State Department awards $6.5M contract for Gaborone security services, highlighting need for local guard programs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,505,907 ($6.5M)

Contractor: G4S Botswana JV

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2022-11-01

End Date: 2026-10-31

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: GABORONE BOTSWANA. LOCAL GUARD PROGRAM

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $6.5 million to G4S BOTSWANA JV for work described as: GABORONE BOTSWANA. LOCAL GUARD PROGRAM Key points: 1. Contract addresses critical security needs in Gaborone, Botswana, supporting U.S. diplomatic presence. 2. Competition was robust, indicating potential for competitive pricing and value. 3. Performance period spans four years, suggesting a stable, long-term requirement. 4. The contract type (Time and Materials) may pose cost control challenges if not closely managed. 5. Focus on local guard services aligns with U.S. foreign policy objectives of supporting local economies. 6. The award value is modest in the context of global security contracts.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.5 million over four years appears reasonable for providing security services in Gaborone, Botswana. Benchmarking against similar contracts for security services at U.S. embassies or consulates in comparable regions would provide a more precise value assessment. However, the 'full and open competition' suggests that pricing was likely vetted against market rates. The Time and Materials pricing structure necessitates diligent oversight to ensure cost-effectiveness and prevent scope creep.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely solicited and considered. With two bidders participating, the competition level suggests a healthy market for these services in the region. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices through market forces. It provides assurance that the selected contractor offers the best value available.

Public Impact

U.S. Embassy in Gaborone, Botswana, benefits from enhanced security. Local security personnel in Botswana gain employment and training opportunities. The contract ensures the safety and security of U.S. government personnel and assets abroad. Geographic impact is concentrated in Gaborone, Botswana, with potential ripple effects on local security industry standards.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type requires vigilant monitoring to control costs and prevent overruns.
Geographic concentration of the contract may limit opportunities for broader small business participation.
Reliance on a single award for critical security functions could pose a risk if the contractor underperforms.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process and potential for competitive pricing.
Long-term contract duration provides stability for security operations.
Focus on local guard services supports economic development in Botswana.

Sector Analysis

The global security services market is substantial, encompassing physical security, cybersecurity, and risk management. This contract falls within the physical security segment, specifically focusing on guard services for diplomatic facilities. Comparable spending benchmarks for security at U.S. diplomatic missions vary widely based on location, threat level, and facility size. The market is characterized by both large multinational corporations and smaller regional providers.

Small Business Impact

While this contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not appear to have a specific small business set-aside, the potential for subcontracting to local small businesses in Botswana exists. The prime contractor, G4S Botswana JV, may leverage local expertise and resources. However, the primary focus is on the prime award, and the direct impact on U.S. small businesses is likely minimal unless they are part of the joint venture or a subcontractor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security and the contracting officer's representative (COR) at the U.S. Embassy in Gaborone. Performance standards, reporting requirements, and invoicing procedures are key accountability measures. Transparency is maintained through contract award databases and reporting. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Worldwide Protective Services (WWPS)
Embassy Security Contracts
Department of State Security Operations

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical security functions.
Geographic concentration limits broader economic impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $6.5 million to G4S BOTSWANA JV. GABORONE BOTSWANA. LOCAL GUARD PROGRAM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is G4S BOTSWANA JV.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-11-01. End: 2026-10-31.

What is the track record of G4S Botswana JV in providing security services to U.S. government entities?

Information regarding G4S Botswana JV's specific track record with U.S. government entities is not detailed in the provided data. G4S is a large, multinational security company with a global presence, often contracting with governments and private sector clients. To assess their track record thoroughly, one would need to review past performance evaluations, any documented disputes or contract terminations, and their history of compliance with security standards and labor laws in Botswana and other regions where they operate. The fact that they were awarded this contract under full and open competition suggests they met the minimum qualifications and were deemed a responsible contractor by the Department of State.

How does the per-hour labor cost for security guards under this contract compare to market rates in Gaborone?

The provided data does not include specific per-hour labor costs, only the total contract value and duration. To compare this to market rates in Gaborone, one would need to determine the estimated total labor hours based on the contract's scope and the average hourly rate paid. This would then be benchmarked against publicly available data for security guard wages in Botswana, considering factors like experience, shift differentials, and the specific security duties required. Without these granular details, a precise per-unit cost comparison is not feasible from the given information.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials contract for security services in an overseas location?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts, while offering flexibility, carry inherent risks, especially for overseas security services. The primary risk is cost escalation, as the government pays for direct labor hours and costs incurred, plus a fixed fee or percentage. Without strict oversight, there's a risk of inefficient labor utilization, scope creep, and inflated costs for materials. For security services, this could translate to extended hours billed beyond necessity or unnecessary material purchases. Ensuring robust monitoring, clear task definitions, and regular performance reviews by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) is crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure value for taxpayer money.

What is the expected effectiveness of local guard programs in enhancing U.S. diplomatic security?

Local guard programs can significantly enhance U.S. diplomatic security by providing personnel who possess intimate knowledge of the local environment, culture, and language, which can improve threat detection and response. They often foster better community relations and can be more cost-effective than deploying U.S. personnel. However, effectiveness hinges on rigorous vetting, comprehensive training that meets U.S. standards, and consistent oversight to ensure adherence to security protocols. The success of this specific contract will depend on the quality of G4S Botswana JV's recruitment, training, and management processes, as well as the Department of State's ability to effectively supervise the program.

How does this contract's value compare to other security contracts awarded by the Department of State globally?

The $6.5 million value for this four-year contract in Gaborone, Botswana, is relatively modest when compared to the Department of State's global security spending. Larger diplomatic missions in high-threat environments often have security contracts valued in the tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, covering a wider range of services including advanced technology, specialized security details, and extensive infrastructure protection. This contract appears to focus primarily on guard services for a specific location, suggesting it represents a standard requirement for maintaining basic security at a mid-sized diplomatic post rather than a large-scale security overhaul.

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: 19AQMM21R0261

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1395 UNIVERSITY BLVD, JUPITER, FL, 33458

Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign Owned, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,531,616

Exercised Options: $6,531,616

Current Obligation: $6,505,907

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline