AXXUM TECHNOLOGIES LLC awarded $2.7M for testing services to support TSA's information assurance and cyber security division

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,720,138 ($27.7M)

Contractor: Axxum Technologies LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2012-09-30

End Date: 2017-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF ATTN: KRISTIN FULLER TESTING SERVICES POP: SEP. 1, 2012 END DATE: MAY 31, 2013 SPEND PLAN: TECHNICAL SERVICES / INFRASTRUCTURE AND TESTING / TESTING / CONTRACT LABOR $1,957,051; AUDIT&OPERATIONAL SUPPORT / AUDITS / CONTRACTOR LABOR $2,480,198; AUDIT&OPERATIONAL SUPPORT / OPERATIONAL SUPPORT / CONTRACTOR LABOR $211,200; TECHNICAL SERVICES / INFRASTRUCTURE AND TESTING / TESTING / CONTRACT TRAVEL = $36,000 THIS %U201CTESTING SERVICES%U201D EFFORT IS IN SUPPORT OF THE INFORMATION ASSURANCE AND CYBER SECURITY DIVISION%U2019S INFRASTRUCTURE, TESTING AND AUDITING FUNCTIONS AND SHALL REPLACE THE CURRENT TESTING AND AUDITING CONTRACT WHICH ENDS JUNE 28, 2012. THE OVERALL OBJECTIVE IS TO ENSURE THAT TSA ENTERPRISE-WIDE INFORMATION SECURITY IS COMPLIANT WITH FEDERAL INFORMATION SECURITY LEGISLATION, POLICIES, AND MANDATES. NO EQUIPMENT IS BEING PROCURED AT THIS TIME. THE IT SECURITY SERVICES REQUESTED IS STRICTLY FOR LABOR AND TRAVEL AND SHALL PROVIDE FOR AUDITING/OPERATIONAL SUPPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE AND PENETRATION TESTING IN SUPPORT OF SYSTEM CERTIFICATION&ACCREDITATION (C&A).

Place of Performance

Location: GAINESVILLE, PRINCE WILLIAM County, VIRGINIA, 20155

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $27.7 million to AXXUM TECHNOLOGIES LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF ATTN: KRISTIN FULLER TESTING SERVICES POP: SEP. 1, 2012 END DATE: MAY 31, 2013 SPEND PLAN: TECHNICAL SERVICES / INFRASTRUCTURE AND TESTING / TESTING / CONTRACT LABOR $1,957,051; AUDIT&OPERATIONAL SUPPORT / AUDITS / CONTRACTOR LABOR $2,480,198; AUDIT&OPE… Key points: 1. Contract value of $2.7M over its period of performance. 2. Services include infrastructure, testing, and auditing functions. 3. This contract replaces an existing testing and auditing contract. 4. The primary objective is to ensure TSA's enterprise-wide information security compliance. 5. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 6. The period of performance spans from September 2012 to September 2017.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount of $2,772,013.79 for testing services appears to be within a reasonable range for a five-year contract supporting critical cybersecurity functions for a major federal agency like the TSA. However, without specific benchmarks for similar cybersecurity testing contracts or detailed breakdowns of the services provided, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The contract type is firm fixed price, which generally offers cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The presence of 5 bids suggests a moderate level of competition for this requirement. A higher number of bidders typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of technical solutions, but 5 bidders can still result in a good outcome for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down prices and encourage innovation, leading to better value for public funds.

Public Impact

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) benefits from enhanced information security and compliance. Services delivered include infrastructure testing, auditing, and contract labor for cybersecurity functions. The geographic impact is enterprise-wide within the TSA. Workforce implications include the provision of contract labor for specialized testing and auditing roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if testing requirements are not clearly defined.
Reliance on contractor expertise for critical cybersecurity functions.
Ensuring continuous compliance with evolving federal information security mandates.

Positive Signals

Supports TSA's critical mission of ensuring the security of the nation's transportation systems.
Addresses the need for robust information assurance and cybersecurity.
Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.
Firm fixed price contract provides cost predictability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) sector, specifically focusing on IT services related to cybersecurity and infrastructure testing. The market for cybersecurity services is substantial and growing, driven by increasing threats and regulatory requirements. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other federal contracts for IT security consulting, auditing, and testing services, often awarded to specialized IT service providers.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not specify any small business set-aside. Therefore, there is no direct analysis of small business set-aside implications. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist at the discretion of the prime contractor, AXXUM TECHNOLOGIES LLC, but are not explicitly detailed in the provided information.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program officials within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract structure, requiring delivery of specified services. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific oversight mechanisms like regular performance reviews or IG audits are not detailed here.

Related Government Programs

Cybersecurity Services
IT Infrastructure Support
Information Assurance
Federal IT Auditing
Contract Labor Services

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues if contractor expertise is insufficient.
Risk of evolving cybersecurity threats requiring contract scope adjustments.
Ensuring consistent compliance with federal information security regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $27.7 million to AXXUM TECHNOLOGIES LLC. IGF::OT::IGF ATTN: KRISTIN FULLER TESTING SERVICES POP: SEP. 1, 2012 END DATE: MAY 31, 2013 SPEND PLAN: TECHNICAL SERVICES / INFRASTRUCTURE AND TESTING / TESTING / CONTRACT LABOR $1,957,051; AUDIT&OPERATIONAL SUPPORT / AUDITS / CONTRACTOR LABOR $2,480,198; AUDIT&OPERATIONAL SUPPORT / OPERATIONAL SUPPORT / CONTRACTOR LABOR $211,200; TECHNICAL SERVICES / INFRASTRUCTURE AND TESTING / TESTING / CONTRACT TRAVEL = $36,000 THIS %U201CTESTING SERVICES%U201D EFFORT IS IN SUPPORT OF THE INF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AXXUM TECHNOLOGIES LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $27.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-09-30. End: 2017-09-30.

What is the track record of AXXUM TECHNOLOGIES LLC with federal contracts, particularly in cybersecurity and testing services?

AXXUM TECHNOLOGIES LLC has a history of receiving federal contracts, primarily within the IT services domain. While specific details on their cybersecurity and testing service performance are not fully elaborated in this data snippet, their award for this TSA contract indicates they were deemed capable of meeting the agency's requirements. A deeper dive into their contract history, including past performance evaluations, any reported issues, and the types of services rendered on previous engagements, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their track record. Examining awards from agencies like DHS, GSA, and others could reveal patterns in their service delivery and client satisfaction.

How does the $2.7M contract value compare to similar cybersecurity testing contracts awarded by the TSA or other agencies?

Benchmarking the $2.7M contract value requires comparing it against similar cybersecurity testing and auditing services procured by federal agencies, particularly within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or other large civilian agencies. The five-year duration of this contract (September 2012 - September 2017) means the average annual value is approximately $554,400. This figure needs to be assessed against the scope and complexity of the services. Contracts for penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and compliance audits can vary significantly in price based on the size of the network, the criticality of the systems, and the required deliverables. Without detailed service descriptions and market research data, it's difficult to definitively state if this price is high or low, but it appears to be a moderate-sized award for a specialized IT service over a multi-year period.

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

Key risks for this contract include potential cybersecurity breaches if the testing and auditing services are not performed effectively, leading to vulnerabilities in TSA's systems. Another risk is the reliance on contractor personnel, whose availability and expertise could fluctuate. Ensuring compliance with evolving federal cybersecurity mandates (like FISMA) presents an ongoing challenge. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust contract oversight by TSA officials, clearly defined performance standards and deliverables, and potentially requiring background checks for contractor personnel. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract also incentivizes the contractor to manage costs and deliver services efficiently, though it could also lead to a focus on minimum requirements if not properly managed.

How effective is the firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type in ensuring value for money for these cybersecurity testing services?

The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective for ensuring value for money when the scope of work is well-defined and unlikely to change significantly. For cybersecurity testing services, FFP provides cost certainty to the government, as the price is fixed regardless of the contractor's actual costs. This incentivizes the contractor to perform efficiently and manage their resources effectively to maximize profit. However, if the scope of testing needs to evolve due to new threats or changing TSA infrastructure, modifications to the FFP contract could become complex and potentially costly. Effective oversight is crucial to ensure the contractor meets all performance requirements and quality standards within the fixed price.

What are the historical spending patterns for cybersecurity testing and auditing services at the TSA or DHS?

Historical spending patterns for cybersecurity testing and auditing at the TSA and DHS are generally characterized by consistent investment due to the critical nature of national security and transportation safety. Agencies like DHS are mandated by federal regulations (e.g., FISMA) to conduct regular security assessments, audits, and testing of their IT systems. Spending in this area typically fluctuates based on threat landscapes, technological advancements, and evolving compliance requirements. Contracts are often awarded through competitive processes, with durations ranging from one to five years. Analyzing past contract awards for similar services, including the number of bidders, contract values, and incumbent contractors, would reveal trends in spending and market dynamics within these agencies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Facilities Management Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8300 GREENSBORO DRIVE SUITE 800, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,720,138

Exercised Options: $27,720,138

Current Obligation: $27,720,138

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F0189V

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline