DOE Awards $2.5M for ESnet Firewall Upgrade to Thundercat Technology
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,493,306 ($2.5M)
Contractor: Thundercat Technology, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2024-09-24
End Date: 2026-11-30
Contract Duration: 797 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: IRA FUNDING ESNET UPGRADE PROJECT - PALO ALTO FIREWALL UPGRADE
Place of Performance
Location: MORGANTOWN, MONONGALIA County, WEST VIRGINIA, 26505
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $2.5 million to THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: IRA FUNDING ESNET UPGRADE PROJECT - PALO ALTO FIREWALL UPGRADE Key points: 1. The Department of Energy is investing $2.5 million in upgrading the ESnet firewall. 2. Thundercat Technology, LLC secured the contract through full and open competition. 3. The project aims to enhance network security for the Energy Sciences Network. 4. This upgrade is part of broader efforts to modernize critical research infrastructure.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $2.5 million appears reasonable for a firewall upgrade of this scope. Benchmarking against similar network security projects within federal agencies would provide further validation.
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, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures fair market value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best value for the upgrade of critical national research network infrastructure.
Public Impact
Enhanced cybersecurity for the Energy Sciences Network (ESnet), supporting scientific research. Modernized network infrastructure crucial for data transfer and collaboration among researchers. Potential for improved network performance and reliability for DOE-funded projects.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in if future upgrades are not competitively procured.
- Dependency on a single vendor for critical network security components.
Positive Signals
- Investment in critical research infrastructure.
- Competitive award process.
- Focus on cybersecurity enhancement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically focusing on network security. Federal spending on IT infrastructure, including cybersecurity, has been substantial, driven by increasing cyber threats and the need to protect sensitive data.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Thundercat Technology, LLC. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation in the subcontracting plan, if any.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Energy is responsible for overseeing this contract. Regular performance reviews and adherence to delivery schedules will be key to ensuring accountability and successful project completion.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of Energy Contracting
- Department of Energy Programs
Risk Flags
- Cybersecurity risk
- Technology obsolescence
- Vendor performance risk
- Scope creep potential
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-energy, wv, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $2.5 million to THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC. IRA FUNDING ESNET UPGRADE PROJECT - PALO ALTO FIREWALL UPGRADE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-09-24. End: 2026-11-30.
What is the specific scope of the firewall upgrade and how does it align with current cybersecurity best practices?
The provided data does not detail the specific technical scope of the firewall upgrade. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing the contract's statement of work to understand the exact hardware, software, and configuration changes. This would allow for an evaluation of its alignment with current cybersecurity best practices and the specific threats facing the ESnet.
What are the potential long-term maintenance and support costs associated with this firewall upgrade?
The initial contract value covers the upgrade itself, but long-term costs for maintenance, support, and future upgrades are not detailed. Agencies typically budget for these separately through service agreements. Understanding these ongoing costs is crucial for a complete lifecycle cost analysis and to ensure sustained network security.
How will the effectiveness of the new firewall be measured and validated post-implementation?
Effectiveness measurement is critical. This typically involves performance testing, penetration testing, and monitoring of security incidents post-implementation. The Department of Energy should have established metrics and protocols to validate that the upgrade meets its security objectives and performs as expected.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - NETWORK
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: NASASEWPRFQ321778
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Thundercat Technology LLC
Address: 11190 SUNRISE VALLEY DR STE 200, RESTON, VA, 20191
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $3,254,056
Exercised Options: $2,493,306
Current Obligation: $2,493,306
Actual Outlays: $2,493,306
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD26B
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-09-24
Current End Date: 2026-11-30
Potential End Date: 2027-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-20
More Contracts from Thundercat Technology, LLC
- Intersystems Software Updates and Technical Assistance — $222.0M (Department of Veterans Affairs)
- Internet Operations Management — $139.2M (Department of Defense)
- Itau/Swm/Renew Software Maintenance for Ca/Broadcom Software — $71.6M (Department of Justice)
- Palo Alto Networks Enterprise License Agreement (ELA) for the National Nuclear Security Administration (nnsa) — $58.3M (Department of Energy)
- Nasa Sewp Award of Talent Management System 2.0 Sustainment Services — $51.3M (Department of Veterans Affairs)
Other Department of Energy Contracts
- Federal Contract — $48.1B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- ,Ct::igf Contract Award De-Na0003525 to the National Technology&engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC (ntess) for the Management and Operation of the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration's Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) — $41.7B (National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC)
- Management and Operation of the OAK Ridge National Laboratory — $40.8B (Ut-Battelle LLC)
- TAS::89 0240::TAS This Performance-Based Management Contract (pbmc) IS for the Management and Operation of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (llnl). the Contractor Shall, in Accordance With the Provisions of This Contract, Accomplish the Missions and Programs Assigned by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Manage and Operate the Laboratory. the Laboratory IS ONE of Does Office of Defense Program Multi-Program Laboratories. the Laboratory IS a Federally Funded Research and Development Institution (established in Accordance With the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 35 and Operated Under This Management and Operating (M&O) Contract, AS Defined in FAR 17.6 and Dear 917.6 — $40.8B (Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC)
- M&O of Lanl BR of U of CA — $35.3B (Regents of the University of California, the)