NNSA Awards $53.5M for Cybersecurity Support, Highlighting Need for Specialized IT Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $53,554,645 ($53.6M)
Contractor: Criterion Systems, L.L.C.
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2023-02-01
End Date: 2024-01-31
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $147.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (DOE/NNSA) CYBER SECURITY SUPPORT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20585
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $53.6 million to CRITERION SYSTEMS, L.L.C. for work described as: NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (DOE/NNSA) CYBER SECURITY SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical cybersecurity infrastructure for nuclear security. 2. Competition method indicates a potentially competitive market for these services. 3. Risk of vendor lock-in or performance issues exists, requiring diligent oversight. 4. IT sector spending is substantial, with cybersecurity being a key focus area.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $53.5M for a one-year contract appears reasonable given the specialized nature of cybersecurity support for a national security agency. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT support contracts would provide further context.
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 typically leads to more competitive pricing by allowing all eligible vendors to bid.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is positive for taxpayers, as it likely resulted in a fair market price for essential cybersecurity services.
Public Impact
Ensures the security of sensitive national nuclear security data and infrastructure. Supports the operational readiness and effectiveness of the NNSA. Contributes to the broader cybersecurity landscape by demanding high-level expertise.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in cybersecurity requirements.
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical security functions.
- Ensuring continuous availability of highly skilled cybersecurity personnel.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Clear contract duration and defined services.
- Focus on a critical national security need.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically focusing on computer facilities management and cybersecurity. Spending in this area is consistently high across government agencies due to increasing cyber threats and the digitization of operations.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. While large contracts often go to prime contractors, opportunities for small businesses may exist as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to ensure the contractor meets all cybersecurity requirements and performance standards. Regular performance reviews and audits by the Department of Energy are essential for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Facilities Management Services
- Department of Energy Contracting
- Department of Energy Programs
Risk Flags
- Critical infrastructure support.
- High dollar value award.
- Cybersecurity focus.
- National security implications.
Tags
computer-facilities-management-services, department-of-energy, dc, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $53.6 million to CRITERION SYSTEMS, L.L.C.. NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (DOE/NNSA) CYBER SECURITY SUPPORT SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CRITERION SYSTEMS, L.L.C..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $53.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-02-01. End: 2024-01-31.
What specific cybersecurity capabilities are included in this $53.5M contract, and how do they align with NNSA's evolving threat landscape?
The contract specifies 'Computer Facilities Management Services' (NAICS 541513), which broadly covers IT infrastructure support. For NNSA, this likely includes network security, system monitoring, vulnerability management, incident response, and data protection. Alignment with the evolving threat landscape requires continuous assessment and potential contract modifications to address new vulnerabilities and sophisticated cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure.
Given the critical nature of NNSA's mission, what are the primary risks associated with this cybersecurity support contract, and how are they being mitigated?
Key risks include potential performance failures leading to security breaches, vendor lock-in, and the challenge of retaining specialized cybersecurity talent. Mitigation strategies likely involve stringent performance metrics, clear contract terms, robust oversight from the Department of Energy, and contingency planning for vendor transition or performance issues. Regular security audits and compliance checks are also vital.
How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness and security posture of the National Nuclear Security Administration?
This contract is fundamental to maintaining the operational integrity and security of NNSA's complex IT infrastructure, which underpins its nuclear weapons stockpile stewardship and nonproliferation missions. By ensuring robust cybersecurity, it protects sensitive data, prevents disruptions, and safeguards against cyber espionage or sabotage, thereby directly enhancing the agency's overall effectiveness and national security contribution.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Facilities Management Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - IT MANAGEMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 8330 BOONE BLVD STE 400, VIENNA, VA, 22182
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: $53,554,645
Exercised Options: $53,554,645
Current Obligation: $53,554,645
Actual Outlays: $53,120,849
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 86
Total Subaward Amount: $21,100,005
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS35F0032V
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-02-01
Current End Date: 2024-01-31
Potential End Date: 2024-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-09-28
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