DOJ's $2.47M Guard Services Contract Awarded to Undisclosed Domestic Firm for FY25

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,475 ($2.5K)

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: $7/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 $2,475 to DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED) for work described as: FY2025 DISTRICT GUARD SUPPORT SERVICES - D11 Key points: 1. Contract aims to secure federal facilities, with specific locations in California. 2. Competition was conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on smaller procurements. 3. The award is a Purchase Order, typically used for straightforward acquisitions. 4. Duration of the contract is one year, aligning with annual budget cycles. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 561612 points to security guard services. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized for this procurement. 7. The contract is labor-hour based, indicating payment for time and effort rather than fixed deliverables.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging due to the lack of specific performance metrics and the undisclosed nature of the awardee. The contract's value of $2.47 million for a one-year period for security guard services appears within a reasonable range for federal contracts of this nature, especially considering it covers labor hours. However, without details on the number of personnel, hours, or specific security requirements, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult. Comparisons to similar contracts for security guard services by the U.S. Marshals Service or other DOJ components would be necessary for a more robust evaluation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which generally allows for less formal competition than full and open procedures. While the specific number of bidders is not disclosed, SAP is typically used for procurements valued between the micro-purchase threshold and the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000 to $10 million). The limited competition inherent in SAP may result in less aggressive pricing compared to full and open competition, as fewer potential offerors are solicited.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of SAP suggests a streamlined procurement process that may not yield the most competitive pricing for taxpayers. The lack of broad competition could mean that the government is not benefiting from the lowest possible price achievable in a wider market.

Public Impact

Federal facilities managed by the U.S. Marshals Service in California will receive enhanced security. The contract ensures the provision of security guard and patrol services. Personnel employed by the awarded contractor will support federal law enforcement operations. The geographic impact is concentrated within California, where the services will be rendered.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Undisclosed awardee raises concerns about transparency and potential vetting.
Limited competition under SAP may lead to suboptimal pricing for taxpayers.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment difficult.
Labor-hour pricing can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.

Positive Signals

Contract addresses a critical need for facility security for the U.S. Marshals Service.
One-year duration allows for annual review and adjustment of services.
Purchase Order format is suitable for defined, short-term needs.
NAICS code clearly identifies the service category, aiding in understanding the contract's purpose.

Sector Analysis

The security guard and patrol services sector is a significant component of the broader private security industry. Federal agencies, including law enforcement and judicial branches, are major consumers of these services to protect personnel, facilities, and sensitive information. Spending in this sector is influenced by security threats, regulatory requirements, and the operational needs of government entities. Comparable federal spending benchmarks for security guard services can vary widely based on the scope of services, geographic location, and security clearance requirements.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned in the provided data. This means that larger businesses were eligible to compete and potentially win the award. The absence of a small business set-aside or explicit subcontracting goals may limit opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific federal procurement and contribute to the federal contracting ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily fall under the U.S. Marshals Service and the Department of Justice. As a Purchase Order, it is expected to be managed through internal agency procurement and contract administration processes. Transparency is limited by the undisclosed awardee and the use of SAP. Accountability will be driven by the terms of the Purchase Order and the performance of the contractor against the agreed-upon labor hours and service requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Justice Security Services
U.S. Marshals Service Facility Management
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule Contracts for Security

Risk Flags

Undisclosed Awardee
Limited Competition (SAP)
Lack of Specific Performance Metrics
Labor Hour Pricing Model Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $2,475 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 $2,475.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the track record of the undisclosed awardee in providing security guard services to the federal government?

The provided data does not disclose the identity of the awardee, making it impossible to assess their specific track record with the federal government. Typically, federal agencies conduct due diligence on potential contractors, including reviewing past performance information, past performance questionnaires, and any relevant contract history. Without knowing who the contractor is, we cannot determine their experience, past performance ratings, or any history of performance issues or successes on similar federal contracts. This lack of transparency is a significant limitation in evaluating the reliability and capability of the chosen vendor for these critical security services.

How does the $2.47 million contract value compare to similar security guard service contracts awarded by the U.S. Marshals Service?

A direct comparison of the $2.47 million contract value to similar U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) contracts is difficult without more specific data on the scope of services, number of personnel, hours, and geographic coverage of those comparable contracts. However, for a one-year duration, $2.47 million for security guard services is within a plausible range for federal procurements of this nature, especially if it involves multiple posts or significant operational hours. To provide a more precise benchmark, one would need to analyze recent USMS contracts for guard services, looking at the average cost per hour, cost per post, or total contract value relative to the number of security personnel deployed and the complexity of the security requirements.

What are the primary risks associated with awarding a security contract under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP)?

The primary risks associated with awarding a security contract under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) include potentially reduced competition, which can lead to higher prices than might be achieved through full and open competition. SAP processes are less formal and may not solicit bids from the entire universe of capable contractors, potentially excluding highly competitive small businesses or innovative firms. Another risk is the possibility of less rigorous vetting of contractors compared to larger, more complex procurements, although agencies are still required to perform due diligence. Furthermore, the streamlined nature of SAP might sometimes lead to less detailed performance work statements or contract terms, increasing the risk of scope creep or contractor underperformance if not managed diligently.

How effective is the labor hour pricing model for ensuring value in security guard services?

The labor hour pricing model can be effective for security guard services when managed properly, as it allows for flexibility in adjusting staffing levels based on fluctuating needs or unforeseen circumstances. This model ensures that the government pays for the actual time spent by security personnel, which can be advantageous if demand is variable. However, it also carries risks. Without strong oversight and clear performance metrics, there is a potential for inefficiencies or 'gold-plating' of hours, leading to costs exceeding what might be incurred under a fixed-price contract. Effective management requires diligent tracking of hours, performance monitoring, and clear communication with the contractor to ensure that the labor provided directly contributes to the required security outcomes and represents good value for taxpayer money.

What are the implications of the contract being awarded to an undisclosed domestic awardee for transparency and accountability?

Awarding a federal contract to an undisclosed domestic entity significantly diminishes transparency and accountability. The public, watchdog groups, and even other government entities cannot easily verify the contractor's qualifications, past performance, or potential conflicts of interest. This opacity makes it challenging to assess whether the best value was obtained for taxpayer funds. Accountability is also harder to enforce when the identity of the responsible party is obscured. While the contracting agency (DOJ/USMS) retains ultimate responsibility, the lack of public information about the awardee hinders independent scrutiny and makes it more difficult to hold the contractor directly accountable for performance issues or compliance failures.

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

Analyzing the historical spending patterns for security guard services by the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) would require access to historical contract databases and procurement data. Generally, law enforcement agencies like the USMS consistently require security services to protect federal courthouses, detention facilities, personnel, and other assets. Spending in this category is likely to be relatively stable year-over-year, influenced by factors such as the number of facilities managed, security threat levels, and any changes in federal mandates or policies. Significant fluctuations might occur due to major construction projects, changes in security posture, or the consolidation or expansion of facilities. A detailed analysis would involve examining contract awards over several fiscal years to identify trends, average contract values, and the types of services most frequently procured.

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: $2,475

Exercised Options: $2,475

Current Obligation: $2,475

Actual Outlays: $2,664

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline