FEMA awards $1.5M for armed guard services in Tennessee, citing non-covered contract status

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,499,495 ($1.5M)

Contractor: Ambassador Worldwide Protection Agency, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-09-01

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 272 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ARMED GUARD SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF DR-4832 TN. FALLS WITHIN 25-07 DOGE COST EFFICIENCY SECTION 2(D) AS A NON-COVERED CONTRACT. THIS CONTRACT ALIGNS WITH ONE OF THE DESIGNATED CATEGORIES: IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT, LAW ENFORCEMENT, MILITARY, PUBLIC SAFE

Place of Performance

Location: NASHVILLE, DAVIDSON County, TENNESSEE, 37211

State: Tennessee Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $1.5 million to AMBASSADOR WORLDWIDE PROTECTION AGENCY, INC. for work described as: ARMED GUARD SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF DR-4832 TN. FALLS WITHIN 25-07 DOGE COST EFFICIENCY SECTION 2(D) AS A NON-COVERED CONTRACT. THIS CONTRACT ALIGNS WITH ONE OF THE DESIGNATED CATEGORIES: IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT, LAW ENFORCEMENT, MILITARY, PUBLIC SAFE Key points: 1. Contract value of $1.5M for armed guard services over 27 months. 2. Awarded to Ambassador Worldwide Protection Agency, Inc. 3. Falls under FEMA's disaster response efforts in Tennessee. 4. Classified as a non-covered contract under DOGE Section 2(D). 5. Procured via a 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' method. 6. Service period runs from September 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.5 million for armed guard services over 27 months appears to be within a reasonable range for disaster response support. However, without specific details on the number of guards, hours, or geographic coverage, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar disaster relief security contracts would provide better context for pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating a limited competition approach. The specific reasons for this limited competition are not detailed, but it suggests that full and open competition was not pursued. This could potentially lead to higher prices or less innovative solutions compared to a fully competed contract.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition may mean taxpayers do not benefit from the most cost-effective pricing achievable through a broader bidding process.

Public Impact

Provides essential security services during disaster recovery operations in Tennessee. Supports the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) mission in disaster-stricken areas. Ensures the safety and security of personnel and assets at disaster sites. Contributes to the stability and order necessary for effective relief efforts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed justification for limited competition.
Potential for higher costs due to non-competitive award.
Limited transparency on performance metrics and service delivery standards.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical need for security in disaster zones.
Awarded to a single, presumably qualified, vendor.
Clear contract duration and service period.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Security Guards and Patrol Services industry (NAICS 561612). This sector is characterized by a mix of large and small providers offering a range of security solutions. Federal spending in this area often spikes during emergencies and disaster relief operations, as seen with FEMA's requirements. Benchmarking against similar contracts for armed guard services in support of federal agencies, particularly during crisis events, is crucial for assessing value.

Small Business Impact

The contract details indicate that small business participation was not a specific set-aside (ss: false) nor was there a subcontracting plan mentioned (sb: false). This suggests that small businesses are unlikely to be direct beneficiaries of this particular award, and their role in subcontracting is not explicitly mandated or tracked within this contract's parameters.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Specific oversight mechanisms, such as performance reviews, site inspections, and reporting requirements, are not detailed in the provided data. Transparency is limited by the lack of public information on the competitive process and performance metrics.

Related Government Programs

Disaster Relief Funding
Emergency Security Services
Law Enforcement Support Contracts
Federal Protective Service Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited Competition Justification
Lack of Performance Benchmarks
Potential for Cost Overruns

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $1.5 million to AMBASSADOR WORLDWIDE PROTECTION AGENCY, INC.. ARMED GUARD SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF DR-4832 TN. FALLS WITHIN 25-07 DOGE COST EFFICIENCY SECTION 2(D) AS A NON-COVERED CONTRACT. THIS CONTRACT ALIGNS WITH ONE OF THE DESIGNATED CATEGORIES: IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT, LAW ENFORCEMENT, MILITARY, PUBLIC SAFE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMBASSADOR WORLDWIDE PROTECTION AGENCY, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $1.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-01. End: 2026-05-31.

What specific security threats or requirements necessitated the use of armed guards in this Tennessee disaster area?

The provided data does not specify the exact security threats or requirements that led to the need for armed guards. However, given FEMA's involvement and the classification as a disaster response contract (DR-4832), it is reasonable to infer that the guards are intended to protect critical infrastructure, personnel, supplies, or secure areas impacted by the disaster. This could include preventing looting, unauthorized access, or ensuring the safety of recovery operations in potentially unstable environments. Further details would likely be found in the contract's statement of work or associated documentation.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar armed guard services procured by FEMA or other federal agencies for disaster response?

A direct comparison of pricing is difficult without more granular data on the services provided (e.g., number of guards, hours, specific duties, geographic spread) and the specific disaster context. The total contract value is $1.5 million over 272 days (approximately 9 months). To benchmark effectively, one would need to analyze the per-guard-per-hour rate or a similar unit cost against other FEMA disaster response contracts or contracts for similar security services in other federal agencies. The 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' status also suggests that the pricing may not have undergone the same level of scrutiny as a fully competed contract, potentially impacting its competitiveness.

What is the track record of Ambassador Worldwide Protection Agency, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly in disaster response or security services?

Information regarding the specific track record of Ambassador Worldwide Protection Agency, Inc. with federal contracts, especially in disaster response or security services, is not provided in the data snippet. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance evaluations (e.g., CPARS), the number and types of previous federal awards, and any history of performance issues or successes. Without this background, it's challenging to evaluate their reliability and capability for this specific task based solely on this award notice.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding this contract without full and open competition?

The primary risks associated with awarding this contract without full and open competition include potentially higher costs for taxpayers, as the government may not have secured the most competitive pricing. There's also a risk of receiving less optimal service quality or innovative solutions that might have been offered by a wider pool of bidders. Furthermore, limited competition can reduce transparency and accountability, making it harder to ensure the government is receiving the best value. It also limits opportunities for new or smaller businesses to enter the federal contracting space.

How does the duration of this contract (272 days) align with typical federal contracts for emergency armed guard services?

A contract duration of 272 days (approximately 9 months) for emergency armed guard services, especially in a disaster response context, is not unusual. Federal contracts for such services often have flexible durations tied to the evolving needs of an emergency situation. While some contracts might be shorter-term, others extend for longer periods depending on the scale and duration of the disaster and recovery efforts. The period of performance (September 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026) suggests an anticipated need extending beyond the immediate aftermath of the disaster event (DR-4832).

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: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 70FBR425Q00000118

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8121 WALNUT RUN RD STE 102, CORDOVA, TN, 38018

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,835,434

Exercised Options: $1,499,495

Current Obligation: $1,499,495

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline