DHS awards $34.5M for Protective Security Officer services at Federal Triangle Complex, with strong competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,548,837 ($34.5M)

Contractor: Triple Canopy Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2018-10-01

End Date: 2019-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $94.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER (PSO) SERVICES AT THE FEDERAL TRIANGLE COMPLEX

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20472

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $34.5 million to TRIPLE CANOPY INC for work described as: PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER (PSO) SERVICES AT THE FEDERAL TRIANGLE COMPLEX Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in securing federal facilities. 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust market for security services. 3. Performance period of one year indicates a need for ongoing, consistent security. 4. The contract is for security guard services, a critical component of federal building operations. 5. Geographic concentration in Washington D.C. highlights the importance of securing national capital region assets.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $34.5 million for one year of Protective Security Officer (PSO) services appears reasonable given the scope of securing a complex like the Federal Triangle. Benchmarking against similar large-scale federal security contracts would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The pricing structure, based on labor hours, allows for flexibility but requires diligent oversight to ensure efficiency and prevent cost overruns. Without specific per-unit cost data, a definitive assessment of pricing competitiveness is challenging, but the competitive award process suggests market-driven rates.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the award type suggests a competitive environment where multiple companies vied for the contract. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing for the services rendered.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically leads to better pricing for taxpayers by fostering a competitive marketplace where contractors strive to offer the most cost-effective solutions.

Public Impact

Federal employees and visitors to the Federal Triangle Complex benefit from enhanced security and safety. The contract ensures the continuous provision of essential security guard services. The primary geographic impact is within Washington D.C., securing a key federal hub. The contract supports employment for security professionals within the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined and managed.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical security functions necessitates robust performance monitoring.
Ensuring consistent quality of personnel across all shifts and posts requires strong contractor management.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market and potentially good value.
The contract duration of one year allows for regular performance reviews and adjustments.
The specific nature of security services implies a well-defined scope of work.

Sector Analysis

The security services sector is a significant part of the federal contracting landscape, encompassing a wide range of protective and investigative services. This contract falls within the Security Guards and Patrol Services industry (NAICS 561612), which is characterized by numerous providers ranging from small, specialized firms to large, multinational corporations. Federal spending in this sector is substantial, driven by the need to protect government assets, personnel, and sensitive information across numerous facilities nationwide. This specific contract for PSO services at the Federal Triangle Complex is a notable example of federal investment in physical security infrastructure.

Small Business Impact

While this contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not appear to have specific small business set-aside provisions, the prime contractor, TRIPLE CANOPY INC, may engage small businesses for subcontracting opportunities. The extent of small business participation would depend on the prime contractor's subcontracting plan and the availability of qualified small business providers for specialized security support roles. Analysis of subcontracting reports would be necessary to determine the actual impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Homeland Security's contracting officers and program managers. They are responsible for monitoring contractor performance, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and approving payments. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Security Services
Washington D.C. Federal Facility Security
Security Guard Services Contracts
Protective Security Officer Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for high cost if labor hours are not efficiently managed.
Dependence on contractor personnel quality and reliability.
Need for robust oversight to ensure contract compliance and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $34.5 million to TRIPLE CANOPY INC. PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER (PSO) SERVICES AT THE FEDERAL TRIANGLE COMPLEX

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRIPLE CANOPY INC.

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 $34.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-10-01. End: 2019-09-30.

What is the historical spending trend for Protective Security Officer (PSO) services at the Federal Triangle Complex?

Historical spending data for PSO services specifically at the Federal Triangle Complex prior to this $34.5 million award is not directly available in the provided data. However, understanding the trend would involve examining previous contracts for similar services at this location or comparable federal buildings in Washington D.C. Agencies often maintain multi-year contracts or award new ones as needs evolve. A consistent need for PSO services suggests a stable or potentially increasing budget allocation for physical security in this area over time. Analyzing the duration and value of prior awards would reveal if this $34.5 million represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment compared to previous periods.

How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated value or budget for this requirement?

The provided data does not include the estimated value or budget set by the Department of Homeland Security for this Protective Security Officer (PSO) services contract. Therefore, a direct comparison to assess if the awarded amount of $34.5 million was above, below, or in line with expectations is not possible. In a full and open competition, the awarded price is typically a result of market forces and the bids submitted by competing contractors. If the agency had an internal estimate, the awarded price would indicate whether their projection was accurate or if market conditions led to a different outcome. Further analysis would require access to pre-solicitation documents or budget justifications.

What is Triple Canopy Inc.'s track record with similar federal security contracts?

Triple Canopy Inc. has a significant track record in providing security services, including protective security and personnel support, to various government agencies. While specific details of their past performance on contracts identical to this one are not provided, the company has been a known entity in the federal contracting space for security solutions. Their experience likely encompasses managing large teams of security personnel, implementing security protocols, and operating in complex environments. A thorough assessment would involve reviewing past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) for their previous federal contracts to gauge their reliability, quality of service, and adherence to contractual obligations.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate the contractor's performance for these PSO services?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Protective Security Officer (PSO) services typically focus on aspects critical to maintaining a secure environment. Common KPIs include post orders compliance (adherence to specific instructions for each post), response times to incidents, incident reporting accuracy and timeliness, personnel punctuality and attendance, uniform and appearance standards, and customer service interactions with building occupants and visitors. The contract documents would specify the exact KPIs, their measurement methods, and the acceptable performance thresholds. Failure to meet these KPIs could result in contract deductions or termination.

Are there any specific security threats or risks identified that necessitate this level of PSO support at the Federal Triangle Complex?

The provided data does not detail specific security threats or risks identified for the Federal Triangle Complex that led to this contract award. However, federal buildings, especially those in the nation's capital, are generally considered high-value targets and require robust security measures due to their symbolic importance, the presence of government officials, and the potential for sensitive information or operations within. The need for Protective Security Officers suggests a requirement for continuous physical presence, access control, surveillance, and rapid response capabilities to mitigate a range of potential threats, from unauthorized access and vandalism to more serious security incidents.

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

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: HSHQEC-15-R-00003

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Constellis Holdings, LLC

Address: 13530 DULLES TECHNOLOGY DR STE 500, HERNDON, VA, 20171

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $34,548,837

Exercised Options: $34,548,837

Current Obligation: $34,548,837

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSHQEC16D00008

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline