DHS awards $2.2M for Rhode Island security services, highlighting need for consistent guard presence

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,200,314 ($2.2M)

Contractor: TCS Alpha Security LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-01-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 272 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER (PSO) SERVICES THROUGHOUT RHODE ISLAND

Place of Performance

Location: PROVIDENCE, PROVIDENCE County, RHODE ISLAND, 02903

State: Rhode Island Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $2.2 million to TCS ALPHA SECURITY LLC for work described as: PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER (PSO) SERVICES THROUGHOUT RHODE ISLAND Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the duration and scope of security services required. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract is a delivery order, indicating it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 4. Services are for security guards and patrol, a critical function for government facilities. 5. The contract duration is less than a year, suggesting potential for re-competition or modification. 6. The fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $2.2 million for a 9-month period for security guard services seems aligned with market rates for similar services. Benchmarking against other federal contracts for Protective Security Officer (PSO) services in similar geographic regions and for comparable durations would provide a more precise value assessment. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the government has a clear understanding of the costs involved, and the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which implies that while the initial solicitation might have had some exclusions, the final award was made through a broad competitive process. This suggests that multiple bidders were likely considered, leading to a more competitive pricing environment. The specific details of the exclusion of sources would need further investigation to fully understand the competitive landscape.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down prices and improve the quality of services offered.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Homeland Security and its facilities within Rhode Island, ensuring secure operations. The services delivered include protective security, guard, and patrol functions, crucial for maintaining safety and security. The geographic impact is focused on Rhode Island, ensuring protection for federal assets and personnel in that state. The contract supports the workforce of TCS ALPHA SECURITY LLC, providing employment opportunities in the security sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases in future contract renewals if competition diminishes.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical security functions could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
The 'after exclusion of sources' clause warrants a closer look to ensure no viable competitors were unduly restricted.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competitive process, indicating potential for good value.
Fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Clear definition of services (PSO) ensures focused delivery.
Contract duration is relatively short, allowing for periodic reassessment of needs and contractor performance.

Sector Analysis

The security services sector is a significant component of the federal contracting landscape, encompassing a wide range of protective and support functions. This contract falls within the Security Guards and Patrol Services NAICS code (561612). Federal spending in this sector is driven by the need to protect government personnel, facilities, and sensitive information across various agencies. Benchmarks for similar contracts often vary based on geographic location, service complexity, and contract duration, but this award appears to be within a typical range for PSO services.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. Given the nature of security services, larger contracts are often awarded to established firms. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are participating as subcontractors or if there are opportunities for them in future solicitations.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer's representative (COR) within the Department of Homeland Security, responsible for monitoring performance and ensuring compliance with contract terms. The contract's fixed-price nature shifts some performance risk to the contractor. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases, though detailed performance metrics are often internal.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Security Services
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule Contracts for Security
Security Guard Services for Federal Facilities

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues if contractor is inexperienced.
Risk of price escalation in future contract renewals.
Dependence on contractor for critical security functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $2.2 million to TCS ALPHA SECURITY LLC. PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER (PSO) SERVICES THROUGHOUT RHODE ISLAND

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TCS ALPHA SECURITY LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Office of Procurement Operations).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for Protective Security Officer (PSO) services by the Department of Homeland Security in Rhode Island?

Analyzing historical spending for PSO services by DHS in Rhode Island requires access to detailed federal procurement data. Typically, federal agencies like DHS issue numerous contracts for security services annually, often through IDIQ vehicles or specific solicitations. Spending patterns can fluctuate based on evolving security needs, facility changes, and budget allocations. Without specific historical data for this region and service type, it's difficult to provide precise figures. However, consistent spending in this category often reflects ongoing requirements for facility protection and personnel security. Trends might show an increase in demand during periods of heightened national security awareness or changes in federal building occupancy.

How does the awarded price per day or per hour compare to industry benchmarks for similar security guard services?

To benchmark the price effectively, we would need to know the number of hours or shifts covered by the $2.2 million award over its 272-day duration. Assuming a standard 8-hour shift and 24/7 coverage (which is unlikely for a single contract), the daily rate could be estimated. For instance, if the contract covers 10 guards working 8-hour shifts daily, the total daily cost would be approximately $2.2M / 272 days = ~$8,088 per day. Dividing this by 10 guards gives ~$808 per guard per day. This figure needs to be compared against industry rates, which can range widely from $30-$100+ per hour per guard depending on location, security clearance requirements, and specific duties. If the $808 per guard per day translates to roughly $100 per hour, it might be within the upper range of standard benchmarks for armed or highly specialized guards, but potentially high for unarmed basic services.

What specific security risks or threats does this contract aim to mitigate for DHS facilities in Rhode Island?

This contract for Protective Security Officer (PSO) services is designed to mitigate a range of physical security risks and threats to Department of Homeland Security facilities in Rhode Island. These typically include unauthorized access, theft, vandalism, workplace violence, and potential terrorist threats. PSOs provide a visible deterrent, control access points, monitor surveillance systems, respond to emergencies, and enforce security regulations. The specific threats mitigated would depend on the nature and sensitivity of the DHS facilities being protected, which could range from administrative offices to operational centers. The contract ensures a consistent security presence, which is crucial for maintaining operational continuity and protecting government assets and personnel.

What is the track record of TCS ALPHA SECURITY LLC in performing similar federal security contracts?

Assessing the track record of TCS ALPHA SECURITY LLC requires reviewing their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving Protective Security Officer (PSO) services. Information on past performance, including CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System) ratings, is often available through federal procurement databases or agency-specific records. A positive track record would indicate timely delivery, adherence to quality standards, effective management, and compliance with contract terms. Conversely, a history of performance issues, disputes, or contract terminations would raise concerns. Without direct access to their performance history for similar DHS or other federal contracts, a definitive assessment cannot be made, but the award suggests they met initial qualification criteria.

Are there any performance metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) associated with this contract to ensure service quality?

While the provided data does not detail specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), federal contracts for security services typically include performance standards that the contractor must meet. These often relate to response times for incidents, adherence to post orders, guard attentiveness, professionalism, and reporting accuracy. The COR is responsible for monitoring these aspects. Failure to meet KPIs can result in contract deficiencies, corrective action requests, or even financial penalties, depending on the contract's terms and conditions. The fixed-price nature of this contract implies that the contractor is responsible for delivering the defined services to an acceptable standard, with the government reserving the right to reject substandard performance.

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

Address: 8401 MAYLAND DR STE A, RICHMOND, VA, 23294

Business Categories: 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: $2,200,314

Exercised Options: $2,200,314

Current Obligation: $2,200,314

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70RFP125DE1000002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline