DHS awarded $25.9M for guard services in El Paso, Texas, to DECO, INC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,910,186 ($25.9M)

Contractor: Deco, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2007-12-10

End Date: 2009-02-28

Contract Duration: 446 days

Daily Burn Rate: $58.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: GUARD SERVICES ARE TO MONITOR AND SECURE DETAINEE POPULATION AT 8915 MONTANA AVE, EL PASO, TEXAS - SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS

Place of Performance

Location: EL PASO, EL PASO County, TEXAS, 79910

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $25.9 million to DECO, INC. for work described as: GUARD SERVICES ARE TO MONITOR AND SECURE DETAINEE POPULATION AT 8915 MONTANA AVE, EL PASO, TEXAS - SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in securing detainee populations. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract require further examination due to 'exclusion of sources' clause. 3. The firm fixed-price structure aims to control costs, but requires careful monitoring of service delivery. 4. Performance context is critical, as the services directly impact detainee safety and facility security. 5. This contract falls within the broader security and protective services sector for federal agencies. 6. The duration of the contract (446 days) suggests a medium-term operational need.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without more detailed service level agreements and performance metrics. The total award of $25.9 million over approximately 1.5 years suggests a substantial operational cost. Comparing this to similar guard services contracts for detention facilities would provide better insight into whether the pricing is competitive. The firm fixed-price nature indicates an attempt to cap costs, but the actual value realized depends heavily on the effectiveness and efficiency of the services provided by DECO, INC.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This indicates that while the initial intent may have been open competition, certain sources were excluded, leading to a limited pool of bidders. The specific reasons for excluding sources are not detailed, which raises questions about the breadth of competition. A limited competition can sometimes lead to higher prices compared to full and open competition, as fewer vendors are vying for the contract.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may have received less competitive pricing due to the exclusion of potential bidders. Further investigation into the justification for excluding sources is warranted to ensure maximum value for taxpayer dollars.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ensuring secure detention facilities. The services delivered include monitoring and securing a detainee population, crucial for maintaining order and safety within the facility. The geographic impact is localized to El Paso, Texas, specifically at 8915 Montana Ave. Workforce implications include the direct employment of security guards and related personnel by DECO, INC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of transparency regarding the exclusion of sources in the competition process.
Potential for inflated costs due to limited competition.
Performance metrics and quality assurance details are not readily available for assessment.
The 'subject to availability of funds' clause could introduce uncertainty in service continuity.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract aims to provide cost certainty.
DECO, INC. was awarded the contract, suggesting they met the required qualifications.
The contract addresses a critical operational need for DHS/ICE.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Security Guards and Patrol Services industry (NAICS code 561612), a segment of the broader professional, scientific, and technical services sector. Federal spending in this area is substantial, driven by the need to secure government facilities, personnel, and assets. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for similar guard services at detention centers or federal installations, considering factors like location, facility size, and security requirements. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous private security firms capable of fulfilling such requirements.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from a small business set-aside. The prime contractor, DECO, INC., is likely a larger entity, and any subcontracting would be at their discretion, not mandated by a set-aside program.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a component of DHS. Accountability measures would be defined in the contract's statement of work and performance standards. Transparency is limited by the available data; further details on performance reviews, audits, or any Inspector General involvement would be needed for a full assessment. The contract's 'subject to availability of funds' clause implies that funding levels and continued oversight are tied to budgetary appropriations.

Related Government Programs

DHS Detention Facility Operations
ICE Security Contracts
Federal Guard Services
Homeland Security Contracts
Secure Facility Management

Risk Flags

Limited competition due to source exclusion.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in public data.
Potential for cost overruns if service quality is not maintained.
Contract duration and funding availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $25.9 million to DECO, INC.. GUARD SERVICES ARE TO MONITOR AND SECURE DETAINEE POPULATION AT 8915 MONTANA AVE, EL PASO, TEXAS - SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DECO, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $25.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-12-10. End: 2009-02-28.

What is the track record of DECO, INC. in providing similar guard services to federal agencies?

Assessing DECO, INC.'s track record requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving detention facility security. Information on contract history, past performance evaluations (e.g., CPARS reports), and any documented issues or successes would be crucial. Without specific data on DECO, INC.'s prior performance in similar roles, it's difficult to definitively gauge their reliability and effectiveness for this specific $25.9 million contract. Federal procurement databases and agency performance records are the primary sources for such an analysis. A history of successful contract completion and positive performance reviews would indicate a lower risk, while a pattern of deficiencies or disputes would raise concerns about their capability to fulfill the current contract's requirements.

How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated value or initial solicitations for this service?

The provided data shows a final award amount of $25,910,186.29. To compare this to estimated values or initial solicitations, one would need access to the original Request for Proposals (RFP) or solicitation documents. These documents typically include an estimated cost or budget range for the services. Without these baseline figures, it's impossible to determine if the final award was significantly higher or lower than anticipated. A substantial difference could indicate changes in scope, market fluctuations, or competitive bidding outcomes. Analyzing the difference between solicitation estimates and final award prices is a key metric for assessing procurement efficiency and potential cost savings or overruns.

What are the specific risks associated with a 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' award?

The primary risk associated with 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' is the potential for reduced competition, which can lead to higher prices and less innovation. When certain sources are excluded without clear justification, the pool of potential bidders shrinks, diminishing the pressure on remaining vendors to offer their best prices and services. This can result in taxpayers paying more than necessary. Furthermore, the exclusion process itself can be a point of contention, potentially leading to protests or legal challenges if perceived as unfair or arbitrary. Ensuring that exclusions are based on objective, documented criteria is crucial to mitigate these risks and maintain the integrity of the procurement process.

What performance metrics are typically used to evaluate guard services contracts of this nature?

Typical performance metrics for guard services contracts, especially those involving detainee populations, focus on reliability, responsiveness, and adherence to security protocols. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) often include response times to incidents, the number of security breaches or unauthorized access incidents, adherence to post orders, guard presence and punctuality, and the effectiveness of surveillance and access control. For detainee security, metrics might also encompass incident reporting accuracy, inmate conduct management, and the prevention of escapes or disturbances. The effectiveness of these metrics is enhanced when they are measurable, objective, and tied to financial incentives or penalties within the contract, ensuring the contractor is held accountable for service quality.

How has federal spending on security guard services evolved over the past five years?

Federal spending on security guard services has generally seen a steady increase over the past five years, driven by heightened security concerns and the expansion of federal operations. Agencies like Homeland Security (DHS), Defense (DOD), and Justice (DOJ) are major consumers of these services. Spending trends are influenced by geopolitical events, domestic security priorities, and the overall federal budget. While specific figures fluctuate annually, the overall demand for contracted security personnel remains robust. Analyzing historical spending patterns within specific agencies and for particular types of facilities (e.g., detention centers, embassies, military installations) can reveal significant trends and budget allocations for these essential services.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Investigation and Security Services › Security Guards and Patrol Services

Product/Service Code: LEASE/RENT FACILITIES › LEASE/RENTAL NONBUILDING FACILITIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: ONAMIA

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $25,910,186

Exercised Options: $25,910,186

Current Obligation: $25,910,186

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSACD3C0007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline