DOJ awards $29.8M to MITRE for Cyber Division Support, extending through March 2025

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,863,463 ($29.9M)

Contractor: THE Mitre Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2020-02-19

End Date: 2025-03-21

Contract Duration: 1,857 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FFRDC NSEC SUPPORT SERVICES-CYBER DIVISON SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $29.9 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION for work described as: FFRDC NSEC SUPPORT SERVICES-CYBER DIVISON SUPPORT Key points: 1. MITRE, a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), holds this contract. 2. The contract is for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' (NAICS 541990). 3. This is a delivery order under an existing contract, not a new award. 4. The contract value is $29,863,463.32, with an estimated total value of $16,082,000. 5. The contract is set to expire on March 21, 2025.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) type. Pricing for CPFF contracts can be complex to assess without detailed cost breakdowns. The estimated total value is lower than the awarded value, suggesting potential for cost underruns or scope adjustments.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. Sole-source awards can limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to competitive procurements. However, FFRDCs often have unique capabilities that justify non-competitive awards.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for this contract. The lack of competition may impact the overall value for money achieved.

Public Impact

Cybersecurity support for the FBI is critical for national security and law enforcement. The FBI relies on specialized expertise for complex cyber investigations and threat mitigation. Continued support from MITRE ensures continuity in critical cyber defense operations. The duration of the contract extends into 2025, indicating a long-term need for these services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
Sole-source award

Positive Signals

Award to FFRDC with specialized expertise
Support for critical cybersecurity functions
Long-term engagement

Sector Analysis

The 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' sector is broad, encompassing specialized consulting and research. Spending in this sector can vary widely depending on agency needs. FFRDCs like MITRE are often engaged for their unique, objective expertise in complex technical areas.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to The MITRE Corporation, a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC). There is no indication that small businesses were involved as subcontractors on this specific award. FFRDCs typically do not subcontract to small businesses in the same way traditional prime contractors do.

Oversight & Accountability

As a delivery order under an existing contract, oversight may be managed through the parent contract's framework. The FBI's contracting office is responsible for ensuring performance and adherence to terms. The lack of competition warrants scrutiny to ensure fair pricing and effective service delivery.

Related Government Programs

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Department of Justice Contracting
Federal Bureau of Investigation Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competitive bidding
Potential for higher costs due to sole-source award
CPFF contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly
Reliance on a single entity for critical cyber support

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $29.9 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION. FFRDC NSEC SUPPORT SERVICES-CYBER DIVISON SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE MITRE CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Bureau of Investigation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $29.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-02-19. End: 2025-03-21.

What specific cyber capabilities does MITRE provide to the FBI under this contract, and how do these align with current and emerging cyber threats?

MITRE's support likely encompasses a range of cybersecurity functions, potentially including threat intelligence analysis, vulnerability assessments, research and development of new security tools, and strategic guidance on cyber defense. Given the evolving threat landscape, their role may involve adapting existing solutions and developing novel approaches to counter sophisticated cyberattacks targeting federal agencies and critical infrastructure.

What is the justification for the sole-source award, and how does the FBI ensure it is receiving competitive pricing despite the lack of open competition?

Sole-source awards to FFRDCs are typically justified by their unique, objective, and independent research capabilities, often established through specific government charters. The FBI would likely rely on established FFRDC fee structures, historical pricing data, and internal cost analyses to ensure fair and reasonable pricing, rather than direct market competition.

How is the effectiveness of MITRE's cyber support measured, and what metrics are used to ensure value for taxpayer money?

Effectiveness is likely measured through performance work statements (PWS) with defined deliverables and key performance indicators (KPIs). These could include the successful identification and mitigation of cyber threats, the development of effective security strategies, timely delivery of research findings, and positive feedback from FBI stakeholders on the quality and impact of MITRE's contributions.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7515 COLSHIRE DR, MC LEAN, VA, 22102

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $38,687,726

Exercised Options: $38,687,726

Current Obligation: $29,863,463

Actual Outlays: $37,073,471

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15F06719D0000649

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline