State Department Awards $196.6M for Diplomatic Security Services, Full Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $196,569,519 ($196.6M)

Contractor: Inter-Con Security Systems, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2015-06-14

End Date: 2017-06-13

Contract Duration: 730 days

Daily Burn Rate: $269.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF PROVIDES FUNDING FOR A NEW TASK ORDER TO BE USED AS A BRIDGE DURING THE SOLICITATIOIN PROCESS FOR DOMESTIC GUARD SECURITY FORCE, WHICH DIRECTLY SUPPORTS THE DOMESTIC FACILITIES PROTECTION OFFICE (DS/DO/DFP). THE STATE DEPARTMENT REQUIRES THE OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF A HIGHLY TRAINED AND PROFESSIONAL SECURITY FORCE, HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE DOS DIPLOMATIC SECURITY, UNIFORMED PROTECTIVE SERVICES (UPS). THE UPS MISSION IS TO: A) PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY, B) PROTECT AND CONTROL CLASSIFIED/SENSITIVE INFORMATION/PROPERTY, C) PREVENT UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO FACILITIES OR OTHER VENUES UNDER CHARGE OF DS; D) MAINTAIN ORDER AT DOS FACILITIES OR OTHER VENUES UNDER CHARGE OF DS. E) DETER CRIMINAL ACTIVITY AND WHEN APPROPRIATE, APPREHEND VIOLATORS IN AND AROUND ALL DOMESTIC DOS CONTROLLED FACILITIES OR OTHER VENUES UNDER CHARGE OF DS.

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22209

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $196.6 million to INTER-CON SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF PROVIDES FUNDING FOR A NEW TASK ORDER TO BE USED AS A BRIDGE DURING THE SOLICITATIOIN PROCESS FOR DOMESTIC GUARD SECURITY FORCE, WHICH DIRECTLY SUPPORTS THE DOMESTIC FACILITIES PROTECTION OFFICE (DS/DO/DFP). THE STATE DEPARTMENT REQUIRES THE OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT … Key points: 1. Significant contract for uniformed protective services supporting diplomatic facilities. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract value is substantial, indicating a critical need for security. 4. The sector is primarily security services, with potential for IT integration.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $196.6 million over two years for security services appears reasonable given the scope of protecting diplomatic facilities and personnel. Benchmarking against similar large-scale security contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and allows for the best value to be determined. This method suggests multiple bidders likely participated, driving down costs.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally beneficial for taxpayers as it aims to secure the most competitive pricing and best services available.

Public Impact

Ensures the safety and security of U.S. diplomatic personnel and facilities domestically. Supports the critical mission of the Diplomatic Security Service in protecting classified information and preventing unauthorized access. Provides employment opportunities within the security services sector. Contributes to the overall stability and operational effectiveness of the State Department.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in security requirements.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical security functions.

Positive Signals

Clear mission objectives for the security force.
Use of full and open competition.
Contract duration aligns with operational needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Security Guards and Patrol Services sector (NAICS 561612). Spending in this sector is driven by government and private sector needs for physical security, surveillance, and personnel protection. Benchmarks for similar large-scale government security contracts would be relevant.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded through full and open competition. While the primary awardee is likely a larger entity, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors, depending on the prime contractor's strategy.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of State. Oversight would involve ensuring the contractor meets all performance requirements, security protocols, and reporting obligations. Regular performance reviews and audits are crucial for accountability.

Related Government Programs

Security Guards and Patrol Services
Department of State Contracting
Department of State Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for contractor performance issues impacting security.
Risk of security breaches or incidents.
Dependency on contractor personnel for critical security functions.
Budgetary constraints impacting future contract renewals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $196.6 million to INTER-CON SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF PROVIDES FUNDING FOR A NEW TASK ORDER TO BE USED AS A BRIDGE DURING THE SOLICITATIOIN PROCESS FOR DOMESTIC GUARD SECURITY FORCE, WHICH DIRECTLY SUPPORTS THE DOMESTIC FACILITIES PROTECTION OFFICE (DS/DO/DFP). THE STATE DEPARTMENT REQUIRES THE OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF A HIGHLY TRAINED AND PROFESSIONAL SECURITY FORCE, HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE DOS DIPLOMATIC SECURITY, UNIFORMED PROTECTIVE SERVICES (UPS). THE UPS MISSION IS TO: A) PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY, B) PROTECT AND CONTRO

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INTER-CON SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $196.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-06-14. End: 2017-06-13.

What specific metrics are used to evaluate the performance of the uniformed protective services and ensure mission effectiveness?

Performance evaluation likely relies on a combination of metrics such as response times to incidents, adherence to post orders, successful prevention of unauthorized access, and overall client satisfaction surveys from the Diplomatic Security Service. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) would be defined in the contract, with regular reporting and review by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

How does the State Department mitigate the risk of over-reliance on a single security contractor for such a critical function?

Mitigation strategies include robust contract management, clear performance standards, and contingency planning. The State Department may also conduct regular market research to ensure sufficient competition for future contract renewals and could implement phased transitions if a change in contractors is necessary to maintain security continuity.

What is the long-term strategy for ensuring cost-effectiveness in domestic security services, beyond this bridge contract?

Long-term cost-effectiveness is pursued through strategic sourcing, leveraging economies of scale, and encouraging innovation from contractors. Regular re-competition of contracts using full and open procedures helps ensure market forces drive competitive pricing. Analyzing spending trends and exploring alternative security technologies can also contribute to sustained value.

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

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT (B)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 210 S DE LACEY AVE # 200, PASADENA, CA, 91105

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $196,571,338

Exercised Options: $196,571,338

Current Obligation: $196,569,519

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SAQMMA10D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline