DHS awarded $40.4M for security services, with a significant portion going to one contractor

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $40,425,254 ($40.4M)

Contractor: Ahtna Support & Training Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2018-11-21

End Date: 2019-11-30

Contract Duration: 374 days

Daily Burn Rate: $108.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF PIDC GUARD SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE County, ALASKA, 99503

State: Alaska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $40.4 million to AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF PIDC GUARD SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract value represents a substantial investment in security guard services for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. The contract duration of over a year provides a stable period for service delivery. 4. The fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty for the government. 5. The geographic focus on Alaska may indicate specialized security needs for that region. 6. The award amount is notable within the context of security guard services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award of $40.4 million for security guard services appears to be a significant expenditure. Benchmarking this against similar contracts for security services, particularly those with a broad geographic scope or specialized requirements, would be necessary for a comprehensive value assessment. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost predictability, but the ultimate value for money depends on the quality and effectiveness of the services rendered and whether the pricing reflects market rates for comparable security personnel and services in Alaska.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This specific designation suggests that while the competition was intended to be open, certain sources may have been excluded prior to the solicitation, or there was a prior exclusion of sources that was then followed by open competition. The exact number of bidders is not specified, but the 'exclusion of sources' phrasing warrants further investigation into the rationale behind any exclusions to ensure a robust competitive landscape.

Taxpayer Impact: While the competition was intended to be open, any exclusion of sources could potentially limit the number of competitive bids received, which might impact the government's ability to secure the lowest possible price for taxpayers.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel and facilities, who will receive enhanced security. The services delivered include security guard and patrol functions, crucial for maintaining order and safety. The geographic impact is concentrated in Alaska (ST: AK, SN: ALASKA), suggesting a focus on specific ICE operations or facilities within that state. Workforce implications include the potential for employment of security personnel in Alaska, contributing to the local economy.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition type requires clarification to ensure maximum competition.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of the security services.
The specific nature of security needs in Alaska might lead to higher costs compared to mainland operations.

Positive Signals

The contract is firm fixed-price, providing budget certainty for the agency.
The award to AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC, potentially a small business or one with strong ties to the region, could support local economic development.
The duration of the contract allows for consistent service delivery and relationship building.

Sector Analysis

The security guard and patrol services sector is a critical component of the broader security industry, supporting government agencies, private businesses, and public institutions. This contract falls under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 561612, which covers security guards and patrol services. The market for these services is substantial, driven by the need for physical security and surveillance. Government contracts often represent a significant portion of this market, with agencies like DHS being major clients. Benchmarking this award against other federal contracts for similar services, considering factors like geographic location and specific security requirements, is essential for understanding its place within the sector.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting is not explicitly detailed in the provided data. However, the contractor, AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC, may have affiliations with small business programs or a focus on subcontracting to small businesses, particularly within Alaska. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation and its impact on the local small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) contracting officers and program managers. The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General (OIG) also has jurisdiction to investigate potential fraud, waste, and abuse related to federal contracts. Transparency regarding performance metrics and any audits or reviews conducted would be key indicators of effective oversight.

Related Government Programs

Department of Homeland Security - Facilities Management
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Operational Support
Federal Protective Service Contracts
Security Services for Government Facilities

Risk Flags

Competition Concerns: 'Exclusion of sources' requires further investigation.
Performance Metrics: Lack of defined KPIs makes effectiveness assessment difficult.
Geographic Specificity: Alaska's unique challenges may impact cost and logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $40.4 million to AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC. IGF::CT::IGF PIDC GUARD SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $40.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-11-21. End: 2019-11-30.

What is the specific rationale behind the 'exclusion of sources' in the contract's competition type?

The designation 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' suggests a complex procurement history. It typically means that prior to the open competition phase, certain potential offerors were excluded from consideration. This exclusion could be due to various reasons, such as prior performance issues, inability to meet specific pre-qualification criteria, or a decision to limit the pool of bidders based on unique requirements. Without further documentation from the solicitation or award notice, the precise reasons for excluding specific sources remain unclear. Understanding this rationale is crucial for assessing whether the competition was truly as robust as possible and if it potentially impacted the final pricing and selection of the contractor.

How does the $40.4 million award compare to historical spending on security services by ICE in Alaska?

To assess the $40.4 million award, a comparative analysis of ICE's historical spending on security services specifically within Alaska is necessary. This would involve examining past contracts for similar services (NAICS 561612) awarded by ICE or other DHS components operating in Alaska. Key metrics to compare would include the total dollar value of previous awards, contract durations, and the number of bidders. If this $40.4 million award represents a significant increase or decrease compared to historical patterns, it could indicate changes in security needs, market pricing, or the scope of services. Understanding these historical trends provides context for evaluating whether the current award is reasonable and aligned with past investments in security infrastructure for the region.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this security guard contract, and how is performance being measured?

The provided data does not detail the specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or the performance measurement framework for this security guard contract. Effective oversight relies on clearly defined KPIs that measure critical aspects of security service delivery, such as response times, incident reporting accuracy, personnel professionalism, and adherence to post orders. The contracting officer's representative (COR) is typically responsible for monitoring contractor performance against these KPIs. Without this information, it is challenging to objectively assess the value for money and the effectiveness of the security services provided by AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC. A review of the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS) would be required to identify these metrics.

What is the track record of AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC in delivering federal security contracts?

Assessing the track record of AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC is crucial for understanding their capability to fulfill this $40.4 million contract. Information on their past performance, particularly on federal contracts for security guard and patrol services, would provide insights into their reliability, quality of service, and ability to manage large-scale security operations. This includes reviewing past contract awards, any reported performance issues or disputes, and client feedback if available through sources like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). A strong performance history suggests a lower risk for this current contract, while a history of issues might raise concerns about potential disruptions or unmet security requirements.

Are there any specific security risks or challenges associated with providing services in Alaska that might influence contract costs?

Providing security services in Alaska presents unique challenges that can influence contract costs. These include the vast geographic distances, potentially harsh weather conditions, limited infrastructure in remote areas, and the need for specialized equipment or training to operate effectively in such an environment. The cost of labor may also be higher due to the cost of living and the demand for skilled personnel in remote locations. These factors could contribute to a higher per-unit cost for security personnel and services compared to contracts in more accessible, lower-cost regions. The $40.4 million award needs to be evaluated in light of these logistical and environmental considerations specific to operating in Alaska.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Ahtna, Incorporated (UEI: 069586055)

Address: 110 W 38TH AVE STE 200D, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99503

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $40,425,254

Exercised Options: $40,425,254

Current Obligation: $40,425,254

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSCEDM15D00001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline