DHS awarded $34.4M for security services, with AHTNA Support & Training Services LLC securing the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,447,758 ($34.4M)

Contractor: Ahtna Support & Training Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2014-12-01

End Date: 2017-02-28

Contract Duration: 820 days

Daily Burn Rate: $42.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF

Place of Performance

Location: ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE County, ALASKA, 99503

State: Alaska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $34.4 million to AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF Key points: 1. The contract value of $34.4 million over approximately 2.7 years suggests a significant investment in security services. 2. The use of 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' indicates a competitive process, though the exclusion of specific sources warrants further investigation. 3. The contract's duration and fixed-price nature provide cost certainty but may limit flexibility in adapting to evolving security needs. 4. Performance context is crucial to understand if the services delivered met the security requirements of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 5. The contract's focus on security guards and patrol services positions it within the broader federal security and protective services sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award of $34.4 million for security guard and patrol services over 820 days (approximately 2.7 years) averages to about $41.9 million annually. Benchmarking this against similar contracts for security services within DHS or other agencies would be necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment. Without comparable data, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents excellent or questionable pricing. The fixed-price nature provides budget predictability.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This designation implies that while the competition was intended to be open, certain sources were excluded. The specific reasons for exclusion are not detailed here, but this could limit the breadth of competition and potentially impact price discovery. The number of bidders is not specified, making it hard to fully assess the competitive landscape.

Taxpayer Impact: The exclusion of sources, even in an otherwise open competition, could mean taxpayers did not benefit from the lowest possible price that might have been achieved with broader participation.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel and facilities, who receive enhanced security. The services delivered include security guards and patrol, directly contributing to the physical security and operational continuity of ICE operations. The geographic impact is centered in Alaska (ST: AK, SN: ALASKA), indicating a specific regional focus for these security services. Workforce implications include the direct employment of security personnel by AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC and potentially indirect employment through subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' in the competition type raises concerns about potential limitations on competitive pricing and fairness.
Lack of specific details on the number of bidders makes it difficult to assess the true level of competition.
The fixed-price contract, while offering cost certainty, might not be optimal if security requirements change significantly during the contract period.

Positive Signals

The contract was awarded to AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC, a known entity in providing support services.
The use of a 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION' framework, even with exclusions, suggests an attempt to leverage market competition.
The contract duration of over two years provides stability for both the agency and the contractor in delivering essential security services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on security and protective services. The federal market for security guards and patrol services is substantial, driven by the need to protect government assets, personnel, and facilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for similar services awarded by agencies like DHS, GSA, or the Department of Defense, considering factors like geographic location and service scope.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (SS: false, SB: false). Therefore, the primary contractor, AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC, is likely a larger entity. There is no direct information on subcontracting plans or their impact on the small business ecosystem within this data snippet. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were made available to small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) contracting officers and program managers within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Accountability measures would be defined in the contract's performance work statement, with potential for performance reviews and penalties for non-compliance. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS, though detailed performance metrics may not always be publicly accessible. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Security Services
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Support Contracts
Alaska Regional Security Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited Competition Due to Source Exclusion
Potential for Scope Creep in Fixed-Price Contract
Lack of Detailed Performance Metrics in Award Data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $34.4 million to AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC. IGF::CT::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC.

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 $34.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-12-01. End: 2017-02-28.

What specific security threats or requirements led to the exclusion of certain sources in this 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' award?

The provided data does not specify the exact reasons for excluding certain sources. Typically, such exclusions might stem from national security concerns, specific technical requirements that only a limited number of vendors can meet, or past performance issues with certain contractors. For this contract, awarded to AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC by DHS for security services in Alaska, the exclusion could relate to specialized knowledge of the Alaskan environment, specific security clearances required for remote or sensitive locations, or perhaps a need for a contractor with a proven track record in supporting immigration enforcement operations in that region. A deeper dive into the contract's justification documentation or agency procurement history would be necessary to ascertain the precise rationale.

How does the per-unit cost of security guards under this contract compare to industry averages or similar federal contracts?

The provided data does not include per-unit cost details (e.g., hourly rate per guard) or the number of guards utilized, making a direct per-unit cost comparison impossible. The total contract value of $34.4 million over 820 days averages to approximately $41,951 per day. If we assume a standard 24/7 operation with multiple guards, the daily cost could be substantial. To benchmark, one would need to identify the number of guard hours procured and compare the resulting hourly rate against market data for security personnel in Alaska, considering factors like experience levels, required certifications, and prevailing wages. Without this granular data, assessing the value for money on a per-unit basis remains speculative.

What is the track record of AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly within the Department of Homeland Security?

AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC has a history of receiving federal contracts, including those with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). While the provided data snippet focuses on a single contract, a comprehensive review of their contract history would reveal their performance across various agencies and service types. Key indicators to examine would include contract completion rates, instances of contract modifications or disputes, customer satisfaction feedback (if available), and their experience in providing security guard and patrol services. Their ability to secure this $34.4 million contract suggests a level of capability and past performance deemed acceptable by DHS, but a thorough assessment would require analyzing multiple contract awards and their associated performance evaluations.

What are the potential risks associated with a fixed-price contract for security services, especially in a dynamic environment like immigration enforcement?

Fixed-price contracts offer budget certainty but can pose risks if the scope of work or operational requirements change significantly during the contract period. For security services supporting immigration enforcement, unforeseen events, shifts in policy, or changes in threat levels could necessitate increased guard presence, different types of security measures, or extended hours. If the contractor is locked into a fixed price that doesn't accommodate these changes, they might incur losses, potentially leading to reduced service quality or requests for contract modifications, which can be contentious. Conversely, if the contractor underperforms to save costs, the agency might not receive the expected level of security. Effective contract management and clear contingency planning are crucial to mitigate these risks.

How has federal spending on security guards and patrol services evolved over the past five years, and where does this contract fit within that trend?

Federal spending on security guards and patrol services has generally remained robust, driven by ongoing security needs across various government agencies. While specific year-over-year trends for this exact NAICS code (561612) would require detailed analysis of FPDS data, overall security spending tends to be influenced by geopolitical events, domestic security concerns, and agency budget allocations. This $34.4 million contract awarded in late 2014 for services through early 2017 represents a significant, but not extraordinary, investment for a multi-year DHS requirement. Its placement within the broader spending trend would depend on whether it aligns with an increase, decrease, or stable level of federal procurement for these services during that period. Without broader spending trend data, it's difficult to contextualize this single award precisely.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Ahtna, Incorporated (UEI: 069586055)

Address: 110 W 38TH AVE STE 200D, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99503

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $34,447,758

Exercised Options: $34,447,758

Current Obligation: $34,447,758

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSCEDM15D00001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline