DIA fleshes out data science needs
While much of the DORE project remains classified, the Defense Intelligence Agency has released a few details about what it is looking for in the areas of Internet of things, social media and open-source support.
WHAT: The statement of work from the Defense Intelligence Agency on its planned Data Science, Operations, Requirements, and Exploitation (DORE) remains classified, but a few details have emerged in an unclassified slide deck posted to the FedBizOpps contracting website. The deck was part of a Nov. 20 pre-solicitation briefing that itself was classified secret.
WHY: DORE is the follow-on to the current Science, Technology, Acquisition, Requirements, Testing, and Exploitation (Start-X), a $500 million indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract vehicle for highly specialized experts in data science, sensor technology, technical intelligence disciplines, programming, and more to the DIA's Directorate of Science and Technology. There are five prime awardees on Start-X. DORE will have a $350 million ceiling award value over five years. It's not clear how many prime contracts will be awarded.
Under the data science support area -- one of 11 categories of support in DORE --DIA is looking for capability in Hadoop, cloud, machine learning, ETL (extract, transform, load) processes and applications, and data visualization. The slide deck refers to DIA needs in the areas of Internet of things, social media and open-source support. But the text is vague on DIA's areas of interest, or the kinds of skills the intelligence agency is looking to leverage in support of its mission. The social media support area appears to be an addition to the capability sought in DORE, compared with its predecessor.
A final request for proposals is expected to be released in mid-December. Awards will be made in late April 2015.