DoD's $34.2M Security Contract with Continuity Global Solutions Faces Scrutiny Over Value and Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,221,201 ($34.2M)

Contractor: Continuity Global Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2019-12-27

End Date: 2025-06-29

Contract Duration: 2,011 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: KOSOVO ARMED AND UNARMED GUARDS

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $34.2 million to CONTINUITY GLOBAL SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: KOSOVO ARMED AND UNARMED GUARDS Key points: 1. The contract's value of $34.2 million for security services in Kosovo raises questions about cost-effectiveness. 2. While awarded under full and open competition, the specific pricing and vendor performance need further examination. 3. Potential risks include the long duration and the lack of explicit small business participation. 4. The IT and professional services sector often sees high competition, making this contract's benchmarks important.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's total value of $34.2 million for security services over approximately 5.5 years suggests a monthly cost of around $518,000. Benchmarking this against similar government contracts for security personnel in potentially high-risk environments is crucial to assess value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

Awarded through full and open competition, this method theoretically allows for the best price discovery. However, the specific details of the bidding process and the number of bids received are not provided, which limits a full assessment of price competitiveness.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally positive for taxpayers, aiming to secure the best value. However, the ultimate taxpayer impact depends on whether the awarded price truly reflects competitive market rates for the services rendered.

Public Impact

Ensures security presence in Kosovo, a region requiring consistent monitoring. Provides employment opportunities for security personnel, though small business involvement is unclear. The long-term nature of the contract may offer stability but could also lead to complacency or missed opportunities for cost savings.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of explicit small business participation.
Long contract duration (over 5 years).
Potential for price creep over the contract's life.

Positive Signals

Awarded via full and open competition.
Clear service requirement for a specific geographic location.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under security and protective services, a sector that requires specialized personnel and often involves significant logistical considerations, especially in overseas locations. Benchmarks for similar services can vary widely based on location and threat level.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small businesses were not explicitly involved in this contract (sb: false). Further investigation is needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were offered or if small businesses were excluded from bidding.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's duration and value warrant oversight to ensure continued adherence to terms, performance standards, and fair pricing. Regular performance reviews and audits would be essential for accountability.

Related Government Programs

Security Guards and Patrol Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for overpayment given the long duration and lack of detailed cost breakdown.
Limited transparency on small business participation.
Need for verification of competitive pricing against current market rates.
Risk of service degradation or increased costs if performance is not actively managed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $34.2 million to CONTINUITY GLOBAL SOLUTIONS LLC. KOSOVO ARMED AND UNARMED GUARDS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CONTINUITY GLOBAL SOLUTIONS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $34.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-12-27. End: 2025-06-29.

What specific security services are being provided in Kosovo under this contract, and how do they align with the Department of Defense's strategic objectives in the region?

The contract is for security guards and patrol services (NAICS 561612). While the exact scope isn't detailed, it likely involves protecting personnel, facilities, and assets within Kosovo. The alignment with strategic objectives would depend on the specific DoD mission and presence in the area, requiring a review of operational needs and threat assessments.

Given the $34.2 million value and over 5-year term, what is the projected cost per guard or per hour, and how does this compare to industry benchmarks for similar overseas security contracts?

With a total value of $34.2 million and an end date in June 2025 (approximately 5.5 years from the start date), the average annual value is roughly $6.2 million. This translates to approximately $518,000 per month. A precise per-unit cost requires knowing the number of guards and hours worked, but this monthly figure can be benchmarked against similar contracts considering location and risk factors.

What measures are in place to ensure the effectiveness and accountability of Continuity Global Solutions LLC's personnel and operations throughout the contract's duration?

Effectiveness and accountability are typically managed through performance work statements (PWS), key performance indicators (KPIs), regular reporting requirements, and site inspections. The Department of Defense would likely have contracting officer representatives (CORs) overseeing the contract, conducting performance evaluations, and addressing any deficiencies promptly to ensure mission success and taxpayer 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: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W564KV19R0024

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7389 LEE HWY STE 207, FALLS CHURCH, VA, 22042

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $34,221,201

Exercised Options: $34,221,201

Current Obligation: $34,221,201

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline