DHS awarded $41.6M for security services, with a single delivery order to AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $41,629,801 ($41.6M)

Contractor: Ahtna Support & Training Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2015-11-24

End Date: 2016-11-30

Contract Duration: 372 days

Daily Burn Rate: $111.9K/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 $41.6 million to AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in security guard services for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open competition after exclusion of sources, suggesting a deliberate selection process. 3. Performance is tied to a fixed price contract, which can offer cost certainty but may limit flexibility. 4. The contract duration of 372 days provides a substantial period for service delivery and evaluation. 5. Geographic focus on Alaska (AK) suggests specialized regional security needs. 6. The award to a single contractor, AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC, warrants scrutiny regarding potential price efficiencies.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $41.6 million for security guard services appears substantial. Benchmarking against similar contracts for security personnel in Alaska or for federal agencies of similar size would be necessary to determine value for money. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost predictability for the government, but the absence of detailed performance metrics or comparison data makes a definitive value assessment challenging. Without more granular data on the scope of services and personnel hours, it's difficult to ascertain if the per-unit cost is competitive.

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 competition was intended to be broad, specific sources were excluded prior to the final award. The exact reasons for exclusion are not detailed, but this approach can sometimes limit the pool of potential bidders. The number of bidders is not specified, making it difficult to fully assess the level of competition achieved and its impact on price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The exclusion of sources, even within a full and open competition framework, could potentially limit competitive pressure and may not have resulted in the lowest possible price for taxpayers.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), receiving essential security services. The services delivered include security guards and patrol, crucial for maintaining safety and order at federal facilities. The geographic impact is concentrated in Alaska (AK), addressing specific regional security requirements. Workforce implications include the employment of security personnel by AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC to fulfill the contract.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited transparency on the reasons for excluding specific sources in the competition process.
Potential for reduced price competition due to the exclusion of certain bidders.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the services provided.

Positive Signals

The contract was awarded under a 'full and open competition' framework, suggesting an attempt to solicit a wide range of offers.
The use of a Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
The contractor, AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC, is a single entity responsible for delivering the services, potentially streamlining management.

Sector Analysis

The security guard and patrol services sector is a significant component of the broader professional, scientific, and technical services industry. Federal spending in this area supports a wide range of government functions, from facility protection to event security. This contract, valued at over $41 million, represents a substantial portion of spending within this niche for the specified region. Comparable contracts often involve extensive background checks, specialized training, and adherence to strict government regulations, influencing overall cost structures.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (sb) is false, and there is no indication of a small business set-aside (ss). This suggests that the contract was not specifically targeted towards small businesses, and larger, established firms were likely the primary participants. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not detailed in this summary, but the absence of a set-aside implies that the primary awardee is not obligated to subcontract with small businesses unless it chooses to do so.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Homeland Security's contracting and program management offices. The Inspector General's office for DHS would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, but specific performance monitoring details and accountability measures are often internal to the agency and not publicly disclosed in detail.

Related Government Programs

DHS Security Contracts
ICE Support Services
Federal Security Guard Services
Alaska Federal Contracts
Professional and Technical Services

Risk Flags

Limited competition due to source exclusion
Potential for higher costs due to geographic isolation
Lack of detailed performance metrics for value assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $41.6 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 $41.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-11-24. End: 2016-11-30.

What is the track record of AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC with federal contracts, particularly within DHS?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC has a history of receiving federal contracts. While specific details on all past contracts are not provided here, their award by DHS for security services suggests they have met the necessary qualifications and performance standards for such work. Further investigation into their contract history, including performance ratings, past issues, and the types of services previously rendered, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and expertise. Analyzing their performance on similar security contracts, especially those with DHS or other law enforcement agencies, is crucial for assessing their suitability and potential risks associated with this current award.

How does the awarded amount of $41.6 million compare to similar security contracts awarded by DHS or other federal agencies?

The $41.6 million contract value for security guard and patrol services is substantial. To benchmark this effectively, comparisons should be made with contracts of similar scope, duration, and geographic location. For instance, contracts for security services at large federal facilities or across multiple sites within a state could offer relevant comparisons. Factors such as the number of personnel required, the level of security clearance, specialized equipment, and the specific threat environment of Alaska would influence pricing. Without access to detailed service requirements and pricing structures of comparable contracts, it is difficult to definitively state whether this award represents excellent, fair, or questionable value for money. However, the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' suggests a deliberate procurement process aimed at achieving competitive pricing.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, considering the limited competition indicated by the 'exclusion of sources' clause?

The primary risk associated with the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' is the potential for reduced competition, which could lead to higher prices than might be achieved in a truly unrestricted competition. The exclusion of certain sources, if not adequately justified, could limit the government's ability to secure the best possible value. Another risk relates to contractor performance; while AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC was awarded the contract, ensuring consistent service quality, adherence to security protocols, and effective management throughout the contract period is crucial. Potential risks also include unforeseen cost increases if the fixed-price contract does not adequately account for all potential operational challenges in the specified region.

What does the duration of the contract (372 days) imply about the nature of the services and the agency's planning?

A contract duration of 372 days, approximately one year, suggests a need for ongoing, consistent security services rather than a short-term, project-based requirement. This duration allows for the establishment of routine security operations and provides a stable operational period for both the contractor and the agency. It implies that the agency requires continuous coverage for the facilities or areas being protected. The one-year term also allows the agency to evaluate the contractor's performance thoroughly before considering any potential extensions or future contract awards. This timeframe is typical for many service contracts where sustained support is necessary.

How does the geographic focus on Alaska (AK) potentially influence the contract's cost and operational complexity?

Focusing on Alaska presents unique challenges and potential cost implications for security contracts. The vast distances, often harsh weather conditions, and potentially limited local labor pools can increase operational costs related to travel, logistics, and personnel recruitment and retention. Specialized training may be required to address specific environmental or security concerns pertinent to the region. Furthermore, the cost of living in Alaska is generally higher, which can translate into higher labor costs for security personnel. These factors suggest that the $41.6 million contract value may reflect these elevated operational expenses compared to similar contracts in more accessible or temperate regions.

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

Solicitation ID: HSCEDM-14-R-00003

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: $41,629,801

Exercised Options: $41,629,801

Current Obligation: $41,629,801

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSCEDM15D00001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline