TSA awards $36.2M IT Security Support Services contract to Knowledge Consulting Group Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $36,188,494 ($36.2M)
Contractor: Knowledge Consulting Group Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2011-09-19
End Date: 2017-11-01
Contract Duration: 2,235 days
Daily Burn Rate: $16.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: IT
Official Description: ATTN: KRISTIN FULLER (CO) THE PURPOSE OF THIS REQUEST IS TO PROVIDE INDEPENDENT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY SUPPORT SERVICES (ITSSS) TO THE TSA / OIT CYBER SECURITY AND IAD, AND TO OTHER PROGRAM OFFICES WITHIN TSA IN THE AREA OF IT SECURITY. OIT PROVIDES THE ADMINISTRATION%U2019S RESPONSE TO MEETING THE PRACTICAL AND STATUTORY SECURITY REQUIREMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) SOLUTIONS TO SUPPORT ADMINISTRATION ASSETS. THE CYBER SECURITY AND IAD IS THE CENTRAL OFFICE RESPONSIBLE FOR DELIVERING SECURITY SERVICES IN THE FORM OF PROGRAM/PROJECT MANAGEMENT, FUNCTIONAL GUIDANCE, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, SECURITY OPERATIONS, AND COMPLIANCE MONITORING. THE GOAL IS TO ENSURE THAT TSA IS ABLE TO DELIVER THE SERVICES MANDATED BY LAW, AND DO SO IN A MANNER THAT FULLY COMPLIES WITH THE LAW. THE BELOW REFERENCED ESTIMATES COVERS FOR LABOR AND TRAVEL. FOR QUESTIONS, CONTACT CARL SHIRLEY ON 571-227-3749.
Place of Performance
Location: ARLINGTON, LOUDOUN County, VIRGINIA, 20598
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $36.2 million to KNOWLEDGE CONSULTING GROUP INC for work described as: ATTN: KRISTIN FULLER (CO) THE PURPOSE OF THIS REQUEST IS TO PROVIDE INDEPENDENT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY SUPPORT SERVICES (ITSSS) TO THE TSA / OIT CYBER SECURITY AND IAD, AND TO OTHER PROGRAM OFFICES WITHIN TSA IN THE AREA OF IT SECURITY. OIT PROVIDES THE ADMINISTRATIO… Key points: 1. Contract awarded for IT security support services to TSA's Office of Information Technology. 2. Knowledge Consulting Group Inc. secured the contract valued at $36.2 million. 3. The contract aims to enhance TSA's cybersecurity posture and compliance. 4. Competition method was 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources'.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $36.2 million over approximately 6 years (2011-2017) suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar IT security support services contracts would be necessary for a precise valuation.
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. However, the specific details of source exclusion could impact price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized to enhance critical IT security infrastructure for the Transportation Security Administration, aiming for improved national security.
Public Impact
Enhances cybersecurity for TSA, a critical agency for national security. Supports the administration's IT security requirements and compliance. Provides program management, technical assistance, and security operations. Ensures TSA can deliver mandated services securely.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns with Time and Materials contract type.
- Effectiveness of 'Exclusion of Sources' in ensuring best value.
- Long contract duration may not reflect evolving cybersecurity needs.
Positive Signals
- Addresses critical IT security needs for a major federal agency.
- Utilizes a competitive bidding process.
- Focuses on compliance and operational security.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically focusing on IT security services. Federal spending in this area is substantial and growing due to increasing cyber threats.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business set-asides were considered or if subcontracting opportunities exist.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Oversight would involve monitoring performance, adherence to contract terms, and financial accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- Transportation Security Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns.
- Ambiguity in 'Exclusion of Sources' could limit competition.
- Lack of performance metrics makes effectiveness assessment difficult.
- Contract duration may not align with rapidly evolving cyber threats.
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-homeland-security, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $36.2 million to KNOWLEDGE CONSULTING GROUP INC. ATTN: KRISTIN FULLER (CO) THE PURPOSE OF THIS REQUEST IS TO PROVIDE INDEPENDENT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY SUPPORT SERVICES (ITSSS) TO THE TSA / OIT CYBER SECURITY AND IAD, AND TO OTHER PROGRAM OFFICES WITHIN TSA IN THE AREA OF IT SECURITY. OIT PROVIDES THE ADMINISTRATION%U2019S RESPONSE TO MEETING THE PRACTICAL AND STATUTORY SECURITY REQUIREMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) SOLUTIONS TO SUPPORT ADMINISTRATION ASSETS. THE CYBER SECURITY AND IAD IS THE CENTRAL
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 $36.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2011-09-19. End: 2017-11-01.
What was the specific rationale for excluding certain sources in the 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources' method, and how did this impact the final price?
The rationale for excluding specific sources under this procurement method is not detailed in the provided data. Typically, such exclusions are based on specific technical capabilities, past performance, or unique requirements. Understanding this rationale is crucial to assess whether it limited competition and potentially influenced the final price paid by taxpayers. Further investigation into the solicitation documents would be necessary.
Given the Time and Materials (T&M) contract type, what measures were in place to control costs and prevent potential overruns for these IT security services?
Time and Materials contracts can pose a risk of cost overruns if not managed diligently. For this contract, it's essential to know if there were established labor hour ceilings, fixed-price components for specific deliverables, or robust oversight mechanisms to monitor hours and rates. Without this information, it's difficult to assess the cost-effectiveness and taxpayer impact of the T&M approach.
How effectively did the IT security support services provided by Knowledge Consulting Group Inc. contribute to TSA's overall cybersecurity posture and compliance during the contract period?
The provided data outlines the scope of services (program management, technical assistance, security operations, compliance monitoring) but does not offer performance metrics or an assessment of their effectiveness. To evaluate the impact, one would need to review performance reports, audit findings, and any post-contract assessments of TSA's cybersecurity improvements and compliance status during the 2011-2017 period.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
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: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Mantech International Corporation
Address: 11710 PLAZA AMERICA DR STE 520, RESTON, VA, 20190
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $36,288,494
Exercised Options: $36,188,494
Current Obligation: $36,188,494
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HSTS0311DCIO556
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2011-09-19
Current End Date: 2017-11-01
Potential End Date: 2017-11-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-04-27
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