State Department Awards $105M Global Canine Services Contract to Michael Stapleton Associates
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $105,015,476 ($105.0M)
Contractor: Michael Stapleton Associates, Ltd.
Awarding Agency: Department of State
Start Date: 2023-03-30
End Date: 2027-03-29
Contract Duration: 1,460 days
Daily Burn Rate: $71.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: AWARD DIPLOMATIC SECURITY GLOBAL CANINE SERVICES CENTER WORLDWIDE PROTECTIVE SERVICES BUREAU OF DIPLOMATIC SECURITY US DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Place of Performance
Location: WINCHESTER, FREDERICK County, VIRGINIA, 22601
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of State obligated $105.0 million to MICHAEL STAPLETON ASSOCIATES, LTD. for work described as: AWARD DIPLOMATIC SECURITY GLOBAL CANINE SERVICES CENTER WORLDWIDE PROTECTIVE SERVICES BUREAU OF DIPLOMATIC SECURITY US DEPARTMENT OF STATE Key points: 1. The contract focuses on protective services, indicating a critical security function. 2. Michael Stapleton Associates, Ltd. is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract duration is four years, suggesting a long-term need for these services. 4. The 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' NAICS code may not fully capture the scope of canine security services.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $105M over four years appears substantial for specialized canine security services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for protective services or specialized security training is difficult without more granular data on service components.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting multiple bids were considered. However, the award to a single entity implies Michael Stapleton Associates offered the best value proposition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to secure diplomatic personnel and facilities through specialized canine services, a necessary but potentially costly expenditure.
Public Impact
Enhanced security for diplomatic missions and personnel worldwide. Potential for specialized canine training and deployment impacting international relations. Ensures continuity of protective services for sensitive government operations. Supports the Bureau of Diplomatic Security's mission to protect diplomats and facilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- NAICS code may not accurately reflect service scope.
- Limited transparency on specific service deliverables and performance metrics.
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen security threats emerge.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Long-term contract provides service stability.
- Addresses critical security needs for the State Department.
Sector Analysis
The State Department's spending on protective services, particularly those involving specialized assets like canines, falls within the broader 'Government Services' sector. Benchmarks for such niche services are hard to establish, but the scale suggests a significant operational requirement.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Michael Stapleton Associates, Ltd., and there is no indication of small business participation or subcontracting in the provided data. This suggests a focus on specialized capabilities typically held by larger firms.
Oversight & Accountability
The Bureau of Diplomatic Security is responsible for this contract, implying internal oversight. However, the specific mechanisms for monitoring performance, ensuring cost-effectiveness, and preventing fraud are not detailed in the award notice.
Related Government Programs
- Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
- Department of State Contracting
- Department of State Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for service scope misclassification under NAICS code.
- Lack of detail on specific performance metrics and oversight mechanisms.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical global security functions.
- Risk of cost escalation due to evolving security threats.
Tags
other-scientific-and-technical-consultin, department-of-state, va, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of State awarded $105.0 million to MICHAEL STAPLETON ASSOCIATES, LTD.. AWARD DIPLOMATIC SECURITY GLOBAL CANINE SERVICES CENTER WORLDWIDE PROTECTIVE SERVICES BUREAU OF DIPLOMATIC SECURITY US DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MICHAEL STAPLETON ASSOCIATES, LTD..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $105.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-03-30. End: 2027-03-29.
What specific canine services are included in this contract, and how do they align with the 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' NAICS code?
The contract likely encompasses a range of services including canine training, handler support, detection, and patrol capabilities for diplomatic security. The 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' NAICS code (541690) is broad and can encompass specialized consulting related to security operations, including the strategic deployment and management of canine units, even if it doesn't perfectly capture the hands-on operational aspects.
Given the full and open competition, what factors led to Michael Stapleton Associates being selected as the sole awardee for these critical services?
The selection of Michael Stapleton Associates likely resulted from their ability to meet stringent performance requirements, demonstrate specialized expertise in canine security, offer competitive pricing, and present a comprehensive approach to fulfilling the State Department's complex needs. The agency would have evaluated technical proposals, past performance, and cost to determine the best value.
What is the anticipated taxpayer impact of this contract, considering potential risks and the necessity of global protective services?
The $105M contract represents a significant investment in ensuring the safety of U.S. diplomatic personnel and facilities abroad. While essential for national security and diplomatic operations, the taxpayer impact hinges on effective service delivery, cost control, and the avoidance of unforeseen security incidents that could escalate costs. Robust oversight is crucial to maximize value.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 19AQMM22R0127
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 9 MURRAY ST 2ND FLR, NEW YORK, NY, 10007
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $210,667,599
Exercised Options: $142,400,984
Current Obligation: $105,015,476
Actual Outlays: $15,417,558
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 19AQMM22D0110
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-03-30
Current End Date: 2027-03-29
Potential End Date: 2028-09-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-30
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