Cybersecurity assessments, penetration testing, and security architecture for government systems. Find active federal and state computer systems design and cybersecurity services contracts — AI-scored against your profile across SAM.gov and 200+ portals.
Annual federal spend under NAICS 541515 exceeds $8 billion, driven by mandates like FISMA, FedRAMP, and Executive Order 14028. Competition is intense but fragmented, with a mix of small, niche firms and large integrators. Contracts are predominantly awarded as IDIQs (e.g., DHS CDM, DoD JSIG) and BPAs under GSA 70 or 8(a) STARS III. One-off competitive procurements occur for specific assessments or architecture projects. Demand spikes after major breaches or new compliance deadlines, with agencies frequently tasking prior awardees for speed.
These agencies are the largest buyers of computer systems design and cybersecurity services services and products in the federal government. Each awards contracts under NAICS 541515 regularly — build relationships with their small business offices first.
Win by targeting agency-specific cybersecurity maturity models (e.g., CISA’s CSET, DoD’s CMMC). Most contracts use set-asides: 8(a), SDVOSB, and WOSB for task orders under $25M. The highest-leverage move is to get on a BPA or IDIQ as a prime or key subcontractor, then aggressively bid task orders where past performance and staffing plan outweigh price. Avoid bidding LPTA on complex security architecture; focus on best-value solicitations.
Most work is awarded best-value, with technical approach and past performance weighted 60–70%. Common vehicles: GSA 70 (IT Schedule 70), 8(a) STARS III, SEWP V, and agency-specific IDIQs (e.g., DHS CDM, DoD ENCORE). Task orders under these vehicles are often competed among a small pool. LPTA is used only for low-risk, well-defined assessments.
Not required at the NAICS level, but most task orders require staff with CISSP, CEH, or OSCP. Prime contractors often list certifications in their capability statements. For DoD work, CMMC Level 2 certification will be mandatory by 2025.
Task orders range from $100K for a penetration test to $15M+ for a multi-year security architecture program. The median award is around $1.5M. Most are competed as small business set-asides under IDIQs.
Yes, joint ventures are common, especially for 8(a) and SDVOSB set-asides. The JV must meet the size standard ($24.5M avg receipts) and be approved by SBA. Many small firms team with larger primes to gain past performance.
Rarely for task orders under $150K. Larger IDIQ contracts may require a bid bond (20% of base year) and performance bond (100%) for the base period. However, most cybersecurity work is services-based and exempt from the Miller Act.
From solicitation to award: 60–120 days for competitive task orders, longer for new IDIQs (6–12 months). Urgent needs (e.g., incident response) can be awarded in days under existing BPAs. Agencies often use GSA Schedule for faster procurement.