DoD awards $5.7M for Cisco software subscriptions to Iron Bow Technologies, highlighting IT infrastructure needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,700,000 ($5.7M)

Contractor: Iron BOW Technologies, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-07-25

End Date: 2026-07-24

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: CISCO SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTION PRODUCTS

Place of Performance

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

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $5.7 million to IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES, LLC for work described as: CISCO SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTION PRODUCTS Key points: 1. Value for money assessed through competitive bidding and firm fixed-price structure. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a robust market for IT software solutions. 3. Risk indicators include contract duration and reliance on a single vendor for specific software. 4. Performance context is tied to supporting critical Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) operations. 5. Sector positioning places this within the broader IT and cybersecurity services market for federal agencies.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $5.7 million award for Cisco software subscriptions appears reasonable given the firm fixed-price contract type and the competitive bidding process. Benchmarking against similar enterprise software agreements within the federal government suggests that pricing is likely in line with market rates, especially considering the volume and duration. The specific nature of Cisco software often commands premium pricing due to its integrated ecosystem and security features, making direct cost comparisons challenging without detailed feature breakdowns. However, the competitive award process provides a degree of assurance regarding value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a competitive environment. This approach is generally favored as it allows the government to solicit the best possible offers from a wide range of vendors, potentially leading to more favorable pricing and innovative solutions. The existence of multiple potential providers for Cisco software subscriptions implies a healthy market.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and improves service quality.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense (DoD) benefits through enhanced IT infrastructure and access to essential Cisco software. Services delivered include the provision of software licenses and potentially associated support for critical defense systems. Geographic impact is primarily within the operational areas supported by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), likely nationwide. Workforce implications may involve IT personnel managing and utilizing the Cisco software within DISA.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in with specialized Cisco software.
Reliance on a single contractor, Iron Bow Technologies, for delivery could pose supply chain risks.
Contract duration of two years may require future re-competition, introducing potential transition costs.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Contract supports critical IT infrastructure for a major federal agency (DISA).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) sector, specifically focusing on software subscriptions and related services. The federal IT market is substantial, with agencies consistently investing in software to maintain and upgrade their digital infrastructure. Cisco is a major player in enterprise networking and security software, making contracts for its products common across government. This award reflects the ongoing need for agencies like DISA to procure and maintain up-to-date software solutions to support their mission-critical operations.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses. The awardee, Iron Bow Technologies, LLC, is a mid-sized business that often partners with larger technology providers. While this specific award may not directly benefit small businesses through set-asides, the broader IT ecosystem often involves small businesses as subcontractors or partners in delivering complex solutions. Further analysis of Iron Bow's subcontracting plan would be needed to assess direct small business impact.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) contracting and program management offices. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, the initial award process and subsequent oversight are governed by established federal acquisition regulations. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price structure and performance expectations. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

DoD IT Modernization Programs
DISA Enterprise Software Agreements
Federal Civilian IT Procurement
Defense Agency Network Infrastructure

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in
Reliance on specific software vendor (Cisco)
Contract duration requires future re-competition

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $5.7 million to IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. CISCO SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTION PRODUCTS

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 (Defense Information Systems Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-07-25. End: 2026-07-24.

What is Iron Bow Technologies' track record with the Department of Defense and DISA for similar IT procurements?

Iron Bow Technologies, LLC has a significant history of contracting with the Department of Defense and its various agencies, including DISA. They are a prominent reseller and integrator of IT solutions, often securing contracts for hardware, software, and related services. Their past performance with DoD typically involves providing enterprise-level solutions, network infrastructure, cybersecurity tools, and software licenses from major vendors like Cisco. Analyzing their specific award history with DISA would reveal the scale and nature of previous engagements, providing insight into their reliability and capability in delivering complex IT requirements within the defense sector. This includes assessing their success in meeting delivery timelines, technical specifications, and budgetary constraints on prior contracts.

How does the $5.7 million value compare to other federal Cisco software subscription contracts?

The $5.7 million value for Cisco software subscriptions is a moderate-sized award within the federal IT landscape. Federal agencies frequently procure Cisco products, with contract values ranging from tens of thousands for smaller departmental needs to hundreds of millions for large enterprise-wide deployments or blanket purchase agreements. This specific award appears to be for a defined scope and duration, likely supporting a particular set of users or systems within DISA. To benchmark effectively, one would compare it against similar 'delivery orders' or 'task orders' for Cisco software of comparable quantity and term length issued to other agencies or contractors. Without knowing the exact software titles, quantities, and support levels included, a precise comparison is difficult, but it falls within the typical range for agency-specific IT software needs.

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

Primary risks include potential vendor lock-in due to the proprietary nature of Cisco software, which can make switching to alternative solutions difficult and costly. There's also a risk related to the specific contractor, Iron Bow Technologies, LLC; while they have a strong track record, any single contractor presents a point of failure in the supply chain. The contract duration of two years (729 days) also implies a need for future re-competition, which carries transition risks and potential cost increases. Mitigation strategies include the initial full and open competition to ensure fair pricing, the firm fixed-price contract type to control costs, and DISA's established processes for vendor performance management and oversight. Furthermore, DISA likely has internal IT strategies that consider software lifecycle management and potential future transitions.

How effective is the firm fixed-price contract type in ensuring value for money for this Cisco software subscription?

The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective in ensuring value for money when the scope of work is well-defined, as is typical for software subscriptions. For this $5.7 million award, the FFP structure means that the contractor, Iron Bow Technologies, LLC, assumes the risk of cost overruns. This incentivizes the contractor to manage their costs efficiently and offer a competitive price upfront. For the government (DISA), it provides budget certainty, as the total cost is fixed regardless of the contractor's actual expenses. This structure is particularly suitable for procuring standardized products like software licenses where the deliverables are clear and quantifiable, thereby minimizing the risk of scope creep and associated cost increases for the taxpayer.

What is the historical spending pattern for Cisco software subscriptions by the Department of Defense?

The Department of Defense (DoD) has a substantial and consistent history of spending on Cisco software subscriptions, reflecting its critical role in the agency's IT infrastructure. Annual spending across the DoD for Cisco products, including software, often runs into the hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars when considering all components like networking hardware, security solutions, and collaboration tools. This spending is distributed across various contract vehicles, including large enterprise agreements, individual delivery orders, and smaller purchases. The consistent investment underscores the DoD's reliance on Cisco's ecosystem for maintaining secure and functional communication and data networks across its vast operations. This particular $5.7 million award represents a segment of that larger, ongoing investment.

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 - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: HC108422R0007

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2121 COOPERATIVE WAY STE 500, HERNDON, VA, 20171

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,250,000

Exercised Options: $5,700,000

Current Obligation: $5,700,000

Actual Outlays: $2,850,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HC108422D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline