DOJ's $543K District Guard Contract Awarded to Undisclosed Domestic Firm for Security Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $54,320 ($54.3K)

Contractor: Domestic Awardees (undisclosed)

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2024-10-01

End Date: 2025-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $149/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY2025 DISTRICT GUARD SUPPORT SERVICES - D01

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20405

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $54,320 to DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED) for work described as: FY2025 DISTRICT GUARD SUPPORT SERVICES - D01 Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the contract duration and scope of security services. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a competed award, suggesting potential for price discovery. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the short duration and standard nature of security services. 4. Performance context is for essential security operations within the U.S. Marshals Service. 5. Sector positioning is within the security and protective services industry.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $543,200 for one year of security guard services is within a reasonable range for similar federal contracts. Benchmarking against other government contracts for security personnel in the DC area suggests competitive pricing. The award type as a purchase order for labor hours indicates a focus on operational needs rather than a large-scale project, which typically aligns with cost-effectiveness for routine services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which allows for a broader range of competition for smaller dollar value procurements. While the specific number of bidders is not disclosed, the 'competed' status suggests multiple offers were likely considered, contributing to a more competitive environment and potentially better pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competed award under SAP generally benefits taxpayers by ensuring that the government receives competitive pricing and a fair market value for the services rendered, avoiding potential overpayment associated with sole-source or limited competition contracts.

Public Impact

The U.S. Marshals Service benefits from enhanced security and operational support. Essential security guard and patrol services are delivered to protect federal facilities and personnel. The geographic impact is concentrated in the District of Columbia. The contract supports local employment within the security services sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific contractor identification for a competed award raises minor transparency concerns.
Limited detail on the specific security protocols and personnel qualifications could be a concern if not adequately managed by the agency.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a competed process, indicating potential for good value.
Short contract duration (one year) limits long-term risk exposure.
Clear service delivery requirement for essential security functions.

Sector Analysis

The security and protective services sector is a significant component of federal contracting, encompassing a wide range of services from physical security to cybersecurity. This contract falls within the physical security sub-sector, which is characterized by numerous small to medium-sized businesses alongside larger defense contractors. Federal spending in this area is consistent, driven by the need to protect government assets and personnel nationwide.

Small Business Impact

The contract was competed under SAP, which can provide opportunities for small businesses. However, without specific details on the awardee or subcontracting plans, it is difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem. The absence of a small business set-aside designation suggests it was open to all eligible offerors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the U.S. Marshals Service contracting officer and program managers. As a purchase order under SAP, it is subject to standard federal procurement regulations and agency-specific internal controls. Transparency is moderate, with the award being publicly reported, but details on the specific contractor and evaluation criteria are limited.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Justice Security Services
U.S. Marshals Service Operational Support

Risk Flags

Undisclosed Awardee
Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) - Limited Competition Visibility

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $54,320 to DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED). FY2025 DISTRICT GUARD SUPPORT SERVICES - D01

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED).

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (U.S. Marshals Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $54,320.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-01. End: 2025-09-30.

What is the typical cost range for security guard services provided to federal agencies in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area?

The cost for security guard services in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area can vary significantly based on the level of security required, the number of personnel, hours of service, and specific qualifications (e.g., armed vs. unarmed, specialized training). For general security guard and patrol services (NAICS 561612), federal contracts can range from $30-$70 per hour per guard, depending on these factors. The $543,200 contract for a one-year duration, likely involving multiple guards or significant hours, suggests an average hourly rate that would need to be benchmarked against specific service level agreements to confirm its competitiveness. However, the overall value appears aligned with market rates for such services in a high-cost urban area.

How does the 'competed under SAP' designation impact the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing?

Competing under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) generally increases the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing compared to sole-source or limited-source awards. SAP is designed for procurements valued between the micro-purchase threshold and the SAP threshold (currently $250,000, but can be higher for certain agencies/situations). Agencies are encouraged to solicit offers from as many sources as practicable. While not as broad as full and open competition, it typically involves multiple bidders, fostering price discovery and allowing the government to select the best value offer, which often translates to more favorable pricing for taxpayers.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding security contracts to undisclosed domestic awardees?

Awarding contracts to undisclosed domestic entities, particularly under SAP, can present minor transparency risks. While the agency is responsible for due diligence, the lack of public identification makes it harder for external observers to assess the contractor's track record, financial stability, or potential conflicts of interest. However, for a short-term, relatively low-value contract like this, the risks are generally mitigated by the agency's internal oversight processes and the standard requirements for security service providers. The primary concern is the reduced public accountability.

What is the historical spending pattern for security guard services by the U.S. Marshals Service?

The U.S. Marshals Service, like many federal law enforcement and justice agencies, consistently requires security guard and patrol services to protect facilities, personnel, and assets. Historical spending data would likely show recurring contracts for these services across various locations. The annual spending can fluctuate based on specific facility needs, security threats, and budget allocations. This $543K contract represents a portion of their ongoing operational budget for security, and similar contracts are likely awarded annually or as needed to maintain security posture.

What are the implications of this contract being a 'Purchase Order' rather than a larger contract vehicle?

Designating this award as a 'Purchase Order' (PO) typically signifies a simpler, more streamlined procurement process for goods or services below a certain dollar threshold, often used for routine or immediate needs. For the U.S. Marshals Service, using a PO for security services suggests it's for a defined, relatively short-term requirement (one year) rather than a long-term, complex security program. This approach can lead to faster acquisition and potentially lower administrative overhead compared to larger, more formal contract vehicles, aligning with efficient use of funds for operational support.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Investigation and Security Services › Security Guards and Patrol Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 15M10222QA4700055

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1800 F ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20405

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $54,320

Exercised Options: $54,320

Current Obligation: $54,320

Actual Outlays: $58,475

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline