DoD's $8.8M Cyber Range Facility Support Contract Awarded to The MIL Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,776,085 ($8.8M)

Contractor: THE MIL Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-04-30

End Date: 2026-04-29

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: SITE SERVICES SUPPORT EVENT PLANNING, OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT OF THE NATIONAL CYBER RANGE COMPLEX FACILITY IN PATUXENT RIVER, MARYLAND

Place of Performance

Location: PATUXENT RIVER, SAINT MARYS County, MARYLAND, 20670

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $8.8 million to THE MIL CORPORATION for work described as: SITE SERVICES SUPPORT EVENT PLANNING, OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT OF THE NATIONAL CYBER RANGE COMPLEX FACILITY IN PATUXENT RIVER, MARYLAND Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 3. The duration of 729 days indicates a significant, long-term need for these services. 4. The award amount is substantial for site services and event planning at a specialized facility. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541519 covers 'Other Computer Related Services,' indicating a technical focus. 6. The contract is a delivery order, suggesting it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific contract is challenging without more data on the scope of 'site services support' and 'event planning' for a National Cyber Range Complex. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type introduces inherent risk for cost control, as the government pays actual costs plus a fixed fee. While CPFF can be appropriate for research and development or when costs are uncertain, it requires robust oversight to ensure value. Comparing this to similar support contracts at other government facilities would provide better context on pricing and efficiency.

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 presence of 3 bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this specialized service. While competition is generally positive for price discovery, the specific nature of supporting a National Cyber Range Complex might limit the number of qualified bidders.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging lower prices and better service quality through a competitive bidding process.

Public Impact

The Department of the Army benefits from the operational readiness and support of the National Cyber Range Complex. Services include facility operations, event planning, and general site support, crucial for the complex's function. The geographic impact is concentrated in Patuxent River, Maryland, supporting a key federal facility. The contract likely supports a workforce involved in facility management, cybersecurity operations, and event coordination.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs to maximize profit if not properly managed.
The specific scope of 'site services support' and 'event planning' is broad and may lead to scope creep if not clearly defined.
Reliance on a single delivery order under a potentially larger IDIQ could indicate a lack of ongoing competition for specific taskings.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a fair and accessible bidding process.
The contract supports a critical national asset, the National Cyber Range Complex, ensuring its operational capability.
The fixed fee component of the CPFF contract provides some level of cost predictability for the government.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, particularly specialized support for government facilities, is a significant market. Contracts like this fall under broader IT support services, which encompass facility management, operational support, and event coordination for technical environments. The market size for such specialized government IT support is substantial, driven by the need to maintain and operate complex federal infrastructure. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized facility support at other government R&D or training sites would be relevant.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside (ss is false) and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The MIL Corporation is a mid-sized business, and their engagement with small businesses for subcontracting would need further investigation to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Army's contracting and program management offices. Robust oversight is crucial to monitor costs, ensure adherence to the scope of work, and verify the reasonableness of the fixed fee. Transparency would be enhanced by public reporting of performance metrics and cost breakdowns. The Inspector General's office may conduct audits or investigations if specific concerns regarding waste, fraud, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense IT Support Services
National Cyber Range Complex Operations
Federal Facility Management Contracts
IT Event Planning Services
Cost Plus Fixed Fee Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent risk of cost overruns.
Scope definition for 'site services support' and 'event planning' needs careful management to prevent creep.
Limited number of bidders (3) may indicate a niche market or high barriers to entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $8.8 million to THE MIL CORPORATION. SITE SERVICES SUPPORT EVENT PLANNING, OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT OF THE NATIONAL CYBER RANGE COMPLEX FACILITY IN PATUXENT RIVER, MARYLAND

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE MIL CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $8.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-04-30. End: 2026-04-29.

What is the track record of The MIL Corporation in performing similar site services and event planning contracts for the Department of Defense or other federal agencies?

The MIL Corporation has a history of performing various IT and support services for the federal government, including the Department of Defense. Their contract portfolio often includes areas like cybersecurity, network engineering, and program management support. To assess their suitability for this specific contract, a detailed review of past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) for similar site services and event planning at complex facilities would be necessary. This would reveal their ability to manage costs, meet deadlines, and deliver quality services in comparable environments. Without specific past performance data for this exact service type, it's difficult to definitively gauge their track record for this particular requirement.

How does the awarded amount of $8.8 million compare to the estimated value or budget for similar site services and event planning contracts at federal facilities?

Directly comparing the $8.8 million award to similar contracts is challenging without a precise definition of 'site services support' and 'event planning' for a National Cyber Range Complex. The complexity and specialized nature of such a facility likely command higher costs than standard office building support. However, for context, large-scale federal facility operations and maintenance contracts can range from millions to tens of millions of dollars annually, depending on size and services. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure means the final cost could deviate from the initial award if costs are higher or lower than anticipated. Benchmarking against contracts for similar technical or R&D facilities, considering their operational tempo and event frequency, would provide a more accurate value assessment.

What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this specific service, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

The primary risk with a CPFF contract is the potential for cost overruns, as the contractor is reimbursed for actual costs incurred plus a fixed fee. This can incentivize less cost-consciousness if not managed rigorously. For site services and event planning, risks include scope creep, inefficient resource allocation, and unexpected operational demands. Mitigation strategies typically involve strong government oversight, detailed work breakdown structures, regular cost reviews, and clear performance metrics. The fixed fee itself acts as a ceiling on the contractor's profit, but the total cost to the government is variable. Effective communication and proactive management by the contracting officer's representative (COR) are crucial to control costs and ensure the contractor remains focused on efficient service delivery within the defined scope.

What is the expected effectiveness of The MIL Corporation in ensuring the operational readiness and successful execution of events at the National Cyber Range Complex?

The effectiveness of The MIL Corporation hinges on their demonstrated experience with specialized facility operations and event management, particularly in technical or secure environments like a Cyber Range. Their past performance records, technical approach outlined in their proposal, and the qualifications of their key personnel will be critical indicators. Ensuring operational readiness requires robust maintenance schedules, contingency planning, and skilled personnel. Successful event execution demands meticulous planning, coordination, and responsiveness to dynamic needs. The government's oversight, including performance monitoring and feedback mechanisms, will play a vital role in ensuring The MIL Corporation meets or exceeds expectations for the Cyber Range's critical functions.

How has federal spending on site services and event planning for specialized facilities like the National Cyber Range Complex evolved over the past five years?

Federal spending on site services and event planning for specialized facilities has generally seen a steady increase, driven by the growing need for secure, high-tech operational environments and increased federal activity in areas like cybersecurity training and simulation. While specific data for the National Cyber Range Complex is not publicly detailed, broader trends show increased investment in maintaining and upgrading critical infrastructure. The rise of complex cyber threats necessitates advanced training facilities, leading to greater demand for specialized support services. Budgetary allocations for such contracts are often influenced by national security priorities and technological advancements, suggesting a sustained or growing expenditure in this category.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: W900KK20R0011

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 21660 GREAT MILLS RD STE A, LEXINGTON PARK, MD, 20653

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $77,021,929

Exercised Options: $24,644,551

Current Obligation: $8,776,085

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W900KK21D0009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline