DoD awards $26M for endpoint security, with Carahsoft Technology Corp. as the primary contractor

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,062,450 ($26.1M)

Contractor: Carahsoft Technology Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-12-16

End Date: 2024-12-15

Contract Duration: 365 days

Daily Burn Rate: $71.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: TRELLIX DOD ESS ENDPOINT SECURITY SUITE

Place of Performance

Location: FORT GEORGE G MEADE, ANNE ARUNDEL County, MARYLAND, 20755

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $26.1 million to CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CORP for work described as: TRELLIX DOD ESS ENDPOINT SECURITY SUITE Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the scope of enterprise-wide endpoint security. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these services. 3. The contract duration of one year with potential for extensions warrants monitoring for sustained value. 4. Performance context is critical for ensuring the effectiveness of the endpoint security suite. 5. This contract positions the DoD within the broader cybersecurity solutions sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $26,062,450 for a one-year period for an enterprise-wide endpoint security suite appears to be within a reasonable range for federal cybersecurity procurements. Benchmarking against similar large-scale cybersecurity contracts would provide a more precise assessment of value. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract helps to control costs, but the ultimate value will depend on the effective deployment and utilization of the TRELLIX DOD ESS ENDPOINT SECURITY SUITE.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This approach typically fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and innovative solutions. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation suggests a robust bidding process.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces and ensuring the government receives the best possible value for its investment in critical cybersecurity infrastructure.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense benefits through enhanced cybersecurity posture and protection of its networks and data. The TRELLIX DOD ESS ENDPOINT SECURITY SUITE will be delivered, providing advanced threat detection and prevention capabilities. The primary geographic impact is within the Department of Defense's operational areas, likely global. Workforce implications may include training for IT personnel on the new security suite and potential reliance on contractor support for implementation and maintenance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if not managed carefully.
Ensuring effective integration with existing DoD IT infrastructure is crucial.
The one-year duration requires diligent performance monitoring to ensure continued value.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Focus on endpoint security addresses a critical area of cyber defense.

Sector Analysis

The cybersecurity market is a rapidly growing sector driven by increasing digital threats and the need for robust defense mechanisms. Federal agencies, particularly the Department of Defense, are significant consumers of cybersecurity solutions. This contract for an endpoint security suite fits within the broader IT services and software sub-sector, where spending is substantial. Comparable spending benchmarks for enterprise-level cybersecurity solutions across federal agencies can range from millions to hundreds of millions of dollars annually, depending on the scope and scale.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'sb': false. The prime contractor, CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CORP, is a reseller that often partners with manufacturers to fulfill government contracts. While this specific award doesn't directly benefit small businesses through a set-aside, Carahsoft's business model often involves working with various technology partners, some of which may be small businesses, for subcontracting or distribution, though this is not explicitly detailed in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) and relevant contracting officers within the Department of Defense. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified services and products. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

DoD Cybersecurity Modernization Program
Enterprise IT Services Contracts
Network Security Solutions
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Systems

Risk Flags

Contract duration of one year requires close monitoring for renewal justification.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical endpoint security.
Potential for integration complexities within a large, diverse IT environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $26.1 million to CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CORP. TRELLIX DOD ESS ENDPOINT SECURITY SUITE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CORP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Information Systems Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $26.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-12-16. End: 2024-12-15.

What is the track record of Carahsoft Technology Corp. in fulfilling large federal cybersecurity contracts?

Carahsoft Technology Corp. is a prominent government IT reseller and has a substantial track record of facilitating federal contracts across various agencies. They often act as a prime contractor, partnering with numerous technology manufacturers to deliver solutions. Their experience includes fulfilling large-scale contracts for software, hardware, and IT services, including cybersecurity. While they are primarily a reseller, their extensive network and understanding of government procurement processes allow them to manage complex awards. Specific performance metrics for this particular TRELLIX DOD ESS ENDPOINT SECURITY SUITE contract would be detailed in performance reports and CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System) if available, which are not provided in this data snippet.

How does the cost of this endpoint security suite compare to similar enterprise-level solutions purchased by other federal agencies?

Direct cost comparison is challenging without knowing the exact features, user count, and support levels included in the TRELLIX DOD ESS ENDPOINT SECURITY SUITE. However, the total award of $26,062,450 for a one-year period suggests a significant investment, typical for enterprise-wide deployments within a large organization like the DoD. Federal agencies often negotiate volume discounts. For instance, other agencies might procure similar solutions ranging from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars depending on scale. The firm fixed-price nature helps in cost predictability, but the true value is in the effectiveness of the security provided relative to the investment. Benchmarking against publicly available contract data for similar cybersecurity suites from other vendors or agencies would be necessary for a detailed comparison.

What are the primary risks associated with the implementation and ongoing use of this endpoint security suite?

Key risks include potential integration challenges with the DoD's existing complex IT infrastructure, which could lead to performance issues or security gaps. There's also a risk of inadequate user adoption or training, diminishing the suite's effectiveness. Vendor lock-in is a concern, as switching security providers can be costly and disruptive. Furthermore, the evolving threat landscape means the suite must be continuously updated and maintained to remain effective against new cyber threats. Performance degradation or unexpected downtime could also pose significant risks to operational continuity. Finally, ensuring compliance with all relevant DoD security policies and standards throughout the contract lifecycle is critical.

What is the historical spending pattern for endpoint security solutions within the Department of Defense?

The Department of Defense has consistently allocated significant resources to cybersecurity, including endpoint security, reflecting the critical nature of protecting its vast and sensitive information systems. Historical spending patterns show a continuous increase in cybersecurity investments over the years, driven by the escalating sophistication of cyber threats. The DoD procures a wide array of security solutions, including antivirus, intrusion detection, firewalls, and endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems, often through multiple contracts and vendors. While specific historical figures for endpoint security alone are not provided, the overall cybersecurity budget for the DoD runs into billions of dollars annually, indicating a sustained and substantial commitment to this area.

How effective is the TRELLIX DOD ESS ENDPOINT SECURITY SUITE in protecting against advanced persistent threats (APTs)?

The effectiveness of the TRELLIX DOD ESS ENDPOINT SECURITY SUITE against Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) is a critical performance metric. TRELLIX, as a cybersecurity vendor, typically designs its enterprise solutions with features aimed at detecting and mitigating sophisticated threats, including APTs. These features often include behavioral analysis, machine learning-based threat detection, and advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities. However, the actual effectiveness in a real-world DoD environment depends heavily on proper configuration, integration with other security layers, timely updates, and the skill of the security personnel managing the system. Independent testing by organizations like MITRE ATT&CK evaluations or NSS Labs (when active) can provide insights into the suite's capabilities, but its performance within the DoD's specific threat landscape and operational context is the ultimate measure.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing › Electronic Computer Manufacturing

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

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: 11493 SUNSET HILLS RD, RESTON, VA, 20190

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $26,062,450

Exercised Options: $26,062,450

Current Obligation: $26,062,450

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SC03B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline