DHS Awards $13.1M for ICE Information Assurance Technical Support to MITRE Corp
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,099,513 ($13.1M)
Contractor: THE Mitre Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2008-08-29
End Date: 2013-11-30
Contract Duration: 1,919 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: ICE INFORMATION ASSURANCE TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: MC LEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $13.1 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION for work described as: ICE INFORMATION ASSURANCE TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, well-known entity (MITRE Corporation). 2. Services fall under 'Other Management Consulting Services'. 3. Full and open competition was utilized. 4. Contract duration is substantial at 1919 days.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar CPFF contracts for technical support services is difficult without more granular data on labor categories and hours.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The use of full and open competition is a positive sign for price discovery. However, the award to a single entity suggests MITRE may have been the only viable bidder or offered the best value proposition.
Taxpayer Impact: The $13.1 million awarded represents taxpayer funds for critical information assurance support. The effectiveness of the competition in securing optimal pricing is a key consideration for taxpayer impact.
Public Impact
Ensures critical information assurance for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Supports national security by protecting sensitive data. Long-term contract indicates ongoing need for these specialized services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- CPFF contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Lack of small business participation.
- Limited insight into specific performance metrics.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- MITRE Corporation is a reputable research and development organization.
- Addresses a critical government function (information assurance).
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under management consulting services, a broad category. Benchmarking requires comparison to similar IT support and cybersecurity consulting contracts within the federal government, which can vary significantly in scope and pricing.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to small businesses, as indicated by 'sb': false. This suggests that the specialized nature of the services or the prime contractor's structure did not involve significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded via a delivery order, implying it was part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or similar vehicle. Oversight would focus on the management of the delivery order and the contractor's performance against the fixed fee.
Related Government Programs
- Other Management Consulting Services
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- No small business participation.
- Long contract duration without clear performance benchmarks.
- Potential for cost overruns.
Tags
other-management-consulting-services, department-of-homeland-security, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $13.1 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION. ICE INFORMATION ASSURANCE TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE MITRE CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $13.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-08-29. End: 2013-11-30.
What was the specific value proposition offered by MITRE Corporation that led to this award under full and open competition?
While the data indicates full and open competition, the specific value proposition is not detailed. Typically, such awards hinge on a combination of technical approach, past performance, management plan, and price. MITRE's established reputation in R&D and specific expertise in information assurance likely played a significant role in their selection over other potential bidders.
What are the potential risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for information assurance services?
CPFF contracts carry the risk of cost overruns if the contractor's actual costs exceed estimates, as the government pays the actual costs plus a fixed fee. For information assurance, this could mean unexpected technical challenges or scope creep leading to increased expenses, potentially reducing the overall value for the taxpayer if not rigorously managed and monitored.
How effectively does this contract ensure the long-term security and integrity of sensitive ICE data?
The contract's effectiveness hinges on the quality of MITRE's technical support and the government's oversight. A 1919-day duration suggests a sustained need, implying a level of satisfaction or necessity. However, without performance metrics or post-contract reviews, it's difficult to definitively assess the long-term security impact beyond the initial award.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Management Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 7515 COLSHIRE DR, MC LEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $24,801,433
Exercised Options: $24,584,283
Current Obligation: $13,099,513
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: TIRNO99D00005
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-08-29
Current End Date: 2013-11-30
Potential End Date: 2013-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-09-26
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