DOJ's $17.3M Guard Services Contract Awarded to Undisclosed Domestic Firm Under SAP

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,348 ($17.3K)

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: $48/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY2025 DISTRICT GUARD SUPPORT SERVICES - D11

Place of Performance

Location: SAN FRANCISCO, SAN FRANCISCO County, CALIFORNIA, 94102

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $17,347.5 to DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED) for work described as: FY2025 DISTRICT GUARD SUPPORT SERVICES - D11 Key points: 1. Contract awarded under Special Access Program (SAP) limits transparency and public scrutiny. 2. Limited competition likely due to SAP, potentially impacting price discovery and value for money. 3. Focus on security guard services indicates a need for physical protection within DOJ operations. 4. The contract duration of one year aligns with typical operational needs for such services. 5. Awardee's identity is undisclosed, raising questions about contractor vetting and accountability. 6. Geographic focus on California suggests specific operational requirements for the U.S. Marshals Service.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Benchmarking value for this contract is challenging due to the undisclosed awardee and the Special Access Program (SAP) designation, which restricts public data. The contract type is a purchase order for labor hours, suggesting a service-based engagement. Without comparable contract data or market rates for similar security guard services under SAP, assessing the pricing and overall value is difficult. The lack of transparency inherent in SAP contracts inherently raises concerns about achieving optimal value for taxpayer funds.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Special Access Program (SAP) procedures, which inherently limit the scope of competition and public visibility. While the specific details of the competition are not disclosed due to SAP, it is reasonable to infer that the number of bidders was restricted to entities cleared for such sensitive programs. This limited competition environment may not foster the most aggressive price negotiation or ensure the broadest possible market engagement.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition under SAP means taxpayers may not benefit from the full range of price discovery and cost efficiencies that typically arise from open market competition.

Public Impact

The U.S. Marshals Service benefits from enhanced security and operational support through these guard services. The services provided are essential for maintaining physical security at facilities or for specific operations within the Department of Justice. The geographic impact is concentrated in California, where the services are being deployed. The contract supports the workforce of security guards, contributing to employment in the security services sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of transparency due to SAP designation hinders assessment of contractor performance and value.
Undisclosed awardee raises concerns about due diligence and potential conflicts of interest.
Limited competition may lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
SAP environment can obscure potential risks and accountability issues.

Positive Signals

Contract awarded to a domestic entity, supporting the U.S. economy.
Clear service requirement for security guards indicates a defined operational need.
Contract duration is for a defined period, allowing for periodic reassessment.

Sector Analysis

The security guard services sector is a significant component of the broader private security industry, which provides personnel for physical protection, surveillance, and access control. This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services category. Spending in this sector is driven by government and private entities requiring security for facilities, events, and personnel. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the SAP classification, but government agencies frequently contract for guard services across various locations and operational needs.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business participation, including set-asides or subcontracting plans, is not available due to the contract's SAP designation. Typically, government contracts aim to include small business participation, but the nature of SAP may limit the applicability or disclosure of such requirements. Without specific data, the impact on the small business ecosystem remains unknown.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight mechanisms for contracts awarded under Special Access Programs (SAP) are typically more stringent and compartmentalized than standard federal contracts, involving specialized security protocols and clearance levels. However, the specific oversight measures, accountability frameworks, and transparency assessments for this particular contract are not publicly disclosed due to its SAP classification. Inspector General jurisdiction may apply, but its scope and reporting within SAP are often restricted.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Justice Security Services
U.S. Marshals Service Operational Support
Special Access Program (SAP) Contracts

Risk Flags

Lack of Transparency (SAP)
Undisclosed Awardee
Limited Competition

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $17,347.5 to DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED). FY2025 DISTRICT GUARD SUPPORT SERVICES - D11

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 $17,347.5.

What is the period of performance?

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

What specific security services are being procured under this contract?

The contract is for 'Security Guards and Patrol Services' (NAICS code 561612). This typically includes providing uniformed personnel to guard against theft, unauthorized access, and other security threats. Services may encompass access control, patrolling premises, monitoring surveillance systems, responding to alarms, and reporting security incidents. The exact scope and specific duties would be detailed in the contract's statement of work, which is not publicly available due to the Special Access Program (SAP) classification.

Why was this contract awarded under a Special Access Program (SAP)?

Contracts are awarded under Special Access Programs (SAP) when the information or technology involved requires safeguarding beyond the level of Top Secret. This could be due to the sensitive nature of the operations the U.S. Marshals Service is conducting, the specific technologies being protected, or the critical infrastructure involved. SAPs impose strict controls on personnel, facilities, and information to prevent unauthorized disclosure, making them necessary for certain high-security government functions.

What are the implications of the awardee being undisclosed for accountability?

The undisclosed nature of the awardee, a common practice under SAP, significantly complicates accountability. Standard contract oversight relies on public information about the contractor's identity, past performance, and financial stability. When the awardee is unknown, it is difficult for external stakeholders, including oversight bodies and the public, to independently verify the contractor's qualifications, adherence to contract terms, or potential conflicts of interest. Accountability relies heavily on internal government oversight mechanisms, which are not transparently documented for SAP contracts.

How does the limited competition under SAP affect the cost-effectiveness for taxpayers?

Limited competition, inherent in SAP environments, generally leads to higher costs for taxpayers. When only a few cleared vendors can bid, the competitive pressure to offer the lowest price is reduced. Furthermore, the specialized security clearances and infrastructure required for SAP work limit the pool of potential contractors, potentially creating a seller's market. While the government aims to negotiate fair prices, the lack of broad market engagement means taxpayers may not realize the full cost savings achievable through open competition.

What is the typical duration for contracts of this nature, and does this one align?

Contracts for security guard services often have durations ranging from one to five years, sometimes with option periods. A one-year base period, as seen with this contract (ending September 30, 2025, with a start date of October 1, 2024), is common for initial awards or for services where operational needs might change. This duration allows the agency to assess performance and re-evaluate requirements before committing to longer terms, aligning with typical procurement practices for ongoing 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: $17,348

Exercised Options: $17,348

Current Obligation: $17,348

Actual Outlays: $18,675

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline