DOJ's $14.4M Fencing Contract Awarded to SIGCOM-GDI for Federal Prisons

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,455,118 ($14.5M)

Contractor: Sigcom- GDI Fencing Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2006-04-14

End Date: 2008-12-31

Contract Duration: 992 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: 151003 -CONTRACTOR TO DESIGN-BUILD NON-LETHAL/LETHAL ELECTRIFIED FENCING AT SIX (6) INSTITUTIONS FOR THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20534

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $14.5 million to SIGCOM- GDI FENCING SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: 151003 -CONTRACTOR TO DESIGN-BUILD NON-LETHAL/LETHAL ELECTRIFIED FENCING AT SIX (6) INSTITUTIONS FOR THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS. Key points: 1. Contract awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract value of $14.4 million for electrified fencing across six institutions indicates a significant investment in correctional facility security. 3. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide predictability for the government. 4. The project spans over two years, requiring sustained effort and management. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 236220 points to commercial and institutional building construction, a relevant sector for this type of infrastructure. 6. The contract was awarded by the Department of Justice, specifically for the Federal Prison System.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $14.4 million for designing and building electrified fencing at six federal correctional facilities appears substantial. Benchmarking against similar large-scale security infrastructure projects within the federal prison system is difficult without more specific project details. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract suggests an attempt to manage costs upfront. Further analysis would require comparing the per-facility cost and the scope of work against other similar installations to determine if the pricing represents good value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of two bidders (no=2) suggests a degree of competition, though the exact number of proposals received and the evaluation process are not detailed. A higher number of bidders typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of technical solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a more competitive environment, which can drive down prices and encourage innovation, potentially leading to better value for the government's investment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Federal Bureau of Prisons and its staff, who will receive enhanced security infrastructure. The services delivered include the design and construction of non-lethal and lethal electrified fencing systems. The geographic impact is concentrated across six federal correctional institutions, the specific locations of which are not detailed in this data. The project likely involves a workforce of construction professionals, engineers, and security system installers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen construction challenges arise, despite the fixed-price contract.
Ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of both non-lethal and lethal electrified fencing systems.
Managing the logistics and coordination across six different institutional sites.
Adequate oversight to ensure compliance with design specifications and security standards.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a fair and transparent procurement process.
Fixed-price contract type helps in budget predictability and cost control.
The project addresses a critical security need for federal correctional facilities.
The contractor, SIGCOM-GDI Fencing Solutions LLC, is specialized in fencing solutions.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, specifically addressing security infrastructure for government facilities. The market for correctional facility security systems is specialized, involving companies with expertise in both construction and advanced security technologies. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other federal or state prison construction and renovation projects focused on perimeter security, such as the installation of advanced fencing, surveillance, and access control systems.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (sb=false) and there is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger entity, and the direct impact on the small business ecosystem may be limited unless the prime contractor actively engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities, which is not specified here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program officials within the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver the specified work within the agreed price. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific oversight activities and Inspector General involvement would depend on the nature of any issues that arise during performance.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Construction Projects
Department of Justice Security Enhancements
Correctional Facility Infrastructure Upgrades
Perimeter Security Systems Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for technical complexity in dual-system (lethal/non-lethal) fencing.
Ensuring long-term operational reliability and maintenance of electrified systems.
Coordination across multiple geographically dispersed federal institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $14.5 million to SIGCOM- GDI FENCING SOLUTIONS LLC. 151003 -CONTRACTOR TO DESIGN-BUILD NON-LETHAL/LETHAL ELECTRIFIED FENCING AT SIX (6) INSTITUTIONS FOR THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SIGCOM- GDI FENCING SOLUTIONS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2006-04-14. End: 2008-12-31.

What is the track record of SIGCOM-GDI Fencing Solutions LLC in executing similar large-scale federal construction projects?

Information regarding the specific track record of SIGCOM-GDI Fencing Solutions LLC in executing large-scale federal construction projects, particularly those involving electrified fencing for correctional facilities, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on previous government contracts. Without this information, it is difficult to gauge their experience and reliability for this specific project. Further research into federal procurement databases and contractor performance systems would be necessary to ascertain their capabilities and history.

How does the cost per institution for this fencing project compare to similar federal correctional facility upgrades?

The total contract value is $14,455,118.17 for six institutions, resulting in an approximate cost of $2,409,186.36 per institution. Direct comparison to similar federal correctional facility upgrades is challenging without specific data on the scope of work, security features, and geographical challenges of other projects. However, this figure represents a significant investment per site. Factors such as the complexity of the terrain, the specific security requirements (e.g., lethal vs. non-lethal components, integration with existing systems), and the age and condition of the existing facilities at each of the six locations would heavily influence the actual value and comparability of this cost.

What are the primary risks associated with the design and construction of electrified fencing for federal prisons?

The primary risks associated with designing and constructing electrified fencing for federal prisons include technical challenges in ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of both lethal and non-lethal systems, potential for construction delays due to site-specific conditions or unforeseen issues, and ensuring compliance with stringent security and safety regulations. There's also a risk of public perception and ethical considerations surrounding the use of lethal force capabilities. Furthermore, integration with existing security infrastructure and ensuring long-term maintenance and operational readiness pose significant risks that require careful planning and execution.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the overall security posture of the Federal Bureau of Prisons?

This contract is expected to significantly enhance the overall security posture of the Federal Bureau of Prisons by upgrading perimeter defenses at six key institutions. The installation of advanced electrified fencing, encompassing both non-lethal and lethal capabilities, is designed to deter escapes, prevent unauthorized access, and improve the safety of correctional staff and the public. By modernizing these critical security elements, the Bureau aims to reduce vulnerabilities and maintain a more secure environment within its facilities, contributing to the overall mission of safe and secure incarceration.

What has been the historical spending trend for perimeter security upgrades within the Federal Bureau of Prisons?

Analyzing the historical spending trend for perimeter security upgrades within the Federal Bureau of Prisons requires access to detailed budget allocations and contract awards over multiple fiscal years. This specific contract of $14.4 million represents a substantial single investment. Without broader data, it's difficult to establish a trend. However, it is reasonable to assume that the Bureau consistently allocates funds for maintaining and upgrading security infrastructure, with spending likely fluctuating based on identified needs, aging infrastructure, and evolving security threats. This contract suggests a period of focused investment in perimeter security.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: RFPX000531

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4230 BEECHWOOD DRIVE, GREENSBORO, NC, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Emerging Small Business, Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,455,118

Exercised Options: $14,455,118

Current Obligation: $14,455,118

Timeline