LBJ Presidential Library Security Guard Services Awarded for $6.8M Over 5 Years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,791,120 ($6.8M)

Contractor: University of Texas AT Austin

Awarding Agency: National Archives and Records Administration

Start Date: 2021-03-25

End Date: 2026-06-24

Contract Duration: 1,917 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS IS AN AWARD FOR SECURITY GUARD SERVICES FOR THE LYNDON B. JOHNSON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM FOR THE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE 3/25/2021 - 3/24/2026.

Place of Performance

Location: AUSTIN, TRAVIS County, TEXAS, 78759

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Archives and Records Administration obligated $6.8 million to UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN for work described as: THIS IS AN AWARD FOR SECURITY GUARD SERVICES FOR THE LYNDON B. JOHNSON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM FOR THE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE 3/25/2021 - 3/24/2026. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to University of Texas at Austin for security guard services. 2. The contract value is $6,791,120.30 over a period of 5 years. 3. This is a definitive contract with a firm fixed price. 4. The National Archives and Records Administration is the awarding agency.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $6.8M over 5 years for security guard services at a presidential library appears to be within a reasonable range, though specific benchmarks for such unique facilities are not readily available. Without direct comparison to similar presidential library contracts, a precise pricing assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

The contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source or limited competition award. This approach may limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to a fully competitive process. The rationale for not competing is not provided.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these essential security services.

Public Impact

Ensures the security and preservation of historical artifacts and the legacy of President Lyndon B. Johnson. Supports the operational continuity of a significant national institution. Provides employment for security personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for overpayment due to sole-source award

Positive Signals

Secures a vital national historical site
Long-term contract provides stability

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under security services, a broad sector encompassing physical security, personnel, and monitoring. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on the criticality and size of the facility. Presidential libraries represent a unique niche requiring specialized security considerations.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to the University of Texas at Austin, which is not a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.

Oversight & Accountability

The National Archives and Records Administration is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight procedures for contract performance and financial management would apply to ensure services are rendered as specified and within budget.

Related Government Programs

Security Guards and Patrol Services
National Archives and Records Administration Contracting
National Archives and Records Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for inflated pricing
Limited transparency on justification for sole-source award
Difficulty in benchmarking costs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Archives and Records Administration awarded $6.8 million to UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN. THIS IS AN AWARD FOR SECURITY GUARD SERVICES FOR THE LYNDON B. JOHNSON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM FOR THE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE 3/25/2021 - 3/24/2026.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: National Archives and Records Administration (National Archives and Records Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-03-25. End: 2026-06-24.

What was the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis rather than through a competitive bidding process?

The justification for a sole-source award is crucial for understanding potential cost efficiencies and risks. Without a competitive process, it's difficult to ascertain if the University of Texas at Austin offered the most cost-effective solution or if other qualified vendors were overlooked. Further inquiry into the agency's procurement records would be needed to determine the specific rationale, such as unique capabilities or existing relationships.

How does the cost of these security services compare to similar presidential libraries or high-security government facilities?

Benchmarking the cost of security services for the LBJ Presidential Library against similar institutions is essential for evaluating value for money. Without access to comparative data on contracts for other presidential libraries or comparable federal facilities, it's challenging to definitively assess if $6.8 million over five years represents a fair market price. This lack of transparency hinders a thorough cost-effectiveness analysis.

What performance metrics and oversight mechanisms are in place to ensure the effectiveness of the security guard services?

Effective oversight is critical to ensure the security guard services meet the stringent requirements of a presidential library. Understanding the specific performance metrics, reporting requirements, and the agency's methods for monitoring guard performance, response times, and overall security posture is vital. Robust oversight mechanisms help mitigate risks and ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently to protect national assets.

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: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 88310321Q00038

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 110 INNER CAMPUS DR MN 13, AUSTIN, TX, 78712

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,070,494

Exercised Options: $7,070,494

Current Obligation: $6,791,120

Actual Outlays: $6,433,132

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline