DoD awards $5.7M R&D contract for cyber mission support to Universal Technical Resource Services Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,745,459 ($5.7M)

Contractor: Universal Technical Resource Services Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-11-06

End Date: 2026-11-05

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: THIS TASK ORDER IS FOR DEFENSIVE CYBER SOLUTIONS BRANCH (DCSB) MISSION SUPPORT TEAM (MST) FOR THE CYBER SECURITY SERVICE PROVIDER (CSSP).

Place of Performance

Location: CHERRY HILL, CAMDEN County, NEW JERSEY, 08034

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $5.7 million to UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL RESOURCE SERVICES INC for work described as: THIS TASK ORDER IS FOR DEFENSIVE CYBER SOLUTIONS BRANCH (DCSB) MISSION SUPPORT TEAM (MST) FOR THE CYBER SECURITY SERVICE PROVIDER (CSSP). Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical cyber security services for the Army's Cyber Security Service Provider. 2. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed closely. 3. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract duration is one year, indicating a need for ongoing support. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541712 points to research and development in physical sciences and engineering. 6. The task order is for mission support, highlighting the operational importance of the services. 7. The contractor, Universal Technical Resource Services Inc., has secured this award. 8. The contract is a delivery order, implying a specific set of deliverables within the larger contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $5.7 million for a one-year period for specialized cyber security mission support appears to be within a reasonable range for R&D services. However, without specific benchmarks for similar mission support teams or detailed cost breakdowns, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type introduces inherent risk, as costs can escalate beyond initial estimates if not meticulously tracked and controlled by the government. Further analysis of the contractor's historical performance on similar CPFF contracts would be beneficial.

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. The presence of 6 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this requirement. A competitive process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government. The government's ability to select from multiple qualified offerors is a positive outcome of this procurement approach.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down prices through market forces and ensures the government receives the best value by considering a wide range of potential solutions and providers.

Public Impact

The Department of the Army's Cyber Security Service Provider (CSSP) will benefit from enhanced mission support. The contract will deliver critical cyber security services, bolstering national defense capabilities. The services are essential for maintaining the operational readiness of cyber defense teams. The contract supports specialized technical expertise within the cyber security domain. The geographic impact is primarily within the Department of Defense's operational footprint.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Limited insight into specific performance metrics and deliverables without further documentation.
The specific nature of 'mission support' requires careful definition to ensure alignment with objectives.
Reliance on a single delivery order may not fully capture the scope of ongoing cyber needs.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
Multiple bidders (6) suggest a competitive market for these specialized services.
Contract supports a critical function within the Department of Defense's cyber security operations.
The contractor has been selected to provide essential R&D services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541712, which covers R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for cyber security R&D is substantial and growing, driven by increasing threats and the need for advanced defensive capabilities. Comparable spending in this area often involves significant investment in innovation and specialized expertise. This contract represents a focused investment by the Department of Defense to enhance its cyber resilience through targeted research and development.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As such, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses mandated by a set-aside. However, the prime contractor, Universal Technical Resource Services Inc., may choose to subcontract portions of this work to small businesses as part of their overall business strategy. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether the prime contractor actively seeks out and engages small business partners for specialized cyber security R&D tasks.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program management office within the Department of the Army. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) nature of the contract necessitates rigorous financial oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable to the contract. Performance monitoring will be crucial to ensure the R&D objectives are met. Transparency regarding the specific deliverables and progress reports will be key accountability measures. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Cyber Security Services
Research and Development Contracts
Department of Defense IT Spending
Army Cyber Command Support
Mission Support Services
Information Technology R&D

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
Performance Monitoring Challenges
Scope Creep Potential

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $5.7 million to UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL RESOURCE SERVICES INC. THIS TASK ORDER IS FOR DEFENSIVE CYBER SOLUTIONS BRANCH (DCSB) MISSION SUPPORT TEAM (MST) FOR THE CYBER SECURITY SERVICE PROVIDER (CSSP).

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL RESOURCE SERVICES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-11-06. End: 2026-11-05.

What is the track record of Universal Technical Resource Services Inc. on similar Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense?

A review of Universal Technical Resource Services Inc.'s contract history would be necessary to assess their performance on similar CPFF contracts. CPFF contracts require robust government oversight to manage costs effectively, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. Past performance on such contracts can indicate the contractor's ability to manage project scope, control expenses, and deliver results within the negotiated fee. Analyzing their historical data for cost variances, timely delivery, and quality of work on previous CPFF awards would provide valuable insight into their reliability and efficiency for this current cyber mission support task order. Without specific historical data, it is difficult to definitively assess their suitability for this type of contract.

How does the awarded amount of $5.7 million for one year of cyber mission support compare to industry benchmarks for similar R&D services?

Benchmarking this $5.7 million contract against industry standards for one year of cyber mission support R&D requires detailed analysis of the specific services rendered. Factors such as the complexity of the cyber threats addressed, the level of innovation required, the seniority of the personnel involved, and the specific deliverables expected all influence cost. Generally, specialized R&D in cyber security commands premium pricing due to the high demand for skilled professionals and the critical nature of the work. To provide a precise comparison, one would need access to proprietary cost databases or government reports detailing average costs for similar mission support tasks, factoring in the specific NAICS code (541712) and contract type (CPFF). However, given the specialized nature of cyber security and R&D, this figure is plausible, though careful monitoring of cost growth under the CPFF structure is essential.

What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this cyber mission support task order?

The primary risk associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for this cyber mission support task order is the potential for cost overruns. While the 'fixed fee' provides the contractor with a predictable profit margin, the 'cost plus' element means the government reimburses the contractor for all allowable costs incurred. If the project scope expands, unforeseen technical challenges arise, or the contractor's cost management is inefficient, the total cost to the government can exceed initial estimates. This necessitates stringent government oversight to scrutinize all claimed costs, ensure they are reasonable, allocable, and necessary for contract performance. Without diligent monitoring, the government risks paying more than anticipated for the services rendered, potentially diminishing the overall value for money.

What is the expected effectiveness of the cyber security services provided under this contract in enhancing the Army's cyber defense posture?

The effectiveness of the cyber security services under this contract hinges on the specific objectives and deliverables outlined in the task order, which are not fully detailed in the provided data. As a research and development contract focused on mission support for the Cyber Security Service Provider (CSSP), its effectiveness will likely be measured by advancements in defensive cyber capabilities, improved threat detection methodologies, or enhanced operational resilience. The R&D nature suggests a focus on innovation and future-proofing defenses rather than immediate operational deployment of off-the-shelf solutions. Successful outcomes would translate to a stronger cyber defense posture for the Army by equipping it with novel tools, strategies, or insights to counter evolving cyber threats. Performance metrics and regular reviews will be crucial to gauge and ensure this effectiveness.

How has the Department of Defense's spending on cyber security R&D evolved over the past five years, and where does this contract fit within that trend?

The Department of Defense (DoD) has consistently increased its spending on cyber security R&D over the past five years, reflecting the escalating nature of cyber threats and the strategic importance of cyber dominance. This trend is driven by a need to develop cutting-edge technologies, enhance threat intelligence, and build resilient cyber infrastructure. This $5.7 million contract for cyber mission support R&D fits within this broader trend as a specific investment aimed at bolstering the Army's cyber capabilities. While this single contract is a modest portion of the overall DoD cyber R&D budget, it represents a targeted effort to address specific mission requirements and contribute to the department's overarching goal of maintaining cyber superiority. Tracking the aggregate spending across similar R&D contracts provides a clearer picture of the DoD's commitment to advancing cyber defenses.

What are the implications of awarding this contract to Universal Technical Resource Services Inc. given the limited information on their specific cyber security R&D expertise?

The implications of awarding this contract to Universal Technical Resource Services Inc. depend heavily on their demonstrated expertise in cyber security R&D, which is not detailed in the provided summary. While they have secured the contract through full and open competition, the government's due diligence process would typically involve evaluating past performance, technical qualifications, and relevant experience. If the contractor possesses deep expertise in the specific areas of cyber R&D required for the CSSP mission support, the implications are positive, suggesting a well-placed investment. Conversely, if their expertise is less specialized or their track record in cyber R&D is weak, it could pose a risk to the successful development and implementation of advanced cyber solutions, potentially impacting the Army's cyber defense posture and leading to suboptimal outcomes or cost inefficiencies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 950 KINGS HWY N STE 208, CHERRY HILL, NJ, 08034

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,745,459

Exercised Options: $5,745,459

Current Obligation: $5,745,459

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W15P7T17D0139

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline