DoD's $29.7M Cisco SmartNet Contract with Iron Bow: A 5-Year Deal Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $29,679,684 ($29.7M)
Contractor: Iron BOW Technologies, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2012-04-16
End Date: 2017-03-21
Contract Duration: 1,800 days
Daily Burn Rate: $16.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: CISCO SMARTNET - BASE YR
Place of Performance
Location: CHANTILLY, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20151
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $29.7 million to IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES, LLC for work described as: CISCO SMARTNET - BASE YR Key points: 1. Spending on Cisco SmartNet support reached $29.7 million over five years. 2. Iron Bow Technologies, LLC was the awardee under a full and open competition. 3. The contract was awarded by the Department of Defense, specifically U.S. Special Operations Command. 4. The service category is 'Other Computer Related Services' (NAICS 541519). 5. The contract type was Firm Fixed Price, indicating predictable costs.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $29.7 million over five years averages to approximately $5.9 million annually. This appears reasonable for comprehensive network support services for a major federal agency like SOCOM, especially considering the complexity of Cisco hardware and software.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust process for soliciting bids and ensuring fair market pricing. This method typically leads to better price discovery and value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition likely resulted in competitive pricing, maximizing the value of taxpayer dollars spent on essential IT support services.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operational readiness for U.S. Special Operations Command's critical IT infrastructure. Supports advanced networking capabilities essential for national security missions. Provides access to Cisco's technical expertise and hardware/software support. The five-year duration offers stability in IT support services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Potential for vendor lock-in with specialized support contracts.
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical network support.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type.
- Awarded to a known IT solutions provider.
- Supports a critical national security agency.
Sector Analysis
The IT services sector, particularly network support and maintenance, is a significant area of federal spending. Benchmarks for similar contracts vary widely based on scope, vendor, and specific technologies supported, but this contract's value appears within a reasonable range for comprehensive Cisco support.
Small Business Impact
While the awardee is Iron Bow Technologies, LLC, the provided data does not specify the extent of small business participation or subcontracting within this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of Defense, U.S. Special Operations Command, indicating oversight by a major federal agency. The 'full and open competition' method suggests a structured procurement process designed for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- U.S. Special Operations Command Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost escalation in future contract renewals.
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical network infrastructure.
- Limited insight into specific performance metrics and outcomes.
- Cybersecurity risks associated with third-party support providers.
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $29.7 million to IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. CISCO SMARTNET - BASE YR
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (U.S. Special Operations Command).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $29.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-04-16. End: 2017-03-21.
What specific services are included under 'Cisco SmartNet' for U.S. Special Operations Command, and how do they align with mission requirements?
Cisco SmartNet typically provides technical support, hardware replacement, software updates, and access to Cisco's knowledge base. For SOCOM, these services are crucial for maintaining the integrity, security, and operational availability of their complex network infrastructure, which underpins intelligence, communication, and operational command functions.
What was the competitive landscape like for this 'full and open competition', and were there significant price differences between bids?
The 'full and open competition' implies multiple vendors were invited to bid. While specific bid data isn't provided, this method generally fosters price competition. The government likely received proposals from various IT service providers capable of supporting Cisco infrastructure, leading to a price that reflects market conditions.
How does the annual cost of this contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar enterprise-level Cisco support agreements?
The annual cost of approximately $5.9 million falls within the expected range for large enterprise support contracts, especially for an organization with the critical needs of U.S. Special Operations Command. Benchmarks vary, but this figure is not inherently excessive given the scope and the specialized nature of Cisco support.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT (INCLD FIRMWARE) SOFTWARE,SUPPLIES& SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4800 WESTFIELDS BLVD, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $29,679,684
Exercised Options: $29,679,684
Current Obligation: $29,679,684
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNG07DA39B
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-04-16
Current End Date: 2017-03-21
Potential End Date: 2017-03-21 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2016-09-22
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