DoD's $22.5M Data-as-a-Service contract for cloud infrastructure analysis awarded to CACI

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,453,935 ($22.5M)

Contractor: CACI Data Tactics Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2012-08-24

End Date: 2014-08-31

Contract Duration: 737 days

Daily Burn Rate: $30.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: REQUIREMENT FOR RESEARCH&DEVELOPMENT FOR EFFORT ENTITLED, "DATA AS A SERVICE FRAMEWORK AND CLOUD HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE." DATA TACTICS CORPORATION WILL: 1) IMPLEMENT DATA AS A SERVICE (DAAS) FRAMEWORK FOR ADVANCED ANALYTICS AND 2) ANALYZE THE CLOUD PUBLIC HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE WITH ANALYTICS TO DETECT AND DIAGNOSE ATTACKS.

Place of Performance

Location: ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, HARFORD County, MARYLAND, 21005

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $22.5 million to CACI DATA TACTICS CORPORATION for work described as: REQUIREMENT FOR RESEARCH&DEVELOPMENT FOR EFFORT ENTITLED, "DATA AS A SERVICE FRAMEWORK AND CLOUD HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE." DATA TACTICS CORPORATION WILL: 1) IMPLEMENT DATA AS A SERVICE (DAAS) FRAMEWORK FOR ADVANCED ANALYTICS AND 2) ANALYZE THE CLOUD PUBLIC HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE WIT… Key points: 1. Contract focused on implementing a Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) framework and analyzing cloud public health infrastructure. 2. The effort aimed to enhance advanced analytics capabilities and detect/diagnose cyber threats. 3. Awarded as a definitive contract with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee pricing structure. 4. The contract duration was 737 days, spanning from August 2012 to August 2014. 5. This contract falls under Computer Systems Design Services, a key area for defense IT modernization. 6. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a broad market solicitation.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of approximately $22.5 million over two years for a specialized R&D effort in data services and cloud security analysis appears within a reasonable range for complex defense IT projects. However, without specific benchmarks for similar DaaS framework implementations or cloud infrastructure analysis contracts within the DoD, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure suggests that costs were estimated, and the contractor was reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Further analysis would require comparing the delivered capabilities and outcomes against the initial objectives and similar industry projects.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that the Department of Defense sought proposals from all responsible sources. The presence of two bids indicates a degree of competition, though the exact number of interested parties and the rigor of the evaluation process are not detailed. Full and open competition is generally expected to yield competitive pricing and innovative solutions by allowing a wide range of contractors to participate. The specific details of the bidding process and the nature of the two proposals would be needed for a more in-depth assessment of the competitive dynamics.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically drives down costs and encourages the government to seek the best value. This approach ensures that multiple companies have the opportunity to compete, potentially leading to more efficient use of taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense, which gains enhanced capabilities for advanced analytics and cloud security. The services delivered include the implementation of a Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) framework and analysis of cloud public health infrastructure. The geographic impact is likely focused on DoD installations and cloud environments, with potential implications for national security. Workforce implications may include specialized roles in data science, cloud engineering, and cybersecurity within the contractor's organization and potentially within the DoD for oversight and utilization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize contractors to incur costs to increase their fee, though the fixed fee component mitigates this risk.
The relatively short duration of the contract (2 years) might limit the long-term impact or sustainability of the implemented DaaS framework.
Specific performance metrics and outcomes are not detailed, making it difficult to assess the success of the R&D effort.
The 'cloud public health infrastructure' is a broad term; the specific scope and criticality of this infrastructure are not fully defined.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust and fair solicitation process.
The contract addresses critical areas of advanced analytics and cybersecurity for defense systems.
CACI is a well-established government contractor with significant experience in IT and data services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically focusing on Computer Systems Design Services (NAICS 541512). The market for data analytics and cloud infrastructure services within the federal government is substantial and growing, driven by the need for modernization and enhanced cybersecurity. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale IT R&D contracts within the DoD and other federal agencies focused on data management, cloud migration, and threat detection. The total value of $22.5 million positions this as a significant, though not exceptionally large, IT services contract.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. As a large contract awarded to a major defense contractor, the primary focus is likely on the prime contractor's capabilities. The absence of small business set-asides or explicit subcontracting goals means that the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific contract is likely minimal, unless CACI voluntarily engages small businesses as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), which is responsible for contract administration. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure necessitates close monitoring of costs and performance to ensure that the contractor is meeting objectives and that expenditures are reasonable and allocable. Transparency would be enhanced through regular reporting requirements from the contractor and potential audits by government agencies. The specific Inspector General jurisdiction would likely be that of the Department of Defense.

Related Government Programs

DoD Cloud Computing Strategy
Data Analytics Modernization Programs
Cybersecurity R&D Initiatives
Information Technology Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires careful monitoring to prevent cost overruns.
Scope definition for 'cloud public health infrastructure' could be ambiguous.
Performance metrics and success criteria not explicitly detailed in summary data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $22.5 million to CACI DATA TACTICS CORPORATION. REQUIREMENT FOR RESEARCH&DEVELOPMENT FOR EFFORT ENTITLED, "DATA AS A SERVICE FRAMEWORK AND CLOUD HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE." DATA TACTICS CORPORATION WILL: 1) IMPLEMENT DATA AS A SERVICE (DAAS) FRAMEWORK FOR ADVANCED ANALYTICS AND 2) ANALYZE THE CLOUD PUBLIC HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE WITH ANALYTICS TO DETECT AND DIAGNOSE ATTACKS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CACI DATA TACTICS CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $22.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-08-24. End: 2014-08-31.

What specific outcomes or deliverables were achieved by CACI Data Tactics Corporation under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract's objective was to 'Implement Data as a Service (DAAS) framework for advanced analytics' and 'Analyze the cloud public health infrastructure with analytics to detect and diagnose attacks.' However, specific deliverables, such as the developed DaaS framework architecture, documented analysis reports, or implemented detection mechanisms, are not detailed. Assessing the contract's success would require access to performance reports, final deliverables, and potentially post-contract reviews. Without this information, it's difficult to quantify the tangible achievements beyond the stated goals. The contract's completion in 2014 suggests that these outcomes should be documented within DoD records.

How does the $22.5 million cost compare to similar DoD contracts for data analytics and cloud security R&D?

Comparing the $22.5 million cost requires context regarding the scope, duration, and complexity of similar contracts. This contract, spanning two years (2012-2014), focused on implementing a DaaS framework and analyzing cloud infrastructure for cybersecurity. Large-scale IT R&D contracts within the DoD can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars. For instance, contracts for developing new cybersecurity tools or implementing enterprise-wide data platforms often exceed this amount. However, specific R&D efforts with a defined scope like this one might be benchmarked against other specialized analysis or framework development contracts. Without access to a database of comparable contract values and detailed scopes of work, a precise benchmark is difficult, but the value appears moderate for a specialized DoD IT R&D effort of this nature during that period.

What were the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, and how were they managed?

The primary risks associated with a CPFF contract include potential cost overruns and scope creep. For the government, the risk is that the contractor might incur higher-than-expected costs, although the fixed fee provides some predictability. For the contractor, the risk lies in accurately estimating costs to ensure the fixed fee is profitable. To manage these risks, the DoD would have likely implemented stringent oversight, requiring detailed cost reporting, regular progress reviews, and potentially audits. The contract's success would depend on effective project management by both CACI and the contracting officer to ensure the work stayed within the estimated cost boundaries and met the defined objectives. The relatively short duration might have also helped in containing risks.

What was the track record of CACI Data Tactics Corporation regarding similar R&D projects for the Department of Defense prior to this award?

CACI, as a large and established government contractor, has a long history of performing IT and data services for the Department of Defense. While specific details on CACI Data Tactics Corporation's prior R&D project track record for DoD are not provided in the data, the company's general experience suggests a capacity to handle complex projects. A thorough assessment would involve reviewing CACI's past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), any past issues or successes on similar contracts, and their overall reputation within the defense sector for delivering on R&D initiatives. Their ability to win this contract under full and open competition implies they met the necessary qualifications and demonstrated relevant experience.

How did the 'Data as a Service' (DaaS) framework implemented under this contract align with broader DoD data strategy initiatives at the time?

The implementation of a Data as a Service (DaaS) framework aligns with the growing trend towards modernizing data management and accessibility within large organizations, including the DoD. At the time (2012-2014), the DoD was increasingly focused on leveraging data for intelligence, decision-making, and operational efficiency. A DaaS approach would enable easier access to data for various applications and analytics, breaking down data silos. This likely supported broader DoD initiatives aimed at improving data sharing, enabling advanced analytics (like predictive maintenance or threat assessment), and potentially moving towards cloud-based data solutions. The contract's focus on 'advanced analytics' further suggests alignment with the DoD's push to exploit data for strategic advantage.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: CACI International Inc (UEI: 045534641)

Address: 7901 JONES BR DR STE 700, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $31,578,746

Exercised Options: $22,453,935

Current Obligation: $22,453,935

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline