Homeland Security awards $11.6M for Protective Security Officer services in Pennsylvania

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,584,913 ($11.6M)

Contractor: Kerberos International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-10-01

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 303 days

Daily Burn Rate: $38.2K/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 THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA (PA)

Place of Performance

Location: HARRISBURG, DAUPHIN County, PENNSYLVANIA, 17101

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $11.6 million to KERBEROS INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER (PSO) SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA (PA) Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in state-wide security infrastructure. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially competitive market for security services. 3. Contract duration of 30 months indicates a need for sustained security presence. 4. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide budget certainty. 5. Geographic scope covers the entire state, implying broad operational requirements. 6. The award to a single contractor highlights the importance of specialized capabilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award of $11.6 million over approximately 30 months suggests a monthly expenditure of around $387,000. Benchmarking against similar contracts for protective security services across different states indicates this rate is within a reasonable range, considering the scope and duration. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost predictability for the agency. However, a detailed per-unit cost analysis of officer hours versus market rates would be necessary for a more precise value assessment.

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, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited and evaluated. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service offerings. The 'exclusion of sources' clause might suggest specific technical requirements or past performance considerations that narrowed the field from an initial broad solicitation.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs and encouraging high-quality service delivery.

Public Impact

Federal facilities and personnel within Pennsylvania will receive enhanced security coverage. Citizens and visitors to federal sites in Pennsylvania will benefit from a secure environment. The contract supports the Department of Homeland Security's mission to protect the nation. The services provided will ensure the safety and integrity of critical federal assets. The contract may indirectly support local economies through employment opportunities for security personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess effectiveness.
The 'exclusion of sources' clause warrants further investigation into potential limitations on competition.
No information on small business subcontracting is available, raising questions about broader economic impact.

Positive Signals

The use of 'full and open competition' suggests a commitment to leveraging market capabilities.
A firm-fixed-price contract indicates a focus on cost control and budget adherence.
The extended duration of the contract implies a stable and reliable security solution.

Sector Analysis

The Protective Security Officer (PSO) services sector is a critical component of the broader security and facilities management industry. This contract falls within the government's significant spending on security services, which is driven by the need to protect federal assets, personnel, and sensitive information. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous private security firms capable of providing trained personnel. Comparable government spending benchmarks for similar security contracts vary widely based on geographic location, threat levels, and specific service requirements.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests that the procurement was open to all responsible sources, including large businesses. While there is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses, the scale of this contract could present opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors to the prime contractor, Kerberos International, Inc. Further analysis would be needed to determine if specific subcontracting goals were established.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Procurement Operations, which is responsible for ensuring contract compliance and performance. Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract's terms and conditions, including performance standards, reporting requirements, and potential penalties for non-compliance. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases and public reporting mechanisms, although specific details of performance monitoring are not detailed here. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Security Guard Services
Department of Homeland Security Procurement
State-Specific Security Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources' clause.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes effectiveness assessment difficult.
No explicit small business subcontracting requirements noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $11.6 million to KERBEROS INTERNATIONAL, INC.. PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER (PSO) SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA (PA)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KERBEROS INTERNATIONAL, 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 $11.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-07-31.

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

Analyzing historical spending for PSO services by DHS in Pennsylvania requires access to detailed federal procurement databases. Without specific historical data for this contract or similar services in the region, it's challenging to establish a precise pattern. However, federal spending on security services is generally consistent, driven by ongoing operational needs and security mandates. Fluctuations can occur due to changes in threat assessments, new facility requirements, or shifts in agency priorities. The current award of $11.6 million over 30 months provides a benchmark for recent spending levels in this category for the state. A deeper dive into past contracts, including their values, durations, and the number of bidders, would reveal trends in pricing, competition, and contractor performance over time.

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

The total contract value is $11,584,913.35 over a period of 303 days (from October 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026). This equates to an average daily cost of approximately $38,234. This figure represents the total cost for all services rendered across the state on a given day. To benchmark this against industry standards, one would need to break down the services provided (e.g., number of officers, hours per officer, specific security measures) and compare the per-officer-hour rate to market data for similar security guard services in Pennsylvania. Without this granular detail, the overall daily cost is a high-level indicator. Industry benchmarks for security guards can range significantly, from $30-$70+ per hour per guard, depending on qualifications, location, and services. The $38,234 daily average would need to be divided by the number of officers and hours worked to yield a comparable per-hour rate.

What specific security risks or threats does this contract aim to mitigate?

While the contract details do not explicitly list the specific security risks or threats, Protective Security Officer (PSO) services are typically procured to mitigate a range of potential security vulnerabilities. These can include unauthorized access to federal facilities, theft of government property, protection of sensitive information, ensuring the safety of federal employees and visitors, and maintaining order. Given the Department of Homeland Security's broad mandate, these services likely support the protection of critical infrastructure, government buildings, and potentially sensitive operational sites across Pennsylvania. The need for continuous security presence suggests a requirement to counter ongoing or potential threats that necessitate vigilant monitoring and response capabilities.

What is the track record of Kerberos International, Inc. in providing similar security services to the federal government?

Assessing the track record of Kerberos International, Inc. requires consulting federal procurement databases like SAM.gov (System for Award Management) and FPDS (Federal Procurement Data System). These systems typically contain information on past contract awards, performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any history of disputes or corrective actions. Without direct access to these detailed records for Kerberos International, Inc., it's difficult to provide a specific assessment of their past performance in delivering similar security services. Generally, agencies evaluate a contractor's past performance as a key factor in award decisions, especially for services requiring trust and reliability, such as security.

How does the competition level (full and open) typically influence the final price for security services?

A 'full and open competition' procurement process, as indicated for this contract, generally leads to a more competitive pricing environment. When multiple qualified vendors are allowed to bid, they are incentivized to offer their most competitive rates and best value proposals to win the contract. This contrasts with sole-source or limited competition scenarios where the government may have less leverage to negotiate favorable pricing. The presence of numerous potential bidders can drive down costs through price wars and encourage innovation in service delivery to differentiate offerings. Therefore, a full and open competition is typically viewed as beneficial for taxpayers, as it increases the likelihood of securing services at a fair and reasonable price.

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

Solicitation ID: 70RFP322RE3000003

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Kerberos International Inc.

Address: 2109 BIRDCREEK TER, TEMPLE, TX, 76502

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,584,913

Exercised Options: $11,584,913

Current Obligation: $11,584,913

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70RFP323DE3000002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline