Need Specialized Technical Support with Easy Contract Terms?
Download the one page CAT Program flyer [pdf]
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 address issues within the CSIAC’s technical domain (cybersecurity, 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 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 few as 5-8 weeks.
- Expansive Technical Domain – CSIAC’s broad scope (cybersecurity, 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 – CSIAC is able to leverage reach-back support from its expansive SME Network, including technical experts from the CSIAC staff, team members and the greater community, to complete CATs and other projects.
- STI Repositories – As a consolidation of three predecessor IACs, CSIAC has a wealth of data and information to support the completion of CATs.
- Apply the Latest Findings – CATs often leverage STI from the most recent studies performed for agencies across the DoD, while the STI generated under CSIAC CATs and IAC MAC Technical Area Tasks (TATs) are collected and stored to support future DoD efforts.
How to Get Started
If you have a mission for 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 ETI or CAT, a Q&A between CSIAC and the Requesting Agency can be initiated. CSIAC will then assist the customer with the development of a Performance of Work Statement (PWS). Once the parties agree on the PWS, it is submitted to DTIC’s 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, 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 funding ceiling of $1million 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 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 DoD.
