DHS Awards $16M for Guard Services to Systems Training & Resource Technologies Inc Via Non-Competitive Delivery Order

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,976,782 ($16.0M)

Contractor: Systems Training & Resource Technologies Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2005-10-01

End Date: 2007-06-03

Contract Duration: 610 days

Daily Burn Rate: $26.2K/day

Competition Type: NON-COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: GUARD SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20001

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $16.0 million to SYSTEMS TRAINING & RESOURCE TECHNOLOGIES INC for work described as: GUARD SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $15.97M for guard services. 2. Sole-source award to SYSTEMS TRAINING & RESOURCE TECHNOLOGIES INC raises competition concerns. 3. Contract duration of 610 days (approx. 20 months) indicates a substantial, ongoing need. 4. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs, but non-competitive nature may limit price discovery.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract's fixed-price nature is positive for cost control. However, the lack of competition for a $16M award raises concerns about whether the government secured the best possible price.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a non-competitive basis, meaning only one vendor was considered. This significantly limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs than if multiple vendors had competed.

Taxpayer Impact: The non-competitive award of $15.97M for guard services may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary due to the absence of a competitive bidding process.

Public Impact

Citizens rely on effective guard services for security at immigration facilities. The use of non-competitive contracts can lead to public perception of favoritism or inefficiency. Transparency in contracting is crucial for maintaining public trust in government spending.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Non-competitive award
Lack of transparency in vendor selection
Potential for inflated pricing

Positive Signals

Firm fixed price contract type

Sector Analysis

Guard services fall under the broader professional, scientific, and technical services sector. Benchmarks for similar contracts are difficult to ascertain without competitive data, but $16M over two years for a single entity suggests a significant operational scope.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. The sole-source nature of the award makes it less likely for small businesses to have had an opportunity to participate.

Oversight & Accountability

The non-competitive nature of this award warrants scrutiny. Oversight should focus on the justification for sole-source procurement and ensure that the pricing is reasonable and reflects fair market value.

Related Government Programs

Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for overpayment
Limited transparency
No clear small business participation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $16.0 million to SYSTEMS TRAINING & RESOURCE TECHNOLOGIES INC. GUARD SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SYSTEMS TRAINING & RESOURCE TECHNOLOGIES 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 $16.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-10-01. End: 2007-06-03.

What was the specific justification for awarding this guard services contract on a non-competitive basis?

The justification for a non-competitive award typically involves circumstances where only one responsible source can satisfy the agency's needs, such as urgent requirements, specialized capabilities, or follow-on work to a previous contract. Without further documentation, it's impossible to determine the exact reason, but it necessitates a review to ensure it was appropriate and not simply a convenience.

How does the $15.97M cost compare to industry benchmarks for similar guard services over a 20-month period?

Benchmarking this cost is challenging without knowing the specific scope of services, number of personnel, locations, and security levels required. However, $16M for approximately two years of guard services suggests a substantial operation. A competitive process would have provided a clearer indication of fair market value and potential cost savings.

What measures were in place to ensure the effectiveness and quality of guard services provided by SYSTEMS TRAINING & RESOURCE TECHNOLOGIES INC under this sole-source contract?

Effectiveness and quality are typically ensured through performance metrics, service level agreements, and regular oversight by the contracting officer's representative. For a sole-source award, the agency must be particularly diligent in monitoring performance to ensure the contractor meets all requirements and that the services are delivered as expected, despite the lack of competitive pressure.

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NON-COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2156 WISCONSIN AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20007

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,976,782

Exercised Options: $15,976,782

Current Obligation: $15,976,782

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F0474M

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline