DoD Awards $31.4M Engineering Services Contract to Clear Ridge Defense for Marine Corps Cyber Command Support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,417,558 ($31.4M)

Contractor: Clear Ridge Defense, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-06-24

End Date: 2026-06-23

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $43.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: SUPPORT OF U.S. MARINE CORPS FORCES CYBERSPACE COMMAND AND ITS SUBORDINATE MARINE CORPS CYBERSPACE WARFARE GROUP MCCYWG AND JOINT FORCES HEADQUARTERS CYBER COMMANDS.

Place of Performance

Location: FORT GEORGE G MEADE, ANNE ARUNDEL County, MARYLAND, 20755

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $31.4 million to CLEAR RIDGE DEFENSE, LLC for work described as: SUPPORT OF U.S. MARINE CORPS FORCES CYBERSPACE COMMAND AND ITS SUBORDINATE MARINE CORPS CYBERSPACE WARFARE GROUP MCCYWG AND JOINT FORCES HEADQUARTERS CYBER COMMANDS. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Clear Ridge Defense, LLC for critical cyber command support. 2. The contract falls under Engineering Services (NAICS 541330). 3. Full and open competition was utilized for this award. 4. This award represents a significant investment in cyber defense capabilities. 5. The contract duration is 729 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which allows for flexibility but requires careful oversight to manage costs. The award amount of $31.4M for a 729-day period seems reasonable given the specialized nature of cyber command support.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to more competitive pricing by allowing all eligible contractors to bid.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from competitive bidding, which aims to secure the best value for essential cyber defense services for the Marine Corps.

Public Impact

Enhances U.S. Marine Corps' cyber warfare capabilities. Supports critical joint forces cyber command operations. Bolsters national cybersecurity infrastructure and readiness. Ensures continued operational effectiveness of cyber defense units.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent cost monitoring.
Potential for scope creep in complex cyber operations.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical support.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Supports a vital national security function.
Clear objectives for cyber command enhancement.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting advanced cyber operations. Spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and national security in the digital domain.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that the awardee, Clear Ridge Defense, LLC, is not a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought or achieved through subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Navy, is responsible for oversight. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates robust financial oversight to ensure funds are used efficiently and effectively.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Potential for undefined scope in cyber operations.
Awardee is not a small business.
Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $31.4 million to CLEAR RIDGE DEFENSE, LLC. SUPPORT OF U.S. MARINE CORPS FORCES CYBERSPACE COMMAND AND ITS SUBORDINATE MARINE CORPS CYBERSPACE WARFARE GROUP MCCYWG AND JOINT FORCES HEADQUARTERS CYBER COMMANDS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CLEAR RIDGE DEFENSE, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $31.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-06-24. End: 2026-06-23.

What specific engineering services are included in this contract to support the Marine Corps Cyber Command?

The contract specifies engineering services for the support of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command and its subordinate units. This likely includes a range of technical support, system integration, cybersecurity analysis, network engineering, and potentially research and development related to cyber warfare capabilities. The exact scope would be detailed in the contract's statement of work, focusing on maintaining and enhancing the operational readiness and effectiveness of these critical cyber units.

What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for cyber command support?

The primary risks with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract include potential cost overruns if the government does not adequately monitor contractor expenses and performance. There's also a risk of scope creep, where the project's objectives expand beyond the initial agreement, increasing costs. Ensuring the contractor maintains efficiency and avoids unnecessary expenditures is crucial for managing these risks effectively.

How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of U.S. cyber defense capabilities?

This contract directly enhances the effectiveness of U.S. cyber defense by providing essential engineering support to the Marine Corps Cyberspace Command and related joint forces. This ensures these critical units have the technical expertise and resources needed to maintain, defend, and potentially project cyber capabilities, thereby strengthening the nation's overall cybersecurity posture and readiness against evolving threats.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N6600124R3504

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5520 RESEARCH PARK DR SUITE 100, BALTIMORE, MD, 21228

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, HUBZone Firm, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $113,840,457

Exercised Options: $43,407,278

Current Obligation: $31,417,558

Actual Outlays: $344,846

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017819D7353

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline