The Department of Homeland Security is getting ready to solicit a contract for cybersecurity research and support services at its Science and Technology Directorate.
A request for proposals for Cybersecurity Research and Technical Execution Support (CRATES) is expected in the next two weeks.
The contract will cover management of existing research programs under the S&T Cyber Security Division (CSD), planning new programs and measuring potential viability and conducting tests and evaluations, among other things.
The solicitation will be a recompete of a contract currently held by SRI International, set to expire at the end of August.
“CSD requires this support to conduct its research projects, outreach and stakeholder interaction more effectively and efficiently and to facilitate delivery of new capabilities and successful technology transfer to customers,” according to a synopsis of the upcoming RFP. “The support involves interactions with research teams comprising academia, the private sector and national laboratories.”
The award will likely be for a one-year base with four optional one-year add-ons, for five years total.
A ceiling has not been set yet, according to contracting officials, though a detailed pricing template will be included in the solicitation.
For a company to win the award, it must be able to field personnel in three key areas:
- Cybersecurity Research Program Manager (one full-time-equivalent) – Must hold a master’s degree in a science, technology, engineering or math discipline. Must have project management experience as well as technical cybersecurity experience.
- Cybersecurity Subject Matter Expert (four FTEs) – Must hold a PhD in cyber security, computer science, information technology, electrical engineering or related discipline. Must have technical cybersecurity experience. Must have R&D experience.
- Junior Cybersecurity Subject Matter Expert (two FTEs) – Must hold a PhD in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, electrical engineering or related discipline. Must have technical cybersecurity experience.
