Rapid DoD Modernization: The MATTER IDIQ
MATTER = “Mobile Apps to the Tactical Edge Ready”
On April 1, 2020, the Department of Defense (DoD) recognized Monkton, the industry leader in rapid, solutions-based outcomes, by issuing a government-wide, Indefinite-Delivery/ Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract.
This contract, called Mobile Apps to the Tactical Edge Ready (MATTER), supports secure, Edge-based mobility and enables rapid acquisition to achieve results faster.
As MATTER IDIQ is a government-wide contracting vehicle, any federal agency can utilize it to award sole-source contracts without having to advertise. This is as close to direct commercial contracting as exists in government! In 2022, the MATTER IDIQ was extended to the entire Federal Government, enabling the DoD, Intelligence Community, and Civilian agencies to leverage the contact vehicle.
Why Monkton Won MATTER
For a federal agency, awarding an acquisition contract is notoriously time consuming. The entire lifespan of a project—from when a need is first identified to when a mission-ready solution is delivered—typically spans years. At best, it’s a lengthy, convoluted process. If things go sideways, and another company protests the award, it can quickly become what some would call a nightmare.
While the procurement process often moves at a glacial pace, technology doesn’t stand still. As such, a cutting-edge proposal can become obsolete when finally delivered years later.
Monkton was initially awarded the IDIQ because of our ability to rapidly provide secure, end-to-end mobile, cloud, and Edge solutions. Monkton’s focus is always on action, results, and outcome—all within six months, not 10 years. It’s this speed and results-oriented mindset that sets Monkton apart from other companies. Cutting out months or years of the acquisition process is just the beginning; Monkton’s Minimum Viable Product (MVP) program is designed to get a functioning solution into the government’s hands in as little time as possible.
Our proven platform enables field-based workers to excel at their jobs—securely from the cloud. From strategy and planning to mission apps as a service–and even developer training classes—MATTER offers a solution for every mission.
Providing End-to-end Solutions Across the Ecosystem
There are many government-wide acquisition contracts, and Monkton isn’t the only company with an IDIQ.
So what makes MATTER so different? The answer is enabling all the componentry to deliver Edge solutions that are needed today, not years from now.
Rather than simply providing one piece of the puzzle, MATTER encompasses the entire ecosystem—all of the hardware, app development, support for Edge use cases, cloud, cyber hardening, and more. Not only does awarding a sole-source contract save time, it can provide end-to-end solutions without the administrative complexity of multiple different companies and contracts.
A few examples of the opportunities available under the MATTER contract include:
Developing secure apps that can run on the Edge )whether on a mobile device, laptop, IoT system, or even a satellite)
Implementing mobile device-as-a-service (DaaS) to easily procure, lease, configure, distribute, and manage a fleet of hardware devices
Deploying Edge-based cloud services to bring the Cloud to users, wherever they are
Training teams on how to solve problems in a scalable, repeatable manner, through virtual or on-site sessions
Supporting Contracting Officers, Program Managers, and Requirement Owners
Program Managers and Requirement Owners
We understand your challenges and the desire to move projects along faster while reducing complexity. Historically, the process is packed with red tape and delays, preventing swift progress. However, MATTER—like similarly flexible Small Business Innovation Research Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (SBIR IDIQ) contracts responsible for national and global security—offers a solution.
With MATTER, organizations can seamlessly transition from mission concept to project kickoff in a matter of weeks instead of months or years. Federal agencies also have direct, unencumbered interaction with the Monkton team, enabling collaborative project objectives and outcomes. Moreover, MATTER's substantial $500 million contract ceiling supports your program's entire lifecycle, from initial RDTE prototypes to long-term production and sustainment activities. Italso covers RDT&E, new program starts (OPA), and O&M, making it an incredibly versatile resource.
Contracting Officers
You need a fast, predictable process that can be completed in weeks. As a Contracting Officer, you can request and receive a Delegation of Contract Authority under MATTER, maintaining control over task orders, modifications, and CPARs. There's also no need to engage in the time-consuming process of competing task/delivery orders or justifying sole-source decisions. Task orders under MATTER can encompass labor and products, including COTS, SaaS, IaaS, hardware, and more. The flexible period of performance also allows you to define the delivery schedule, including option periods, with ease. You can also add supplemental terms and conditions at the task order level, ensuring maximum flexibility. Best of all, there are no fees for use and no protests at the Task Order level.
Using MATTER Across Missions and Government Agencies
In today's fast-paced world, top-notch job functionality for field-based operators and civil servants is a constant need, cutting across every imaginable environment—from bustling urban centers to remote, rural areas. Without modernizing barely functional legacy software and hardware to secure mobile Edge-based cloud services, the federal government faces a chilling prospect: mission failures against adversaries.
The era of streamlined, efficient, and secure Edge-based operations has arrived, and it's redefining the way our government fulfills critical missions. And MATTER IDIQ is the key.
Using MATTER is straightforward—a contracting officer from any government agency can request a delegation of contract authority, and then create a Performance Work Statement (PWS) that Monkton can respond to.
Spotlight on Action that Matters: COVID Data Collection and Reporting with Mobile Apps for USNORTHCOM
In March 2020, when U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) faced the daunting task of organizing and deploying Federal resources in response to the rapid spread of COVID-19. Using MATTER IDIQ, USNORTHCOM turned to Monkton to support the Surgeon General, DoD's Joint Personnel Command, and Logistics organizations with a unique mission: Quickly design three new mobile apps to cater to the command’s unique needs.
These apps became indispensable tools, allowing data collection on critical metrics, like personal protective equipment (PPE), ICU bed availability, medical staff allocation, and the number of citizens and personnel testing positive for COVID—among 30+ other essential data fields. Monkton also introduced MATTERHub, a streamlined onboarding and identity and access management process, ensuring the right personnel could access all apps. The secure cloud environment, implemented in AWS GovCloud, ensured data integrity and security.
Spotlight on Action that Matters: Easy, automated payload calculations for AFSOC on iPad and iPhones
The USAF Special Operations Command (AFSOC) partnered with Monkton to modernize outdated weight and balance calculations, which were previously managed via cumbersome, error-prone Excel files.
Under the MATTER IDIQ contract, Monkton developed Balanced, a secure, user-friendly iPad app that streamlined payload calculations for loadmasters. Balanced significantly enhanced efficiency and introduced an agile, Edge-based approach to AFSOC’s infrastructure management.
The app deployed within six months, giving loadmasters an easy way to make accurate data calculations on mobile devices. The result: substantial time savings and improved mission-critical processes.
More on MATTER
MATTER has also helped to accelerate digital modernization within agencies such as NORAD, NORTHCOM, and DHS. And, since MATTER is government-wide, any agency—civilian or military—can take advantage of it to rapidly develop secure, Edge-based mobile technologies within a matter of weeks.
MATTER makes building and deploying apps as a service accessible and affordable, ultimately accelerating digital modernization federally wide. Mobile devices, user-friendly solutions, and cloud-based IT already exist independently, but when combined, they become even more powerful—that’s the future we want.
