DHS awards $47.3M contract for protective security services in Maryland, with 10 bids received

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $47,271,591 ($47.3M)

Contractor: Triple Canopy Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-03-01

End Date: 2028-02-29

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $43.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER (PSO) SERVICES IN SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND

Place of Performance

Location: SILVER SPRING, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20903

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $47.3 million to TRIPLE CANOPY INC for work described as: PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER (PSO) SERVICES IN SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the duration and scope of services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these services. 3. Potential risks include contractor performance and service continuity. 4. This contract supports essential security functions for a federal agency. 5. The services fall within the established market for security guard providers.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's total value of $47.3 million over three years suggests a significant investment in security services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for protective security officers (PSOs) in the region would provide a clearer picture of value for money. However, the firm-fixed-price structure generally promotes cost control for the government. The awarded amount is within a reasonable range for large-scale, multi-year security contracts.

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 bids. The solicitation received 10 bids, suggesting a competitive market for protective security services. A higher number of bidders generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely drove down prices and ensured the government received competitive offers for essential security services.

Public Impact

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) benefits from enhanced security at its facilities. Protective security officers will be deployed to ensure the safety and security of personnel and property. The services are geographically focused within Silver Spring, Maryland. This contract supports jobs within the private security sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Ensuring consistent service quality and performance from the contractor throughout the contract period.
Managing potential disruptions to security operations if contractor personnel changes occur.
Verifying that the contractor adheres to all federal security and personnel requirements.

Positive Signals

The use of a firm-fixed-price contract type helps to control costs for the government.
The award was made under full and open competition, indicating a competitive market.
The contract duration of three years allows for stable security planning and execution.

Sector Analysis

The security services industry is a substantial market, with government contracts forming a significant portion. This contract for protective security officers falls under the broader security and investigation services sector (NAICS 561612). Federal spending in this area is consistently high, driven by the need for physical security at numerous government facilities nationwide. Comparable contracts often involve extensive background checks, specialized training, and 24/7 operational coverage.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not appear to have a specific small business set-aside. While the prime contractor is Triple Canopy Inc., which is a large business, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors. The extent of small business subcontracting will depend on the prime contractor's strategy and the specific requirements of the services provided.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of Homeland Security's contracting officers and program managers. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of cost control. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. The Inspector General for DHS may conduct audits or investigations into contract performance or compliance as needed.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Security Services
Physical Security Guard Services
Government Facility Security

Risk Flags

Contractor Performance Risk
Service Continuity Risk
Personnel Security Compliance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $47.3 million to TRIPLE CANOPY INC. PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER (PSO) SERVICES IN SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND

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 $47.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-03-01. End: 2028-02-29.

What is the historical spending pattern for protective security services by the Department of Homeland Security in Maryland?

Analyzing historical spending for protective security services by DHS in Maryland requires access to detailed federal procurement data. Generally, DHS, as a large agency with numerous facilities, consistently spends significant amounts on security. This spending can fluctuate based on facility needs, threat levels, and contract renewals. For instance, previous contracts for similar services in the region might show annual expenditures ranging from several million to tens of millions of dollars, depending on the scale and duration. Examining past awards to Triple Canopy Inc. or other major security providers for DHS in Maryland would reveal trends in pricing, contract types, and competition levels, providing context for the current $47.3 million award over three years.

How does the per-unit cost of a Protective Security Officer (PSO) under this contract compare to industry benchmarks?

Determining the precise per-unit cost of a PSO under this contract is challenging without detailed breakdowns of labor hours, pay rates, and overhead. However, the total contract value of $47.3 million over 1095 days (3 years) averages to approximately $43,170 per day, or roughly $1.3 million per month. If we assume a standard 24/7 operation with multiple officers, the daily cost per officer could range from $300 to $600 or more, depending on skill level, benefits, and geographic location. Industry benchmarks for PSO services can vary widely, but government contracts often aim for competitive rates. Comparing this average daily cost to publicly available data for similar government contracts or private sector rates in the Maryland area would be necessary for a definitive benchmark assessment.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract for DHS?

The primary risks for DHS associated with this Protective Security Officer (PSO) services contract include contractor performance failures, such as inadequate staffing, insufficient training, or failure to maintain security protocols, which could compromise facility safety. There's also a risk of service disruption due to contractor personnel turnover or labor disputes. Financial risks might involve cost overruns if the firm-fixed-price contract doesn't adequately account for unforeseen operational demands or inflation. Furthermore, ensuring compliance with all federal regulations, background check requirements, and security clearances for all PSO personnel presents an ongoing administrative and security risk that requires diligent oversight.

What is the track record of Triple Canopy Inc. in performing similar federal security contracts?

Triple Canopy Inc. has a significant track record in providing security services, including protective security officers, to various U.S. government agencies, particularly in defense and homeland security contexts. They have been involved in contracts requiring security support in challenging environments and for critical infrastructure. Past performance reviews and contract administration data from agencies like the Department of Defense and DHS would offer insights into their reliability, quality of service, and ability to manage large-scale security operations. While specific details of past performance on contracts of this exact scope and value are not provided here, their history suggests experience in meeting federal security requirements.

How does the competition level (10 bidders) impact the value received by taxpayers for this contract?

A competition level of 10 bidders for this protective security services contract is generally considered robust and is highly beneficial for taxpayers. A larger pool of bidders typically intensifies competition, driving down prices as companies vie for the contract award. This increased competition allows the government to secure services at more favorable rates than might be achieved in a less competitive environment. It also encourages potential bidders to offer more innovative solutions or better service terms to gain an advantage. Therefore, the 10 bids received suggest that taxpayers are likely receiving good value for money, as the price was likely negotiated or bid down due to market forces.

What are the potential implications of the firm-fixed-price contract type on cost control and contractor risk?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally favored by the government for services where the scope of work is well-defined, as it places the majority of the cost risk on the contractor. For this PSO services contract, FFP means Triple Canopy Inc. is obligated to perform the work for the agreed-upon price, regardless of their actual costs. This incentivizes the contractor to manage their expenses efficiently and control operational costs to maximize profit. For DHS and taxpayers, FFP provides cost certainty, as the total price is fixed. However, it can also lead to less flexibility if the scope of work needs to change significantly, potentially requiring contract modifications or new solicitations.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 70RFP225QEC000021

Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 13530 DULLES TECHNOLOGY DR, 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: $95,724,160

Exercised Options: $47,271,591

Current Obligation: $47,271,591

Actual Outlays: $12,923,409

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70RFP224DEC000011

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline