DoD Spends $24.1M on Symantec Antivirus Enterprise via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $24,125,220 ($24.1M)
Contractor: Carahsoft Technology Corp
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2007-09-17
End Date: 2012-12-04
Contract Duration: 1,905 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: SYMANTEC ANTIVIRUS ENTERPRISE
Place of Performance
Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22204
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $24.1 million to CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CORP for work described as: SYMANTEC ANTIVIRUS ENTERPRISE Key points: 1. Significant expenditure on enterprise antivirus software highlights cybersecurity investment. 2. Carahsoft Technology Corp. is the primary contractor, indicating a potential reliance on resellers. 3. The contract spans over 5 years, suggesting a long-term need for this solution. 4. No small business participation noted, which could be an area for improvement.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The total award of $24.1M over 5 years for antivirus software appears substantial. Benchmarking against similar enterprise-level cybersecurity contracts would be necessary to definitively assess value, as per-unit costs can vary widely based on features and user volume.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which is positive for price discovery. However, the sole awardee being Carahsoft Technology Corp. warrants further investigation into whether this represents the best possible pricing or if other distributors could have offered more competitive bids.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for essential cybersecurity infrastructure. The competitive award process aims to ensure reasonable pricing, but ongoing monitoring is crucial to confirm value for money.
Public Impact
Ensures protection for Department of Defense (DoD) systems against malware and cyber threats. Supports the operational readiness of critical defense information infrastructure. Provides a baseline level of cybersecurity for a significant portion of DoD endpoints.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential over-reliance on a single reseller (Carahsoft).
- Lack of small business participation.
- Aging contract duration (ended 2012) may indicate outdated technology or pricing.
- No specific performance metrics provided in the data.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Long contract duration suggests sustained need and potential for volume discounts.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
The IT sector, particularly cybersecurity, is a critical area of government spending. Enterprise antivirus solutions are standard for large organizations, and spending benchmarks vary based on the scope of protection, vendor, and contract type. This $24.1M award falls within a typical range for large federal cybersecurity procurements.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract did not involve small businesses, as neither the contractor nor the small business set-aside flag are present. Agencies should explore opportunities to include small businesses in future cybersecurity procurements to foster innovation and economic participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a standard procurement process. However, oversight should focus on ensuring the chosen solution remained effective and cost-efficient throughout its lifespan and whether subsequent contracts have been competitively bid.
Related Government Programs
- Electronic Computer Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Information Systems Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for non-competitive pricing due to reseller.
- Lack of small business participation.
- Contract ended in 2012; technology may be outdated.
- No performance metrics available for effectiveness assessment.
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical security software.
Tags
electronic-computer-manufacturing, department-of-defense, va, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $24.1 million to CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CORP. SYMANTEC ANTIVIRUS ENTERPRISE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CORP.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Information Systems Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $24.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-09-17. End: 2012-12-04.
Was the $24.1M expenditure for Symantec Antivirus Enterprise a cost-effective solution for the DoD over its 5-year duration?
Assessing cost-effectiveness requires comparing the total contract value against the number of endpoints protected and the threat landscape during the contract period (2007-2012). Without specific performance data or per-unit cost breakdowns, it's difficult to definitively state if it was cost-effective. However, the firm fixed-price nature provided budget predictability.
What were the primary risks associated with relying on Carahsoft Technology Corp. as the sole awardee for this antivirus solution?
The primary risk is potential lack of competitive pricing compared to direct vendor sales or other distributors. It could also indicate a concentration of risk if Carahsoft faced operational issues. Furthermore, it limits opportunities for other vendors, including small businesses, to compete for this critical cybersecurity need.
How effective was Symantec Antivirus Enterprise in protecting DoD systems during the contract period, and did it meet evolving cybersecurity threats?
The provided data does not include information on the software's effectiveness or its ability to adapt to evolving threats between 2007 and 2012. Effectiveness would typically be measured through incident reports, vulnerability assessments, and threat mitigation success rates, which are not detailed here.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing › Electronic Computer Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT (INCLD FIRMWARE) SOFTWARE,SUPPLIES& SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1890 PRESTON WHITE DRIVE, RESTON, VA, 11
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $24,125,220
Exercised Options: $24,125,220
Current Obligation: $24,125,220
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA877105A0301
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-09-17
Current End Date: 2012-12-04
Potential End Date: 2012-12-04 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2014-03-06
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