NASA's $25.5M Security Contract Awarded to ISS Action Inc. Amidst Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,456,700 ($25.5M)
Contractor: ISS Action Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2012-01-01
End Date: 2016-10-31
Contract Duration: 1,765 days
Daily Burn Rate: $14.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: STENNIS PROTECTIVE SERVICES CONTRACT (SPSC)
Place of Performance
Location: STENNIS SPACE CENTER, HANCOCK County, MISSISSIPPI, 39529
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $25.5 million to ISS ACTION INC for work described as: STENNIS PROTECTIVE SERVICES CONTRACT (SPSC) Key points: 1. The contract value of $25.5 million for security services represents a significant investment in facility protection. 2. ISS Action Inc. secured this contract through full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of 1765 days (approx. 4.8 years) suggests a need for sustained security services. 4. The absence of small business participation is noted, potentially limiting opportunities for smaller security firms.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's fixed price structure provides cost certainty. Benchmarking against similar security guard contracts is difficult without more granular data on service levels and geographic scope, but the total value appears within a reasonable range for a multi-year federal security contract.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting an initial exclusion followed by a broader competition. This method aims to ensure fair pricing and access to a wide range of qualified vendors.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is intended to secure services at a fair market price, thereby optimizing taxpayer value for essential security functions.
Public Impact
Ensures the physical security and safety of NASA's Stennis Space Center facilities and personnel. Provides employment opportunities for security personnel, contributing to the local economy. Supports NASA's mission-critical operations by maintaining a secure environment. The contract's fixed price nature offers predictability in federal spending for this service.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of small business participation.
- Potential for price creep if contract scope expands beyond initial definition.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical security functions.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
- Long-term contract ensures consistent security coverage.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Security Guards and Patrol Services sector (NAICS 561612). Spending in this sector is driven by the need for physical security across government facilities. Benchmarks for similar contracts vary widely based on facility size, location, and specific security requirements.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small businesses were not awarded this contract, as the 'sb' field is false. This suggests that larger, established firms were better positioned to meet the requirements or that specific solicitations did not prioritize small business set-asides.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by NASA, a federal agency with established oversight mechanisms. The use of a definitive contract and full and open competition implies adherence to procurement regulations, but ongoing performance monitoring is crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Security Guards and Patrol Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of small business participation.
- Potential for vendor lock-in due to long contract duration.
- Reliance on a single provider for critical security infrastructure.
- Ambiguity in 'exclusion of sources' could impact competition fairness.
Tags
security-guards-and-patrol-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ms, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $25.5 million to ISS ACTION INC. STENNIS PROTECTIVE SERVICES CONTRACT (SPSC)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ISS ACTION INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $25.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-01-01. End: 2016-10-31.
What specific security services are included in the $25.5 million contract, and how do these align with the needs of Stennis Space Center?
The contract covers security guards and patrol services. A detailed breakdown of services would include access control, perimeter security, surveillance monitoring, emergency response, and potentially specialized security functions relevant to a space center. Alignment with needs would be assessed by comparing the contracted services against NASA's risk assessments and operational requirements for Stennis.
How was the 'exclusion of sources' handled in the competition process, and did it potentially limit competitive pricing?
The 'exclusion of sources' typically means that certain vendors were initially excluded, perhaps due to specific qualifications or prior performance issues, before the 'full and open' competition phase. While intended to ensure qualified bidders, if the exclusion was too broad, it could have inadvertently limited the number of potential bidders, potentially impacting the final price discovery and competitiveness.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure the effectiveness and value for money of ISS Action Inc.'s security services throughout the contract duration?
Effectiveness is typically ensured through performance metrics, service level agreements (SLAs), and regular performance reviews conducted by NASA contracting officers. Value for money is assessed by comparing performance against contract requirements and market rates. Mechanisms include site inspections, incident reporting analysis, and feedback from facility users to ensure the security services are meeting objectives.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Investigation and Security Services › Security Guards and Patrol Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNS11367739R
Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: JFK INT'L AIRPORT BLDG 151 STE 310A, JAMAICA, NY, 11430
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $25,456,700
Exercised Options: $25,456,700
Current Obligation: $25,456,700
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-01-01
Current End Date: 2016-10-31
Potential End Date: 2016-10-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2017-07-18
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