DISA Turns to Governmentwide Contract to Manage Security of Classified Network

The Defense Contract Management Agency will turn to a National Institute of Health contract to buy cybersecurity support services—including managing infrastructure for the Defense Department’s classified network.

The Defense Information Systems Agency announced in January it would take the lead on a recompete of support services for the DCMA Cybersecurity Center, which includes help desk and program support, audit and assessment readiness, and cybersecurity infrastructure and network operations, as well as maintaining the infrastructure for SIPRNet, the Defense Department’s classified network.

After conducting market research on potential small business and HUBZone vendors capable of meeting the requirements, DISA has opted to use the NIH Information Technology Acquisition Assistance Contract, or NITAAC, one of the approved governmentwide acquisition contracts for IT services.

The winning vendor will replace incumbent Network Security Systems Plus, which won the award in 2015 through another GWAC, the General Services Administration’s small business-focused STARS II. The ceiling on that contract was estimated at $54 million at the time of award.

According to the original sources sought notice, the contract will have a four-month base period, with four one-year options and an additional six-month extension option.