Challenging technical problems that are beyond the scope of a basic inquiry (i.e., require more than 4 hours of research) can be solved with an Extended Technical Inquiry or a Core Analysis Task (CAT). CATs are separately funded work efforts over and above basic CSIAC products and services. Through the CAT program, the CSIAC can be utilized as a contracting vehicle, enabling the DoD to obtain specialized support for specific projects. These projects, however, must be within the CSIAC’s technical domain (Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, Software Engineering, Modeling & Simulation, and Knowledge Management/Information Sharing).
Some of the advantages of the IAC CAT Program include:
- Minimal Start-Work Delay – Not only does the CSIAC provide DoD and other agencies with a contract vehicle, but it is also a pre-competed single award CPFF IDIQ. Work can begin on a project in as little as 4-6 weeks after the order is placed.
- Expansive Technical Domain – the CSIAC’s broad scope (Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, Software Engineering, Modeling & Simulation and Knowledge Management/Information Sharing) provides numerous resources for potential projects, and is especially valuable for efforts that cross multiple domains.
- SME Network – The CSIAC is able to leverage reach-back support from its expansive SME Network, including technical experts from the CSIAC staff, team members, or the greater community, to complete CATs and other projects.
- STI Repositories – As a consolidation of three predecessor IACs, the CSIAC has a wealth of data and information to support the completion of CATs.
- Apply the Latest Findings – Draw from the most recent studies performed for agencies across the DoD, as the results from all CSIAC CATs and SNIM Technical Area Tasks (TATs) are collected, stored and used to support future efforts by the CSIAC.
How to Get Started
If you have a mission for the CSIAC, the first step is to contact us. As with any inquiry, the first four hours are free to the customer. If the scope of the mission requires a CAT, a Q&A between the CSIAC and the Requesting Agency can be initiated. The CSIAC can then begin to assist the customer with the development of a Performance of Work Statement (PWS). Once the customer and the CSIAC have agreed on the PWS, it must be approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), the IAC Program Management Office and the Contracting Officer to ensure it meets the scope and constraints of the IAC contract.
Based on the PWS requirements, the CSIAC will prepare a technical and cost proposal which is subject to approval by the customer and the contracting officer. CATs are very flexible, but are limited to a 12 month period of performance and a maximum budget of $1,000,000 per project. Tasks may be ordered by any DoD component. Subject to appropriate agreement, U.S. Government Agencies and Departments may also order CATs.
A full description of the IAC CAT program, including the standard operating procedure (SOP) for ordering tasks, can be found at the DTIC Website.
Mission Success Stories
The Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) website also archives success stories from the various projects performed by the Information Analysis Centers (IACs). This site provides excellent examples of how the IACs provide service to the Department of Defense. Click here to preview.
