VA awards $24.3M for T4NG Security Controls Assessments to SIERRA7, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $24,306,941 ($24.3M)
Contractor: Sierra7, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
Start Date: 2017-09-18
End Date: 2022-11-17
Contract Duration: 1,886 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF TRANSFORMATION TWENTY-ONE TOTAL TECHNOLOGY NEXT GENERATION (T4NG) SECURITY CONTROLS ASSESSMENTS
Place of Performance
Location: MARTINSBURG, BERKELEY County, WEST VIRGINIA, 25403
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $24.3 million to SIERRA7, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF TRANSFORMATION TWENTY-ONE TOTAL TECHNOLOGY NEXT GENERATION (T4NG) SECURITY CONTROLS ASSESSMENTS Key points: 1. The contract focuses on critical security control assessments within the VA's IT infrastructure. 2. SIERRA7, Inc. is the awardee for this specific delivery order. 3. The contract value is substantial, indicating a significant need for these services. 4. Competition details are available, suggesting a structured procurement process.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $24.3M for security control assessments appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar IT security service contracts would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for a broad range of qualified vendors to bid. This method is expected to yield fair market value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential security services.
Public Impact
Ensures the security posture of the Department of Veterans Affairs' IT systems. Supports the VA's mission to provide healthcare and benefits to veterans by protecting sensitive data. Contributes to national cybersecurity efforts by assessing critical infrastructure security.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in security assessments.
- Reliance on a single vendor for this specific delivery order.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Clear definition of services (security controls assessments).
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically focusing on cybersecurity. Spending in this area is critical for government agencies to protect sensitive data and maintain operational integrity.
Small Business Impact
While the contract was awarded through full and open competition, there is no specific indication of small business participation in this particular delivery order. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were utilized.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Oversight would typically involve regular performance reviews, milestone tracking, and financial audits to ensure compliance and effective service delivery.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Systems Design Services
- Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
- Department of Veterans Affairs Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract duration is significant (1886 days).
- Awarded as a Delivery Order under a larger IDIQ.
- No specific small business set-aside mentioned.
- Potential for follow-on work not detailed.
Tags
computer-systems-design-services, department-of-veterans-affairs, wv, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $24.3 million to SIERRA7, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF TRANSFORMATION TWENTY-ONE TOTAL TECHNOLOGY NEXT GENERATION (T4NG) SECURITY CONTROLS ASSESSMENTS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SIERRA7, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $24.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-09-18. End: 2022-11-17.
What is the specific scope of 'security controls assessments' covered under this contract?
The 'security controls assessments' likely encompass a comprehensive evaluation of the VA's IT systems against established security frameworks (e.g., NIST). This would include testing the effectiveness of implemented controls, identifying vulnerabilities, and providing recommendations for remediation to ensure data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract for the VA?
Key risks include potential delays in assessment completion impacting security timelines, the possibility of findings requiring significant and costly remediation efforts, and the risk of vendor lock-in if follow-on work is heavily reliant on SIERRA7's initial assessments. Ensuring clear deliverables and performance metrics is crucial to mitigate these risks.
How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of the VA's cybersecurity posture?
This contract is vital for the VA's cybersecurity effectiveness by providing independent validation of security controls. Regular assessments help identify and address weaknesses before they can be exploited, thereby protecting veteran data and ensuring the continuity of critical VA services. It supports compliance with federal cybersecurity mandates.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Sierra 7 Inc
Address: 11951 FREEDOM DR STE 1300, RESTON, VA, 20190
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $24,306,941
Exercised Options: $24,306,941
Current Obligation: $24,306,941
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: VA11816D1014
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-09-18
Current End Date: 2022-11-17
Potential End Date: 2022-11-17 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-01-27
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