NSF awards $2.8M for Cybersecurity and Privacy Services to Criterion Systems, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,828,000 ($2.8M)
Contractor: Criterion Systems, L.L.C.
Awarding Agency: National Science Foundation
Start Date: 2025-09-01
End Date: 2026-02-28
Contract Duration: 180 days
Daily Burn Rate: $15.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS
Sector: IT
Official Description: CYBERSECURITY AND PRIVACY SERVICE
Place of Performance
Location: ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22314
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Science Foundation obligated $2.8 million to CRITERION SYSTEMS, L.L.C. for work described as: CYBERSECURITY AND PRIVACY SERVICE Key points: 1. The contract value is $2.8 million over 180 days. 2. Criterion Systems, L.L.C. is the awardee. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 4. The NAICS code 541519 indicates 'Other Computer Related Services'.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract is a delivery order with a base value of $2.8 million. Without specific pricing details or historical data for similar services, a precise assessment is difficult. However, the duration and scope suggest a reasonable allocation of funds.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust process for discovering the best value and price. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process is expected to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for necessary cybersecurity and privacy services.
Public Impact
Ensures critical cybersecurity and privacy services for the National Science Foundation. Supports the operational integrity and data protection of a key federal agency. Leverages private sector expertise to enhance government IT security posture.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited contract duration (180 days) may necessitate future procurements.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics in the provided data.
- Potential for cost overruns if labor hours exceed estimates.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Addresses critical cybersecurity and privacy needs.
- Utilizes established IT service provider.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under 'Other Computer Related Services,' a broad category within the IT sector. Spending in this area is crucial for government agencies to maintain secure and functional digital infrastructure, with benchmarks varying widely based on service complexity and duration.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-aside for small businesses, and the awardee is not listed as a small business. Therefore, the direct impact on small business participation is likely minimal for this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The National Science Foundation is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard government procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms should apply to ensure performance and accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- National Science Foundation Contracting
- National Science Foundation Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited contract duration.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics.
- Potential for scope creep if not managed tightly.
- Reliance on labor hours can be less predictable than fixed-price.
Tags
other-computer-related-services, national-science-foundation, va, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Science Foundation awarded $2.8 million to CRITERION SYSTEMS, L.L.C.. CYBERSECURITY AND PRIVACY SERVICE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CRITERION SYSTEMS, L.L.C..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Science Foundation (National Science Foundation).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-01. End: 2026-02-28.
What is the projected hourly rate for the labor hours under this contract, and how does it compare to industry benchmarks?
The provided data does not include specific hourly rates or a breakdown of labor hours. To assess value, a comparison against industry benchmarks for cybersecurity and privacy services, considering the skill sets required and the geographic location (Virginia), would be necessary. Without this, a precise per-unit cost analysis is not feasible.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this cybersecurity and privacy service contract, and how will performance be measured?
The provided data lacks specific details on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or the performance measurement plan. Effective oversight would require clearly defined metrics related to threat detection, incident response times, vulnerability remediation, and privacy compliance. The National Science Foundation's contracting officers would typically establish and monitor these KPIs.
What is the potential for this contract to be extended or re-competed, and what is the estimated total lifecycle cost?
This contract has a fixed duration of 180 days, ending February 28, 2026. While the data does not indicate options for extension, the critical nature of cybersecurity suggests a high likelihood of follow-on contracts or re-competition. The total lifecycle cost would depend on future awards and their respective values.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 8180 GREENSBORO DR FL 9 STE 49, MCLEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,958,705
Exercised Options: $2,958,705
Current Obligation: $2,828,000
Actual Outlays: $1,723,047
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA23D0037
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-09-01
Current End Date: 2026-02-28
Potential End Date: 2026-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-23
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