DHS ICE awards $46.7M contract for DevSecOps services to Alethix, LLC for HSI RAVEN program

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $46,705,748 ($46.7M)

Contractor: Alethix, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2021-09-29

End Date: 2025-06-29

Contract Duration: 1,369 days

Daily Burn Rate: $34.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: DHS ICE REQUIRES DEVSECOPS SERVICES FOR THE HOMELAND SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS (HSI) REPOSITORY FOR ANALYTICS IN VIRTUALIZED ENVIRONMENT (RAVEN) PROGRAM.

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22202

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $46.7 million to ALETHIX, LLC for work described as: DHS ICE REQUIRES DEVSECOPS SERVICES FOR THE HOMELAND SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS (HSI) REPOSITORY FOR ANALYTICS IN VIRTUALIZED ENVIRONMENT (RAVEN) PROGRAM. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical DevSecOps support for a key data analytics program. 2. Alethix, LLC, a relatively new entity, secured this significant award. 3. The contract duration extends over three years, indicating a long-term need. 4. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting broad market engagement. 5. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 6. This award represents a substantial investment in data analytics capabilities for HSI.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $46.7 million over approximately 3.5 years for specialized DevSecOps services appears reasonable given the critical nature of the HSI RAVEN program. Benchmarking against similar complex software development and cybersecurity support contracts for large federal agencies suggests this pricing is within expected ranges. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty, though the ultimate value will depend on the successful delivery of services and meeting performance metrics.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of four bidders suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this specialized service. This competitive process is designed to ensure the government receives the best value by allowing various qualified companies to present their solutions and pricing, driving down costs and improving service quality.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the most cost-effective solution for essential DevSecOps services, preventing potential overspending associated with less competitive procurements.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and specifically the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division, which will receive enhanced DevSecOps capabilities. The services delivered will support the RAVEN program, crucial for data analytics within HSI. The contract is based in Virginia, potentially creating or sustaining jobs in the region. This contract supports the development and maintenance of critical national security infrastructure related to data analysis and cybersecurity.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contractor's relatively recent establishment may present a learning curve in managing large-scale federal contracts.
The specific technical expertise required for DevSecOps in a virtualized environment needs continuous validation.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical program support could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust vetting process.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability.
Long-term contract duration suggests a strategic alignment with agency needs.
Focus on DevSecOps aligns with modern cybersecurity best practices.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, particularly custom computer programming and IT management consulting, is a significant area of federal spending. This contract falls within the realm of specialized software development, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure support. The market for DevSecOps services is growing rapidly as agencies prioritize secure and efficient software development lifecycles. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar federal IT support contracts often range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the awardee, Alethix, LLC, is not listed as a small business in this context. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears minimal for this specific award, though the prime contractor's own subcontracting practices would need further investigation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by contracting officers and program managers within DHS ICE. Performance will be monitored against contract deliverables and service level agreements. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases like FPDS.gov. While specific Inspector General (IG) jurisdiction isn't detailed here, the DHS OIG generally has oversight over DHS contracts to ensure efficiency and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.

Related Government Programs

DHS Cybersecurity Support Contracts
Federal Data Analytics Platforms
DevSecOps Services for National Security
HSI IT Modernization Programs
Custom Computer Programming Services

Risk Flags

Contractor Performance Risk
Technical Complexity Risk
Cybersecurity Threat Landscape
Vendor Lock-in Potential

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $46.7 million to ALETHIX, LLC. DHS ICE REQUIRES DEVSECOPS SERVICES FOR THE HOMELAND SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS (HSI) REPOSITORY FOR ANALYTICS IN VIRTUALIZED ENVIRONMENT (RAVEN) PROGRAM.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALETHIX, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $46.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-29. End: 2025-06-29.

What is the track record of Alethix, LLC in performing similar federal contracts, particularly those involving DevSecOps and large-scale data analytics programs?

Information regarding Alethix, LLC's specific track record on large-scale federal contracts, especially those involving DevSecOps for critical data analytics programs like HSI's RAVEN, is limited in publicly accessible databases. As a relatively newer entity, its history of performance may not be as extensive as more established contractors. Further due diligence would be required to assess past performance, client satisfaction, and experience with similar technical requirements and security protocols. Reviewing past performance evaluations, if available, and understanding the company's key personnel and their prior experience would be crucial for a comprehensive assessment.

How does the awarded amount of $46.7 million compare to other federal contracts for DevSecOps services supporting data analytics programs?

The $46.7 million award for DevSecOps services over approximately 3.5 years for the HSI RAVEN program appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized federal IT support. Contracts for similar services, especially those involving complex data analytics, cybersecurity integration, and large agency programs, can range significantly. For instance, contracts for enterprise-wide IT modernization, cloud migration, or advanced analytics support often fall into the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars. The firm-fixed-price nature of this contract also suggests an effort to cap costs, making it a potentially good value if performance targets are met. Benchmarking against contracts with similar scope, duration, and technical complexity would provide a more precise comparison.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, considering the contractor's profile and the nature of the services required?

Key risks include potential performance issues if Alethix, LLC, as a potentially newer contractor, lacks sufficient experience with the scale and complexity of the HSI RAVEN program. There's also a risk related to the specialized nature of DevSecOps in a virtualized environment, requiring highly skilled personnel who may be difficult to retain. Over-reliance on a single vendor for critical infrastructure support presents a risk if the contractor fails to meet obligations. Furthermore, the evolving threat landscape in cybersecurity necessitates continuous adaptation, and any lag in implementing new security measures could pose a significant risk to the HSI data.

How effective is the firm-fixed-price contract type in ensuring value for money for this specific DevSecOps requirement?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally effective in ensuring value for money by shifting the risk of cost overruns to the contractor. For a well-defined scope like DevSecOps services for a specific program, FFP provides cost certainty for the government. This means the total cost is known upfront, allowing for better budget management. However, the effectiveness hinges on the clarity and completeness of the contract's Statement of Work (SOW). If the SOW is ambiguous or if unforeseen technical challenges arise that were not adequately accounted for, the contractor might struggle to deliver within the fixed price, potentially impacting quality or leading to change orders. For this contract, the success of FFP in delivering value will depend on the precise definition of DevSecOps tasks and performance metrics.

What are the historical spending patterns for DevSecOps or similar IT services within DHS ICE, and how does this award fit into that trend?

Historical spending data for DHS ICE reveals a consistent and significant investment in IT services, including software development, cybersecurity, and data management. The agency has increasingly focused on modernizing its systems and enhancing data analytics capabilities to support its law enforcement and national security missions. Awards for DevSecOps, cloud services, and advanced analytics support have become more prevalent as ICE adopts agile methodologies and emphasizes security throughout the development lifecycle. This $46.7 million award for the HSI RAVEN program aligns with this trend, representing a strategic investment in bolstering critical data analysis infrastructure through modern, secure development practices. It reflects a broader government-wide push towards digital transformation and enhanced cybersecurity postures.

What are the implications of awarding this contract under 'full and open competition' for the overall cost and quality of services received?

Awarding this contract under 'full and open competition' is a positive indicator for both cost and quality. It signifies that the solicitation was made available to all responsible sources, allowing a wide range of qualified vendors to submit proposals. This broad competition typically drives down prices as companies vie for the contract, leading to better value for taxpayers. Furthermore, it increases the likelihood that the government will select a contractor offering the best combination of technical capabilities, experience, and price. The presence of four bidders suggests sufficient market interest, reinforcing the expectation of a competitive outcome that favors cost-effectiveness and high-quality service delivery.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - DELIVERY

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 70CTD021Q00000139

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1430 SPRING HILL RD STE 200, MC LEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $67,679,859

Exercised Options: $49,419,192

Current Obligation: $46,705,748

Actual Outlays: $37,269,206

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $558,204

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F443CA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline