VA Awards $6.8M for Full Packet Capture Solution to Metgreen Solutions Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,820,473 ($6.8M)

Contractor: Metgreen Solutions Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2023-09-21

End Date: 2027-09-20

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: VA OIT REQUIRES A TRUSTED INTERNET CONNECTION FULL PACKET CAPTURE SOLUTION.

Place of Performance

Location: HYATTSVILLE, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20785

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $6.8 million to METGREEN SOLUTIONS INC for work described as: VA OIT REQUIRES A TRUSTED INTERNET CONNECTION FULL PACKET CAPTURE SOLUTION. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on a critical cybersecurity need for the VA's network. 2. Metgreen Solutions Inc. secured the award under full and open competition. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract spans nearly four years, indicating a long-term requirement. 4. The NAICS code 541519 suggests a broad range of computer-related services were considered.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $6.82 million for a full packet capture solution appears reasonable given the duration and scope. Benchmarking against similar cybersecurity solutions for federal agencies would provide further context on pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded using full and open competition after exclusion of sources, suggesting a competitive process. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential cybersecurity infrastructure.

Public Impact

Enhances VA's network security by providing full packet visibility. Supports the protection of sensitive veteran data. Ensures compliance with federal cybersecurity mandates. Potentially improves incident response times for network threats.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if solution is proprietary.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical network security.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Addresses a clear and stated cybersecurity requirement.
Long-term contract indicates sustained need and potential for stable service.

Sector Analysis

The IT sector, particularly cybersecurity, is a growing area of federal spending. This contract aligns with the increasing demand for advanced network monitoring and threat detection solutions across government agencies.

Small Business Impact

While this specific award went to Metgreen Solutions Inc., the 'full and open competition' framework allows for broad participation. Future procurements in this area could potentially offer opportunities for small businesses as subcontractors or through set-aside contracts.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's duration and the nature of cybersecurity services necessitate ongoing oversight to ensure performance, security, and adherence to terms. Regular performance reviews and audits are crucial.

Related Government Programs

Other Computer Related Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Data privacy implications of full packet capture.
Scalability and performance impact on the network.
Long-term maintenance and upgrade costs.
Dependency on vendor for critical security function.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $6.8 million to METGREEN SOLUTIONS INC. VA OIT REQUIRES A TRUSTED INTERNET CONNECTION FULL PACKET CAPTURE SOLUTION.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is METGREEN SOLUTIONS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-21. End: 2027-09-20.

What specific capabilities does the 'trusted internet connection full packet capture solution' offer beyond standard network monitoring?

The solution likely provides deep packet inspection, allowing for detailed analysis of network traffic content, not just metadata. This enables identification of sophisticated threats, malware, and policy violations that might evade simpler monitoring tools. It's crucial for forensic analysis and real-time threat hunting within the VA's network infrastructure.

What are the potential risks associated with implementing a full packet capture solution within a large federal agency like the VA?

Key risks include data privacy concerns due to the capture of sensitive information, significant storage and processing requirements for vast amounts of data, and the potential for performance degradation on the network if the solution is not optimized. Ensuring robust security for the captured data itself is also paramount to prevent breaches.

How will the effectiveness of this solution be measured to ensure it meets the VA's cybersecurity objectives?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) such as reduction in successful cyber intrusions, faster detection and response times to security incidents, successful identification of policy violations, and positive results from independent security audits. User feedback and system uptime are also important metrics.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - SECURITY AND COMPLIANCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 36C10B23Q0466

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3203 KOENIGSTEIN AVE, NORFOLK, NE, 68701

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,863,525

Exercised Options: $6,820,473

Current Obligation: $6,820,473

Actual Outlays: $5,166,432

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD37B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline