GovCon Bid and Proposal Insights
GovCon Bid and Proposal Insights
CADE Support Service
In this episode, we break down the CADE Support Service contract, a $70M–$300M Multiple Award IDIQ from Washington Headquarters Services. With a focus on systems engineering, program management, IT operations, cost data collection, and specialized tools, this contract is a prime opportunity for businesses in NAICS 541611.
We’ll explore the anticipated scope, key requirements, and winning strategies to help your business prepare for the expected May 2025 RFP release. Whether you're an experienced government contractor or a growing business looking to expand, this contract could be a game-changer.
🎧 Listen now to gain the insights you need to compete!
Contact ProposalHelper at sales@proposalhelper.com to find similar opportunities and help you build a realistic and winning pipeline.
All right. So we spent a lot of time on this show digging into big juicy defense contracts after the fact, after they've been awarded, and everybody's celebrating or commiserating depending on which side of the fence they're on. But today we're doing something a little different. We're going way back to the beginning of the process. We're talking about sources sought notice.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Fresh out of the Washington headquarters services for the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Speaker 2:Okay, now I like it.
Speaker 1:It might not sound like the most riveting material, mm-hmm, but trust me, this is a fascinating early glimpse into what the DOD is thinking about.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:And where some potential big future investments might be headed.
Speaker 2:I'm all ears. So, what do we got?
Speaker 1:For those of you who maybe aren't familiar with the lingo yeah. A source has sought notice is essentially the government just doing its homework.
Speaker 2:Right, you know Due diligence.
Speaker 1:It's market research.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:Clean and simple.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:They're putting out feelers to see you know which companies out there might have the chops to handle a future project.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:This isn't a request for proposals.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:So nobody's actually bidding yet.
Speaker 2:No.
Speaker 1:This is purely about gathering information.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:At this really early stage.
Speaker 2:Yeah, makes sense.
Speaker 1:Okay, so in this particular case, this notice is all about finding companies that can support something called Okay. The Cost Assessment Data Enterprise.
Speaker 2:All right or.
Speaker 1:CADE for companies that can support something called the Cost Assessment Data Enterprise, or CAID for the Department of Defense. Now, I know CAID may not exactly be a household name but it is absolutely vital. You can think of it as kind of like the central nervous system for all the official cost data related to major DOD programs Makes sense.
Speaker 2:So it's kind of like the source of truth. Official cost data related to major DoD programs Makes sense, yeah, so it's kind of like the source of truth for cost data across the DoD. That's a good way to put it, yeah.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it really is the DoD's authoritative source for cost estimating data, and one of its really key functions is managing this system called the Cost and Software Data Reporting System, or CSDR, and you know the fact that this is actually mandated by law.
Speaker 2:Oh, wow.
Speaker 1:Really underscores just how important this is in terms of, you know, government oversight.
Speaker 2:Right. So this isn't just some internal DOD thing. This is like actually required by law.
Speaker 1:Exactly Wow.
Speaker 2:So for those of us who maybe you know, aren't living and breathing defense acronyms every day.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:What exactly does that system entail? Yeah, what's CSDR all about?
Speaker 1:CSDR, in a nutshell, is designed to collect really detailed cost and software data Okay, from contractors Right who are working on major defense acquisition programs.
Speaker 2:Mm-hmm.
Speaker 1:And Cade is responsible for actually, you know, actually setting the rules for how this data needs to be collected. They use a standard called MIL-STD-881, which provides a really consistent framework for defining and structuring all these different cost data elements across tons of different programs.
Speaker 2:Yeah, that makes sense. You need some kind of standardized way to collect all this data, otherwise it's just chaos, absolutely Apples to oranges.
Speaker 1:You can't compare anything.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:So, and then, on top of that, they have the huge task of reviewing the quality, okay Of all the data that industry submits.
Speaker 2:Oh, wow.
Speaker 1:We're talking about roughly 1,700 submissions 1,700?. Every year, Wow. So that kind of gives you a sense of the sheer scale of data that they're dealing with.
Speaker 2:That's a lot of data, yeah it is. So it's not just you know setting the rules, it's also making sure that people are following the rules.
Speaker 1:And that the data is actually, you know, usable.
Speaker 2:Right Garden garbage Exactly.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so it's not just data sitting in some archive somewhere. Right, kate also have a website.
Speaker 1:Okay, that plays a really crucial role in all this all right, so this is where the rubber meets the road yeah this is where people actually interact with the data absolutely okay so they operate it, they maintain it, they're constantly working to improve its functionality. It's where they manage the workflows for reviewing and approving those cost data collection plans that we talked about. But, maybe more importantly, it's the access point for around 3,000 authorized government users who rely on this data for their work, and you can actually take a look yourself. The address is httpscatosdmil.
Speaker 2:Okay, I'll have to check that out.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so it's not just about collecting numbers.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:It's about making that information accessible and usable for really critical decision making on some of the biggest and most expensive defense programs out there. So it really highlights the sheer scale and importance of Cade's role.
Speaker 2:It sounds like it, so they've got their work cut out for them.
Speaker 1:They do.
Speaker 2:So to kind of give us a little historical context here, there's actually an existing contract HQ0003421F0246. That's providing technical support services for Cade.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:It was awarded back in June of 2021, and it's scheduled to end in February of 2026.
Speaker 1:OK.
Speaker 2:So this new sources sought notice is a pretty clear indicator that the DOD is already planning for the the continued support of this really vital function.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so they're thinking ahead.
Speaker 2:Yeah, they're not waiting till the last minute.
Speaker 1:Yeah, which is good. Well, it's the government. So it's true, we're happy they're thinking ahead. Yeah, they're not waiting until the last minute?
Speaker 2:Yeah, which is good. Well, it's the government.
Speaker 1:So it's true. We're happy they're thinking ahead at all. Yeah, that's fair Bro. So, what kind of future contract?
Speaker 2:Yeah, what are we looking at here?
Speaker 1:What are they hinting at with this notice? Yeah, what are some of the key characteristics or structures that we should be aware?
Speaker 2:of.
Speaker 1:So the notice suggests they're leaning towards either an indefinite delivery.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Indefinite quantity contract.
Speaker 2:OK.
Speaker 1:Or IDIQ.
Speaker 2:IDIQ.
Speaker 1:Or possibly a blanket purchase agreement or BPA.
Speaker 2:BPA.
Speaker 1:So you can think of these as kind of flexible contracting mechanisms, ok, where the government can order services as needed over a period of time.
Speaker 2:OK.
Speaker 1:Rather than committing to like a fixed quantity or scope up front. Okay, so it gives them a lot of flexibility, which makes sense given the ongoing nature of data management and system support.
Speaker 2:Sure yeah, because who knows exactly what they're going to need five years down the road? Exactly that flexibility is key.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so that's a really common approach for these kind of like support services where the requirements can change over time.
Speaker 2:Okay, so we talked about kind of the broad structure. Yeah, what about some of the more specific details?
Speaker 1:Sure.
Speaker 2:Like the type of work and you know maybe how much money we're talking about here.
Speaker 1:Okay, so they've identified and anticipated NAICS code.
Speaker 2:NAICS.
Speaker 1:That's the North American Industry Classification System of 541-611, which covers administrative management and general management consulting services. All right, and for this particular code, the small business size standard is currently $24.5 million in average annual revenue.
Speaker 2:So that gives you a sense of the size of companies they might be looking at.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:And they've also listed an anticipated product service code, or PSC, of R499, which falls under support professional other professional services.
Speaker 1:Gotcha, so kind of a catch all category there.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's pretty broad.
Speaker 1:Okay, so what about the potential value?
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Are we talking? You know, millions, billions.
Speaker 2:What kind of investment could this be?
Speaker 1:Yeah, give us a ballpark.
Speaker 2:So the anticipated estimated value has a rather broad ceiling, ranging from $70 million up to a potential $300 million.
Speaker 1:Okay, so 70 to 300.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so it's a pretty wide range.
Speaker 1:That is a pretty big spread, it is.
Speaker 2:And that likely reflects just the uncertainty in the precise level of support that they're going to need over that whole contract period.
Speaker 1:Right Five years out. Who knows?
Speaker 2:what the world's going to look like, nobody knows, but it definitely indicates a pretty significant potential opportunity. Oh yeah, definitely For somebody, $300 million is not chump change.
Speaker 1:Not at all. So where's all this work going to be happening?
Speaker 2:Right. Where's the action? Yeah, $300 million is not chump change, not at all. So where's all this work going to be happening, right?
Speaker 1:Where's the?
Speaker 2:action. Yeah, so the primary anticipated locations are all within the National Capital Region.
Speaker 1:NCR.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so specifically the Pentagon in Arlington, virginia, of course the Mark Center in Alexandria, virginia, and potentially other government facilities in the area.
Speaker 1:So if you're listening and you happen to be a Beltway bandit, this could be right up your alley. This is for you.
Speaker 2:So for any companies out there who might be thinking, hey, maybe we should respond to this what are the crucial dates?
Speaker 1:Yeah, what do they need to know?
Speaker 2:That they need to have on their radar.
Speaker 1:Timeline wise, yeah, so the anticipated contract award date okay is march 4 2026 right, and they're aiming for a contract start date okay the very next day, right, march 5th 2026 so they're moving quickly, they're not wasting any time no and the targeted period of performance okay for the ordering period is five years running, from an estimated March 2026 through March 2031.
Speaker 2:So a nice, solid five-year contract.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so a pretty near-term timeline.
Speaker 2:Yeah, definitely something to keep an eye on.
Speaker 1:So we've thrown a lot of specific details at you.
Speaker 2:We have.
Speaker 1:But let's take a step back.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Why should you, the listener, even care about this?
Speaker 2:Yeah, why does this matter?
Speaker 1:This seemingly granular government notice.
Speaker 2:Yeah, good question.
Speaker 1:Well, because understanding these initial steps in the government acquisition process offers you really valuable foresight. Okay, I see, especially if you're a company that provides you know related services, this is like a huge red flag.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:That there might be some.
Speaker 2:Opportunity coming up. Some big business opportunities coming down the pike, absolutely.
Speaker 1:But even more broadly, it gives you a real world glimpse into the Department of Defense's priorities Right, department of Defense's priorities, right. So in this case, it really underscores just how critical they view accurate and readily available cost assessment data for their major programs. So it shows you where their focus is and where their potential investments are headed in this really crucial area of defense acquisition.
Speaker 2:So it's like we're getting a sneak peek.
Speaker 1:It is.
Speaker 2:At their strategic thinking.
Speaker 1:It is. Just by analyzing this one little notice, it's like getting an early peek behind the curtain.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I like that.
Speaker 1:So, as we start to wrap up this first part of our deep dive, Okay. Let's kind of recap.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:The core of what we've learned.
Speaker 2:Good idea.
Speaker 1:About this Cade. Sources sought notice.
Speaker 2:All right.
Speaker 1:So at its heart, this notice is the government's way of saying hey, we're doing market research, we're trying to identify companies that can provide support for the cost assessment data enterprise.
Speaker 2:RAID. Or Cade Right and as we've discussed-, cade is really the DoD's central hub for all their official cost data Right and it plays a vital role in administering that cost and software data reporting system Right which, as we mentioned, is actually required by law.
Speaker 1:Yeah, statutorily mandated.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Can't get around that, nope.
Speaker 2:And the potential scope of work seems really comprehensive. Yeah, I mean we're talking about everything from administering the CSDR system, developing those data collection plans.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Maintaining and enhancing the CAID website.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Making sure that thousands of government users have access to this critical information. And then, of course, we talked about you know the anticipated structure of a future contract, probably an IDIQ or a BPA, with a significant potential value and a five-year ordering period.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so there's a lot there.
Speaker 2:There's a lot to unpack. And one of the things that's really interesting when you really dig into the details of this notice is the range of capability.
Speaker 1:That the government is indicating you're going to need Right. So they've included this draft performance work statement in the notice.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:And it outlines several key areas of support.
Speaker 2:All right, so let's dive into that.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:What are some of those key areas?
Speaker 1:So first of all, you've got your kind of essential systems engineering and program management functions Right to just kind of oversee the whole effort makes sense right, and then you've got direct technical support. Okay, for the actual cost data collection processes. So that's you know the nuts and bolts the nitty-gritty yeah but it's not just about. You know the technical aspects. I have management okay they're also looking for policy and training support to make sure that the CSDR system operates effectively and that users across the government understand how to use it properly.
Speaker 2:Right, you got to train people on the system. Absolutely Otherwise it's just a fancy website, exactly.
Speaker 1:And then there's a big information technology component covering the operation, the maintenance and, crucially, the ongoing development and enhancement of the KD infrastructure including its website and specialized tools. They even specifically mentioned a tool called the Full Cost of Manpower.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Or F-Com tool, f-com so, and they also mentioned analytical surge support.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Which suggests they might need help with some, you know, in-depth data analysis on an as-needed basis.
Speaker 2:Right, so they might have like a surge in requirements and need extra help.
Speaker 1:Exactly so for any companies out there thinking, hey, this sounds like us.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:There's a really critical point that cannot be overstated.
Speaker 2:Okay, what's that?
Speaker 1:Security Ah yes, of course, is paramount. Yeah, absolutely so. The notice explicitly states that a secret facility clearance is required at the time they submit their proposal, and all personnel working on the contract will need at least an interim secret security clearance to even begin work.
Speaker 2:So no clearance, no work.
Speaker 1:No clearance, no dice.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so that's a really important thing for potential bidders to be aware of.
Speaker 1:Absolutely.
Speaker 2:Especially with something as sensitive as cost data Right, you know.
Speaker 1:This is not something you want, just anybody having access to.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:So if you're thinking about, you know, throwing your hat in the ring.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:The notice very clearly lays out the specific information that they're requesting in responses.
Speaker 2:OK.
Speaker 1:And they have a deadline of December 16, 2024.
Speaker 2:All right, so mark your calendars.
Speaker 1:December 16, 2024.
Speaker 2:OK.
Speaker 1:So what are they looking?
Speaker 2:for yeah. What do they want to see?
Speaker 1:Well, first of all, they want a comprehensive capabilities statement.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Detailing. You know your relevant experience, your technical expertise. Right, you know the whole nine yards.
Speaker 2:Show us what you got, exactly yeah.
Speaker 1:They also want some essential company details.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Like your UEI.
Speaker 2:It's CAGE code.
Speaker 1:Right, all the government contracting. Basics, the basics, yeah.
Speaker 2:And very importantly.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:They want detailed information on your relevant contract experience Right. They're particularly interested in work that is similar in nature.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:To the CAGE requirements.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And that has been performed within the last five to seven years.
Speaker 1:Oh, wow, so pretty recent experience.
Speaker 2:Yeah, they want to see you've done this kind of thing before, right, and they want to see specific contract numbers.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And their values.
Speaker 1:So they can really get a sense of the scale of your previous work.
Speaker 2:Exactly. They want to see that you can handle something of this magnitude. But it's not just about showcasing your strengths. Right they also want to understand how you would propose to handle any task areas where you might not have direct in-house experience, which suggests that they are definitely anticipating the potential use of subcontractors.
Speaker 1:They're open to teaming arrangements and, interestingly, they are actually soliciting recommendations from potential vendors on what they believe would be the most appropriate NAICS codes and contract types.
Speaker 2:So they're asking industry for input.
Speaker 1:They're basically saying hey, we think this is what makes sense.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:But if you have a better idea, let us know. Tell us what you think. We're open to suggestions. That's makes sense, yeah.
Speaker 2:But if you have a better idea, let us know. Tell us what you think.
Speaker 1:We're open to suggestions.
Speaker 2:That's pretty cool.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so they're not just dictating.
Speaker 2:They're actually open to feedback.
Speaker 1:They're trying to be collaborative.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's nice to see.
Speaker 1:It's refreshing.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:Now one really important thing to highlight.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Is the emphasis on small businesses in this notice, so they explicitly encourage responses from a wide range of small business categories.
Speaker 2:Oh, okay, so this could be a big opportunity for small businesses.
Speaker 1:It could be a huge opportunity.
Speaker 2:Wow.
Speaker 1:And that's because the notice also states that if their market research identifies at least two qualified small businesses capable of performing the work Right, any subsequent competitive procurement Okay. Could be set aside.
Speaker 2:Oh, wow.
Speaker 1:Exclusively for small businesses.
Speaker 2:So this could be a small business set aside.
Speaker 1:It could be All right. So for small businesses with relevant capabilities, this could be a really significant opportunity.
Speaker 2:Yeah, definitely something to pay attention to. Yeah, so this brings us to kind of a significant opportunity. Yeah, definitely something to pay attention to. Yeah, so this brings us to kind of a crucial point.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:To consider as we're looking at this bigger picture. Yeah, given just the sheer volume of data involved in defense acquisition and the absolute critical nature of the decisions that this data ultimately informs, what do you think are some of the most significant challenges that the Department of Defense faces in making sure that the quality of this cost data is good?
Speaker 1:and that it's being used effectively. Right, because you can have all the data in the world, but if it's bad data, it's worthless. Or if you're not using it properly.
Speaker 2:Yeah Right, it's not doing you any good. So how do you see these kind of support services?
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Outlined in this. Sources sought notice.
Speaker 1:Mm, hmm.
Speaker 2:Potentially helping to address.
Speaker 1:OK.
Speaker 2:Those inherent challenges.
Speaker 1:Right. So we're thinking about the complexities of managing such a large and vital information ecosystem.
Speaker 2:I think that's a great question, and I think that's something that we'll probably want to explore a little bit further.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I think that's a good place to leave it for now.
Speaker 2:I think so.
Speaker 1:And we'll pick it up in the next part of our deep dive.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:All right, sounds good.
Speaker 2:Looking forward to it.
Speaker 1:Me too.