DOJ's $36M MITRE contract for technical, operational, and analytical support awarded via full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $36,141,140 ($36.1M)

Contractor: THE Mitre Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2014-02-11

End Date: 2019-09-15

Contract Duration: 2,042 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TECHNICAL RESOURCES, OPERATIONAL AND ANALYTICAL SUPPORT. IGF::OT::IGF

Place of Performance

Location: HYATTSVILLE, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20781

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $36.1 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION for work described as: TECHNICAL RESOURCES, OPERATIONAL AND ANALYTICAL SUPPORT. IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, highly specialized entity, suggesting a need for unique expertise. 2. Long duration of over 5 years indicates a sustained requirement for these services. 3. Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type may incentivize cost control but requires careful oversight. 4. The contract's focus on technical, operational, and analytical support aligns with complex agency needs. 5. Awarded to a non-profit federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), implying a public interest mission. 6. Significant value suggests a critical role in supporting the FBI's mission.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $36 million over five years for specialized technical and analytical support appears reasonable given the nature of the services and the contractor's unique position as an FFRDC. Benchmarking against similar FFRDC contracts for complex analytical and technical support would be necessary for a definitive value assessment. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure necessitates robust oversight to ensure costs remain aligned with the fixed fee and the overall value delivered.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple capable vendors had the opportunity to bid. This approach generally fosters competitive pricing and encourages innovation. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the full and open nature suggests a robust competitive process was initiated.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is beneficial for taxpayers as it promotes a competitive environment, which typically leads to better pricing and a wider range of solutions, ultimately maximizing the value of federal dollars.

Public Impact

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) benefits from enhanced technical, operational, and analytical capabilities. Services delivered likely support critical law enforcement and national security functions. The contract's impact is primarily national, given the FBI's broad jurisdiction. Workforce implications may include specialized technical and analytical roles within the contractor organization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts require diligent oversight to prevent cost overruns and ensure value for money.
Reliance on a single FFRDC for critical support may raise concerns about long-term dependency and alternative sourcing.
The broad scope of 'technical, operational, and analytical support' could lead to scope creep if not managed effectively.

Positive Signals

Award to a reputable FFRDC like MITRE suggests a commitment to high-quality, objective technical assistance.
Full and open competition indicates a structured procurement process designed to achieve best value.
The long-term nature of the contract suggests a stable and ongoing need for these critical services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Scientific and Technical Consulting Services sector (NAICS 541690). This sector encompasses a wide range of advisory and assistance services. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, as a major federal agency, frequently procures such services to augment its internal capabilities in areas requiring specialized technical, operational, and analytical expertise. Spending in this sector is substantial across government, supporting diverse missions from R&D to operational support.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans is not explicitly detailed for this contract. As the award was made to The MITRE Corporation, a non-profit FFRDC, the typical small business subcontracting requirements might differ or be less emphasized compared to for-profit prime contractors. Further investigation into MITRE's subcontracting practices would be needed to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the contracting officers and program managers within the Federal Bureau of Investigation. As a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, rigorous financial oversight is crucial to monitor expenditures against the fixed fee and ensure alignment with the contract's objectives. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting mechanisms, though specific details of operational oversight are not publicly detailed. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to any potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

FBI Technical Support Services
Department of Justice IT Consulting
Federal Research and Development Support
Operational Analysis Contracts
Analytical Services for Law Enforcement

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
Over-reliance on a single FFRDC for critical support.
Scope creep in broad 'technical, operational, and analytical support' definition.
Ensuring continued innovation and competitive alternatives over contract duration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $36.1 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION. TECHNICAL RESOURCES, OPERATIONAL AND ANALYTICAL SUPPORT. IGF::OT::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE MITRE CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Bureau of Investigation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $36.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-02-11. End: 2019-09-15.

What is The MITRE Corporation's track record with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other federal agencies for similar technical and analytical support services?

The MITRE Corporation has a long-standing history of supporting federal agencies, including the FBI, through its FFRDC designation. MITRE operates multiple FFRDCs sponsored by various government departments, providing objective research, development, and systems engineering. Their work often involves complex technical challenges, policy analysis, and operational improvements. For the FBI, MITRE has historically provided support in areas such as cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, and mission systems modernization. Their track record is generally characterized by high-level technical expertise and a focus on public interest outcomes, often tackling problems that require deep technical understanding and unbiased analysis. This specific contract, valued at approximately $36 million over five years, represents a significant engagement for specialized support, aligning with MITRE's core capabilities in providing advanced technical, operational, and analytical resources to government entities.

How does the $36 million contract value compare to similar technical and analytical support contracts awarded by the FBI or other agencies of similar size and scope?

Comparing the $36 million contract value requires context regarding the specific services rendered and the duration. Contracts for specialized technical, operational, and analytical support can vary widely. For a five-year period, this equates to an average annual value of $7.2 million. This figure is moderate for a large federal agency like the FBI, especially considering the complexity and criticality of the support provided by an FFRDC. For instance, larger IT modernization or cybersecurity contracts can run into hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars. However, contracts focused on specific analytical or operational consulting, particularly when awarded to FFRDCs known for deep expertise rather than broad system implementation, might fall within this range. Benchmarking against other FFRDC support contracts for agencies like the Department of Defense or intelligence community would provide a more direct comparison, but generally, this value suggests a substantial, yet not exceptionally large, engagement for specialized advisory services.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for technical and analytical services, and how are they mitigated in this case?

The primary risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs compared to fixed-price contracts, as costs are reimbursed. The 'fixed fee' provides a profit margin, but if costs escalate significantly, the government might still end up paying more than anticipated for the value received. For technical and analytical services, scope creep is another risk, where requirements may expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to increased costs and potential delays. Mitigation strategies for this contract would include robust oversight by the FBI's contracting officers and program managers. This involves detailed review of incurred costs, regular progress reporting, and strict change management processes to control scope. The selection of The MITRE Corporation, an FFRDC with a mission-oriented focus, may also inherently mitigate some risks, as their primary objective is to serve the public interest rather than maximize profit, potentially leading to more responsible cost management.

Given that The MITRE Corporation is a non-profit FFRDC, how does this influence the nature of the services provided and the expected outcomes compared to a for-profit contractor?

As a non-profit Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), The MITRE Corporation operates under a mandate to provide objective, independent technical advice and analysis in the public interest. This differs significantly from for-profit contractors whose primary objective is profit generation. For the FBI, this means MITRE is expected to deliver unbiased assessments, innovative solutions, and strategic guidance without the influence of commercial interests. The outcomes are geared towards enhancing the FBI's mission effectiveness, national security, and operational efficiency. While for-profit entities might compete on price and specific service delivery, MITRE's value proposition lies in its deep technical expertise, systems-level thinking, and its role as a trusted advisor. This FFRDC status often allows MITRE to tackle complex, long-term challenges that may not have immediate commercial applications but are critical for government operations.

What does the 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' classification (NAICS 541690) encompass, and how does this contract fit within that broader category?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541690, 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services,' is a broad category that includes establishments primarily engaged in providing advice and assistance of a scientific or technical nature to businesses and other organizations. This can range from management consulting services focused on scientific or technical processes to specialized scientific research and development consulting. This specific contract with the FBI for 'TECHNICAL RESOURCES, OPERATIONAL AND ANALYTICAL SUPPORT' fits squarely within this category. It implies that the FBI is seeking expert guidance and support that requires specialized scientific or technical knowledge to improve its operations, analyze complex data, or develop technical strategies. It is distinct from more narrowly defined categories like engineering services or computer systems design, encompassing a wider array of advisory functions grounded in scientific and technical principles.

What are the implications of awarding a contract for 'technical, operational, and analytical support' to an FFRDC like MITRE for the FBI's long-term strategic capabilities?

Awarding technical, operational, and analytical support to an FFRDC like MITRE can significantly bolster the FBI's long-term strategic capabilities. FFRDCs bring a unique perspective, offering objective, in-depth analysis and research that can inform strategic planning, technology adoption, and policy development. For the FBI, this can translate into more effective modernization efforts, improved intelligence analysis techniques, enhanced cybersecurity postures, and better-resourced operational strategies. The FFRDC's independence ensures that recommendations are based on technical merit and mission needs, rather than commercial interests. This long-term partnership can foster institutional knowledge within MITRE regarding the FBI's complex challenges, leading to more tailored and effective solutions over time. It allows the FBI to access cutting-edge expertise and explore innovative approaches to evolving threats and operational demands, thereby strengthening its foundational capabilities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

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: $56,117,465

Exercised Options: $37,341,965

Current Obligation: $36,141,140

Actual Outlays: $666,740

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DJFJFBI12128

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline