Budget and Acquisition Management
ZRA is a leading provider of support for cybersecurity program budget and acquisition requirements, leveraging formal frameworks such as DHS’s System Engineering Lifecycle, the Acquisition Lifecycle Framework, and Planning, Programming, Budget, and Execution. These programs rely on systems engineering disciplines to plan, acquire, deploy, and operate sophisticated cybersecurity and infrastructure protection systems. ZRA’s capabilities include a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity principles and essential management frameworks to meet complex mission requirements.
Work Breakdown Structures
ZRA is a cybersecurity program management company with 25 years of experience. We specialize in creating Program Work Breakdown Structures (PWBS) and Project and Contract Work Breakdown Structures (CWBS). Our Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) products offer valuable insights for CISA leaders, aiding them in visualizing program requirements and aligning them with crucial decisions such as resource allocation and capability planning. ZRA has designed Program Work Breakdown Structures (PWBS) and Contract Work Breakdown Structures (CWBS) for several CISA programs and ongoing projects, following best practices in cost accounting. This ensures clear traceability from mission needs to program activities and project artifacts.
Life Cycle Cost Estimates & EVM
ZRA is a company that specializes in life cycle cost estimate analysis (LCCE) for cybersecurity and infrastructure security programs. With 20 years of experience in Homeland Security Program Management Offices, ZRA assists government leaders in designing and developing LCCEs, which are crucial for program planning, resource allocation, decision-making, and testing of alternatives. ZRA also offers valuable insights for independent government cost estimates (IGCEs) associated with complex cybersecurity and infrastructure security services. We also assist program managers in preparing acquisition strategies and plans, leveraging their understanding of cybersecurity-specific approaches. ZRA has played a significant role in the original acquisition design team for the National Cybersecurity Protection System and the Continuous Diagnostics & Mitigation Program.
Vendor Engagement & Assessments
ZRA is a company with a history of providing support for vendor-related engagements and materials. We gather input, prepare Requests for Information (RFIs), and collaborate with cybersecurity programs. ZRA assists in developing Statements of Objectives, Statements of Work, and Performance Work Statements. We also offer vendor assessments, evaluating vendors’ capabilities against documented requirements. We have assisted CISA programs in designing RFIs for artificial intelligence, large language models, and natural language processing. ZRA’s teams also analyze vendors’ capabilities for cloud telemetry, deception, and event log management.
Resource Allocation Planning
ZRA assists CISA leaders in assessing short- and long-term resource needs, addressing emerging threats and complex IT requirements, and supporting critical infrastructure owners. Our services include resource allocation planning, program decision options, and related initiatives. ZRA excels in quantification, cost estimation, and facilitating engagement across diverse CISA programs. Our past performance includes understanding priorities, identifying mission needs, framing requirements as capabilities, and identifying gaps. We analyze capability assessment reports and capability assessment study plans, gathering input from CONOPs and AoAs, to shape resource allocation planning options and propose suitable solutions.
Acquisition Program Baselines
Since 2002, we have significantly contributed to CISA’s cybersecurity and infrastructure security programs, meeting the requirements of key APB elements such as cost, schedule, and milestones. Our experience at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extends beyond developing a single program. We ensure traceability across multiple projects and activities. Our analytics focus on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), providing insights for program leaders during the design, deployment, and operations stages.
Earned Value Management (EVM)
ZRA has been developing Earned Value Management (EVM) models for 20 years to address cybersecurity program design and implementation in the federal civil sector. These models address performance challenges in government-wide initiatives and comply with the requirements outlined in the Office of Management and Budget’s A-11 and OMB 300 exhibits. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a proven track record of developing performance measures, metrics, and cost-based outputs that align with program requirements. One notable aspect of their model is the integration of cost estimation approaches for services, which offers a comprehensive view of program outputs.
