Cybersecurity support contract awarded to Iron Vine Security LLC for $14.6M over five years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,625,470 ($14.6M)

Contractor: Iron Vine Security LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Education

Start Date: 2021-09-23

End Date: 2026-09-22

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS REQUIREMENT IS TO PROVIDE CYBERSECURITY AND PRIVACY SUPPORT SERVICES (CPSS) SPECIALIZED TOOLS OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE (O&M) SUPPORT SERVICES TO FSA'S CYBERSECURITY INFRASTRUCTURE.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20005

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Education obligated $14.6 million to IRON VINE SECURITY LLC for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS REQUIREMENT IS TO PROVIDE CYBERSECURITY AND PRIVACY SUPPORT SERVICES (CPSS) SPECIALIZED TOOLS OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE (O&M) SUPPORT SERVICES TO FSA'S CYBERSECURITY INFRASTRUCTURE. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on specialized tools operations and maintenance for the FSA's cybersecurity infrastructure. 2. Value for money is assessed by comparing pricing to similar cybersecurity support services. 3. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open competition, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 4. Risk indicators include the firm fixed-price contract type, which shifts performance risk to the contractor. 5. Performance context is within the Department of Education's cybersecurity and privacy support services. 6. Sector positioning is within IT services, specifically cybersecurity infrastructure O&M.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $14.6 million over five years for cybersecurity and privacy support services appears reasonable given the scope of operations and maintenance for specialized tools. Benchmarking against similar contracts for IT infrastructure support and cybersecurity services within federal agencies suggests this pricing is within an expected range. The firm fixed-price structure also implies that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which can be favorable for the government if performance is met.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The presence of 4 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this requirement. A competitive environment generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more innovative solutions as contractors vie for the award.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are likely being used efficiently, as multiple companies competed to offer the best value, driving down costs and improving service quality.

Public Impact

The Department of Education's cybersecurity infrastructure and privacy services are directly supported. Federal agencies benefit from enhanced cybersecurity posture and protection of sensitive data. The contract supports IT operations and maintenance, ensuring the continuous functioning of critical systems. Workforce implications may include specialized cybersecurity and IT support roles within the contractor's organization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if specialized tools become proprietary and difficult to replace.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical cybersecurity infrastructure O&M could pose a risk if performance degrades.
Ensuring continuous alignment with evolving cybersecurity threats and best practices requires ongoing vigilance.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process and potential for competitive pricing.
Firm fixed-price contract shifts cost risk to the contractor, potentially saving taxpayer money.
The contract duration of five years provides stability for essential cybersecurity support services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader IT services sector, specifically focusing on cybersecurity and IT infrastructure operations and maintenance. The market for cybersecurity services is substantial and growing, driven by increasing digital threats and regulatory requirements. Comparable spending benchmarks for federal cybersecurity support services often range from millions to tens of millions of dollars annually, depending on the scope and complexity of the systems supported. This contract's value aligns with specialized O&M support for critical infrastructure.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor, Iron Vine Security LLC, is not explicitly identified as a small business in this context. Therefore, there are no direct small business set-aside implications. However, the prime contractor may engage small businesses for subcontracting opportunities, which would need to be monitored to ensure compliance with any applicable subcontracting goals.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of Education's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award notices and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Cybersecurity Support Services
IT Operations and Maintenance Contracts
Department of Education IT Services
Cybersecurity Infrastructure Support
Specialized IT Tools O&M

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues
Cybersecurity breach risk
Vendor lock-in with specialized tools

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Education awarded $14.6 million to IRON VINE SECURITY LLC. THE PURPOSE OF THIS REQUIREMENT IS TO PROVIDE CYBERSECURITY AND PRIVACY SUPPORT SERVICES (CPSS) SPECIALIZED TOOLS OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE (O&M) SUPPORT SERVICES TO FSA'S CYBERSECURITY INFRASTRUCTURE.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is IRON VINE SECURITY LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Education (Department of Education).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-23. End: 2026-09-22.

What is the track record of Iron Vine Security LLC in performing similar cybersecurity support services for federal agencies?

Assessing the track record of Iron Vine Security LLC requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving cybersecurity and IT infrastructure operations and maintenance. Information on past performance can often be found in federal procurement databases, agency performance evaluations, and contractor capability statements. Key indicators to examine include successful completion of similar projects, client satisfaction ratings, any history of contract disputes or terminations, and the scale and complexity of services previously provided. A strong track record in delivering cybersecurity solutions and maintaining critical IT systems would indicate a lower risk for this current contract.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar cybersecurity support services awarded by other federal agencies?

To benchmark the pricing, one would compare the total contract value ($14.6 million) and the duration (5 years) against contracts for similar cybersecurity and IT O&M services. This involves identifying comparable contracts awarded by agencies like DHS, DOD, or other civilian departments. Factors to consider include the specific services rendered (e.g., tool O&M, privacy support), the number of users or systems supported, and the level of security required. If this contract's per-year cost or cost-per-service metric is significantly lower or higher than comparable contracts, it may indicate either exceptional value or potential overpricing. The firm fixed-price nature also means the contractor assumes cost risk, which should be factored into value assessments.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Primary risks include potential performance deficiencies by the contractor, cybersecurity breaches despite the support services, and the risk of vendor lock-in with specialized tools. Mitigation strategies involve the firm fixed-price contract structure, which incentivizes contractor performance and cost control. The Department of Education's oversight mechanisms, including performance monitoring and acceptance criteria, are crucial. Furthermore, robust cybersecurity protocols and contingency planning by the agency are essential to address potential breaches. Periodic reviews of the specialized tools and market alternatives can help mitigate vendor lock-in.

How effective is the current cybersecurity infrastructure and the support services provided under this contract in protecting the Department of Education's data?

Assessing effectiveness requires analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) related to cybersecurity incidents, system uptime, response times to threats, and successful vulnerability remediation. Data on the number and severity of security incidents before and after the contract's implementation, as well as audit reports from the Inspector General or third-party assessors, would provide insights. The contract's specific deliverables and service level agreements (SLAs) must be evaluated against actual outcomes. Continuous monitoring and regular performance reviews are necessary to ensure the services are meeting the evolving cybersecurity needs of the Department.

What has been the historical spending trend for cybersecurity and privacy support services within the Department of Education?

Analyzing historical spending requires examining the Department of Education's budget allocations and contract awards for cybersecurity and related IT support services over the past several fiscal years. This trend analysis would reveal whether spending in this area has been increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable. Comparing past spending levels to the current contract value provides context on the significance of this award within the department's overall IT and security budget. Understanding these patterns can help identify shifts in priorities or the impact of evolving threat landscapes on resource allocation.

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 - SECURITY AND COMPLIANCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1029 VERMONT AVE NW, STE 700, WASHINGTON, DC, 20005

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,806,192

Exercised Options: $15,806,192

Current Obligation: $14,625,470

Actual Outlays: $13,342,369

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 91003121A0012

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline