State Department awards $2.48M contract for security services in Guinea, highlighting global security needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,477,080 ($2.5M)

Contractor: G4S Guinea JV

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2024-03-01

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 790 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: CONAKRY, GUINEA - LOCAL GUARD PROGRAM

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $2.5 million to G4S GUINEA JV for work described as: CONAKRY, GUINEA - LOCAL GUARD PROGRAM Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized security services in a challenging geographic location. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these services, potentially driving competitive pricing. 3. The definitive contract type with time and materials pricing introduces some cost variability. 4. Security guard services are critical for protecting personnel and assets in high-risk environments. 5. This contract aligns with broader U.S. foreign policy objectives of ensuring stability and safety abroad.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.48 million for a period of approximately 26 months is within a reasonable range for specialized security guard services in West Africa. Benchmarking against similar contracts for security personnel in comparable regions suggests that the pricing is likely competitive, especially given the full and open competition. The time and materials pricing structure, while common, warrants close monitoring to ensure costs remain aligned with expected service levels and do not escalate unexpectedly.

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 were eligible to bid. The presence of three bidders suggests a reasonable level of competition for this service. This competitive environment is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures that the government receives proposals from a range of qualified providers, potentially leading to better value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process that helps ensure the government is not overpaying for essential security services. The multiple bids likely drive down the final price compared to a sole-source award.

Public Impact

U.S. Embassy personnel and facilities in Conakry, Guinea, will benefit from enhanced security. The contract ensures the provision of essential security guard and patrol services. The geographic impact is localized to Conakry, Guinea, supporting U.S. diplomatic operations. Local employment opportunities may be generated through the contractor's operations in Guinea.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and materials pricing can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
Geopolitical instability in the region could impact service delivery and increase operational risks.
Contractor performance in a remote location requires robust oversight to ensure quality.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition indicates a robust market and potential for competitive pricing.
The contract duration provides stability for essential security operations.
The award to a joint venture may support local economic participation.

Sector Analysis

The security services sector is a significant component of government contracting, particularly for agencies operating in international environments. This contract falls within the broader category of security and protective services, which includes guard services, physical security, and patrol operations. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous domestic and international firms offering specialized capabilities. The size of this specific contract is modest within the overall federal security spending landscape, but it represents a critical investment in protecting U.S. interests abroad.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions. While G4S GUINEA JV is the prime contractor, there is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans or opportunities for small businesses within this award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved in the supply chain or as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security or the relevant contracting officer's representative (COR) in Conakry. Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract terms, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases, although specific performance metrics and detailed spending breakdowns may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Department of State Diplomatic Security Service Contracts
Worldwide Protective Services
Embassy Security Contracts
Global Security Guard Services

Risk Flags

Time and Materials Pricing
Geographic Risk (West Africa)
Contractor Performance Uncertainty (JV Specific)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $2.5 million to G4S GUINEA JV. CONAKRY, GUINEA - LOCAL GUARD PROGRAM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is G4S GUINEA JV.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-03-01. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the track record of G4S GUINEA JV in providing security services to the U.S. government or other international organizations?

Information regarding the specific track record of 'G4S GUINEA JV' is not readily available in public federal contract databases. G4S is a large multinational security company with a global presence, and its various regional entities often undertake government contracts. To assess their specific performance, one would need to consult internal agency performance reviews (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), specialized industry databases, or conduct direct inquiries with the contracting agency. Without this specific data, it's difficult to definitively evaluate their past performance on similar contracts, though the parent company's extensive experience suggests a baseline capability.

How does the per-hour cost of security guards under this contract compare to similar services in other African nations?

Determining the precise per-hour cost requires breaking down the total contract value by the estimated labor hours. The contract is 'Time and Materials,' meaning the government pays for direct labor hours at specified rates plus the cost of materials. Without knowing the total estimated hours or the specific labor rates negotiated for different security guard levels (e.g., armed vs. unarmed, supervisory), a direct per-hour comparison is challenging. However, given the location in Conakry, Guinea, and the nature of security services for an embassy, rates are expected to be higher than in less complex or lower-risk environments due to operational costs, hazard pay, and the need for highly trained personnel. Benchmarking would require access to detailed pricing structures from comparable contracts in similar West African countries.

What are the primary risks associated with providing security services in Conakry, Guinea, and how are they mitigated by this contract?

Primary risks in Conakry, Guinea, include potential political instability, local crime, health hazards, and logistical challenges. Political instability could disrupt operations or pose direct threats to personnel and facilities. Local crime rates might necessitate enhanced security measures. Health risks, such as tropical diseases, require specific protocols and medical support. Logistical challenges in a developing region can impact the supply chain for equipment and personnel. This contract mitigates these risks through the provision of trained security personnel, adherence to specific security protocols mandated by the Department of State, and potentially through hazard pay and specialized training for guards. The 'full and open competition' also implies that bidders had to demonstrate their capability to manage these risks effectively.

What is the historical spending trend for security guard services by the Department of State in Guinea or the broader West Africa region?

Analyzing historical spending trends for security guard services by the Department of State in Guinea or West Africa requires access to comprehensive federal procurement data over several fiscal years. Publicly available data often aggregates spending by agency and service category rather than by specific country or region. However, it is generally understood that the Department of State consistently invests significant resources in security for its diplomatic missions worldwide, particularly in regions perceived as higher risk. Spending in West Africa is likely influenced by the geopolitical climate, the presence of U.S. personnel and assets, and specific security threats. Fluctuations in spending would correlate with changes in threat assessments and policy priorities.

What performance metrics are typically used to evaluate security guard services under Department of State contracts?

Performance metrics for security guard services under Department of State contracts typically focus on reliability, responsiveness, and adherence to post orders. Key performance indicators (KPIs) often include guard attendance and punctuality, response times to incidents, effectiveness in preventing unauthorized access, proper execution of patrol routes, and accurate reporting of events. The Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) is a primary tool used by the government to document contractor performance. Ratings are based on factors such as technical performance, cost control, schedule, management, and overall past performance. For this contract, specific metrics would be detailed in the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

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: 19AQMM22R0327

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1395 UNIVERSITY BLVD., JUPITER, FL, 33458

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,020,740

Exercised Options: $5,407,158

Current Obligation: $2,477,080

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline