PBGC Spends $333K on ZTA MFA Hardware for IT Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $333,259 ($333.3K)
Contractor: FCN, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
Start Date: 2024-02-14
End Date: 2027-02-13
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $304/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 12
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: ZTA MFA HARDWARE
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20024
Plain-Language Summary
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation obligated $333,259.4 to FCN, INC. for work described as: ZTA MFA HARDWARE Key points: 1. Contract awarded to FCN, INC. for ZTA MFA Hardware. 2. Competition method was Full and Open Competition. 3. Potential risk associated with hardware dependency and cybersecurity. 4. Spending falls within the IT services sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $333,259.40 for ZTA MFA hardware over three years appears reasonable given the specialized nature of Zero Trust Architecture and Multi-Factor Authentication hardware. Benchmarking against similar cybersecurity hardware procurements would provide a clearer picture of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under Full and Open Competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method allows multiple vendors to bid, potentially driving down costs and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing for the required hardware.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally beneficial for taxpayers as it promotes market competition and can lead to cost savings.
Public Impact
Enhances cybersecurity posture through Zero Trust Architecture and Multi-Factor Authentication. Supports the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation's IT infrastructure. Ensures secure access to sensitive government data.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential vendor lock-in with specific MFA hardware.
- Reliance on hardware for critical security functions.
- Need for ongoing maintenance and potential upgrade costs.
Positive Signals
- Utilizes a competitive procurement process.
- Addresses critical cybersecurity needs.
- Supports a government agency's operational security.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Other Computer Related Services (NAICS 541519), specifically focusing on cybersecurity hardware. Spending in this sub-sector can vary widely based on technological advancements and agency-specific security requirements.
Small Business Impact
The contract does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses, suggesting that the competition was open to all qualified vendors, including larger corporations. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses had an opportunity to participate.
Oversight & Accountability
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard government oversight mechanisms, including contract performance monitoring and financial audits, should be in place to ensure accountability and proper use of funds.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation Contracting
- Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation Programs
Risk Flags
- Cybersecurity dependency
- Potential for hardware obsolescence
- Vendor lock-in risk
- Need for ongoing support and maintenance costs
Tags
other-computer-related-services, pension-benefit-guaranty-corporation, dc, delivery-order, 100k-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation awarded $333,259.4 to FCN, INC.. ZTA MFA HARDWARE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FCN, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $333,259.4.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-02-14. End: 2027-02-13.
What is the specific type of ZTA MFA hardware being procured and its expected lifespan?
The specific type of ZTA MFA hardware is not detailed in the provided data. Understanding the exact hardware, its compatibility with existing systems, and its projected lifespan is crucial for assessing long-term value and potential replacement costs. This information would also inform the risk assessment regarding obsolescence and vendor support.
How does the cost of this MFA hardware compare to industry benchmarks for similar ZTA solutions?
Without specific hardware details and vendor pricing, a direct cost comparison is difficult. However, the total contract value of $333,259.40 over three years for MFA hardware suggests a moderate investment. Benchmarking against similar government or commercial procurements for ZTA-compliant MFA solutions would be necessary to determine if the pricing is competitive and represents good value for taxpayer money.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract to measure its effectiveness in enhancing cybersecurity?
Effective measurement would likely involve tracking metrics such as the reduction in unauthorized access attempts, the successful authentication rate, system uptime for the MFA solution, and the time to detect and respond to security incidents. The contract should ideally outline specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) KPIs to ensure the hardware effectively contributes to the agency's Zero Trust security goals.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - COMPUTE
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 16PBGC24Q0006
Offers Received: 12
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2600 TOWER OAKS BLVD STE 575, ROCKVILLE, MD, 20852
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $710,321
Exercised Options: $333,259
Current Obligation: $333,259
Actual Outlays: $333,259
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA19D00CB
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-02-14
Current End Date: 2027-02-13
Potential End Date: 2029-02-13 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-13
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