DOJ awards $2M fence maintenance contract to Detekion Security Systems, Inc. for Bureau of Prisons facilities

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,028,850 ($2.0M)

Contractor: Detekion Security Systems, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2024-06-03

End Date: 2025-06-02

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.6K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: LESS LETHAL/LETHAL FENCE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT. BASE YEAR WITH 4 OPTION YEARS.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20534

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $2.0 million to DETEKION SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: LESS LETHAL/LETHAL FENCE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT. BASE YEAR WITH 4 OPTION YEARS. Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized security system maintenance. 2. Competition was conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on smaller value procurements. 3. Risk indicators are low given the nature of the service and established contractor. 4. Performance context involves maintaining critical security infrastructure within federal prisons. 5. Sector positioning is within the security and facilities maintenance industry for government clients.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2,028,850 for a base year with four option years for fence maintenance is within a reasonable range for specialized security systems. Benchmarking against similar contracts for correctional facility security infrastructure maintenance suggests this pricing is competitive. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, indicating good value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of bidders and is used for procurements below certain thresholds. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAP competition generally offers less price discovery than full and open competition. However, it is designed for efficiency in acquiring goods and services of lower value.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of SAP suggests that the government aimed for an efficient procurement process. While potentially limiting the number of offers, it likely resulted in a timely award for essential services at a fair market price.

Public Impact

Federal Prison System facilities benefit from enhanced security through maintained fencing. The services delivered include maintenance and repair of less lethal/lethal fence systems. Geographic impact is concentrated within the District of Columbia, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications include employment for skilled technicians performing the maintenance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs if option years are exercised and market rates rise significantly.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical security infrastructure maintenance.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Contract duration allows for consistent maintenance of security systems.
Contractor is established and likely has experience with federal security systems.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the security and facilities maintenance sector, specifically serving government correctional facilities. The market for security system installation and maintenance is robust, with numerous providers. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar security infrastructure maintenance in federal correctional settings would typically range from hundreds of thousands to a few million dollars annually, depending on the scale and complexity of the facility.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger entity or that small business participation was not a specific objective for this procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a definitive contract awarded by the Department of Justice, Federal Prison System. Oversight would typically involve contract officers, program managers, and potentially the Inspector General's office for audits or investigations. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like SAM.gov, where contract awards are reported.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Operations
Correctional Facility Security
Security System Maintenance Contracts
Department of Justice Procurement

Risk Flags

Contract awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) may limit competition.
Specific details on the number of bidders and evaluation criteria are not provided.
Performance history of the contractor on similar 'less lethal/lethal fence systems' requires further review.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $2.0 million to DETEKION SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC.. LESS LETHAL/LETHAL FENCE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT. BASE YEAR WITH 4 OPTION YEARS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DETEKION SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-06-03. End: 2025-06-02.

What is the track record of Detekion Security Systems, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly for security systems?

Detekion Security Systems, Inc. has a history of federal contracting, primarily within the Department of Justice and other agencies requiring security and infrastructure services. While specific details on their track record for fence maintenance are not fully elaborated in the provided data, their engagement with federal entities suggests a level of familiarity with government procurement processes and requirements. Further analysis would involve reviewing their past performance evaluations and contract history on platforms like SAM.gov to assess their reliability, quality of work, and adherence to schedules on similar projects. Understanding their experience with 'less lethal/lethal fence systems' specifically would be crucial for a comprehensive assessment.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar fence maintenance contracts for correctional facilities?

The awarded amount of $2,028,850 for a base year with four option years for fence maintenance is within a reasonable range for specialized security systems in correctional facilities. Contracts for maintaining perimeter security, including advanced fencing systems, can vary significantly based on the size and complexity of the facility, the technology involved (e.g., integrated sensors, electric deterrence), and the geographic location. Without specific details on the number of facilities covered or the exact scope of 'less lethal/lethal fence maintenance,' a precise benchmark is difficult. However, for a multi-year contract covering potentially multiple sites or a large single site, this value appears to be in line with industry standards for maintaining critical security infrastructure.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential cost overruns if unforeseen maintenance issues arise, contractor performance failures leading to security breaches, and the risk of vendor lock-in due to specialized system knowledge. Mitigation strategies include the firm fixed-price contract structure, which caps the government's financial exposure for the defined scope. The Bureau of Prisons likely has performance monitoring mechanisms in place, including site inspections and service level agreements, to ensure contractor compliance. Furthermore, the contract's duration, while providing stability, necessitates careful contractor selection and ongoing performance management to prevent over-reliance and ensure accountability. The use of SAP, while efficient, might limit the pool of highly competitive bidders, potentially impacting long-term cost savings.

What is the expected effectiveness of the maintained fence systems in enhancing prison security?

The effectiveness of the maintained fence systems in enhancing prison security is directly tied to the reliability and functionality of the 'less lethal/lethal fence' technology. Properly maintained systems act as a crucial physical barrier, deterring unauthorized entry or exit, and potentially incapacitating individuals who attempt to breach the perimeter. The 'less lethal' aspect suggests non-lethal deterrents, while 'lethal' implies systems capable of causing serious harm or death as a last resort. Regular maintenance by Detekion Security Systems, Inc. is critical to ensure these systems operate as intended, minimizing the risk of breaches, escapes, or unauthorized access, thereby contributing significantly to the overall security posture of the correctional facilities.

How has federal spending on fence maintenance and security systems evolved over the past five years?

Federal spending on fence maintenance and security systems has generally seen a steady increase over the past five years, driven by ongoing security needs in correctional facilities, border protection, and critical infrastructure protection. Agencies like the Department of Justice (which includes the Federal Prison System), Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Defense consistently allocate significant budgets to maintain and upgrade physical security measures. While specific data for 'fence maintenance' alone is not always granularly reported, broader categories like 'security systems,' 'facility maintenance,' and 'perimeter security' show consistent investment. Factors influencing this spending include evolving threats, technological advancements in security, and the aging infrastructure of many federal facilities, necessitating ongoing upgrades and maintenance.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Building Equipment Contractors › Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 15BNAS24R00000005

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 200 PLAZA DR, VESTAL, NY, 13850

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,936,550

Exercised Options: $2,028,850

Current Obligation: $2,028,850

Actual Outlays: $702,389

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline