NASA's $27.8M Stennis Protective Services Contract Awarded to RiverTech LLC Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $27,817,823 ($27.8M)
Contractor: Rivertech LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2016-10-01
End Date: 2021-11-30
Contract Duration: 1,886 days
Daily Burn Rate: $14.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF STENNIS PROTECTIVE SERVICES CONTRACT
Place of Performance
Location: STENNIS SPACE CENTER, HANCOCK County, MISSISSIPPI, 39529
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $27.8 million to RIVERTECH LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF STENNIS PROTECTIVE SERVICES CONTRACT Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in facility security. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of over 4 years indicates a long-term need for these services. 4. Fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor. 5. The award was made to a single contractor, RiverTech LLC. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 561612 points to security guard services.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's total value of $27.8 million over approximately four years suggests a substantial commitment to security services at the Stennis Space Center. Benchmarking against similar contracts for protective services at large federal facilities is necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment. However, the firm fixed-price structure generally indicates that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which can be favorable for the government if managed effectively. The number of bids received (8) provides a basis for comparison, but without knowing the bid amounts, a definitive pricing assessment is challenging.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while the competition was broadly solicited, specific sources may have been excluded for defined reasons. With 8 bidders, the competition level appears robust, suggesting that multiple firms were interested and capable of providing the required security services. A higher number of bidders generally leads to more competitive pricing and a greater likelihood of the government securing the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The broad competition for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely drove down prices through market forces, ensuring that federal funds were used efficiently for essential security operations.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA and the personnel and assets at the John C. Stennis Space Center, ensuring a secure operating environment. The contract delivers essential security guard and patrol services, crucial for maintaining safety and preventing unauthorized access. The geographic impact is localized to the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. The contract supports jobs within the security services industry, potentially benefiting local and regional workforces.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- The 'after exclusion of sources' clause warrants further investigation to understand the rationale behind any exclusions and ensure fairness.
- Without detailed performance metrics, it's difficult to fully assess the effectiveness of the security services provided.
- The long contract duration could lead to complacency if not actively managed and overseen.
Positive Signals
- The award was made through full and open competition, indicating a commitment to leveraging market competition.
- The firm fixed-price contract type aligns incentives by placing cost control responsibility on the contractor.
- Receiving 8 bids suggests significant market interest and a healthy competitive landscape for these services.
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) subsector. Federal spending in this area is substantial, driven by the need to protect critical infrastructure, government facilities, and sensitive information across various agencies. Comparable contracts often involve extensive security protocols, personnel vetting, and technology integration, with pricing influenced by labor costs, geographic location, and the specific security requirements.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on small businesses would be through potential subcontracting opportunities if RiverTech LLC chooses to engage them. Without specific subcontracting plans or performance data, it's difficult to quantify the direct benefit to the small business ecosystem from this particular award. However, the exclusion of small business set-asides means larger firms were the primary focus of this competition.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) contracting officer and potentially through program managers at the Stennis Space Center. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, where performance failures can lead to financial penalties or contract termination. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, but detailed performance reports and specific oversight activities may not be publicly available.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Protective Services Contracts
- Federal Security Guard Services
- Department of Homeland Security Protective Services
- General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule Contracts for Security
Risk Flags
- Competition exclusion clause requires scrutiny.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics.
- Potential for contractor complacency over long duration.
Tags
nasa, protective-services, security-guards, mississippi, definitive-contract, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, large-contract, facility-security, riverton-llc
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $27.8 million to RIVERTECH LLC. IGF::OT::IGF STENNIS PROTECTIVE SERVICES CONTRACT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RIVERTECH LLC.
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 $27.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2016-10-01. End: 2021-11-30.
What is the historical spending trend for protective services at NASA's Stennis Space Center?
Analyzing historical spending for protective services at NASA's Stennis Space Center requires examining contract data over multiple fiscal years. Prior to this $27.8 million contract (2016-2021), NASA would have likely had predecessor contracts for similar security services. Understanding the annual expenditure, the number of contracts awarded, and the incumbent contractors during those periods would reveal spending patterns. For instance, if previous contracts were significantly smaller or awarded under different competition types, it might indicate an increase in scope, service level, or market pricing. Conversely, consistent spending levels could suggest a stable requirement. Without access to detailed historical contract databases specifically filtered for Stennis protective services, a precise trend analysis is not possible from the provided data alone. However, the duration and value of this contract suggest a sustained and significant need for these services.
How does the per-unit cost of security personnel under this contract compare to industry benchmarks?
Determining the precise per-unit cost of security personnel requires detailed information on the number of personnel, their roles (e.g., armed guards, unarmed guards, supervisors), hours worked, and specific pay rates, which are not fully detailed in the provided summary. The contract is a firm fixed-price award totaling $27.8 million over approximately 46 months (1886 days / ~30 days/month). If we assume a baseline of, for example, 50 full-time equivalent security personnel working 40 hours per week, the average annual cost per person would be roughly $27.8M / 4.5 years / 50 personnel = ~$123,555 per person per year. This figure needs to be compared against industry benchmarks for security guards, factoring in the specific requirements of a federal facility like Stennis, which may include higher vetting standards, specialized training, and potentially higher prevailing wages due to the location and nature of the work. Without more granular data on staffing levels and labor mix, a definitive benchmark comparison is speculative.
What specific security services are included in this contract, beyond general guard duties?
The NAICS code 561612, 'Security Guards and Patrol Services,' provides a general classification, but the specific services under this NASA contract likely encompass a comprehensive security program tailored to the Stennis Space Center's unique operational needs. This could include, but is not limited to: access control and screening of personnel and vehicles, perimeter security patrols (both foot and vehicle), monitoring of surveillance systems (CCTV), alarm response, emergency response coordination, potentially K-9 units, protective services for specific NASA personnel or events, and maintaining security logs and reports. Given the nature of a space center, specialized security measures related to sensitive research, hazardous materials, and critical infrastructure protection might also be included. The 'Protective Services Contract' designation suggests a focus beyond basic guarding, potentially involving threat assessment and mitigation strategies.
What is RiverTech LLC's track record with federal contracts, particularly in security services?
RiverTech LLC's track record with federal contracts, especially in security services, is a critical factor in assessing the reliability and performance of this award. Information from federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) would detail their past awards, including agencies served, contract types, values, and performance history. A review would indicate if RiverTech has a history of successful contract completion, positive past performance reviews, and experience with similar-sized and complex security operations. Conversely, any history of contract disputes, performance issues, or significant deviations from contract terms would raise concerns. Without direct access to this detailed performance data for RiverTech LLC, it's assumed that NASA conducted due diligence during the procurement process, including reviewing the contractor's past performance.
Were there any performance issues or contract modifications noted during the life of this contract?
The provided data summarizes the contract award but does not include details on its execution, such as performance issues or modifications. A comprehensive analysis would require reviewing contract modification history and any associated performance reports or Inspector General (IG) findings related to this specific contract (NASA Contract Number, if available). Contract modifications can indicate changes in scope, adjustments to pricing due to unforeseen circumstances, or extensions. Significant modifications or a high frequency of them might suggest initial planning challenges or evolving requirements. Performance issues, if documented, could range from minor deficiencies to major breaches, impacting the contractor's standing and potentially leading to corrective actions or financial penalties. The absence of such information in the summary means these aspects remain unexamined.
How does the competition level (8 bidders) for this contract compare to typical federal security service procurements?
A competition level of 8 bidders for a federal contract, particularly in a specialized field like security services for a major facility, is generally considered healthy and robust. Many federal procurements, especially for complex or niche services, may receive fewer bids, sometimes only one or two, particularly if they involve highly specialized requirements or are sole-source. A higher number of bidders, like the 8 seen here, typically indicates strong market interest and suggests that the government's solicitation was well-defined and accessible to a reasonable number of capable contractors. This level of competition usually translates into better price discovery and a higher likelihood that the government is receiving competitive pricing and optimal value for its investment. It also provides a broader pool of potential contractors for future needs.
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: NNS16572533R
Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Nana Regional Corporation Inc
Address: 10807 NEW ALLEGIANCE DRIVE, SUITE 350-200, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, 80921
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, 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: $27,817,823
Exercised Options: $27,817,823
Current Obligation: $27,817,823
Actual Outlays: $12,944,826
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $214,572
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2016-10-01
Current End Date: 2021-11-30
Potential End Date: 2021-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-06-14
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