DoD's $61.4M Cyber Network Defense Services contract awarded to ICF, Inc. for IT support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $61,439,899 ($61.4M)
Contractor: ICF Incorporated, L.L.C.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2014-05-16
End Date: 2017-06-16
Contract Duration: 1,127 days
Daily Burn Rate: $54.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF ARL CYBER NETWORK DEFENSE SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, HARFORD County, MARYLAND, 21005
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $61.4 million to ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF ARL CYBER NETWORK DEFENSE SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value of $61.4M over its period of performance. 2. Awarded under full and open competition. 3. Services provided by ICF Incorporated, L.L.C. 4. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee. 5. Duration of 1127 days. 6. Focus on Computer Systems Design Services. 7. Awarded by the Defense Contract Management Agency. 8. Located in Maryland.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's value of $61.4 million over approximately three years for cyber network defense services appears within a reasonable range for specialized IT support. However, without specific performance metrics or a detailed breakdown of services rendered, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar large-scale cyber defense contracts would provide better context for pricing efficiency. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly, but it also allows for flexibility in evolving cyber threats.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of only one awardee (ICF Incorporated, L.L.C.) suggests that while competition was allowed, ICF was ultimately selected as the most qualified bidder. The specific number of bids received is not detailed, but the 'full and open' designation implies a robust process was intended.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the potential for competitive pricing and the assurance that the most capable vendor was selected through a transparent process.
Public Impact
The Department of Defense benefits from enhanced cyber network defense capabilities. Services support the protection of critical military networks and data. Geographic impact is primarily within Maryland, where the contract is managed. Workforce implications include specialized cybersecurity and IT professionals employed by ICF.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent oversight to prevent scope creep and ensure cost efficiency.
- The duration of the contract (over 3 years) necessitates ongoing performance monitoring.
- Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field, requiring continuous adaptation of services.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.
- ICF Incorporated, L.L.C. is a known entity in government contracting.
- The contract addresses a critical national security need for cyber defense.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the broader IT services sector, specifically focusing on cybersecurity and network defense. The market for these services is substantial and growing, driven by increasing cyber threats to government and private entities. Comparable spending benchmarks in this area are difficult to pinpoint without more granular service details, but large federal contracts for IT and cybersecurity support often run into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a set-aside provision. Large prime contractors like ICF are often encouraged or required to have small business subcontracting plans, but the specifics of such plans are not detailed here.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), which is listed as the awarding agency. They are responsible for ensuring contractor performance, compliance with contract terms, and proper financial management. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates close monitoring of costs and performance to ensure value for money and prevent contractor overreach. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting mechanisms, though specific public access to detailed performance data may be limited.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Defense IT Services
- Cybersecurity Support Contracts
- Network Defense Services
- Computer Systems Design Services
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires careful monitoring to ensure cost efficiency.
- Cybersecurity is a high-risk, rapidly evolving field.
Tags
it-services, cybersecurity, network-defense, department-of-defense, defense-contract-management-agency, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, maryland, computer-systems-design-services, icf-incorporated-llc
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $61.4 million to ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C.. IGF::OT::IGF ARL CYBER NETWORK DEFENSE SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $61.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2014-05-16. End: 2017-06-16.
What is the track record of ICF Incorporated, L.L.C. in performing similar cyber defense contracts for the federal government?
ICF Incorporated, L.L.C. has a significant history of performing various IT and professional services contracts for the federal government, including work related to cybersecurity and network infrastructure. While this specific contract focused on cyber network defense, ICF's broader portfolio often includes tasks such as system design, integration, and support. Analyzing their past performance on similar contracts, including any past performance evaluations or awards, would provide a clearer picture of their capabilities and reliability in this specialized domain. Information on contract closeouts, any disputes, or contractor performance assessments (CPARs) would be crucial for a comprehensive evaluation of their track record.
How does the pricing structure (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) of this contract compare to industry standards for similar cyber defense services?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure is common for complex projects where the scope may evolve or is not fully defined at the outset, such as in cybersecurity. For CPFF contracts, the government reimburses the contractor for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. This structure incentivizes the contractor to control costs while allowing flexibility. Compared to fixed-price contracts, CPFF can be more expensive if costs are not well-managed, but it offers greater flexibility. Benchmarking this contract's fee against the total contract value and comparing it to the fixed fees on similar CPFF cyber defense contracts awarded by agencies like DoD or DHS would be necessary to assess its competitiveness and value. Without specific cost data and performance outcomes, a definitive comparison is challenging.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of ICF's cyber network defense services under this contract?
The provided data does not specify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of ICF's cyber network defense services. Typically, for such contracts, KPIs would focus on metrics like threat detection rates, incident response times, vulnerability remediation speed, network uptime, and the successful prevention of security breaches. The effectiveness of the services would also be assessed against the evolving threat landscape and the specific security posture requirements of the Department of Defense. A thorough review of the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) and any associated performance work statements (PWS) would be necessary to identify the precise KPIs and performance standards.
What is the historical spending trend for cyber network defense services within the Department of Defense, and how does this contract fit into that trend?
The Department of Defense consistently represents one of the largest federal spenders on IT and cybersecurity services, reflecting the critical nature of protecting its vast and complex networks. Historical spending in this area has shown a steady increase over the years due to the escalating sophistication of cyber threats. This $61.4 million contract for cyber network defense services is a component of that larger spending trend. While it represents a significant investment, it must be viewed within the context of the DoD's overall cybersecurity budget, which can amount to billions annually. Understanding the specific sub-category of network defense within the broader cybersecurity spend would provide further context on its relative size and importance.
Are there any known risks or challenges associated with ICF Incorporated, L.L.C. or the nature of cyber network defense services that could impact contract performance?
Risks associated with cyber network defense services are inherent due to the constantly evolving threat landscape and the high stakes involved. For ICF, potential risks could include the challenge of staying ahead of sophisticated adversaries, the need for continuous recruitment and retention of highly skilled cybersecurity personnel, and the complexities of integrating new technologies. Government contracts, especially CPFF, carry risks related to cost overruns if not managed meticulously, and potential scope creep. Specific to ICF, a review of their past performance, any reported issues on previous contracts, or significant changes in their organizational structure or financial health would be necessary to identify contractor-specific risks. The dynamic nature of cyber threats itself is a primary risk factor impacting any contract in this domain.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: W911QX14R0001
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: ICF International, Inc.
Address: 9300 LEE HWY, FAIRFAX, VA, 22031
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $61,439,899
Exercised Options: $61,439,899
Current Obligation: $61,439,899
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 32
Total Subaward Amount: $3,654,908
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HHSN316201200028W
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2014-05-16
Current End Date: 2017-06-16
Potential End Date: 2017-06-16 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-12-14
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