FEMA awards $2.8M for disaster security in Florida, with 10212 labor hours expected

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,849,075 ($2.8M)

Contractor: Redcon Solutions Group LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-11-08

End Date: 2025-08-14

Contract Duration: 279 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.2K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: ARMED SECURITY GUARDS LEVEL II TO PROVIDE SECURITY SERVICES AT BRANCH OFFICES, FUEL POINTS, AND OTHER FACILITIES WITHIN THE STATE OF FLORIDA IN SUPPORT OF PRESIDENTIALLY DECLARED DISASTERS, DR4828/4834FL, HURRICANE HELENE AND MILTON.

Place of Performance

Location: MELBOURNE, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32901

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $2.8 million to REDCON SOLUTIONS GROUP LLC for work described as: ARMED SECURITY GUARDS LEVEL II TO PROVIDE SECURITY SERVICES AT BRANCH OFFICES, FUEL POINTS, AND OTHER FACILITIES WITHIN THE STATE OF FLORIDA IN SUPPORT OF PRESIDENTIALLY DECLARED DISASTERS, DR4828/4834FL, HURRICANE HELENE AND MILTON. Key points: 1. Contract provides essential security services during critical disaster recovery periods. 2. Competition was conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on efficiency for smaller procurements. 3. The contract's duration aligns with anticipated recovery timelines for major disaster events. 4. Services are geographically focused within Florida, directly supporting affected communities. 5. The use of a BPA Call indicates a pre-negotiated framework for rapid deployment of services. 6. Labor hours are the primary metric, emphasizing the human resource component of the security effort.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.85 million for approximately 10,212 labor hours translates to an estimated hourly rate of $279. This rate appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized security services, especially those required during emergency response operations. Benchmarking against similar disaster response security contracts would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment, but the initial estimate suggests fair pricing given the context.

Cost Per Unit: $279 per labor hour (estimated)

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of bidders and less formal solicitation processes compared to full and open competition. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, SAP aims for efficiency in procurements below certain thresholds. This approach can lead to quicker award times but may limit the breadth of competition and potentially impact price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, limited competition under SAP can mean faster access to critical services during emergencies, but it also carries a risk of not achieving the absolute lowest price achievable through broader market engagement.

Public Impact

Residents and businesses in Florida affected by Presidentially declared disasters (DR4828/4834FL) will benefit from enhanced security. The services delivered include armed security guard support at branch offices, fuel points, and other facilities. Geographic impact is concentrated within the state of Florida, specifically in areas impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Workforce implications involve the deployment of security personnel to support disaster relief efforts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price escalation if follow-on needs arise without re-competition.
Reliance on a single awardee for critical disaster response security could pose a risk if performance issues emerge.

Positive Signals

Rapid deployment capability through a BPA Call mechanism.
Focus on essential facilities crucial for disaster recovery operations.
Clear definition of services (Level II armed guards) ensures appropriate skill level.

Sector Analysis

The security services sector is diverse, encompassing a wide range of protective measures. This contract falls within the specialized niche of emergency response and disaster support security. The market for such services is often characterized by rapid mobilization requirements and the need for personnel with specific training and clearances. Comparable spending benchmarks for disaster-related security can vary significantly based on the scale of the event and the duration of the required support.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary contractor, REDCON SOLUTIONS GROUP LLC, is likely a larger entity. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether the prime contractor engages small businesses for any part of the service delivery, which is not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a component of the Department of Homeland Security. Accountability measures are typically embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would reside with the DHS Office of Inspector General, which can investigate allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse.

Related Government Programs

FEMA Disaster Relief Fund
Department of Homeland Security Security Contracts
Emergency Preparedness and Response Services
State of Florida Disaster Recovery Efforts

Risk Flags

Potential for price creep if labor hours are underestimated.
Reliance on limited competition may not yield the best value.
Performance monitoring is critical due to the sensitive nature of armed security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $2.8 million to REDCON SOLUTIONS GROUP LLC. ARMED SECURITY GUARDS LEVEL II TO PROVIDE SECURITY SERVICES AT BRANCH OFFICES, FUEL POINTS, AND OTHER FACILITIES WITHIN THE STATE OF FLORIDA IN SUPPORT OF PRESIDENTIALLY DECLARED DISASTERS, DR4828/4834FL, HURRICANE HELENE AND MILTON.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is REDCON SOLUTIONS GROUP LLC.

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 $2.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-11-08. End: 2025-08-14.

What is the track record of REDCON SOLUTIONS GROUP LLC in providing disaster response security services?

Information regarding REDCON SOLUTIONS GROUP LLC's specific track record in providing disaster response security services is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history with federal agencies, and any reported issues or commendations related to similar emergency support operations. Federal procurement databases and agency performance records would be the primary sources for this information. Understanding their experience with large-scale, rapid-deployment security needs during declared disasters is crucial for evaluating their capability and reliability in fulfilling this contract.

How does the estimated hourly rate of $279 compare to market rates for armed security guards during disaster events?

The estimated hourly rate of $279 for armed security guards during disaster events appears to be on the higher end, but potentially justifiable given the specialized nature and demanding conditions of emergency response. Market rates for standard security services can range significantly, but often fall below $100 per hour. However, disaster environments involve heightened risks, the need for immediate deployment, potentially longer hours, and specialized training or certifications, which command premium pricing. Benchmarking against contracts awarded by FEMA or other agencies for similar disaster relief security services in recent years would provide a more concrete comparison. Factors such as geographic location, specific threat levels, and the required level of armament and training also influence pricing.

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

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance failures by the contractor, such as inadequate guard presence or response, especially during critical moments of disaster recovery. Another risk is price volatility if the labor hours are significantly underestimated or if unforeseen circumstances drive up operational costs. Furthermore, the limited competition aspect could mean less favorable pricing than a fully open competition might yield. Mitigation strategies likely include robust performance monitoring by FEMA, clear contractual deliverables and penalties, and the use of a pre-negotiated Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) framework which allows for structured task orders. The defined scope of services and the specified labor hour estimate also provide a degree of control over the contract's execution and cost.

How effective is the use of a BPA Call under SAP for procuring disaster response security?

The use of a Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) Call under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) is generally an effective mechanism for procuring rapidly deployable services like disaster response security. SAP is designed for procurements below certain dollar thresholds, emphasizing speed and efficiency, which is critical during emergencies. A BOA allows for pre-negotiated terms and conditions, enabling agencies to issue task orders quickly without needing to re-solicit for every individual need. This combination allows FEMA to secure necessary security services promptly to protect critical infrastructure and personnel in disaster-stricken areas. The effectiveness is maximized when the BOA is well-defined and the task orders are specific, ensuring that the services procured meet the immediate and evolving needs of the disaster response.

What is the historical spending pattern for disaster security services by FEMA in Florida?

Historical spending patterns for disaster security services by FEMA in Florida can be substantial, particularly following major hurricane events. While specific figures for past disaster security contracts are not provided here, FEMA's overall spending in Florida following significant hurricanes like Irma, Michael, and Ian has been in the billions of dollars, encompassing a wide range of recovery and support services. Security is a critical component of ensuring the safety of personnel, facilities, and resources during these periods. Analyzing FEMA's procurement data for Florida over the past decade would reveal trends in the types of security services procured, the average contract values, and the duration of such contracts, providing context for the current $2.85 million award.

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: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 13 MARSH TOWER LN, SAVANNAH, GA, 31411

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, 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: $2,849,075

Exercised Options: $2,849,075

Current Obligation: $2,849,075

Actual Outlays: $2,849,075

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70FBR423A00000007

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline