DHS awarded $49.2M for security services, with AHTNA Support & Training Services LLC as the prime contractor

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $49,159,169 ($49.2M)

Contractor: Ahtna Support & Training Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2017-01-05

End Date: 2017-11-30

Contract Duration: 329 days

Daily Burn Rate: $149.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF PIDC GUARD AND FOOD SERVICE CONTRACT

Place of Performance

Location: LOS FRESNOS, CAMERON County, TEXAS, 78566

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $49.2 million to AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF PIDC GUARD AND FOOD SERVICE CONTRACT Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in security and support services for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 2. Competition was conducted under a 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' model, suggesting a specific justification for limiting initial bidders. 3. The contract duration of 329 days indicates a short-term need or a bridge contract. 4. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs by establishing a set price for services. 5. The primary service NAICS code (561612) points to a focus on security guards and patrol services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without more detailed service descriptions and performance metrics. The total award of $49.2 million for a period of less than a year suggests a substantial per-diem or per-hour rate for the services provided. Comparisons to similar security contracts would be necessary to determine if the pricing is competitive. The firm fixed-price structure, however, provides some cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources.' This procurement method implies that while the competition was intended to be open, certain sources were initially excluded, possibly due to specific requirements or prior relationships. The number of bidders is not specified, but the method suggests a potentially narrower field than a purely full and open competition, which could impact price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The 'exclusion of sources' aspect may limit the potential for the most competitive pricing by excluding some capable vendors from the outset, potentially leading to higher costs 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 and support services. The services delivered likely include guarding facilities, patrolling areas, and potentially providing other support functions related to operational security. The contract was performed in Texas (ST: TX, SN: TEXAS), indicating a geographic focus for these security operations. The contract supports jobs within the security services sector, primarily benefiting the employees of AHTNA Support & Training Services LLC and its potential subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition method raises questions about the breadth of competition and potential cost efficiencies missed.
The short contract duration (329 days) might indicate a stop-gap measure, potentially leading to higher costs if a more stable, long-term solution isn't secured.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the true value for money and effectiveness of the security services provided.

Positive Signals

The use of a firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government, limiting the risk of cost overruns.
AHTNA Support & Training Services LLC, as the prime contractor, is responsible for delivering the specified security and support services.
The contract was awarded to a specific entity, indicating a selection based on perceived capability to meet the government's needs.

Sector Analysis

The security services industry is a significant component of the broader professional, scientific, and technical services sector. This contract falls under the Security Guards and Patrol Services (NAICS 561612) sub-sector. The market for government security services is substantial, with agencies like DHS and ICE being major consumers. Spending in this area is driven by national security needs, border protection, and facility security. Comparable contracts often involve extensive background checks, specialized training, and adherence to strict operational protocols.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication from the provided data that this contract involved small business set-asides or significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The prime contractor, AHTNA Support & Training Services LLC, is not explicitly identified as a small business in this context. Further investigation into subcontracting plans would be needed to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) contracting officers and program managers within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Inspector General for DHS would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, but detailed performance reports and specific oversight activities are not publicly available.

Related Government Programs

DHS Facilities Support Contracts
ICE Guard Services
Federal Security Contracts
Homeland Security Support Services

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Short Contract Duration
Potential for Unforeseen Costs
Performance Monitoring Required

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $49.2 million to AHTNA SUPPORT & TRAINING SERVICES LLC. IGF::CT::IGF PIDC GUARD AND FOOD SERVICE CONTRACT

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 $49.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-01-05. End: 2017-11-30.

What is the track record of AHTNA Support & Training Services LLC in performing similar government contracts?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that AHTNA Support & Training Services LLC has a history of securing government contracts, primarily within the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security. These contracts often involve logistical support, training, and facility services. While specific performance details for past contracts are not readily available in summary data, their continued award of contracts suggests a level of satisfactory performance. However, a deeper dive into contract performance reports, past performance questionnaires, and any documented issues or awards would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment of their track record.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar security contracts awarded by ICE or DHS?

Comparing the $49.2 million award for a 329-day contract requires careful consideration of the scope of services, geographic location, and specific security requirements. Without detailed service level agreements and performance metrics, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the per-day cost implied by this award is substantial. Generally, security contracts for federal agencies can range significantly, from tens of thousands to hundreds of millions of dollars annually, depending on the scale and complexity. ICE and DHS often award large contracts for border security, detention facilities, and administrative buildings. To benchmark effectively, one would need to identify contracts with similar NAICS codes (561612) and similar operational environments.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of security services contract?

Key risks for this contract include potential service quality issues, contractor performance failures, and security breaches if personnel are not adequately vetted or trained. Given the nature of security services, personnel reliability is paramount. Another risk is cost escalation if the firm fixed-price contract does not adequately account for unforeseen operational demands or if change orders become necessary. Furthermore, the 'exclusion of sources' procurement method could introduce a risk of not achieving the most competitive pricing. Finally, the short duration might pose a risk if it leads to frequent re-procurement cycles, increasing administrative burden and potential for disruption.

How effective is the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method in ensuring value for money?

The effectiveness of 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' in ensuring value for money is debatable and context-dependent. This method is typically used when there's a specific reason to exclude certain potential offerors, such as national security concerns, proprietary technology, or when a previous contract requires specific continuity. While it allows for competition among the remaining eligible sources, it inherently limits the pool of bidders compared to a standard full and open competition. This reduced competition can potentially lead to higher prices if the excluded sources were strong competitors. The value for money is therefore contingent on the justification for exclusion and the competitiveness within the remaining pool.

What is the historical spending pattern for security guard services by ICE?

Historical spending by ICE on security guard services (NAICS 561612) has been substantial, reflecting the agency's mission to secure borders and enforce immigration laws. Annual expenditures can fluctuate based on operational needs, policy changes, and the number and type of facilities requiring security. Over the past decade, ICE has consistently awarded significant contracts for guard services at detention centers, ports of entry, and administrative offices. Analyzing historical data reveals trends in contract values, average award prices, and the dominant contractors in this space. This specific $49.2 million award represents a portion of that broader historical spending.

What are the implications of the firm fixed-price contract type for this security service?

A firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally preferred by the government when the scope of work is well-defined and risks can be reasonably assessed. For security services, an FFP contract means the contractor, AHTNA Support & Training Services LLC, assumes the primary risk for cost overruns. They are obligated to perform the specified services for the agreed-upon price. This provides the government with cost certainty and predictability, making budgeting easier. However, it can also incentivize the contractor to cut corners on service quality if not rigorously monitored, or conversely, lead to higher initial bids to account for potential risks. Effective performance monitoring is crucial to ensure quality is maintained under an FFP structure.

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: $49,159,169

Exercised Options: $49,159,169

Current Obligation: $49,159,169

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSCEDM15D00001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline