In advance of new solicitation, DOJ FPI cancels SAP IT Security and Support proposal and awards short-term contract

Notice ID: 15UC0C25P00000463

• Contract Award Date: Nov 18, 2024
• Contract Award Number: 15UC0CP00000463

FPI requires a defense-in-depth security environment that provides successive security controls as a person progresses through the security architecture. FPI requires firewalls, intrusion detection systems, managed security services, and anti-virus/anti- spyware on the desktop. Laptops are encrypted for protection of data, Web traffic is filtered, and a security event/log management has been deployed. FPI requires a vulnerability management program that is used to perform multiple scans each month and operates a mature process for ensuring that identified vulnerabilities are analyzed, reported, and addressed. These critical services are currently being covered under contracts 4600005290 and 4600005134. The cost for a one (1) year Unusual and Compelling award for these services is $1,296,720.00.

This request is for authorization to procure services without full and open competition (Sole Source) for the Acquisition of Commercial Services, specifically ERP Consultant Services.  FPI holds two contracts (4600005290 and 4600005134) for these services, both set to expire on 11/18/2024. Given the complexity of such acquisitions, FPI issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) on 11/25/2022 through the GSA’s Alliant 2 GWAC program to renew these services. Despite notifying 38 vendors, the RFP, which closed on 01/31/2023, garnered only two proposals. Capgemini emerged as the sole potential awardee. However, FPI later found Capgemini’s proposal to be unaffordable and overly complex. Subsequently, FPI opted for a modular approach as per FAR 39.103, dividing the services into smaller, manageable acquisition increments. Yet, after extensive discussions, both FPI and Capgemini concluded that this method was unsuitable, leading to the dismissal of Capgemini’s proposal on 11/05/2024.

With SAP IT Security and Support Services being vital for FPI and the constrained timeline for issuing a new RFP, FPI is seeking a one-year extension for the existing contracts. Not having security contractors will severely limit MISB’s ability to complete mandatory Audit activities to include A-123, FISCAM and potentially FISMA. Currently, the A123 audit testing is about to begin. Switching out contractors at this stage will pose a severe threat to FPI IT internal controls and FY25 audit performance. The quote that the incumbent contractor provided is higher than the current contract, although we believe is in line with industry pricing. We will immediately announce a more permanent contract for full-and-open competition to obtain the best pricing.

The proposed contractor, QuestTech Systems LLC, is the current incumbent for both contracts 4600005290 and 4600005134. To date there has not been any reported performance issues.

The request is unusual and compelling, necessitating short-term action, while future contracting can be addressed through full and open competition. Due to the complexity and detail-oriented nature of this service, there is insufficient time for a comprehensive solicitation. A disruption in SAP IT Security and Support services would result in severe detrimental impacts on FPI’s operating systems, which cannot be afforded.

The agency anticipates that future needs will be able to be planned for adequately and that the conditions that required this unusual-and-compelling request are a one-time event. It is anticipated that future procurement actions in this will be full-and-open, or through GSA’s IT programs. The GSA could perform a pre-solicitation review to ascertain the most appropriate program in line with FPI’s requirements.

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