DOJ's U.S. Marshals Service awards $2.69M for security services, highlighting a need for ongoing protection

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,690,905 ($2.7M)

Contractor: Metropolitan Security Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2024-10-01

End Date: 2025-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: CIRCUIT 7 D89 - FY 2025 CSO PROGRAM FUNDING

Place of Performance

Location: MILWAUKEE, MILWAUKEE County, WISCONSIN, 53202

State: Wisconsin Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $2.7 million to METROPOLITAN SECURITY SERVICES, INC. for work described as: CIRCUIT 7 D89 - FY 2025 CSO PROGRAM FUNDING Key points: 1. The contract value of $2.69 million for one year suggests a significant but contained operational requirement. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract are crucial for ensuring fair pricing and service quality. 3. Risk indicators will be monitored to ensure consistent service delivery and contractor performance. 4. Performance context is framed by the ongoing need for security services by the U.S. Marshals Service. 5. This contract fits within the broader security services sector, which is a consistent area of federal spending.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.69 million for a 364-day period appears reasonable for specialized security services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for guard services by federal agencies would provide a clearer picture of value for money. Without specific per-unit cost data, a definitive assessment of pricing efficiency is challenging, but the overall award amount seems aligned with typical expenditures for such services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This approach is generally favored for promoting competitive pricing and encouraging a wide range of qualified contractors to participate. The number of bidders and the specific evaluation criteria would further illuminate the strength of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically drives down costs through market forces and ensures the government secures services at the best possible price.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Marshals Service, receiving essential security support. Services delivered include security guard and patrol functions, crucial for protecting federal assets and personnel. The geographic impact is focused on Wisconsin, where the services will be rendered. Workforce implications include the creation of jobs for security personnel within the contracted company.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for service disruptions if contractor performance falters.
Ensuring consistent adherence to security protocols and standards.
Managing contract modifications and potential scope creep over the performance period.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
Clear performance period (FY25) allows for focused oversight.
Contract type (Delivery Order) implies it's part of a larger framework, potentially offering efficiencies.

Sector Analysis

The security services industry is a significant component of the federal contracting landscape, encompassing a wide array of protective and investigative functions. This contract, specifically for security guards and patrol services (NAICS 561612), falls within a mature market segment. Federal spending in this area is consistently high due to the government's extensive security needs across various agencies and facilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for similar security services awarded by agencies like the GSA or other law enforcement bodies.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a small business set-aside. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses as prime contractors is likely minimal for this specific award. However, the prime contractor, Metropolitan Security Services, Inc., may engage small businesses as subcontractors, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the U.S. Marshals Service contracting officer's representative (COR), who will monitor performance, ensure compliance with contract terms, and approve payments. Transparency is facilitated through federal contract databases where award details are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Security Services
General Services Administration (GSA) Security Contracts
Department of Justice Law Enforcement Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues if contractor's staffing levels are inadequate.
Risk of security breaches if protocols are not strictly followed.
Dependency on a single contractor for critical security functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $2.7 million to METROPOLITAN SECURITY SERVICES, INC.. CIRCUIT 7 D89 - FY 2025 CSO PROGRAM FUNDING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is METROPOLITAN SECURITY SERVICES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the track record of Metropolitan Security Services, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly for security guard services?

Metropolitan Security Services, Inc. has a history of federal contracting, though specific details on their performance and past awards for security guard services would require a deeper dive into federal procurement databases like FPDS or SAM.gov. Analyzing their past performance ratings, any past performance issues or awards, and the volume of their federal work would provide insight into their reliability and experience. Understanding their specialization within the security sector and their capacity to handle large-scale government contracts is crucial for assessing their suitability for this award.

How does the awarded amount compare to the average cost for similar security guard services in Wisconsin?

To assess the value for money, the awarded amount of $2.69 million for approximately one year of service needs to be benchmarked against regional market rates for security guard services in Wisconsin. This would involve comparing the per-hour rate or the cost per guard against data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for security guards in that specific geographic area, or against similar federal contracts awarded in the region. Factors such as the level of security required (armed vs. unarmed, specific training), the number of personnel, and the hours of coverage will significantly influence the cost. Without these granular details, a precise comparison is difficult, but the overall contract value suggests a substantial security operation.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will contractor performance be measured?

Key performance indicators for this contract would likely revolve around the reliability and effectiveness of the security personnel provided. This typically includes metrics such as guard punctuality, adherence to post orders, incident reporting accuracy and timeliness, and the overall effectiveness in preventing unauthorized access or maintaining order. The U.S. Marshals Service will likely have a performance work statement (PWS) outlining these expectations and a system for monitoring contractor performance, potentially through regular reports, site visits, and feedback mechanisms. Failure to meet these KPIs could result in contract remedies.

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

Analyzing historical spending patterns for security services by the U.S. Marshals Service in Wisconsin would provide context for the current $2.69 million award. This involves examining past contracts for similar services in the same geographic area over several fiscal years. Understanding whether this award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of spending can indicate changes in security needs, operational scope, or market pricing. It also helps in identifying any long-term trends or recurring requirements for security support within the Marshals Service's Wisconsin operations.

Are there any specific security threats or operational requirements driving this particular contract award?

The specific security threats or operational requirements driving this contract award are not detailed in the provided data but are inherent to the mission of the U.S. Marshals Service. This agency is responsible for protecting federal judges, court officials, federal prisoners, and enforcing federal criminal laws. Therefore, contracts for security services are typically driven by the need to safeguard federal courthouses, detention facilities, personnel, and during the transportation of high-risk individuals. The scale and duration of this contract suggest a consistent and significant security posture is required in Wisconsin.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 15M10523RA4700028

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 100 E 10TH ST STE 400, CHATTANOOGA, TN, 37402

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,690,905

Exercised Options: $2,690,905

Current Obligation: $2,690,905

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15M10523DA4700067

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline