01
Executive Summary
This is a fully awarded task order under the SETA III IDIQ to incumbent contractor Noblis, Inc. The requirement provides Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support to the DHS S&T MCS Front Office, including portfolio management, executive assistance, business operations, records management, and strategic mission support. As an already-executed award document dated March 2020, this represents a closed opportunity with no bidding window.
Agency
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Science and Technology Directorate (S&T)
Solicitation #
70RSAT20R00000011 / 70RSAT20FR0000048
Opportunity
Office of Mission and Capability Support (MCS) Front Office Support
Contract Type
Time and Materials (T&M)
Contract Vehicle
SETA III IDIQ 70RSAT19D00000003
Set-Aside
Unrestricted
Period of Performance
Base Period: 12 months (05/27/2020 to 05/26/2023); Two 12-month option periods (Total: 36 months)
02
Requirement Analysis
Scope
Provide comprehensive SETA support to the DHS S&T Office of Mission and Capability Support (MCS) Front Office, encompassing strategy development, portfolio administration and oversight, stakeholder engagement, communications, reporting, data call management, property/records management, business operations, and financial management support for a matrixed RDT&E portfolio serving 13 DHS component customer portfolios.
Mission Impact
MCS executes RDT&E to transition technologies, knowledge products, and solution approaches supporting DHS Components, Federal/State/Local/Tribal/Territorial (FSLTT) first responders, and the Homeland Security Enterprise (HSE). This SETA support enables MCS to maintain centralized R&D coordination across DHS's matrixed operations, directly impacting the Department's ability to address operational capability gaps through research and innovation funding.
Deliverables
- ▸Project Management Plan (30 days after award)
- ▸Business Continuity Plan (30 days after award, updated annually)
- ▸Monthly Progress Reports (via email to CO and COR)
- ▸Transition In Plan (final version 5 days after Post Award Conference)
- ▸Transition Out Plan (upon COR request)
- ▸Monthly reporting on financial data, spend plans, budget impact statements
- ▸Records and property management documentation and coordination
Performance Objectives
- ▸Maintain MCS Front Office operational effectiveness through executive assistance, calendar management, travel coordination, and document routing
- ▸Coordinate and respond to high-volume taskings, data calls, FOIA requests, Congressional inquiries, and ad hoc reporting streams across S&T, DHS, and broader government
- ▸Support MCS portfolio oversight of RDT&E programs serving DHS mission areas: counter-terrorism, border security, cybersecurity, economic security, preparedness/resiliency, and workforce strengthening
- ▸Execute financial management support including budget coordination, spend plans, V&V cycles, milestones/measurements, and data call collation
- ▸Provide strategic analysis supporting MCS outreach, organizational goals, and integration with S&T stakeholders, private industry, national labs, universities, and intergovernmental R&D organizations
Technical Requirements
- ▸SETA support services consistent with FAR-compliant SETA functions (analysis, technical feasibility assessments, program tracking/reporting, not inherently governmental)
- ▸SharePoint administration and web management for internal/external IT systems
- ▸Records Management (RM) coordination per DHS Management Directives and S&T SP2s; maintain DHS records (hardcopy and electronic)
- ▸Property Management coordination per DHS Property Directives; facilitate annual Accountable Property inventory
- ▸Graphics design, printing, publishing, wide format imaging, and photographic support for S&T communications
- ▸Compliance with Section 508 EIT accessibility standards (36 CFR Part 1194)
Operational Requirements
- ▸On-site performance at DHS VTA facility (245 Murray Lane, SW, Washington DC 20528-0115 and alternate location redacted)
- ▸Work hours: 0700-1730 EST Monday-Friday (excluding Federal holidays); occasional evenings/weekends/holidays as required
- ▸Telework permitted subject to SETA III IDIQ H.4 stipulations and prior COR approval
- ▸90-day transition in/out capability with daily status meetings during transition
- ▸Monthly progress meetings with COR at VTA
- ▸Post Award Conference within 15 days of award
- ▸Key Personnel (Task Order Manager) availability to COR via telephone 0900-1700 EST M-F; 24-hour response to technical problems
/ What Success Requires
Contractor must maintain disciplined work performance and timely resource application to assure technical excellence, cost effectiveness, and timeliness of all deliverables. Continuity of support is critical—contractually required staffing levels must be maintained at all times with full COR notification for absences and provision of fully qualified replacements. Compliance with DHS security, privacy, records management, and IT policies is mandatory.
03
Procurement Profile
acquisition type
Task Order against existing IDIQ contract
contract type
Time and Materials (T&M)
ordering structure
Single award task order under SETA III IDIQ 70RSAT19D00000003
contract vehicle
SETA III Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract
option years
Base Period 12 months; Option Period 1: 12 months; Option Period 2: 12 months (Total potential: 36 months). Base period CLINs 0001-0003 fully funded; Optional CLIN 0004 partially exercised (5,760 hours). Option Periods 1 and 2 remain unexercised/unfunded.
place of performance
DHS VTA facility (245 Murray Lane, SW, Washington DC 20528-0115) and additional redacted location; telework permitted with COR approval
04
NAICS & Small Business Analysis
Primary NAICS
541611 - Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Secondary NAICS
Not specified
Size Standard
$15.0M in average annual receipts
Set-Aside
Unrestricted - No set-aside designation
SB
Not applicable - Unrestricted procurement awarded to large business (Noblis, Inc.)
SDVOSB
Not applicable - Unrestricted procurement
WOSB
Not applicable - Unrestricted procurement
HUBZone
Not applicable - Unrestricted procurement
8(a)
Not applicable - Unrestricted procurement
VOSB
Not applicable - Unrestricted procurement
/ Implications
This unrestricted task order was awarded to Noblis, Inc., a large business SETA contractor. Small businesses were not excluded but competed against all offerors under the SETA III IDIQ vehicle. No small business participation requirements or subcontracting goals are specified in the award documentation.
05
Procurement Timeline
Solicitation Issue Date
03/16/2020
Task Order Award Date
05/21/2020
Period of Performance Start
05/27/2020
Post Award Conference (NLT 15 days after award)
06/05/2020 (estimated)
Final Project Management Plan Due (30 days after award)
06/20/2020 (estimated)
Base Period End
05/26/2021
Option Period 1 (if exercised)
05/27/2021 to 05/26/2022
Option Period 2 (if exercised)
05/27/2022 to 05/26/2023
Period of Performance End (all options exercised)
05/26/2023
06
Evaluation Criteria Analysis
Technical Factors
- ▸Capability to provide SETA support including strategy development, portfolio administration, stakeholder engagement, and communications
- ▸Ability to perform high-volume tasking and data call management, FOIA requests, Congressional inquiries, and ad hoc reporting
- ▸SharePoint administration, web management, graphics design, and IT support capabilities
- ▸Records Management and Property Management coordination expertise per DHS directives
- ▸Section 508 compliance capability for EIT deliverables
Past Performance
- ▸Demonstrated SETA support to Federal agencies, preferably DHS S&T or similar R&D organizations
- ▸Executive assistance and front office support experience for senior government leadership
- ▸Financial management support including budget coordination, spend plans, and data call responses
- ▸Records and property management coordination for Federal agencies
- ▸Transition planning and execution capability (90-day transition in/out)
Price Factors
- ▸Evaluated labor rates for all labor categories under T&M contract structure
- ▸Travel and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) reasonableness
- ▸Overall price competitiveness and realism
Management
- ▸Task Order Manager qualifications and availability (Key Personnel)
- ▸Project Management Plan quality and comprehensiveness
- ▸Business Continuity Plan robustness and emergency response capability
- ▸Transition In/Out Plan methodology, processes, staffing, milestones, and schedule
- ▸Quality control and management control systems for tracking tasks, deliverables, and resources
Staffing
- ▸Senior Portfolio/Program/Project Analyst qualifications (Top Secret clearance required)
- ▸Executive Assistant qualifications for front office support
- ▸Business/Property Management Support personnel qualifications
- ▸Continuity of support plan and qualified replacement procedures
- ▸Employee conduct, professional appearance, and compliance with DHS regulations
Transition
- ▸90-day transition plan addressing methodology, processes, staffing, key milestones, and schedule per SETA III IDIQ Attachment I
- ▸Coordination with incumbent contractor (if applicable) and daily status meeting support
- ▸Low-risk, phased-in approach with no disruption to operations
- ▸Transition completion checklist demonstrating readiness for full performance
Most Important
- ▸SETA technical capability aligned with FAR compliance and avoidance of inherently governmental functions
- ▸Key Personnel (Task Order Manager) qualifications and availability
- ▸Past performance on similar SETA contracts supporting Federal R&D organizations
- ▸Security clearance capability (Top Secret for Senior Analyst roles)
Likely Discriminators
- ▸Incumbent contractor advantage (Noblis) with established relationships, institutional knowledge, and SETA III IDIQ access
- ▸Top Secret facility clearance and personnel clearances already in place
- ▸Demonstrated ability to navigate DHS security, privacy, records management, and IT policies (4300A, MD 11042.1, etc.)
- ▸Existing SETA III IDIQ contract holder status (mandatory gateway to compete)
Evaluation Risks
- ▸Award already made to incumbent—no evaluation opportunity exists for new offerors
- ▸SETA III IDIQ pre-qualification requirement creates barrier to entry for non-holders
- ▸Inherently governmental function boundaries must be carefully observed in proposal
- ▸Top Secret clearances and DHS-specific compliance (HSPD-12, continuous monitoring, ATO requirements) create performance risk if not already established
07
Compliance Review
required registrations
- ▸System for Award Management (SAM) registration with active status
- ▸DUNS Number (932902364+0000 for awardee Noblis)
- ▸CAGE Code (9329023640000 for awardee)
- ▸SETA III IDIQ contract holder status (70RSAT19D00000003)
required certifications
- ▸Top Secret facility clearance (for classified information access, though requirement stated as unclassified with Top Secret as maximum level)
- ▸Top Secret personnel clearances for Senior Portfolio/Program/Project Analyst labor category
- ▸HSPD-12 compliant identification badges for on-site personnel
- ▸Section 508 compliance certification for all EIT deliverables
- ▸Independent third-party validation of security and privacy controls per NIST SP 800-53
representations
- ▸FAR 52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications
- ▸DHS Form 11000-6 Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) executed by all personnel with access to sensitive information (due within 2 days of execution)
- ▸DHS Rules of Behavior signed by all personnel before accessing DHS systems and sensitive information (within 30 days of award)
- ▸Certification of Sanitization of Government files per NIST SP 800-88 at contract closeout
- ▸Representations and Certifications from SETA III master contract flow down automatically
insurance
- ▸Not specified in solicitation—standard commercial general liability, professional liability, and workers' compensation likely required per SETA III IDIQ terms
security requirements
- ▸FAR 52.204-2 Security Requirements applies (access to classified information up to Top Secret)
- ▸Compliance with DD Form 441 Security Agreement and National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (DoD 5220.22-M)
- ▸HSAR 3052.242-72 Contracting Officer's Technical Representative designation compliance
- ▸DHS Sensitive Systems Policy Directive 4300A and DHS 4300A Sensitive Systems Handbook compliance
- ▸Authority to Operate (ATO) required for any Contractor IT system processing sensitive information (signed by HQ or Component CIO, valid 3 years)
- ▸Security Authorization (SA) package validated by independent third party, submitted 30 days prior to system operation
- ▸Continuous monitoring per FY 2014 DHS Information Security Performance Plan; monthly data storage (encrypted per FIPS 140-2) for 1 year
cybersecurity requirements
- ▸FIPS 140-2 Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules compliance for encryption
- ▸NIST SP 800-53 Security and Privacy Controls implementation
- ▸NIST SP 800-88 Guidelines for Media Sanitization compliance
- ▸DHS MD 11042.1 Safeguarding Sensitive But Unclassified (For Official Use Only) Information compliance
- ▸DHS Handbook for Safeguarding Sensitive Personally Identifiable Information (SPII) compliance
- ▸Sensitive Information Incident reporting to DHS SOC within 1 hour of discovery
- ▸Privacy Threshold Analysis (PTA) support; Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) and SORN support if required
- ▸Annual IT Security Awareness Training (within 30 days of award, annually by Oct 31)
- ▸Privacy at DHS: Protecting Personal Information training for personnel accessing PII/SPII (within 30 days, annually by Oct 31)
labor requirements
- ▸Service Contract Act (SCA) not explicitly invoked—commercial item acquisition under FAR Part 12
- ▸Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) compliance for reimbursable travel
- ▸All personnel must read, write, speak, and understand English
- ▸Professional appearance and conduct standards; compliance with DHS fire, safety, sanitation, environmental, security, and off-limits policies
- ▸Government may direct removal of personnel for misconduct or security reasons via Contracting Officer
wage determinations
- ▸Not specified—commercial item acquisition under FAR 52.212-4 and 52.212-5; SCA wage determinations do not apply
subcontracting requirements
- ▸Contractor must insert substance of security, privacy, training, and safeguarding clauses in all subcontracts
- ▸Task Order Manager has authority over all contractor personnel including subcontractors
- ▸Subcontractor personnel subject to same NDA, Rules of Behavior, training, and clearance requirements as prime personnel
disqualification risks
- ▸Failure to hold SETA III IDIQ contract (absolute barrier—award already made)
- ▸Inability to obtain Top Secret facility and personnel clearances
- ▸Failure to execute DHS Form 11000-6 NDA and DHS Rules of Behavior within mandated timelines
- ▸Non-compliance with DHS security incident reporting (1-hour requirement) or ATO processes
- ▸Proposal containing inherently governmental functions violating SETA III IDIQ H.11 clause
- ▸Inability to maintain continuity of support and contractually required staffing levels
08
FAR / DFARS Analysis
| Clause | Title | Contractor Impact | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAR 52.212-4 | Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Items Incorporates standard terms and conditions for commercial item acquisitions, including inspection/acceptance, payment, risk of loss, warranties, and contract administration. | Governs all aspects of T&M task order administration. Contractor must comply with commercial item payment terms (Net 30), invoicing to DHS Burlington Finance Center, and submit invoices with required backup documentation. Inspection and acceptance procedures require COR review within 10 business days; rejected deliverables must be corrected within 10 business days. | Low |
| FAR 52.212-5 | Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Items Incorporates additional FAR clauses required by statute or executive order for commercial acquisitions, including labor standards, equal opportunity, and other socioeconomic requirements. | Contractor must comply with all incorporated clauses by reference. Key impacts include: whistleblower protections, prohibition on contracting with inverted domestic corporations, trafficking in persons compliance, and equal opportunity requirements. Non-compliance can result in contract termination or suspension/debarment. | Moderate |
| FAR 52.204-2 | Security Requirements Requires contractor compliance with DD Form 441 Security Agreement and National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) for contracts involving access to classified information. | Contractor must maintain facility and personnel clearances, execute DD Form 441, comply with NISPOM (DoD 5220.22-M), and insert security requirements in all subcontracts. Changes in security classification or requirements may result in equitable adjustment. Failure to maintain clearances disqualifies contractor from performance. | High |
| FAR 52.217-9 | Option to Extend the Term of the Contract Provides Government unilateral right to extend contract term by written notice, with preliminary notice requirement at least 7 days before expiration. | Government may exercise Options 1 and 2 (12 months each) with 7-day preliminary notice and 1-day final notice. Contractor must maintain pricing, staffing, and capability to perform option periods. Extended contract includes this option clause. Total duration cannot exceed 36 months. No guarantee of option exercise. | Low |
| HSAR 3052.215-70 | Key Personnel or Facilities Designates specific contractor personnel or facilities as essential to contract performance, requiring Government approval before removal or replacement. | Task Order Manager is designated Key Personnel. Contractor must notify CO in writing with sufficient justification before replacement and provide qualifications of proposed substitute equal to or superior to replaced person. Replacement requires CO written approval; unauthorized replacement is breach. Maintains Government oversight of critical personnel changes. | Moderate |
| HSAR 3052.242-72 | Contracting Officer's Technical Representative Designates Government personnel (COR/ACOR) to perform technical functions such as inspection, acceptance, and day-to-day coordination, while clarifying limits of COR authority. | COR has authority over technical details, inspection/acceptance, and day-to-day coordination but cannot modify contract terms, price, quantity, delivery, or create obligations. Only CO can authorize changes or obligate funds. Contractor must not comply with direction from Government personnel other than CO or COR within specific authorities. Written designation provided within 5 days of award. Protects contractor from unauthorized direction. | Low |
09
Resource Requirements Assessment
Staffing Complexity
ModerateTechnical Complexity
ModerateFinancial Complexity
ModerateEquipment
Government-furnished workspace, equipment, and supplies provided at VTA facility. Contractor must furnish all other facilities, materials, equipment, and services necessary for telework or off-site performance (if authorized). No specialized equipment procurement required.
Facilities
Top Secret facility clearance required (though work environment stated as unclassified). HSPD-12 compliant access control for on-site personnel. Contractor IT systems (if used) must obtain Authority to Operate (ATO) from DHS CIO with independent third-party validation. Physical security to safeguard FOUO, PCII, SSI, and PII/SPII per DHS MD 11042.1.
Management
Task Order Manager (Key Personnel) must maintain management control systems to track tasks, deliverables, and resources; provide monthly progress reports; conduct monthly COR meetings; and be available 0900-1700 EST M-F with 24-hour response to technical issues. Business Continuity Plan must address emergency management, employee accountability, government communication, and 24-hour activation capability.
10
Competitive Landscape Assessment
Competitive Intensity
HighTransition Risk
LowIncumbent Indicators
Strong—Noblis, Inc. is identified as the awardee with established SETA III IDIQ access (70RSAT19D00000003). Award documentation references prior performance and COR relationships. Contractor already has DHS facility access, security clearances, and institutional knowledge of MCS operations.
Recompete Indicators
Not applicable—this is an awarded task order effective March 16, 2020. Period of performance is 05/27/2020 to 05/26/2023 (if all options exercised). Future recompete would occur under SETA III IDIQ or successor vehicle upon contract expiration.
Probable Incumbent Advantage
Extreme—Noblis holds the award and has established relationships, institutional knowledge of DHS S&T MCS operations, active security clearances (including Top Secret for senior analysts), DHS facility access, and demonstrated compliance with complex DHS security/privacy/IT policies. SETA III IDIQ access is a mandatory gateway; non-holders cannot compete. Incumbent has already completed 90-day transition-in and is performing.
11
Opportunity Risk Assessment
Award Status
This is a fully executed task order awarded to Noblis, Inc. on May 21, 2020. No bidding opportunity exists—document is post-award reference material only.
HighHigh
likelihood · impact
/ Mitigation
None—opportunity is closed. Monitor for future recompete announcements under SETA III or successor IDIQ vehicles. Engage with DHS S&T early to understand future requirements and procurement strategy.
Contract Vehicle Access
SETA III IDIQ contract holder status (70RSAT19D00000003) is mandatory to compete for task orders. Non-holders are excluded regardless of capability.
HighHigh
likelihood · impact
/ Mitigation
If not a SETA III holder, pursue teaming with existing holder or pursue on-ramp opportunities if available. Monitor for SETA IV or successor IDIQ solicitations. Build DHS S&T relationships through other contract vehicles or subcontracting.
Security Clearance
Top Secret facility clearance and personnel clearances required. Obtaining clearances can take 12-18 months; delays disqualify contractor from timely performance.
ModerateHigh
likelihood · impact
/ Mitigation
Maintain active Top Secret facility clearance and pool of cleared personnel. Initiate clearance processes immediately upon contract award. Partner with cleared entity if clearances not in place. Budget clearance costs and timeline into proposal.
Compliance Burden
Extensive DHS security, privacy, IT, and records management compliance requirements (ATO, FIPS 140-2, NIST SP 800-53, continuous monitoring, incident reporting, training, NDA, Rules of Behavior, etc.) create high administrative overhead and performance risk.
HighModerate
likelihood · impact
/ Mitigation
Establish dedicated compliance team with DHS policy expertise. Invest in automated continuous monitoring tools. Budget 10-15% overhead for compliance activities. Maintain template library of DHS-compliant documentation. Train all personnel on DHS policies before performance.
Inherently Governmental Function
SETA support must avoid inherently governmental functions per SETA III IDIQ H.11 clause. Task descriptions (review/clearance of communications, concurrence on SME input, budget analysis) approach boundaries, creating performance and liability risk.
ModerateModerate
likelihood · impact
/ Mitigation
Clearly define SETA role as advisory/analytical support only. Ensure all decision-making and approval authority rests with Government personnel. Document Government decision points in all deliverables. Train staff on inherently governmental function boundaries. Escalate gray areas to CO immediately.
12
Hidden Red Flags
Award Already Executed—No Bidding Opportunity
The solicitation is actually a task order award document dated March 16, 2020, with performance commencing May 27, 2020. The award has been made to Noblis, Inc. There is no open bidding window. Contractors reviewing this document are analyzing a closed opportunity, not an active solicitation.
SETA III IDIQ Gateway Creates Absolute Barrier to Entry
Only contractors holding the SETA III IDIQ (70RSAT19D00000003) can compete for task orders. Non-holders are categorically excluded regardless of technical capability, past performance, or price competitiveness. The IDIQ vehicle is the gatekeeper; master contract award precedes all task order competitions.
Inherently Governmental Function Boundary Ambiguity
Task Two requires contractor to 'review/clearance' of communications, 'offer concurrence or request SMEs expand,' and assist in 'review/clearance of inbound/outbound inquires.' Despite disclaimer invoking IDIQ H.11 clause, these functions border on decision-making and approval authority reserved for Government officials. Contractors performing these tasks risk unauthorized direction allegations or direction to cease work.
Obligated Amount Redacted Throughout Pricing
All CLIN funding amounts, NTE travel/ODC caps, total award amount, and labor hour quantities are redacted as (b)(4) confidential commercial information. Contractors cannot assess contract size, competitive pricing benchmarks, or realistic resource requirements without this data. Lack of transparency impedes informed bid/no-bid decisions (if opportunity were open).
Top Secret Clearance Required But Work Environment 'Unclassified'
Block 10 designates the acquisition as 'Unrestricted' with security stated as 'Unclassified' and 'Facility Clearance Level: Unclassified,' yet SOW Section 4.1 states 'Contractor access to classified information is required... maximum level of classification is Top Secret' and labor category table requires 'Top Secret' clearances. This contradiction creates confusion about actual clearance requirements and associated costs/timelines.
13
Proposal Effort Estimate
Complexity
HighLabor Hours
Not applicable (award already made). If hypothetically bidding similar future opportunity: 400-600 hours for SETA III IDIQ task order proposal including technical approach, management plan, past performance volume, pricing, transition plan, security plan, BCP, and compliance matrices.
SME Req.
SETA methodology experts, DHS S&T mission area specialists, portfolio/program management professionals, records/property management subject matter experts, cybersecurity and privacy compliance specialists, proposal manager, pricing analyst, and contracts administrator. Estimated 8-12 SMEs required.
Resource Commit.
High14
Contractor-to-Opportunity Match
Capability Match
Cannot assess—contractor profile is blank. Generic assessment: Contractor must demonstrate SETA support capability encompassing portfolio management, executive assistance, financial/business operations, records/property management, and strategic planning. DHS S&T or similar Federal R&D agency experience highly valuable. Must navigate complex DHS compliance requirements (security, privacy, IT, records management).
Past Performance
Cannot assess—contractor profile is blank. Generic assessment: Past performance supporting Federal R&D organizations (especially DHS S&T, DOE national labs, or DOD R&D agencies) with SETA-type services would be highly relevant. Demonstrated executive support to senior Federal leadership, portfolio/program oversight, and financial management support are key discriminators. SETA III IDIQ holders inherently possess relevant past performance.
Geographic
Cannot assess—contractor profile is blank. Generic assessment: Contractor must have NCR presence or ability to staff on-site at DHS VTA facility (245 Murray Lane, SW, Washington DC). Telework is permitted but significant on-site presence required for executive assistance, records management, and front office support functions.
Certifications
Cannot assess—contractor profile is blank. Generic assessment: SETA III IDIQ contract holder status is mandatory. Top Secret facility clearance required. For small businesses, unrestricted nature of award eliminates set-aside advantage. ISO 9001, ISO 27001, or CMMI certifications beneficial for demonstrating quality management and information security maturity.
Staffing
Cannot assess—contractor profile is blank. Generic assessment: Contractor must provide Task Order Manager (Key Personnel), Senior Portfolio/Program/Project Analysts with Top Secret clearances, Executive Assistants with Federal front office experience, Business/Property Management specialists, and Records Management coordinators. Cleared staff pipeline and ability to maintain continuity of support are critical.
Contract Vehicle
Cannot assess—contractor profile is blank. Generic assessment: SETA III IDIQ (70RSAT19D00000003) holder status is absolute requirement. Non-holders cannot compete. Contractor must demonstrate IDIQ eligibility, master contract compliance, and task order ordering procedures familiarity.
Clearance
Cannot assess—contractor profile is blank. Generic assessment: Active Top Secret facility clearance required. Senior analyst labor categories require Top Secret personnel clearances. Contractor must have established DHS HSPD-12 credentialing processes and experience with DHS Personnel Security Division. Cleared staff availability at contract award is critical—12-18 month clearance timelines are unacceptable.
Strengths
- ▸Unable to determine—contractor profile is blank
Gaps
- ▸Unable to determine—contractor profile is blank
- ▸Generic gap: Most contractors will face challenges with DHS-specific compliance requirements (4300A, ATO processes, continuous monitoring, SPII handling) without prior DHS IT system experience
- ▸Generic gap: SETA III IDIQ access is absolute barrier for non-holders
15
Contractor Readiness Assessment
Overall Readiness
LowBarriers to Entry
- ▸Award already executed—no entry opportunity exists for this specific task order
- ▸SETA III IDIQ contract holder status mandatory (absolute barrier for non-holders)
- ▸Top Secret facility and personnel clearances required (12-18 month lead time if not in place)
- ▸DHS-specific compliance expertise (ATO processes, 4300A, MD 11042.1, SPII handling, continuous monitoring) not readily available outside DHS contractor community
- ▸NCR on-site presence required with ability to staff immediately (90-day transition, but realistically 30-60 days for key personnel)
Teaming / Partnership Needs
- ▸If not SETA III holder: Mandatory teaming with SETA III prime contractor; subcontracting is only path to participation
- ▸If lacking Top Secret clearances: Teaming with cleared firm to provide cleared personnel while building clearance pipeline
- ▸If lacking DHS compliance expertise: Teaming with DHS-experienced contractor for security, privacy, IT, and records management functions
- ▸If lacking NCR presence: Teaming with local NCR firm for on-site executive assistance and front office support roles
- ▸If lacking SETA methodology: Teaming with established SETA provider (e.g., MITRE, Aerospace Corp, IDA, federally funded R&D centers) for technical credibility
16
Win Probability Assessment
Probability
LowAward has already been made to incumbent contractor Noblis, Inc. This is not an open solicitation but a post-award task order document. If hypothetically assessing a future recompete, win probability for a new entrant would remain Low due to extreme incumbent advantage (institutional knowledge, established relationships, in-place clearances, DHS compliance expertise, SETA III IDIQ access). Non-SETA III holders have zero win probability. Even SETA III holders without DHS S&T experience face significant disadvantage against Noblis' performance record and embedded position.
17
Top 10 Actions Before Bidding
01
Confirm award status and determine if any recompete timeline exists for this MCS Front Office support requirement beyond May 2023 period of performance end date.
This is an awarded task order (March 2020), not an open solicitation. Pursuing a closed opportunity wastes resources. If interested in future MCS support, identify recompete schedule and DHS S&T procurement forecast.
02
If not SETA III IDIQ holder, cease pursuit of this specific requirement and redirect focus to: (a) monitoring for SETA IV or successor IDIQ on-ramp opportunities, or (b) teaming with existing SETA III holder as subcontractor.
SETA III IDIQ access is absolute prerequisite. Non-holders cannot compete regardless of capability. Master IDIQ award precedes task order access. Teaming or future IDIQ positioning are only viable paths.
03
Assess current Top Secret facility clearance status and cleared personnel availability. If not in place, initiate clearance processes immediately or identify teaming partner with active clearances.
Top Secret clearances are mandatory for senior analyst roles and facility clearance is required despite 'unclassified' designation ambiguity. Clearance timelines (12-18 months) make last-minute pursuit impossible. Pre-positioning is critical.
04
Conduct gap analysis of DHS-specific compliance capabilities: ATO processes, FIPS 140-2 encryption, NIST SP 800-53 controls, continuous monitoring, SPII handling, DHS MD 11042.1, and DHS 4300A Sensitive Systems Handbook. Identify training, tool, or teaming needs.
DHS compliance burden is extensive and non-negotiable. Contractors without DHS IT system experience face steep learning curve and performance risk. Compliance expertise is a key discriminator and cost driver (10-15% overhead).
05
Build relationship with DHS S&T MCS leadership through industry days, small business outreach events, or one-on-one capability briefings. Understand future procurement strategy for MCS SETA support beyond current Noblis contract.
Incumbent advantage is extreme on recompete. Early engagement builds familiarity, demonstrates commitment, and provides intelligence on Government priorities, evaluation criteria, and teaming opportunities. Position for next competition cycle.
06
Review SETA III IDIQ clause H.11 (Disclosure and Avoidance of Inherently Governmental Functions) and analyze Task Two requirements for compliance boundaries. Develop clear delineation of SETA advisory role vs. Government decision authority.
Task Two requirements (review/clearance, concurrence, budget analysis) border on inherently governmental functions. Contractors must establish defensible boundaries to avoid unauthorized direction allegations or contract termination. Legal review recommended.
07
Develop pricing model for T&M SETA support including: fully burdened labor rates by category, travel budget assumptions (10-15% of labor), ODC budget (5-10% of labor), and compliance overhead (10-15%). Benchmark against SETA industry standards.
T&M pricing under SETA III IDIQ is pre-competed at master contract level, but task order pricing must be competitive within IDIQ rate structure. Understanding cost drivers (clearances, compliance, NCR location, continuity requirements) is essential for realistic pricing.
08
Assemble proposal team with SETA methodology expertise, DHS mission area knowledge, portfolio/program management credentials, records/property management experience, and cybersecurity/privacy compliance specialists. Identify Key Personnel (Task Order Manager) candidate.
High-quality SETA proposals require multidisciplinary SME input. Key Personnel selection is critical discriminator—must demonstrate senior-level experience, DHS familiarity, and availability. Early team assembly enables stronger technical approaches and management plans.
09
Develop 90-day transition plan template addressing SETA III IDIQ Attachment I Master Transition Plan requirements: methodology, processes, staffing, key milestones, schedule, daily status meetings, and phased approach. Include transition-out planning.
Transition planning is mandatory deliverable with proposal and is evaluated factor. Government expects seamless transition with zero operational disruption. Demonstrated transition methodology (especially from incumbent) is competitive differentiator. Template accelerates future proposal development.
10
Monitor SAM.gov and DHS procurement forecasts for: (a) MCS SETA support recompete announcements, (b) SETA IV or successor IDIQ solicitations, (c) other DHS S&T SETA task orders, and (d) small business set-aside opportunities within SETA domain.
Current opportunity is closed, but DHS S&T maintains large SETA portfolio across multiple offices (RDT&E, Test & Evaluation, First Responder Technologies, Cyber Security, etc.). Continuous market intelligence identifies future opportunities and enables proactive positioning.
18
GovBidIQ Scorecard
/ GovBidIQ Scorecard
Overall
12/100
19
Executive Pursuit Recommendation
Do Not Pursue
This is a fully executed task order awarded to Noblis, Inc. on May 21, 2020, with performance from 05/27/2020 to 05/26/2023. There is no open bidding opportunity. The document is post-award reference material. Even if hypothetically open, pursuit would be inadvisable for non-SETA III IDIQ holders (absolute barrier) and challenging for SETA III holders without DHS S&T experience, Top Secret clearances, and NCR presence. Redirect resources to monitoring future MCS recompete announcements or SETA IV IDIQ opportunities.
20
Final Recommendation
Verdict
No BidThis solicitation is actually an awarded task order effective March 16, 2020, to incumbent contractor Noblis, Inc., under the SETA III IDIQ vehicle. There is no active bidding window or procurement opportunity. The document serves as post-award reference only. Contractors should not invest proposal resources in a closed award. For future MCS SETA support opportunities, only SETA III (or successor) IDIQ holders can compete, and even then, Noblis' incumbent advantage—established relationships, institutional knowledge, active clearances, and DHS compliance expertise—creates formidable barriers to displacement.
Key Strengths
- ▸Comprehensive SETA scope covering portfolio management, executive support, business operations, and strategic planning—demonstrates DHS S&T MCS mission criticality
- ▸Long performance runway (36 months with options) provides revenue stability and relationship-building opportunity for awardee
- ▸Clear deliverables, timelines, and performance standards enable disciplined execution and risk management
Key Concerns
- ▸Award already executed—no bidding opportunity exists; document is post-award reference only
- ▸SETA III IDIQ contract holder status is absolute prerequisite; non-holders categorically excluded
- ▸Extreme incumbent advantage: Noblis has established DHS S&T relationships, institutional knowledge, active Top Secret clearances, facility access, and proven DHS compliance expertise
- ▸High compliance burden (ATO, FIPS 140-2, NIST SP 800-53, continuous monitoring, SPII handling, incident reporting) creates performance risk and overhead (10-15%)
- ▸Inherently governmental function boundaries in Task Two (review/clearance, concurrence) create legal and performance risk
- ▸All pricing data redacted—cannot assess contract value, competitive benchmarks, or resource requirements
Immediate Next Actions
- ▸Confirm with DHS S&T contracting office that this is closed award and determine recompete timeline beyond May 2023
- ▸If not SETA III holder, pursue teaming with prime or monitor for SETA IV/successor IDIQ on-ramp opportunities
- ▸If SETA III holder, assess Top Secret clearance status and DHS compliance capabilities; initiate gap closure immediately
- ▸Build DHS S&T MCS relationships through industry engagement and capability briefings to position for future recompete
- ▸Monitor SAM.gov for future DHS S&T SETA task orders and IDIQ recompete announcements
Disclaimer. This report is an AI-assisted decision-support tool intended to support government contracting opportunity analysis. It does not constitute legal advice, procurement consulting services, business advice, or a guarantee of award success. Users remain responsible for independent review and business decisions.