DHS FEMA awards $2.15M for armed guard security services in Georgia

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,152,740 ($2.2M)

Contractor: Universal Security Guard Association Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-02-17

End Date: 2025-09-13

Contract Duration: 208 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.3K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS LABOR HOUR BPA CALL ORDER IS TO PROVIDE LEVEL II ARMED GUARD SECURITY SERVICES AT THE JFOS AND ALTERNATIVE DISASTER SITES IN SUPPORT OF DR4830-GA.

Place of Performance

Location: ALPHARETTA, FULTON County, GEORGIA, 30004

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $2.2 million to UNIVERSAL SECURITY GUARD ASSOCIATION INC for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS LABOR HOUR BPA CALL ORDER IS TO PROVIDE LEVEL II ARMED GUARD SECURITY SERVICES AT THE JFOS AND ALTERNATIVE DISASTER SITES IN SUPPORT OF DR4830-GA. Key points: 1. Contract provides essential security for disaster response operations. 2. Competition was conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures, suggesting a focus on smaller value procurements. 3. The contract duration is relatively short, indicating a need for immediate or short-term support. 4. Services are categorized under Security Guards and Patrol Services, a common requirement for federal agencies. 5. The awardee, Universal Security Guard Association Inc., is a new entity in federal contracting based on available data.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.15 million for approximately 7 months of armed guard services appears within a reasonable range for disaster support operations. However, without specific details on the number of guards, hours per guard, or specific security requirements, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar disaster response security contracts would provide a clearer picture of cost-effectiveness. The labor hour pricing structure allows for flexibility but can also lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This 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. The data indicates two bids were received. While SAP aims for efficiency in acquiring goods and services below certain thresholds, it may not always yield the most competitive pricing or the widest range of potential offerors. The limited competition could potentially lead to higher prices than if a broader solicitation had been used.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, limited competition under SAP can mean that the government may not be securing the absolute lowest price available in the market. However, it also allows for quicker acquisition of necessary services, which can be critical during disaster response scenarios.

Public Impact

Provides armed guard security services at JFOS and alternative disaster sites. Supports disaster recovery efforts under DR4830-GA. Ensures the safety and security of federal personnel and facilities during emergencies. Benefits the state of Georgia by providing essential security infrastructure for disaster management.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to labor hour contract type if not closely monitored.
Limited competition may not guarantee the best price for taxpayers.
New contractor may have limited experience with federal disaster response protocols.

Positive Signals

Provides critical security services for disaster response.
Short contract duration allows for flexibility and reassessment of needs.
Awarded to a small business, potentially supporting economic diversity.

Sector Analysis

The security services sector is a significant component of the federal procurement landscape, encompassing a wide range of protective services. This contract falls within the Security Guards and Patrol Services industry (NAICS 561612). Federal spending in this area is often driven by national security needs, disaster preparedness, and the protection of federal assets. The market includes numerous small and large businesses, with competition varying based on the specific requirements and geographic location. This particular award is for specialized armed guard services during a declared disaster, a niche within the broader security market.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to Universal Security Guard Association Inc., which is likely a small business given the nature of the award and the typical participants in SAP procurements. While there is no explicit small business set-aside noted, the use of SAP often favors small business participation. The contract does not appear to have specific subcontracting requirements detailed in the provided data, but the prime contractor's performance will be crucial for ensuring effective service delivery.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily fall under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a component of the Department of Homeland Security. Given it's a BPA call order, the initial BPA holder and the issuing office will have oversight responsibilities. Performance will likely be monitored through regular reporting, site visits, and adherence to the established service level agreements. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Response Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Security Services
Armed Guard Services Contracts
Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) Awards

Risk Flags

New Contractor
Limited Competition
Labor Hour Contract Type

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $2.2 million to UNIVERSAL SECURITY GUARD ASSOCIATION INC. THE PURPOSE OF THIS LABOR HOUR BPA CALL ORDER IS TO PROVIDE LEVEL II ARMED GUARD SECURITY SERVICES AT THE JFOS AND ALTERNATIVE DISASTER SITES IN SUPPORT OF DR4830-GA.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSAL SECURITY GUARD ASSOCIATION 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 $2.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-02-17. End: 2025-09-13.

What is the track record of Universal Security Guard Association Inc. with federal contracts, particularly in disaster response?

Based on the provided data, Universal Security Guard Association Inc. appears to be a relatively new entity in the federal contracting space. There is no extensive historical data readily available to assess a long-standing track record, especially concerning disaster response operations. Further investigation into federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS would be necessary to determine if they have prior federal awards, their performance history on those contracts, and any specific experience relevant to providing armed guard security in emergency or disaster situations. The lack of a substantial federal contract history could represent a risk factor, necessitating close monitoring of their performance on this BPA call order.

How does the cost of these armed guard services compare to similar contracts awarded by FEMA or other agencies for disaster support?

A direct cost comparison is challenging without detailed service parameters (e.g., number of guards, hours per guard, specific security protocols, geographic coverage within Georgia). However, the total award of $2.15 million for approximately 7 months of service suggests an average monthly cost of roughly $307,500. This figure needs to be broken down by the number of personnel deployed to assess per-guard hourly rates or daily rates. Benchmarking against other FEMA disaster response security contracts, especially those awarded under SAP or for similar geographic regions, would be crucial. Factors like prevailing wage rates for armed guards in Georgia and the specific threat environment at the disaster sites would influence pricing. If this rate significantly deviates from established benchmarks, it could indicate either exceptional value or potential overpricing.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Key risks include potential performance issues from a potentially new contractor, cost overruns due to the labor hour nature of the contract, and ensuring adequate security coverage across multiple sites. Mitigation strategies likely involve rigorous performance monitoring by FEMA, clear performance standards and reporting requirements, and potentially contingency planning for contractor failure. The limited competition also presents a risk of not achieving the most cost-effective solution. FEMA's oversight, including site inspections and regular performance reviews, will be critical to identifying and addressing any emerging risks promptly. Ensuring the contractor maintains necessary certifications and insurance throughout the contract period is also a vital mitigation step.

How effective is the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) process in ensuring value for money for disaster response security needs?

SAP is designed for efficiency and speed in acquiring goods and services below certain dollar thresholds, which can be advantageous during urgent disaster response needs where rapid deployment is critical. However, SAP's streamlined process, often involving fewer bidders and less extensive documentation, may not always yield the most competitive pricing compared to full and open competition. For disaster response, the trade-off is often between speed and optimal cost. While SAP can facilitate quicker access to necessary services, it places a greater onus on the contracting officer to ensure fair and reasonable pricing and adequate performance standards are met. The effectiveness in ensuring value for money depends heavily on the specific market conditions and the diligence of the agency in soliciting and evaluating offers.

What is the historical spending pattern for armed guard security services by FEMA in Georgia or similar disaster-prone states?

Historical spending data for armed guard security services by FEMA in Georgia or similar states during declared disasters would provide valuable context. Without specific historical data for this contract or category, it's difficult to establish a precise pattern. However, FEMA's spending in this area typically fluctuates based on the frequency and severity of declared disasters. During major events, the demand for security services, including armed guards, increases significantly. Agencies often utilize BPA call orders or other streamlined methods to quickly procure these services. Analyzing past FEMA disaster declarations in Georgia and surrounding states, and identifying security contracts awarded during those periods, would reveal spending trends, typical contract values, and common service providers.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Investigation and Security Services › Security Guards and Patrol Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 70FBR425Q00000079

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1640 NW 114TH AVE, PLANTATION, FL, 33323

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,672,602

Exercised Options: $2,152,740

Current Obligation: $2,152,740

Actual Outlays: $2,068,852

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70FBR424A00000018

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline