National Archives awards $30M+ for armed security services over 9 years to Securiguard, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,035,760 ($30.0M)

Contractor: Securiguard, Inc.

Awarding Agency: National Archives and Records Administration

Start Date: 2004-05-01

End Date: 2013-10-25

Contract Duration: 3,464 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.7K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ARMED SECURITY SERVICES FOR ARCHIVES I AND ARCHIVES II

Place of Performance

Location: COLLEGE PARK, PRINCE GEORGE'S County, MARYLAND, 20740, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Archives and Records Administration obligated $30.0 million to SECURIGUARD, INC. for work described as: ARMED SECURITY SERVICES FOR ARCHIVES I AND ARCHIVES II Key points: 1. Contract awarded via competitive delivery order, indicating some level of bidding. 2. Duration of over 9 years suggests a long-term need for these services. 3. Fixed-price contract type may offer cost predictability for the agency. 4. Services provided by a single firm, Securiguard, Inc., over the contract's life. 5. Geographic location in Maryland suggests a focus on specific archival facilities. 6. No indication of small business set-aside or subcontracting in the provided data.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award of over $30 million for armed security services across more than 9 years averages approximately $3.3 million annually. Benchmarking this against similar contracts for archival security is difficult without more specific service details and geographic scope. However, the duration and scale suggest a significant investment. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty, but the overall value for money depends on the quality and effectiveness of the security provided.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded as a competitive delivery order, suggesting that multiple vendors were likely considered or competed for this specific order. The data indicates 6 bids were received, which is a healthy number for a specialized service. This level of competition generally supports price discovery and can lead to more favorable pricing for the government compared to sole-source awards.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely resulted in a more efficient use of funds by encouraging multiple vendors to offer their best pricing and service terms.

Public Impact

The National Archives and Records Administration benefits from enhanced security for its valuable historical documents and facilities. Citizens and researchers gain continued access to archives protected by reliable security measures. The contract supports jobs within the private security sector, specifically in Maryland. Preservation of national historical records is ensured through consistent and professional armed guarding.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration (over 9 years) could lead to complacency or reduced vigilance if not actively managed.
Reliance on a single contractor for an extended period might limit opportunities for innovation or cost savings through re-competition.
Specific details on performance metrics and service level agreements are not provided, making it hard to assess effectiveness.
Potential for price increases in subsequent years if the fixed-price contract has escalation clauses not detailed here.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competitive process, suggesting a baseline level of vetting and pricing.
Firm-fixed-price contract type offers budget predictability for the agency.
The contractor, Securiguard, Inc., has secured a significant contract, indicating a level of established capability.
The contract duration implies a stable and ongoing security solution for critical national assets.

Sector Analysis

The provision of armed security services falls within the broader professional and commercial services sector. This contract specifically addresses the niche requirement for guarding sensitive government facilities, such as archives, which house irreplaceable historical documents. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized security solutions. The National Archives' spending on this contract represents a portion of the government's overall expenditure on facility security and asset protection.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, and there is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears minimal based on this information. It is possible that larger prime contractors may engage small businesses for ancillary services, but this is not specified.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the National Archives and Records Administration, which is subject to federal oversight mechanisms. Accountability is typically managed through contract performance reviews, invoicing procedures, and adherence to the terms of the firm-fixed-price agreement. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases where such awards are reported. Inspector General oversight would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Security Services
General Services Administration Schedules for Security Services
National Archives and Records Administration Facility Management

Risk Flags

Long-term contract duration may reduce competitive pressure.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in provided data.
Potential for cost escalation if contract includes provisions not detailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Archives and Records Administration awarded $30.0 million to SECURIGUARD, INC.. ARMED SECURITY SERVICES FOR ARCHIVES I AND ARCHIVES II

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SECURIGUARD, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: National Archives and Records Administration (National Archives and Records Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $30.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-05-01. End: 2013-10-25.

What specific security threats does this contract aim to mitigate for the National Archives?

This contract for armed security services is designed to mitigate a range of threats to the National Archives' facilities and its invaluable collections. These threats can include physical intrusion, theft of sensitive or historically significant documents, vandalism, and potential acts of terrorism or sabotage. Armed guards provide a visible deterrent and are trained to respond to immediate security incidents, ensuring the safety of personnel, visitors, and the physical assets housed within the Archives. The specific nature of the archives, containing irreplaceable historical records, necessitates a robust security posture to prevent loss or damage.

How does the annual cost of this contract compare to similar security contracts for federal archives or museums?

The average annual cost of this contract is approximately $3.3 million ($30,035,760.04 / 9.2 years). Benchmarking this figure requires detailed comparison with contracts for similar institutions, considering factors like the size and complexity of the facilities, the number of personnel protected, the specific security technologies employed, and the geographic location which impacts labor costs. Without access to comparable contract data for other federal archives or museums of similar scale and importance, it is challenging to definitively state whether this annual cost represents a high, low, or average expenditure. However, the duration and the 'armed' nature of the service suggest a significant investment in high-level security.

What is Securiguard, Inc.'s track record in providing armed security services to federal agencies?

Securiguard, Inc. has been awarded this significant contract by the National Archives and Records Administration, indicating a level of qualification and trust from the agency. The duration of the contract (over 9 years) suggests a sustained performance that met or exceeded the agency's expectations. To fully assess their track record, one would need to examine past performance reviews, any documented issues or commendations on federal contract databases, and their history of providing similar armed security services to other federal entities. The fact that they secured a competitive delivery order implies they were among the qualified bidders with a demonstrated capability.

What are the potential risks associated with a single contractor providing services for over nine years?

A primary risk associated with a single contractor providing services for an extended period, such as over nine years, is the potential for complacency to set in, leading to a decline in service quality or vigilance. There's also a risk of 'vendor lock-in,' where the agency becomes overly reliant on the incumbent contractor, potentially missing out on innovations or cost savings that could be achieved through re-competition with new vendors. Furthermore, without regular performance reviews and clear metrics, it can be harder to identify and address performance issues promptly. The fixed-price nature, while offering budget certainty, could also mean the contractor is less incentivized to find efficiencies if not properly monitored.

How does the firm-fixed-price contract type influence the contractor's incentives and the government's risk?

A firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type places the majority of the cost risk on the contractor. This means Securiguard, Inc. is responsible for covering all costs associated with providing the armed security services, regardless of whether those costs exceed their initial estimates. This structure incentivizes the contractor to manage their costs efficiently and to perform the work within budget to maximize their profit. For the government (National Archives), the primary benefit is cost certainty; the price is fixed and generally not subject to upward adjustment due to contractor cost overruns. The government's main risk under an FFP contract is that the contractor might cut corners on quality or service to protect their profit margin if performance is not rigorously monitored.

What is the historical spending pattern for armed security services at the National Archives?

The provided data reflects a single award of $30,035,760.04 for armed security services spanning from May 1, 2004, to October 25, 2013. This represents a significant, long-term investment over a nearly decade-long period. To understand the broader historical spending pattern, one would need to analyze prior contracts for similar services awarded before 2004 and any subsequent contracts awarded after 2013. This single data point indicates a consistent need for armed security over that specific nine-year timeframe, suggesting it's a recurring requirement for the agency's operations.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Employment Services › Temporary Help Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Solicitation Procedures: ALTERNATIVE SOURCES

Solicitation ID: NAMA-04-Q-0004

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6858 OLD DOMINION DR # 30, MC LEAN, VA, 22101

Business Categories: Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $31,780,969

Exercised Options: $31,468,365

Current Obligation: $30,035,760

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F0291N

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline