DoD awards $2.2M for Cisco advanced services, with Iron Bow Technologies as prime

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,225,000 ($2.2M)

Contractor: Iron BOW Technologies, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-05-28

End Date: 2026-05-27

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: CISCO ADVANCED SERVICES SUPPORT

Place of Performance

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

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $2.2 million to IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES, LLC for work described as: CISCO ADVANCED SERVICES SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for advanced IT support services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks. 4. Short duration (one year) allows for periodic re-evaluation of needs. 5. Services are categorized under 'Other Computer Related Services', a broad IT category. 6. Geographic focus on Maryland indicates specific operational needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.2 million for one year of advanced IT support is within a typical range for specialized services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for Cisco advanced support from agencies like DISA or other DoD components would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure is favorable as it caps the government's liability. However, without specific performance metrics or detailed service breakdowns, a definitive value assessment is challenging.

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 offers. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which should lead to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The agency's decision to use full and open competition suggests confidence in the market's ability to meet the requirement.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is the most taxpayer-friendly approach, as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors and drives down prices through market forces.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense, specifically the Defense Information Systems Agency, will benefit from enhanced IT support. Services delivered will likely include technical support, maintenance, and potentially consulting for Cisco networking and security infrastructure. The geographic impact is concentrated in Maryland, suggesting support for DoD operations within that state. Workforce implications are minimal for the government, as the contractor provides the specialized personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to gauge service effectiveness.
Limited detail on the scope of 'advanced services' could lead to scope creep if not managed closely.
Reliance on a single vendor for advanced support might create future lock-in risks.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition suggests a robust market response.
Short contract duration allows for flexibility and reassessment of needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader IT services sector, specifically focusing on computer-related services. The market for advanced IT support, particularly for major vendors like Cisco, is substantial and highly competitive. Agencies often procure such services to maintain complex network infrastructures, ensure cybersecurity, and leverage new technologies. Spending benchmarks for similar IT support contracts within the DoD can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars annually, depending on the scope and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Iron Bow Technologies, LLC, and there is no indication of a small business set-aside. The prime contractor is not explicitly identified as a small business. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not detailed in the provided data, but larger prime contractors often utilize small businesses for specific components or services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) contracting officer and technical points of contact. Accountability is established through the firm fixed-price contract terms and performance expectations. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award notice. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

DoD IT Support Services
Cisco Systems Support
Defense Information Systems Agency Contracts
Computer Network Support
IT Professional Services

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in
Lack of detailed performance metrics
Ambiguity in 'advanced services' scope

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $2.2 million to IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. CISCO ADVANCED SERVICES SUPPORT

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 $2.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-05-28. End: 2026-05-27.

What is the specific nature of the 'advanced services' being procured?

The provided data categorizes this contract under NAICS code 541519, 'Other Computer Related Services,' and describes the product as 'CISCO ADVANCED SERVICES SUPPORT.' While this indicates specialized IT support related to Cisco products, the exact nature of 'advanced services' is not detailed. Typically, this could encompass technical support, network design and implementation, cybersecurity consulting, performance optimization, and lifecycle management for Cisco hardware and software. Without a more detailed statement of work, it's difficult to ascertain the precise services, which could range from routine maintenance to highly specialized engineering support.

How does the $2.2 million award compare to similar Cisco advanced support contracts?

Benchmarking this $2.2 million award requires comparing it to similar contracts for Cisco advanced support services, particularly those awarded by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) or other Department of Defense (DoD) components. Contracts for advanced support can vary significantly based on the duration, scope of services (e.g., 24/7 support vs. business hours), specific Cisco product lines covered (e.g., networking, security, collaboration), and the level of expertise required. A one-year contract of this value suggests a moderate scope, potentially covering a specific set of systems or a defined set of support tasks. Without access to a broader database of comparable contracts, it's challenging to definitively state if this represents excellent, good, or fair value.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential scope creep if the definition of 'advanced services' is not tightly managed, leading to costs exceeding the fixed price or requiring contract modifications. Another risk is vendor lock-in, where the reliance on Iron Bow Technologies for specialized Cisco support might make it difficult to transition to other vendors or solutions in the future. Performance risk also exists; while the contract is firm fixed-price, the quality and timeliness of the services delivered by the contractor are crucial for maintaining the DoD's IT infrastructure. Finally, the lack of specific performance metrics in the award data makes it harder to proactively monitor and ensure satisfactory service delivery.

What is the track record of Iron Bow Technologies, LLC with the federal government?

Iron Bow Technologies, LLC is a significant federal IT contractor. A review of federal procurement data would reveal their history of awards, past performance ratings, and any significant issues or successes on previous contracts. As a provider of advanced IT services, their track record likely includes experience with various government agencies, particularly within the defense sector. Their ability to secure this contract under full and open competition suggests they have a competitive standing and likely a history of meeting government requirements. Further investigation into their contract history, including any past performance evaluations or disputes, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability.

What is the historical spending pattern for Cisco advanced services support within the DoD?

Historical spending patterns for Cisco advanced services support within the DoD are likely substantial, given the agency's extensive reliance on Cisco networking and security equipment. The DoD procures a wide array of IT services, including maintenance, support, and professional services for its vast infrastructure. Annual spending on such services can fluctuate based on technology refresh cycles, new deployments, and evolving cybersecurity needs. While this specific $2.2 million award is for a one-year period, the DoD's overall annual expenditure on IT support, including Cisco-specific services, could easily reach hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars across all its components and contracts.

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: $2,225,000

Exercised Options: $2,225,000

Current Obligation: $2,225,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HC108422D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline