DHS awards $4.4M for background investigation services to Omniplex World Services Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,418,985 ($4.4M)

Contractor: Omniplex World Services Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-02-05

End Date: 2027-02-05

Contract Duration: 365 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: HERNDON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20171

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $4.4 million to OMNIPLEX WORLD SERVICES CORPORATION for work described as: BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded via a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call, indicating a pre-negotiated framework. 2. The contract is for investigation and personal background check services, a critical function for agency security. 3. Services are procured under a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type, providing cost certainty. 4. The contract duration is one year, with potential for renewal. 5. The awardee, Omniplex World Services Corporation, is a known entity in the security services sector. 6. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $4.4 million for a one-year period for background investigation services appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar contracts for federal background checks is challenging without specific service level agreements and volume data. However, the firm fixed price structure suggests that the government has negotiated a defined cost for the services, which aids in budget predictability. The award to Omniplex World Services Corporation, a company with existing federal contracts, suggests a level of established performance and pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a competitive environment. This approach is generally favored to ensure the government receives the best value by leveraging market competition to drive down prices and improve service quality.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process for background investigation services helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by selecting the most cost-effective and capable provider.

Public Impact

This contract directly supports the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) by ensuring the integrity of its personnel through thorough background checks. The services provided are essential for maintaining national security and public trust in law enforcement agencies. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, supporting federal agencies' hiring and vetting processes. The contract supports a workforce of investigators and administrative staff employed by Omniplex World Services Corporation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if the definition of 'background investigation services' is not clearly delineated.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical security function could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
The one-year duration may limit long-term strategic planning for the agency's background check needs.

Positive Signals

Award through full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty and limits financial risk.
The contractor, Omniplex World Services Corporation, likely has prior experience with federal contracts, indicating a degree of familiarity with requirements.

Sector Analysis

The federal background investigation services market is a significant segment within the broader professional services industry. This contract falls under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 561611, 'Investigation and Personal Background Check Services.' This sector is characterized by stringent requirements for accuracy, timeliness, and confidentiality. Federal agencies are major consumers of these services due to national security and personnel vetting needs. Spending in this area is often driven by hiring trends and security mandates.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this contract. As it was awarded through full and open competition, it is possible that small businesses could have bid directly or participated as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection contracting officer and contract specialists. Performance monitoring, quality assurance, and adherence to contract terms are standard oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. The specific Inspector General jurisdiction would be that of the Department of Homeland Security.

Related Government Programs

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background checks
Office of Personnel Management (OPM) background investigations
Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) services

Risk Flags

Contract performance risk
Data security risk
Vendor dependency risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $4.4 million to OMNIPLEX WORLD SERVICES CORPORATION. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is OMNIPLEX WORLD SERVICES CORPORATION.

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 $4.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-02-05. End: 2027-02-05.

What is the historical spending pattern for background investigation services by U.S. Customs and Border Protection?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for background investigation services by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is crucial for understanding trends and identifying potential anomalies. While specific historical data for CBP's background checks is not detailed here, the agency, as a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), relies heavily on such services to vet its personnel, including border patrol agents and other security-sensitive roles. Historically, federal agencies have allocated significant budgets to background investigations, often managed through large indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts or task orders under broader agreements. Spending can fluctuate based on hiring needs, security threat levels, and changes in investigative requirements. For instance, periods of increased recruitment or heightened national security concerns typically lead to higher spending. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and later the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) have been primary federal entities responsible for conducting these investigations across various agencies, though individual agencies may also procure services directly or through specific agreements like the BPA Call awarded here. Understanding CBP's specific historical outlays would require accessing detailed procurement data over several fiscal years.

How does the per-unit cost of these background investigations compare to industry benchmarks?

Determining the precise per-unit cost for these background investigations and comparing it to industry benchmarks is challenging without more granular data on the specific types and depths of investigations performed under this contract. The contract value of $4.4 million over one year for Omniplex World Services Corporation suggests an average annual cost. However, 'background investigation services' can encompass a wide range of activities, from basic record checks to in-depth interviews and polygraphs, each with a different cost structure. Federal background check costs are often influenced by the required level of clearance (e.g., Secret, Top Secret) and the specific investigative standards mandated by agencies like the DCSA. Industry benchmarks for federal background checks can range significantly, often from several hundred to several thousand dollars per investigation, depending on complexity. Given this is a BPA Call under a larger framework, pricing may have been pre-negotiated. A firm fixed price contract aims to provide cost certainty, but without knowing the volume and types of investigations, a direct per-unit cost comparison to market rates is speculative. Further analysis would require access to the specific service catalog and pricing details within the BPA.

What is Omniplex World Services Corporation's track record with federal contracts, particularly in background investigations?

Omniplex World Services Corporation has a notable track record with federal contracts, including significant work in the realm of background investigations and security services. As a contractor for various government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other entities requiring personnel vetting, Omniplex has demonstrated experience in meeting federal requirements. Their portfolio often includes services such as background checks, security guard services, and investigative support. Federal procurement databases typically show a history of awards to Omniplex, indicating their ability to compete and perform on government contracts. The award of this $4.4 million contract by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) further underscores their established presence in this sector. Evaluating their track record involves reviewing past performance evaluations, contract modifications, and any reported issues or successes on previous engagements. Generally, companies that consistently win and perform on federal contracts have proven capabilities and a history of compliance with government regulations and performance standards.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Potential risks associated with this background investigation services contract include performance failures by the contractor, such as delays in completing investigations or inaccuracies in reporting, which could impact CBP's ability to onboard or retain personnel critical to its mission. Another risk is the potential for data breaches or mishandling of sensitive personal information, given the nature of background checks. Furthermore, over-reliance on a single vendor for a critical function could pose a risk if the vendor experiences significant operational issues. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust contract oversight by CBP officials, including performance monitoring, quality assurance checks, and regular reviews of contractor performance metrics. The contract's firm fixed price structure helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. Clear performance standards, service level agreements (SLAs), and defined penalties for non-performance are usually incorporated into such contracts to incentivize compliance and address potential shortcomings. The use of a BPA Call might also imply that the underlying BPA has established terms and conditions that address many of these risks.

How does this contract align with the broader federal strategy for background investigations and security clearances?

This contract aligns with the broader federal strategy for background investigations and security clearances by contributing to the overall goal of ensuring that individuals in sensitive positions within the government are trustworthy and reliable. The federal government, through initiatives led by entities like the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), aims to standardize and streamline the process of conducting background checks and adjudicating security clearances. Contracts like this one, awarded to specialized service providers, are essential components of that strategy, allowing agencies like CBP to outsource the labor-intensive aspects of investigations. The focus on firm fixed pricing and full and open competition reflects a strategic effort to achieve cost efficiency and best value while maintaining rigorous standards. By ensuring CBP has the necessary background investigation capabilities, this contract supports national security objectives and the integrity of federal operations, which are core tenets of the government's security clearance framework.

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: Constellis LLC

Address: 13530 DULLES TECHNOLOGY DR, HERNDON, VA, 20171

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $22,499,880

Exercised Options: $4,418,985

Current Obligation: $4,418,985

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70CMSD21A00000003

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline