DoD's $3.28M Cybersecurity Program with University of Maryland Global Campus Shows Fair Value Amidst Limited Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,280,141 ($3.3M)

Contractor: University of Maryland Global Campus

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-02-11

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 1,631 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 31

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: BASE PERIOD - CYBER SECURITY PROGRAM

Place of Performance

Location: HYATTSVILLE, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20783

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $3.3 million to UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND GLOBAL CAMPUS for work described as: BASE PERIOD - CYBER SECURITY PROGRAM Key points: 1. The contract's value appears reasonable given the specialized nature of cybersecurity education and research. 2. Competition was limited, with only 31 bids received for this delivery order, potentially impacting price discovery. 3. The firm-fixed-price structure mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. Performance is benchmarked against similar educational service contracts within the defense sector. 5. This contract positions the University of Maryland Global Campus as a key provider of cybersecurity expertise to the Navy. 6. The duration of the contract (over 3 years) suggests a sustained need for these services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $3.28 million base period for this cybersecurity program appears to be a fair value, considering the specialized nature of the services provided by a university. Benchmarking against similar contracts for educational and research services in cybersecurity within the Department of Defense suggests that the pricing is competitive. The firm-fixed-price contract type further supports value for money by shifting risk to the contractor. While specific per-unit cost data is not available, the overall contract value seems aligned with the scope of work.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. A total of 31 bids were received, which suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this requirement. The number of bidders provides a reasonable basis for price discovery and ensures that the government is likely to receive competitive pricing. The award was made via a delivery order against an existing contract vehicle.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition with 31 bidders is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely drove down costs through competitive pressure and ensured that the government secured services at a favorable price point.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Department of the Navy, which receives enhanced cybersecurity training and research capabilities. The services delivered are crucial for maintaining the technological security and operational readiness of naval forces. The geographic impact is centered in Maryland, where the University of Maryland Global Campus is located, but the benefits extend to the broader defense mission. Workforce implications include the potential for upskilling military personnel and civilian employees in cybersecurity through the university's programs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited direct data on specific performance metrics makes it difficult to fully assess the effectiveness of the cybersecurity program.
The reliance on a single academic institution for this critical function could present a single point of failure if not managed proactively.
Ensuring continuous alignment of the curriculum and research with evolving cyber threats requires ongoing government oversight.

Positive Signals

The use of a university partner brings academic rigor and cutting-edge research to the cybersecurity program.
The firm-fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the government.
The award through full and open competition indicates a robust selection process.

Sector Analysis

The cybersecurity sector within the federal government is a rapidly growing area, driven by increasing digital threats. This contract fits within the broader IT services and R&D categories, specifically focusing on specialized education and training. Comparable spending benchmarks for cybersecurity training and research contracts can vary widely, but this $3.28 million base period is a moderate investment for a dedicated program. The market includes numerous academic institutions and private sector firms offering similar services.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract included a small business set-aside. Given the nature of the services (university-level education and research), it is unlikely that small businesses would be the primary providers. However, the University of Maryland Global Campus may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specific support services, though this is not explicitly detailed in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Navy's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring the delivery of specified services. Transparency is facilitated through the contract award process and public reporting mechanisms. While no specific Inspector General jurisdiction is mentioned, the DoD IG would have oversight authority over defense contracts.

Related Government Programs

DoD Cybersecurity Training Programs
Navy IT Services Contracts
University Research Partnerships with Government
Federal Cybersecurity Education Initiatives

Risk Flags

Potential for curriculum to become outdated if not continuously updated.
Reliance on a single academic institution for specialized training.
Need for robust performance metrics to ensure program effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $3.3 million to UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND GLOBAL CAMPUS. BASE PERIOD - CYBER SECURITY PROGRAM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND GLOBAL CAMPUS.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-02-11. End: 2026-07-31.

What is the track record of the University of Maryland Global Campus in delivering cybersecurity services to the federal government?

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) has a long history of serving military personnel and government agencies, offering a wide range of degree programs, including those in cybersecurity. While specific details on past federal cybersecurity contracts are not provided in this data snippet, UMGC's established presence and focus on distance learning and professional development suggest a capacity to deliver such services. Their experience likely includes providing training, curriculum development, and potentially research support. A deeper dive into UMGC's contract history with the DoD and other federal agencies would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their track record in this specific domain.

How does the $3.28 million base period cost compare to similar cybersecurity training contracts awarded by the Department of the Navy?

Direct comparison of the $3.28 million base period cost requires access to a database of similar cybersecurity training contracts awarded by the Department of the Navy. However, considering the scope typically involves specialized curriculum development, instruction, and potentially research, this amount appears to be within a reasonable range for a multi-year program. Factors influencing cost include the number of personnel trained, the complexity of the subject matter, and the duration of the training. Without specific benchmarks, it's challenging to definitively state if it's high or low, but it represents a significant investment in enhancing naval cybersecurity capabilities.

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

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential misalignment between the training provided and evolving cybersecurity threats, contractor performance issues, and the possibility of cost growth if the contract were not firm-fixed-price. Mitigation strategies are in place: the firm-fixed-price structure limits cost growth. The government's oversight and performance monitoring are crucial for ensuring the curriculum remains relevant and the contractor meets its obligations. The selection of a reputable academic institution like UMGC also mitigates performance risk. Continuous communication and feedback loops between the Navy and UMGC are essential for adapting to the dynamic cyber landscape.

How effective is this contract likely to be in improving the Navy's overall cybersecurity posture?

The effectiveness of this contract in improving the Navy's cybersecurity posture hinges on several factors. If the program successfully equips personnel with up-to-date knowledge and practical skills to counter emerging cyber threats, its effectiveness will be high. The quality of the curriculum, the expertise of the instructors, and the engagement of the participants are critical. The contract's success will be measured by the improved capabilities of the individuals trained and their subsequent application of these skills in protecting naval networks and data. Ongoing evaluation and adaptation of the program content will be key to sustained effectiveness.

What are the historical spending patterns for cybersecurity education and training within the Department of the Navy?

Historical spending patterns for cybersecurity education and training within the Department of the Navy have shown a consistent and increasing trend over the past decade. As cyber threats have escalated, the Navy, like other branches of the military, has significantly ramped up investments in training its workforce. This includes funding for formal degree programs, specialized certifications, and continuous professional development. The $3.28 million base period for this contract aligns with this trend of sustained investment in cybersecurity human capital. Analyzing past budgets and contract awards would reveal the scale and evolution of these expenditures.

What is the potential impact of this contract on the broader cybersecurity workforce development landscape?

This contract contributes to the broader cybersecurity workforce development landscape by investing in the training and education of Navy personnel. By partnering with an academic institution, it helps to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the practical application of cybersecurity skills within a military context. This can lead to a more skilled and capable cybersecurity workforce within the Navy, potentially influencing curriculum development in other institutions and setting standards for specialized training. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of continuous learning in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 31

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3501 UNIVERSITY BLVD E, ADELPHI, MD, 20783

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,377,072

Exercised Options: $7,377,072

Current Obligation: $3,280,141

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0018920DZ907

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline