State Dept. Spends $59.1M on Security Services in South Sudan via Full & Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $59,121,408 ($59.1M)

Contractor: Triple Canopy Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2016-09-30

End Date: 2021-09-29

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $32.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF SECURITY SERVICES IN JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $59.1 million to TRIPLE CANOPY INC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF SECURITY SERVICES IN JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN Key points: 1. Significant investment in security services for a high-risk environment. 2. TRIPLE CANOPY INC is the sole awardee, indicating a specific capability or market concentration. 3. The contract spans five years, suggesting a long-term need for stability. 4. The 'Security Guards and Patrol Services' NAICS code points to a critical operational requirement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award value of $59.1M over five years averages to approximately $11.8M annually. Without specific benchmarks for security services in Juba, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing, but the duration and nature of the service suggest a substantial but potentially justifiable cost.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which theoretically allows for the best possible pricing and service. However, the fact that TRIPLE CANOPY INC was the sole awardee might suggest limited qualified bidders or a highly specialized service.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are funding essential security operations in a challenging geopolitical region. The full and open competition aims to ensure value for money, but the significant expenditure warrants scrutiny.

Public Impact

Ensures safety and security for U.S. personnel and interests in Juba, South Sudan. Supports diplomatic operations by providing a secure environment. Contributes to the local economy through employment and operational spending by the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Geopolitical risk in South Sudan
Contract duration and potential for cost creep
Limited competition despite 'full and open' designation

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition
Addresses critical security needs
Long-term contract provides stability

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically security and investigation services. Spending benchmarks for private security in high-risk, developing nations are highly variable, making direct comparisons difficult.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. The nature of large-scale security operations in complex environments often favors larger, established firms.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of State, through its Bureau of Diplomatic Security, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Regular performance reviews and audits would be expected to ensure contractor compliance and effectiveness.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

High-risk operating environment
Sole awardee despite full and open competition
Long contract duration
Time and Materials pricing structure
Lack of small business participation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $59.1 million to TRIPLE CANOPY INC. IGF::OT::IGF SECURITY SERVICES IN JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRIPLE CANOPY INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $59.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-09-30. End: 2021-09-29.

What specific security threats were identified in Juba that necessitated such a significant long-term investment?

The specific security threats in Juba, South Sudan, likely include political instability, potential for civil unrest, and risks associated with operating in a developing nation with limited infrastructure. These factors necessitate robust security measures to protect personnel, facilities, and diplomatic functions, justifying the substantial investment.

How does the pricing of TRIPLE CANOPY INC compare to other security service providers in similar high-risk environments globally?

Benchmarking this contract's price against similar services globally is challenging due to unique risk factors, local operating costs, and specific service requirements in Juba. While full and open competition was used, the lack of detailed comparative data makes a definitive price assessment difficult without further analysis of contractor performance and market rates.

What metrics are used to measure the effectiveness of TRIPLE CANOPY INC's security services in ensuring the safety of U.S. personnel and assets?

Effectiveness is likely measured through incident reports, response times, adherence to security protocols, and feedback from the U.S. Embassy and Department of State personnel. Key performance indicators (KPIs) would be established in the contract to track metrics related to threat mitigation, personnel safety, and asset protection.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: SAQMMA16R0713

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12018 SUNRISE VLY DR STE 140, RESTON, VA, 20191

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $59,121,408

Exercised Options: $59,121,408

Current Obligation: $59,121,408

Actual Outlays: $1,218,016

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SAQMMA16D0048

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline