DHS awards $7M for protective security services in Colorado, with Triple Canopy Inc. securing the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,043,093 ($7.0M)

Contractor: Triple Canopy Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2023-07-01

End Date: 2024-06-30

Contract Duration: 365 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICERS (PSO) SERVICES IN SOUTHERN AND NORTHERN COLORADO AND DFC BUILDINGS AND GATES IN THE STATE OF COLORADO

Place of Performance

Location: LAKEWOOD, JEFFERSON County, COLORADO, 80228

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $7.0 million to TRIPLE CANOPY INC for work described as: PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICERS (PSO) SERVICES IN SOUTHERN AND NORTHERN COLORADO AND DFC BUILDINGS AND GATES IN THE STATE OF COLORADO Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in securing federal facilities and personnel within Colorado. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract are crucial for ensuring cost-effectiveness and service quality. 3. Performance metrics and contractor track record will be key indicators of value for money. 4. The duration of the contract provides a stable period for service delivery and performance evaluation. 5. This award falls within the broader context of federal security service procurement, highlighting ongoing needs. 6. The specific geographic focus on Southern and Northern Colorado, plus DFC facilities, indicates tailored security requirements.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $7 million for one year of protective security services appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar contracts for PSO services in other regions or for comparable federal agencies would provide a more precise assessment of value. The firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which can be favorable for the government if managed effectively. However, without detailed service level agreements and performance data, a definitive value-for-money judgment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This approach is generally preferred as it fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and service offerings. The number of bidders and the specific evaluation criteria would further illuminate the strength of the competition. A robust competition suggests that the government received a fair market price and a qualified contractor.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down costs through market forces and ensures that the most capable and cost-effective provider is selected, maximizing the use of public funds.

Public Impact

Federal facilities and personnel in Southern and Northern Colorado, as well as Denver Federal Center (DFC) buildings and gates, will receive enhanced security. The contract ensures the provision of protective security officer (PSO) services, contributing to the safety and security of government operations. The geographic scope covers critical areas within Colorado, potentially impacting local law enforcement and emergency response coordination. The contract supports jobs within the private security sector, contributing to the local and regional workforce in Colorado.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if service requirements are not clearly defined and managed.
Ensuring consistent service quality across all designated locations and shifts.
Monitoring contractor performance against established metrics to guarantee effectiveness.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.
Firm-fixed-price contract type shifts cost risk to the contractor.
Clear geographic focus allows for tailored security planning and resource allocation.

Sector Analysis

The security services industry is a substantial sector within the broader professional services market. Federal contracts for security guards and patrol services, classified under NAICS code 561612, are consistently awarded to meet the diverse security needs of government agencies. This contract fits within the segment of specialized security services, often requiring trained personnel to protect sensitive government assets and personnel. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar security contracts can vary widely based on location, threat levels, and specific service requirements.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a small business set-aside (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests that large businesses were likely the primary participants in the bidding process. While there is no direct set-aside, the prime contractor, Triple Canopy Inc., may engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill certain aspects of the contract, contributing to the small business ecosystem. Further analysis of subcontracting plans would be needed to assess the specific impact on small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Procurement Operations, which awarded the contract. Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract's performance work statement (PWS), outlining specific deliverables, service standards, and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases and public reporting mechanisms. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Security Services
Colorado Federal Facility Security
Security Guard Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for inconsistent service quality across diverse locations.
Risk of increased costs if labor or operational expenses rise unexpectedly.
Dependence on contractor's ability to maintain security clearances for personnel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $7.0 million to TRIPLE CANOPY INC. PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICERS (PSO) SERVICES IN SOUTHERN AND NORTHERN COLORADO AND DFC BUILDINGS AND GATES IN THE STATE OF COLORADO

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 $7.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-07-01. End: 2024-06-30.

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

Analyzing historical spending by DHS in Colorado for protective security services requires access to detailed federal procurement data over multiple fiscal years. While this specific contract is valued at approximately $7 million for a one-year period, understanding the broader trend involves looking at previous awards for similar services. Factors such as changes in security threats, facility expansions or consolidations, and shifts in procurement strategies can influence spending patterns. Without specific historical data for this region and service type, it's difficult to establish a precise trend. However, federal agencies generally maintain consistent or increasing budgets for security services due to evolving security landscapes and regulatory requirements. This $7 million award can be seen as a snapshot within potentially larger, ongoing security investments by DHS in the state.

How does the per-unit cost of Protective Security Officers (PSOs) under this contract compare to national averages or similar contracts?

Determining the precise per-unit cost for PSOs under this contract is challenging without knowing the exact number of officers, hours worked, and their respective pay grades or roles. The total contract value of $7,043,093.09 for a 365-day duration suggests an average daily expenditure of approximately $19,296. If we assume a standard 24/7 operation with multiple posts, the hourly rate per officer could be estimated. However, national averages for PSO services vary significantly based on geographic location (cost of living), required certifications, security clearance levels, and the specific duties performed. Contracts in high-cost-of-living areas or those requiring specialized skills (e.g., armed guards, emergency response training) will naturally command higher rates. A comprehensive comparison would necessitate benchmarking against contracts with similar scope, duration, and geographic placement, considering factors like prevailing wage laws and specific client requirements.

What is Triple Canopy Inc.'s track record with federal security contracts, particularly with DHS?

Triple Canopy Inc. has a significant history of providing security services to various U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Department of State, often in high-risk environments. Their experience encompasses a wide range of security solutions, from physical security and personnel protection to training and logistics support. While specific contract performance details are often proprietary, their continued success in securing large federal contracts suggests a generally positive track record. For contracts with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Triple Canopy's performance would be evaluated based on adherence to contract terms, service quality, responsiveness, and compliance with federal regulations. Past performance reviews and any documented issues or commendations would be critical components of DHS's source selection process for this current award.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate the effectiveness of the Protective Security Officers (PSOs) under this contract?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Protective Security Officer (PSO) contracts are typically detailed in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and are crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of the services provided. Common KPIs include metrics related to response times to incidents, adherence to post orders, successful completion of patrols, incident reporting accuracy and timeliness, and the prevention of unauthorized access. For DHS contracts, KPIs might also focus on maintaining a secure perimeter, ensuring the safety of personnel and visitors, and minimizing security breaches. Performance is often measured through site inspections, review of daily logs and incident reports, and feedback from government points of contact. Failure to meet these KPIs can result in contractual remedies, including financial penalties or even contract termination.

Are there any specific risks associated with contracting for security services in Colorado, such as local regulations or workforce availability?

Contracting for security services in Colorado, like any state, involves potential risks that need to be managed. Local regulations regarding private security personnel, such as licensing requirements, training standards, and use-of-force policies, must be strictly adhered to by the contractor. Workforce availability can also be a concern; ensuring a sufficient pool of qualified and vetted security officers, particularly in specialized roles or during periods of high demand, is critical. The cost of living in certain areas of Colorado might also influence labor costs and the contractor's ability to recruit and retain personnel. Furthermore, the specific geographic distribution across Southern and Northern Colorado, along with DFC facilities, could present logistical challenges in terms of personnel deployment and management. The contractor's ability to navigate these state-specific and logistical factors is a key risk indicator.

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

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

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: $7,043,093

Exercised Options: $7,043,093

Current Obligation: $7,043,093

Actual Outlays: $7,045,586

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70RFPW19DW8000001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline