DoD's $49.7M Fort Bragg Security Contract Awarded to Alpha Protective Services, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $49,707,334 ($49.7M)

Contractor: Alpha Protective Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2008-05-21

End Date: 2012-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,685 days

Daily Burn Rate: $29.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: SECURITY GUARD SERVICES AT SIX (6) LOCATION ON THE FORT BRAGG INSTALLATION.

Place of Performance

Location: FORT BRAGG, CUMBERLAND County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28310

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $49.7 million to ALPHA PROTECTIVE SERVICES, INC. for work described as: SECURITY GUARD SERVICES AT SIX (6) LOCATION ON THE FORT BRAGG INSTALLATION. Key points: 1. Contract value of $49.7 million over approximately 5.6 years indicates a significant investment in base security. 2. The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' suggesting a competitive process with specific source exclusions. 3. The fixed-price contract type suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which can be favorable for the government. 4. The contract's duration of 1685 days (approx. 4.6 years) is substantial, implying a long-term need for these security services. 5. The North Carolina location for the contractor may suggest a focus on regional or local service providers for this installation. 6. The absence of small business set-aside flags indicates this was not specifically targeted for small business participation.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $49.7 million over roughly 5.6 years averages to approximately $8.87 million per year. This figure needs to be benchmarked against similar security contracts at large military installations to fully assess value. The firm fixed-price nature is generally positive for government cost control, assuming the scope was well-defined. Without specific performance metrics or comparisons to other guard services at comparable bases, a definitive value assessment is challenging, but the scale suggests a significant, potentially well-managed, security operation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be open, certain sources were excluded from bidding. The number of bidders (10) suggests a reasonable level of interest, but the exclusion of sources might limit the breadth of competition and potentially impact price discovery. Further details on the reasons for source exclusion would be needed to fully understand the competitive landscape.

Taxpayer Impact: While 10 bidders indicate some competition, the exclusion of sources means taxpayers may not have benefited from the widest possible pool of offers, potentially leading to a less competitive price than a truly open bid.

Public Impact

Provides essential security guard services to protect personnel, assets, and critical infrastructure across six locations on the Fort Bragg installation. Ensures the safety and operational readiness of one of the U.S. Army's largest and most important bases. Supports the overall mission of the Department of the Army by maintaining a secure environment. Likely employs a significant number of security personnel, contributing to the local and regional workforce in North Carolina.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for reduced competition due to 'exclusion of sources' clause.
Contract duration may lead to complacency if not actively managed.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical security functions across multiple sites.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract shifts cost overrun risk to the contractor.
Award to a single entity for all six locations could lead to economies of scale and streamlined operations.
The significant number of bidders (10) suggests a healthy interest in the contract.

Sector Analysis

The security services industry is a large and critical sector supporting government operations, particularly within defense installations. This contract falls under the Security Guards and Patrol Services (NAICS 561612) category. The market is characterized by a mix of large, established security firms and smaller, specialized providers. Government contracts often represent a substantial portion of revenue for major security companies, and competition can be fierce, especially for large-scale, long-term agreements like this one at a major military installation.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses (SS=false, SB=false). This means that both large and small businesses were eligible to compete. While there's no explicit small business set-aside, the prime contractor, Alpha Protective Services, Inc., could potentially engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill portions of the contract, depending on their subcontracting plan and the nature of the services required. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether they were prime bidders or are included in subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Army's contracting and program management offices at Fort Bragg. The firm fixed-price nature implies that the government's primary oversight focus would be on ensuring the contractor meets all performance requirements and service level agreements outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Base Operations Support Contracts
Physical Security Services
Department of Defense Security Contracts
Fort Bragg Installation Support
Security Guard Services

Risk Flags

Potential for reduced competition due to 'exclusion of sources'.
Contract duration requires ongoing performance monitoring.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical security functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $49.7 million to ALPHA PROTECTIVE SERVICES, INC.. SECURITY GUARD SERVICES AT SIX (6) LOCATION ON THE FORT BRAGG INSTALLATION.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALPHA PROTECTIVE SERVICES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $49.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-05-21. End: 2012-12-31.

What is the track record of Alpha Protective Services, Inc. with government contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense?

Alpha Protective Services, Inc. has a history of securing government contracts, primarily within the Department of Defense. Their portfolio includes various security-related services. Analyzing their past performance on similar contracts, including any reported issues, contract modifications, or performance evaluations, would provide insight into their reliability and capability. A review of their contract history might reveal patterns in contract values, durations, and agencies served, helping to contextualize their experience and suitability for a large-scale contract like the one at Fort Bragg. Without specific performance data for this contract, assessing their track record relies on broader contract award databases and public records.

How does the annual cost of this contract compare to similar security contracts at other large military installations?

The annual cost for this contract averages approximately $8.87 million ($49.7M / 5.6 years). To benchmark this value, one would compare it to contracts for security guard services at other major Army or DoD installations of similar size and scope. Factors influencing cost include the number of personnel required, the specific security requirements (e.g., armed vs. unarmed guards, specialized equipment), geographic location (affecting labor costs), and the overall threat environment. If comparable installations are securing similar services for significantly less or more per year, it would indicate whether this contract represents a particularly good or poor value for the government. Detailed analysis requires access to data on other contracts with similar service areas and security levels.

What are the specific risks associated with a firm fixed-price contract for security services at a large military installation?

A firm fixed-price (FFP) contract places the primary cost risk on the contractor. For security services, risks include the contractor potentially cutting corners on staffing levels, training, or equipment to maintain profitability if their initial cost estimates were too low or if unforeseen operational costs arise. This could impact service quality and security effectiveness. Conversely, if the scope of work is not clearly defined, the contractor might be hesitant to perform any work outside the narrowly defined scope, potentially leading to disputes. The government's risk is ensuring that the defined scope adequately covers all necessary security functions and that performance standards are rigorously monitored to prevent degradation of service.

What does the 'exclusion of sources' clause in the competition type imply for the effectiveness of the bidding process?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' clause indicates that while the competition was intended to be open to all responsible sources, specific entities or types of entities were deliberately excluded from bidding. The reasons for exclusion could range from national security concerns, past performance issues with certain contractors, or specific technological requirements that only a limited number of firms could meet. While 10 bidders participated, the exclusion means the government did not benefit from the widest possible competitive pool. This could potentially lead to higher prices or less innovative solutions compared to a truly open competition where all eligible firms could participate without restriction. The justification for excluding sources is critical to understanding the impact on price discovery and overall value.

How has federal spending on security guard services evolved over time, and where does this contract fit within that trend?

Federal spending on security guard services has generally trended upwards over the past two decades, driven by increased security needs post-9/11, ongoing global security challenges, and the expansion of federal operations. This contract, valued at nearly $50 million over approximately 5.6 years, represents a significant single award within this category. It aligns with the government's continued reliance on contracted security personnel for physical security at installations like Fort Bragg. Analyzing historical spending patterns for similar contracts at DoD installations can reveal whether this award is consistent with inflation, changes in security requirements, or shifts in contracting strategies (e.g., consolidation of services, increased use of technology).

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W9124708R0001

Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1701 COLONIAL DR, THOMASVILLE, GA, 02

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $50,986,577

Exercised Options: $50,394,865

Current Obligation: $49,707,334

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline