Noaa Cybersecurity Contract Awarded to Mantech Advanced Systems International, Inc. for Over $26.8M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,802,348 ($26.8M)

Contractor: Mantech Advanced Systems International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2025-05-01

End Date: 2027-04-08

Contract Duration: 707 days

Daily Burn Rate: $37.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: NOAA CYBER SECURITY CENTER

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRMONT, TAYLOR County, WEST VIRGINIA, 26554

State: West Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $26.8 million to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: NOAA CYBER SECURITY CENTER Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the scope of cybersecurity services for a federal agency. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these services. 3. Potential risks include contractor performance and the evolving nature of cyber threats. 4. This contract supports NOAA's critical mission to protect its data and systems. 5. The IT services sector is highly competitive, with many firms capable of providing these solutions. 6. The contract duration of approximately two years allows for adaptation to new cyber threats.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $26.8 million over two years for cybersecurity services is within a reasonable range for a federal agency of NOAA's size and scope. Benchmarking against similar IT services contracts for cybersecurity support, this award appears competitive. The pricing structure, likely based on labor categories and materials, will be a key factor in determining true value for money. Without specific details on the labor rates and material markups, a definitive value assessment is challenging, but the overall award amount does not immediately suggest overpricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 9 bidders suggests a robust competitive environment for NOAA's cybersecurity needs. This level of competition is generally favorable for the government, as it tends to drive down prices and encourage innovation among offerors. The agency likely received a range of technical approaches and pricing structures, allowing for selection of the best overall value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition through potentially lower prices and higher quality services due to the pressure on contractors to be competitive.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are NOAA and its mission-critical operations, ensuring the security of its vast datasets and operational systems. Services delivered include custom computer programming and cybersecurity support, vital for protecting against evolving cyber threats. The contract's geographic impact is national, supporting NOAA's operations across various locations, with specific mention of West Virginia. Workforce implications include potential opportunities for cybersecurity professionals within MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. and its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Evolving cyber threat landscape requires continuous adaptation and vigilance.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical cybersecurity functions can pose a risk if performance falters.
Ensuring adequate technical expertise within NOAA to oversee contractor performance is crucial.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive market and potentially strong value.
The contract duration allows for sustained cybersecurity support and adaptation.
NOAA's commitment to cybersecurity is demonstrated through this significant investment.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, particularly cybersecurity, is a rapidly growing and critical area for both government and commercial entities. Federal spending in this sector has increased significantly as agencies grapple with sophisticated cyber threats. This contract for custom computer programming and cybersecurity support fits within the broader IT services market, which includes areas like software development, network security, and data protection. Comparable spending benchmarks for federal cybersecurity contracts can vary widely based on scope, duration, and specific services, but NOAA's award appears aligned with typical investments for comprehensive support.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no explicit indication of small business subcontracting goals in the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any small business subcontracting plans are in place or if the nature of the services lends itself to small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily fall under the Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Standard federal procurement regulations and contract management practices will apply. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. The Inspector General for the Department of Commerce may have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

NOAA IT Modernization
Federal Cybersecurity Initiatives
Department of Commerce IT Services
Custom Computer Programming Services
Cybersecurity Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing structure.
Risk of contractor performance not meeting evolving cybersecurity needs.
Dependence on contractor expertise requires strong government oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $26.8 million to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.. NOAA CYBER SECURITY CENTER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $26.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-05-01. End: 2027-04-08.

What is the track record of MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. with federal cybersecurity contracts?

MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. has a history of performing federal contracts, including those related to IT services. While specific details on their cybersecurity contract performance require deeper investigation into past performance reviews and contract histories, their ability to win a full and open competition for a significant NOAA cybersecurity contract suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience. A thorough review would involve examining past performance evaluations, any reported contract disputes or terminations, and the types of cybersecurity services they have previously delivered to federal agencies. Understanding their specific expertise in areas relevant to NOAA's needs, such as data protection, network security, and threat intelligence, would be crucial.

How does the $26.8 million contract value compare to similar NOAA cybersecurity spending?

Comparing the $26.8 million contract value to NOAA's historical cybersecurity spending requires access to detailed historical budget and contract data for the agency. However, as a general benchmark, this award represents a significant investment in cybersecurity over its approximately two-year duration. Federal agencies typically allocate substantial resources to cybersecurity due to the increasing threat landscape. Without specific historical data points for NOAA's cybersecurity procurements, it's difficult to definitively state if this is higher or lower than average. However, the full and open competition suggests the agency sought competitive pricing, implying an effort to achieve value for this expenditure.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific cybersecurity contract?

The primary risks associated with this cybersecurity contract include the inherent challenges of the evolving cyber threat landscape, where new vulnerabilities and attack methods emerge constantly. Contractor performance is another key risk; any lapse in service quality or responsiveness from MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. could leave NOAA systems vulnerable. There's also a risk related to the specific technologies and methodologies employed by the contractor – ensuring they are up-to-date and effective is critical. Furthermore, reliance on a single entity for critical cybersecurity functions necessitates robust oversight and contingency planning. Finally, the potential for scope creep or unforeseen technical challenges could impact the contract's cost and timeline.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' strategy in ensuring value for taxpayer money in IT services?

The 'full and open competition' strategy is generally considered one of the most effective methods for ensuring value for taxpayer money in IT services. By allowing all responsible sources to submit bids, it fosters a competitive environment where contractors are incentivized to offer their best technical solutions at the most competitive prices. This broad competition increases the likelihood that the government will receive a high-quality service at a fair market price. It also promotes innovation as companies strive to differentiate themselves. However, the effectiveness is contingent on the clarity of the solicitation, the evaluation criteria, and the agency's ability to properly assess the proposals received. Without proper management and oversight, even a well-competed contract can fail to deliver optimal value.

What are the potential implications of the 'Time and Materials' contract type for cost control?

The 'Time and Materials' (T&M) contract type can present challenges for cost control compared to fixed-price contracts. In a T&M arrangement, the government pays the contractor for the actual labor hours expended and the cost of materials used, plus a fee or profit. While T&M can be flexible for projects with undefined scopes or evolving requirements, it places a greater burden on the government to closely monitor labor hours and material costs to prevent overruns. Without stringent oversight, there is a risk that costs could escalate beyond initial estimates. For cybersecurity services, where the exact effort can be unpredictable, T&M might be necessary, but it necessitates robust government project management and detailed reporting from the contractor to ensure fair pricing and prevent waste.

How does the contract's duration (707 days) impact the cybersecurity strategy?

A contract duration of approximately 707 days (around 23 months) provides a substantial period for sustained cybersecurity support, allowing for the implementation and refinement of security measures. This duration is generally sufficient to establish ongoing monitoring, incident response capabilities, and regular security assessments. It also allows the contractor to gain a deep understanding of NOAA's specific IT environment and threat profile. However, the cybersecurity landscape evolves rapidly. While 23 months is a reasonable term, it necessitates that the contract includes mechanisms for adapting to new threats and technologies, potentially through change orders or contract modifications, to ensure continued effectiveness beyond the initial implementation phase.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 1305M424R0006

Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Mantech International Corporation

Address: 2251 CORPORATE PARK DR, HERNDON, VA, 20171

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $198,591,071

Exercised Options: $34,874,005

Current Obligation: $26,802,348

Actual Outlays: $12,886,500

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 20

Total Subaward Amount: $43,116,863

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA21D0031

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline