Mitre Corporation awarded $31.2M for Border Patrol Program Management and Technical Support by DHS

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,205,623 ($31.2M)

Contractor: THE Mitre Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2020-06-29

End Date: 2023-03-28

Contract Duration: 1,002 days

Daily Burn Rate: $31.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: U. S. BORDER PATROL PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $31.2 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION for work described as: U. S. BORDER PATROL PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, non-profit research and development organization. 2. Focus on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences, excluding nano/biotech. 3. Contract duration of approximately 2.7 years. 4. Task order type is 'Delivery Order' under a larger contract. 5. No small business set-aside was applied. 6. The contract's value is significant within its specific R&D niche.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging due to its specific R&D focus and sole-source nature. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure means actual costs are reimbursed plus a negotiated fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Without competitive bids, it's difficult to ascertain if the pricing reflects optimal market value. However, The MITRE Corporation is a well-established entity in government R&D, suggesting a level of expertise that may justify the investment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection likely determined that The MITRE Corporation was the only entity capable of fulfilling the specific requirements of this program management and technical support contract. This lack of competition limits the potential for price discovery and may result in higher costs compared to a competitively bid contract.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not benefit from the cost savings typically achieved through competitive bidding processes. The absence of multiple offers means there was no direct pressure to offer the lowest possible price for the services rendered.

Public Impact

The U.S. Border Patrol benefits from enhanced program management and technical support, potentially leading to more efficient operations. Services delivered are focused on research and development within physical, engineering, and life sciences. The geographic impact is national, supporting border security initiatives across the United States. Workforce implications include specialized technical and managerial roles within The MITRE Corporation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pressure on pricing.
Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can incentivize higher spending if not rigorously overseen.
Lack of transparency in the sole-source justification process.

Positive Signals

Award to The MITRE Corporation, a known entity for government R&D support.
Contract addresses critical program management and technical needs for border security.
Defined period of performance with a clear end date.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The U.S. government frequently contracts with specialized R&D organizations like The MITRE Corporation to leverage their expertise in complex technical areas. Comparable spending in this niche often involves significant investment due to the specialized knowledge and facilities required. The market for such services is typically dominated by a few key players with proven track records in government contracting.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned in the provided data. The focus on specialized R&D and the sole-source nature of the award suggest that the primary contractor, The MITRE Corporation, is expected to perform the majority of the work. This limits direct opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. As a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, rigorous financial oversight is crucial to monitor expenditures and ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate. Transparency regarding the justification for the sole-source award and ongoing performance reporting would be key accountability measures. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply for any investigations into fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Homeland Security Program Management
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Technology Services
Federal Research and Development Contracts
Border Security Technology Initiatives

Risk Flags

Sole-source award may limit cost efficiency.
Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure requires diligent oversight to control costs.
R&D contracts can have uncertain outcomes and timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $31.2 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION. U. S. BORDER PATROL PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE MITRE CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $31.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-06-29. End: 2023-03-28.

What is The MITRE Corporation's track record with the Department of Homeland Security and similar agencies?

The MITRE Corporation has a long-standing history of working with U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its components like U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). They operate federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs) and are known for providing objective technical guidance and research across various domains, including national security, cybersecurity, and infrastructure protection. Their extensive experience suggests a deep understanding of government needs and a capacity to manage complex programs. Reviewing past performance evaluations and contract histories with DHS/CBP would provide further insight into their reliability and effectiveness in delivering program management and technical support services.

How does the value of this contract compare to similar program management and technical support contracts for border security?

Direct comparison of this $31.2 million contract for program management and technical support to similar contracts is challenging without more specific details on the scope of work and the nature of the R&D involved. However, given that it's a sole-source award to a specialized R&D organization like The MITRE Corporation, the value is likely influenced by the unique expertise required. Contracts for broad program management might be more competitively bid and potentially lower in per-unit cost. This contract's value should be assessed against the criticality of the R&D support for border patrol operations and the specific technical challenges addressed, rather than solely on dollar amount compared to general services.

What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for R&D services?

The primary risks associated with a sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract for R&D services include potential cost overruns and a lack of competitive pricing. Since the contract is sole-source, there's no competitive pressure to ensure the most economical price. The CPFF structure reimburses the contractor for allowable costs plus a fixed fee, which can incentivize higher spending if cost controls are not robust. For R&D, estimating costs accurately is inherently difficult, increasing the risk of exceeding initial projections. Additionally, the lack of competition can reduce transparency and make it harder to benchmark performance against market alternatives, potentially leading to less value for taxpayer money if not managed with stringent oversight.

How effective is The MITRE Corporation in delivering R&D outcomes for federal agencies?

The MITRE Corporation is generally regarded as highly effective in delivering R&D outcomes for federal agencies, largely due to its status as a non-profit, independent research and development center. Its mission is to serve the public interest by advancing science and technology. They are known for their objective analysis, systems engineering, and research capabilities. Their effectiveness is often demonstrated through the successful development and implementation of complex solutions for government challenges. However, the specific effectiveness of this particular contract would depend on the detailed performance metrics and deliverables outlined in the contract itself, and ongoing monitoring by the contracting agency.

What are the historical spending patterns for program management and technical support within U.S. Customs and Border Protection?

Historical spending patterns for program management and technical support within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are substantial, reflecting the agency's vast operational scope and technological needs. CBP consistently invests in areas such as surveillance technology, data management, and operational support systems. Spending often involves a mix of competitively awarded contracts for common services and sole-source or limited competition awards for specialized R&D or unique technical expertise, similar to this contract with The MITRE Corporation. Analyzing CBP's budget allocations and contract awards over several fiscal years would reveal trends in technology modernization, infrastructure projects, and the reliance on external expertise for program execution and technical advancement.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

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: $33,962,493

Exercised Options: $31,205,623

Current Obligation: $31,205,623

Actual Outlays: $5,943,519

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $315,699

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70RSAT20D00000001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline