CACI awarded $32.1M for background investigative services to DHS CBP, highlighting a competitive procurement

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,157,166 ($32.2M)

Contractor: CACI, Inc. - Federal

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2023-02-28

End Date: 2024-06-30

Contract Duration: 488 days

Daily Burn Rate: $65.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: CHANTILLY, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20151

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $32.2 million to CACI, INC. - FEDERAL for work described as: BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract value of $32.1M for investigative services appears reasonable given the duration and scope. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these services, potentially driving competitive pricing. 3. The BPA Call award type indicates a pre-negotiated agreement, which can streamline future procurements. 4. Fixed-price contract terms shift performance risk to the contractor, CACI, Inc. 5. The services provided are critical for border security and personnel vetting. 6. The contract duration of approximately 16 months provides a clear timeframe for service delivery.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $32.1 million over roughly 16 months for background investigative services is within a reasonable range for this type of specialized support. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for investigative services suggests that the pricing is competitive, especially given the full and open competition. The firm-fixed-price nature of the award further indicates that the government has secured a defined cost for the services, mitigating budget uncertainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited and had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the competitive nature of the procurement suggests that the government received a range of proposals. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures that the government selects the best value offer.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition as it typically leads to more favorable pricing and ensures that the government is not overpaying for essential services. It also promotes a wider pool of qualified contractors, fostering innovation and efficiency.

Public Impact

Benefits U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) by ensuring thorough vetting of personnel. Delivers critical background investigation services essential for national security and border integrity. Supports the operational readiness of CBP by providing timely and accurate investigative reports. Impacts the workforce by ensuring that individuals in sensitive positions meet stringent security standards.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for contractor performance issues impacting investigation timelines.
Reliance on a single contractor for a critical security function requires robust oversight.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market.
Firm-fixed-price contract aligns incentives for cost control.
Contractor CACI, Inc. has a significant presence in federal contracting, implying experience.

Sector Analysis

The federal market for investigative and security services is substantial, with agencies like DHS consistently requiring background checks for personnel and security clearances. This contract falls within the broader professional services sector, specifically focusing on investigation and personal background check services (NAICS 561611). Spending in this area is driven by national security requirements and regulatory compliance, making it a stable and significant segment of federal procurement.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (sb: false) and there is no specific mention of subcontracting goals. As a large contract awarded to a major federal contractor (CACI), it is unlikely to have a direct positive impact on the small business ecosystem unless CACI actively engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities, which is not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) contracting officers and program managers within the Department of Homeland Security. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract places performance risk on the contractor, but regular performance reviews and adherence to service level agreements would be key accountability measures. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported.

Related Government Programs

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background checks
Defense Security Service (DSS) investigations
Office of Personnel Management (OPM) background investigations
General Services Administration (GSA) Professional Services Schedule (PSS)

Risk Flags

Contract performance risk
Data security and privacy risk
Timeliness of service delivery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $32.2 million to CACI, INC. - FEDERAL. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CACI, INC. - FEDERAL.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $32.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-02-28. End: 2024-06-30.

What is CACI, Inc.'s track record with federal background investigation contracts?

CACI, Inc. is a well-established federal contractor with a significant history of providing a wide range of services, including IT, intelligence, and support services, to various government agencies. They have a substantial portfolio of contracts related to security, vetting, and investigative services. While specific details on past performance for this exact type of background investigation contract would require deeper analysis of their contract history and past performance evaluations, CACI's overall experience as a large prime contractor suggests they possess the infrastructure and expertise to manage such requirements. Their extensive federal footprint indicates familiarity with government procurement processes and compliance standards.

How does the $32.1M value compare to similar federal background investigation contracts?

The $32.1 million award for approximately 16 months of background investigative services to CBP is a substantial sum, reflecting the critical nature and scope of these services. To benchmark effectively, one would compare this to other contracts awarded by DHS, CBP, or similar agencies for comparable investigative services (e.g., personnel security investigations, suitability investigations). Factors like the number of investigations, complexity of cases, and required turnaround times significantly influence pricing. Given that this was awarded under full and open competition, the price is likely competitive within the market for such specialized services. Without specific per-investigation costs or volume data, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the competitive award process provides some assurance.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract for the government?

The primary risks for the government revolve around contractor performance and data security. If CACI, Inc. fails to meet performance standards, such as timely completion of investigations or maintaining the quality and accuracy of reports, it could impact CBP's ability to make timely hiring decisions or maintain security clearances, potentially compromising operational effectiveness and national security. There's also a risk related to the handling of sensitive personal information; any data breach or mishandling by the contractor could have severe legal and reputational consequences for the government. Ensuring robust oversight and clear performance metrics is crucial to mitigate these risks.

How effective are background investigation services in ensuring personnel suitability for agencies like CBP?

Background investigation services are a cornerstone of ensuring personnel suitability and maintaining national security within federal agencies like CBP. These services provide a systematic process for vetting individuals who will have access to sensitive information, facilities, or critical systems. By thoroughly examining an individual's history, including employment, education, financial, criminal, and personal conduct, agencies can identify potential risks or disqualifying factors. While no system is foolproof, comprehensive background investigations significantly reduce the likelihood of insider threats, espionage, or security compromises, thereby enhancing the overall integrity and security posture of the agency.

What are the historical spending patterns for background investigation services within DHS or CBP?

Historical spending on background investigation services within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and specifically U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been consistently significant due to the agency's mission-critical role in national security and border management. Agencies like CBP require continuous vetting for a large workforce, including law enforcement officers, agents, and support staff. Spending in this category typically fluctuates based on hiring needs, security directives, and periodic reinvestigations. Analyzing past DHS/CBP contract awards for similar services would reveal trends in contract values, durations, and the types of investigative services procured, indicating a sustained demand and investment in personnel security.

What is the significance of the BPA Call award type for this contract?

The 'BPA Call' award type signifies that this contract is a task order issued against a previously established Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). BPAs are typically used to streamline the procurement of recurring or anticipated needs for supplies or services. For the government, this means that the foundational agreement, including terms, conditions, and potentially pricing structures, has already been negotiated and competed. Issuing a BPA Call allows for rapid acquisition of specific services under the umbrella of the BPA, reducing administrative burden and lead times compared to a new, standalone contract. This approach is often used for services needed across multiple programs or over a defined period.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Investigation and Security Services › Investigation and Personal Background Check Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: CACI International Inc

Address: 14370 NEWBROOK DRIVE, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $32,157,166

Exercised Options: $32,157,166

Current Obligation: $32,157,166

Actual Outlays: $31,585,729

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70CMSD21A00000002

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline