personnel Services with Knowledge Consulting Group
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $28,299,819 ($28.3M)
Contractor: Knowledge Consulting Group Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2008-07-03
End Date: 2011-06-22
Contract Duration: 1,084 days
Daily Burn Rate: $26.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: NOT REPORTED
Sector: IT
Official Description: ATTN: JOSE BUMBRAY (CO) THE PURPOSE OF THIS REQUEST IS TO EXERCISE A FOLLOW-ON OPTION FOR CONTINUED INCREMENTAL FUNDING AGAINST A CURRENT CONTRACT # HSTS-03-06-A-CIO916. THE SERVICE PROVIDER IS KNOWLEDGE CONSULTING GROUP (KCG) IASS AND PROVIDES PERSONNEL SERVICES (LABOR). THE INCREMENTAL PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (POP) IS FROM JULY 14, 2008 THROUGH MARCH 13, 2009 (ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS) FOR APPROXIMATELY $6,000,000. THE SERVICES INCLUDE: AUDITING, SECURITY BUSINESS ANALYSIS AND REVIEW, SECURITY ENGINEERING, INCIDENT MANAGEMENT AND FORENSICS, POLICY AND ARCHITECTURE, CERTIFIER AND ACCREDITATION SERVICES (C&A), COMSEC, FISMA COMPLIANCE, SECURITY COMPLIANCE, BRIDGE SLA AND PERFORMANCE METRICS AND OTHER TECHNICAL SERVICES SUPPORT TO THE IT SECURITY OFFICE. SEE FACT SHEET FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS. SUB-PORTFOLIO CODE: THE IT SECURITY FUNDING CODE IS AS FOLLOWS: - COMSEC: $800,000 - POLICY & ARCHITECT: $1,450,000 - CERTIFIER SVS: $2,550,000 - INCIDENT MGT&FORENSIC: $1,200,000 FOR QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS REQUEST, PLEASE CONTACT CARL SHIRLEY (COTR) ON 571-227-3749.
Place of Performance
Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22202
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $28.3 million to KNOWLEDGE CONSULTING GROUP INC for work described as: ATTN: JOSE BUMBRAY (CO) THE PURPOSE OF THIS REQUEST IS TO EXERCISE A FOLLOW-ON OPTION FOR CONTINUED INCREMENTAL FUNDING AGAINST A CURRENT CONTRACT # HSTS-03-06-A-CIO916. THE SERVICE PROVIDER IS KNOWLEDGE CONSULTING GROUP (KCG) IASS AND PROVIDES PERSONNEL SERVICES (LABOR). … Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Knowledge Consulting Group (KCG) for IT security personnel services. 2. Follow-on option exercise for incremental funding, extending performance by eight months. 3. Services include auditing, security analysis, incident management, policy, and compliance. 4. Competition method was 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources'.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value is approximately $6,000,000 for an eight-month period. Without specific benchmarks for similar IT security personnel services, a precise pricing assessment is difficult. However, the cost appears reasonable for specialized technical support.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources', indicating a competitive process. This method aims to ensure fair pricing and access to a broad range of qualified vendors.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to procure essential IT security services to protect critical infrastructure and data.
Public Impact
Ensures continued cybersecurity for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Supports critical functions like incident management and forensic analysis. Maintains compliance with federal security regulations (FISMA, COMSEC).
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in ongoing personnel services.
- Reliance on a single provider for critical security functions.
Positive Signals
- Continuity of essential IT security operations.
- Experienced provider with established relationship.
- Competitive award process.
Sector Analysis
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operates in a high-risk environment requiring robust IT security. Spending on personnel services for auditing, security analysis, and incident management is common across federal agencies to maintain operational integrity and compliance.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this specific contract action. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract exercise is a follow-on option, suggesting prior oversight. However, ongoing monitoring of performance, cost, and adherence to security protocols is crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- Transportation Security Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Follow-on option exercise
- Personnel services (labor)
- IT Security focus
- Critical infrastructure support
Tags
marketing-research-and-public-opinion-po, department-of-homeland-security, va, bpa, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $28.3 million to KNOWLEDGE CONSULTING GROUP INC. ATTN: JOSE BUMBRAY (CO) THE PURPOSE OF THIS REQUEST IS TO EXERCISE A FOLLOW-ON OPTION FOR CONTINUED INCREMENTAL FUNDING AGAINST A CURRENT CONTRACT # HSTS-03-06-A-CIO916. THE SERVICE PROVIDER IS KNOWLEDGE CONSULTING GROUP (KCG) IASS AND PROVIDES PERSONNEL SERVICES (LABOR). THE INCREMENTAL PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (POP) IS FROM JULY 14, 2008 THROUGH MARCH 13, 2009 (ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS) FOR APPROXIMATELY $6,000,000. THE SERVICES INCLUDE: AUDITING, SECURITY BUSINESS ANALYSIS AND REVIEW, SECU
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is KNOWLEDGE CONSULTING GROUP INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $28.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-07-03. End: 2011-06-22.
What is the historical cost performance of KCG under this contract, and how does it compare to industry benchmarks for similar IT security personnel services?
Historical cost performance data for KCG under this specific contract is not provided. A comprehensive comparison to industry benchmarks would require detailed analysis of labor rates, service scope, and duration against market data for comparable IT security personnel services. Without this, it's challenging to definitively assess cost-effectiveness beyond the stated contract value.
What are the specific risks associated with relying on KCG for critical IT security functions, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
Risks include potential vendor lock-in, loss of institutional knowledge if KCG personnel depart, and the possibility of service degradation. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust performance monitoring, clear service level agreements (SLAs), contingency planning for service continuity, and periodic re-competition of services to ensure ongoing value and security.
How effectively are the procured IT security services contributing to the TSA's overall cybersecurity posture and compliance with federal mandates like FISMA?
The effectiveness is measured through performance metrics and compliance audits outlined in the contract. Continued funding suggests satisfactory performance to date. However, a deeper analysis of audit findings, incident response times, and successful compliance checks would provide a clearer picture of the services' contribution to the TSA's cybersecurity posture.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: NOT REPORTED (NO)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 22630 DAVIS DR, STERLING, VA, 10
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $34,299,819
Exercised Options: $34,299,819
Current Obligation: $28,299,819
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HSTS0306ACIO916
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-07-03
Current End Date: 2011-06-22
Potential End Date: 2012-06-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2012-07-02
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