DHS awards $27M contract for protective security services in Colorado over 4 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,030,617 ($27.0M)

Contractor: Triple Canopy Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-11-01

End Date: 2029-10-31

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: NEW PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER (PSO) SERVICES FOR THE STATE OF COLORADO

Place of Performance

Location: DENVER, ADAMS County, COLORADO, 80022

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $27.0 million to TRIPLE CANOPY INC for work described as: NEW PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER (PSO) SERVICES FOR THE STATE OF COLORADO Key points: 1. Contract awarded to TRIPLE CANOPY INC for security guard services. 2. The contract has a base period and potential option periods extending through October 2029. 3. Services are for the State of Colorado, indicating a specific geographic focus. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which sets a ceiling on costs. 5. This award falls under the Security Guards and Patrol Services NAICS code. 6. The contract was awarded via Full and Open Competition, suggesting a competitive process.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $27 million over four years for protective security services in Colorado appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar contracts for security services across federal agencies suggests that the pricing is competitive. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, although it may limit flexibility if requirements change significantly. Further analysis would involve comparing the specific service levels and geographic coverage to other contracts to confirm value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through a full and open competition process, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The solicitation likely attracted multiple bidders, as evidenced by the 7 bids received. A competitive process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government compared to sole-source or limited competition awards. The number of bids suggests a healthy level of interest in this contract.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovative solutions.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Homeland Security and its facilities within the State of Colorado, which will receive enhanced security. The contract ensures the provision of protective security officer (PSO) services, maintaining a secure environment. The geographic impact is concentrated within the State of Colorado. The contract supports jobs in the security services sector within the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if service requirements are not clearly defined and managed.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical security functions necessitates robust performance monitoring.
Geographic concentration could pose risks if unforeseen events impact service delivery in Colorado.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive market.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost predictability.
Long-term contract (4 years) allows for stable service provision and potential for contractor investment in personnel and training.

Sector Analysis

The security services industry is a significant sector within the broader professional, scientific, and technical services market. This contract falls under the Security Guards and Patrol Services category (NAICS 561612). The federal government is a major consumer of security services, with spending often driven by the need to protect federal facilities, personnel, and sensitive information. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing the per-hour rates or total contract values for similar security services across different federal agencies and geographic locations.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific award appears limited. However, the prime contractor, TRIPLE CANOPY INC, may engage small businesses as subcontractors, depending on their own procurement practices and the nature of the services required.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program officials within the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Procurement Operations. Performance will be monitored against the terms and conditions of the Firm Fixed Price contract, likely including regular performance reviews and site inspections. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics may not always be publicly disclosed. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Security Services
State and Local Government Security Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for performance degradation over the contract's long duration.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical security functions.
Geographic concentration of services in Colorado.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $27.0 million to TRIPLE CANOPY INC. NEW PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER (PSO) SERVICES FOR 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 $27.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-11-01. End: 2029-10-31.

What is the historical spending by the Department of Homeland Security on security guard and patrol services?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a significant spender on security guard and patrol services, driven by its mandate to protect federal facilities and critical infrastructure. While specific annual figures fluctuate, historical data indicates consistent and substantial investment in this area. For instance, in recent fiscal years, DHS's spending on services categorized under NAICS code 561612 (Security Guards and Patrol Services) has often been in the hundreds of millions of dollars across various components like the Federal Protective Service (FPS) and other operational units. This particular contract, valued at approximately $27 million over four years, represents a portion of that overall spending, focused on a specific geographic region (Colorado) and service requirement (PSO services).

How does the per-hour cost of this contract compare to industry benchmarks for protective security officers?

To accurately benchmark the per-hour cost, we would need to know the estimated number of hours the Protective Security Officers (PSOs) are expected to work under this contract. Assuming a standard 40-hour work week for each officer and factoring in the total contract value of $27,030,616.92 over 1460 days (4 years), we can derive an approximate average hourly rate. If we consider the total potential value and duration, the average annual value is roughly $6.76 million. Dividing this by 52 weeks and 40 hours per week gives an approximate average hourly rate. However, without the specific labor hour estimates or service level details, a precise comparison is difficult. Generally, federal contracts for PSOs in areas with a significant cost of living can range from $40 to $70+ per hour, depending on security clearance requirements, specialized skills, and geographic location. This contract's rate would need to be evaluated against these factors.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate TRIPLE CANOPY INC's performance on this contract?

While the specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are not detailed in the provided award data, federal contracts for protective security services typically include metrics focused on reliability, responsiveness, and adherence to post orders. Common KPIs often involve guard presence and punctuality (e.g., less than X% unscheduled absences), response times to incidents, successful completion of patrols, accurate reporting, and adherence to security protocols. Performance is usually evaluated through regular reports submitted by the contractor, site inspections, and feedback from government personnel interacting with the PSOs. Failure to meet these KPIs can result in contract deficiencies, corrective action requests, and potential financial penalties or termination.

What is the track record of TRIPLE CANOPY INC in performing similar federal security contracts?

TRIPLE CANOPY INC has a significant track record of performing federal security contracts, particularly for agencies like the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. They have been awarded numerous contracts for protective security services, guard forces, and base operations support across various locations. Their experience often includes providing services that require personnel with security clearances and adherence to stringent government regulations. A review of federal procurement databases would reveal the scale and scope of their past performance, including contract values, durations, and any reported performance issues or commendations. This extensive experience suggests a familiarity with federal requirements and a capacity to manage large-scale security operations.

How does the duration of this contract (4 years) impact risk and contractor performance?

The four-year duration of this contract (including potential option periods) offers several implications for risk and contractor performance. For the government, a longer duration provides stability in security service delivery and reduces the administrative burden and cost associated with frequent re-competitions. It also allows the contractor, TRIPLE CANOPY INC, to invest more confidently in training, equipment, and personnel, potentially leading to improved service quality and efficiency over time. However, a longer contract also increases the risk of contractor complacency or performance degradation if not managed proactively. Robust oversight, clear performance standards, and regular performance reviews are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure sustained high performance throughout the contract's life.

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: 70RFPW24QW8000009

Offers Received: 7

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: $132,257,860

Exercised Options: $27,030,617

Current Obligation: $27,030,617

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70RFP224DEC000011

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline