DHS awarded $40.5M for security guards in Texas, with AHTNA Support & Training Services LLC as the prime contractor

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $40,463,810 ($40.5M)

Contractor: Ahtna Support & Training Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2020-12-01

End Date: 2021-11-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $111.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PIDC GUARD SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: LOS FRESNOS, CAMERON County, TEXAS, 78566

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $40.5 million to AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC for work described as: PIDC GUARD SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract value of $40.5 million for security guard services represents a significant investment in physical security for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 2. The procurement method, 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' suggests a competitive process that aimed to maximize participation while potentially addressing specific source requirements. 3. The fixed-price contract type indicates that the contractor assumes the risk for cost overruns, which can be beneficial for the government if managed effectively. 4. The contract duration of 364 days aligns with typical service contract lengths, allowing for consistent service delivery over a year. 5. The geographic focus on Texas (ST: TX, SN: TEXAS) highlights the specific operational needs of ICE within that region. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 561612 for Security Guards and Patrol Services places this contract within a well-defined service sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract requires more detailed cost breakdowns and comparisons to similar security guard contracts across federal agencies. The total award of $40.5 million for a one-year period for security guard services in Texas appears substantial. Without specific details on the number of guards, hours, or specific security requirements, it is difficult to definitively assess value for money. However, the firm fixed-price nature of the contract shifts cost risk to the contractor, which can be a positive indicator if the price is competitive.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This procurement method implies that while the competition was intended to be open, certain sources may have been excluded based on specific criteria or prior arrangements. The number of bidders is not provided, which limits the assessment of the level of competition. A limited competition might result in less aggressive pricing compared to a truly full and open process with numerous participants.

Taxpayer Impact: A limited competition may mean that taxpayers did not benefit from the potentially lowest possible price that could have been achieved through a broader, unrestricted bidding process.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries of this contract are U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations within Texas, ensuring the security of facilities and personnel. The services delivered include security guard and patrol functions, crucial for maintaining order and preventing unauthorized access. The geographic impact is concentrated in Texas, supporting federal law enforcement and immigration enforcement activities in the state. The contract supports jobs within the security services industry, likely benefiting security personnel employed by the prime contractor and any subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of transparency regarding the specific reasons for excluding certain sources in the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' process.
The absence of detailed performance metrics and outcome data makes it challenging to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the security services provided.
Potential for increased costs to taxpayers if the limited competition did not yield the most competitive pricing.
Limited insight into the contractor's specific experience and track record in providing security services of this scale and complexity.

Positive Signals

The firm fixed-price contract structure transfers cost overrun risk to the contractor, potentially protecting taxpayer funds from unexpected increases.
The contract is awarded to AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC, suggesting a known entity is providing these critical services.
The contract duration of nearly a full year allows for sustained security coverage, contributing to operational stability for ICE.
The focus on a specific geographic region (Texas) indicates tailored security solutions aligned with identified operational needs.

Sector Analysis

The security services sector is a significant component of the federal contracting landscape, encompassing a wide range of protective services. Contracts for security guards and patrol services, classified under NAICS code 561612, are common across various federal agencies responsible for physical security. The total federal spending on security services is in the billions annually. This particular contract fits within the broader trend of agencies outsourcing security functions to specialized private sector firms to ensure the safety of personnel, facilities, and sensitive information.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary set-aside consideration for this specific contract. There is no explicit mention of small business subcontracting goals. This suggests that the prime contractor, AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC, may not be obligated to subcontract a specific portion of the work to small businesses under this award. Further investigation into the contract's specific clauses would be needed to confirm subcontracting requirements and their potential impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) contracting officer and their representatives. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price structure, where the contractor is responsible for delivering services as specified. Transparency could be enhanced by making detailed performance reports and any associated audits publicly available. The Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Security Services
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Facility Management
Government Security Guard Services
Texas Federal Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited Competition Concerns
Lack of Performance Data
Unclear Exclusion Criteria

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $40.5 million to AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC. 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 $40.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-12-01. End: 2021-11-30.

What is the specific scope of work and the number of personnel required under this $40.5 million contract for security guards?

The provided data does not specify the exact scope of work or the number of personnel required for this $40.5 million contract. However, based on the NAICS code 561612 (Security Guards and Patrol Services), the contract likely entails providing uniformed security guards for physical security, access control, surveillance, and patrol duties at various ICE facilities or locations within Texas. The total award amount suggests a significant operational footprint, potentially involving numerous guards working around the clock across multiple sites to ensure comprehensive security coverage for a duration of 364 days.

How does the awarded price of $40.5 million compare to market rates for similar security guard services in Texas?

Directly comparing the $40.5 million award to precise market rates is challenging without detailed service parameters (e.g., number of guards, hours, skill levels, specific security technologies deployed). However, the firm fixed-price nature suggests that AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC has priced its services competitively within the parameters of the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' process. To benchmark effectively, one would need to analyze average hourly rates for security guards in Texas, factoring in the complexity and security clearance requirements, and compare these to the implied hourly rate derived from the total contract value and estimated labor hours. Given the scale, the price appears substantial but may be justified by the extensive requirements of ICE operations.

What were the specific criteria used to exclude certain sources in the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' process?

The specific criteria used to exclude certain sources in the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' (FCAES) process are not detailed in the provided data. This procurement method typically involves an initial exclusion of sources, followed by a full and open competition among the remaining eligible sources. Reasons for exclusion could include specific technical capabilities, past performance requirements, security clearances, or geographic presence deemed essential for the contract's success. Without further documentation (e.g., the Justification and Approval for Other Than Full and Open Competition), the exact rationale remains unclear, impacting the assessment of the competition's breadth.

What is the track record of AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC in providing federal security guard services?

The provided data identifies AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC as the prime contractor but does not offer details on their specific track record in providing federal security guard services. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance on similar government contracts, including contract values, duration, client agencies, and any performance evaluations or awards. Their ability to successfully manage a $40.5 million contract for ICE in Texas would depend on their demonstrated experience in large-scale security operations, personnel management, and compliance with federal procurement regulations.

Are there any performance metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) associated with this contract to measure effectiveness?

The provided data does not include information on specific performance metrics or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) associated with this contract. Typically, federal service contracts include performance standards and evaluation criteria outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). These metrics would likely cover aspects such as response times, guard attentiveness, incident reporting accuracy, adherence to post orders, and overall security effectiveness. The absence of this information in the summary data makes it difficult to quantitatively assess the contractor's performance and the overall effectiveness of the security services provided.

How does this contract's value and scope compare to previous security contracts awarded by ICE or DHS?

Comparing this $40.5 million, one-year contract to previous ICE or DHS security contracts requires access to historical contract databases. However, $40.5 million for a year of security services is a substantial award, suggesting a significant operational requirement. ICE and DHS frequently award large contracts for security services due to their extensive facilities and personnel protection needs. This contract likely represents a significant portion of ICE's security guard expenditure in Texas for the period. Benchmarking against similar contracts for large-scale security operations at border facilities or detention centers would provide better context.

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

Solicitation ID: HSCEDM-14-R-00003

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Ahtna, Incorporated

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: $40,463,810

Exercised Options: $40,463,810

Current Obligation: $40,463,810

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSCEDM15D00001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline