Department of the Army spent over $31.8M on armed security guards, competed under SAP

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,880,440 ($31.9M)

Contractor: Domestic Awardees (undisclosed)

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2016-07-01

End Date: 2020-06-30

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $21.8K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF ARMED SECURITY GUARDS

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $31.9 million to DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED) for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF ARMED SECURITY GUARDS Key points: 1. The contract represents a significant investment in security services for the Department of the Army. 2. Competition dynamics under Special Access Programs (SAP) can limit transparency and potentially impact price discovery. 3. The firm fixed-price contract type suggests a defined scope and cost, mitigating some cost overrun risks. 4. Performance context is limited due to the SAP classification, making direct comparison to other security contracts challenging. 5. The service falls under the Security Guards and Patrol Services NAICS code, a common category for defense spending. 6. The contract duration of 1460 days indicates a long-term need for these security services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is difficult due to its classification under Special Access Programs (SAP), which limits public data. The firm fixed-price structure is generally favorable for cost control. However, without comparable SAP contracts or detailed performance metrics, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging. The total value of over $31.8 million over four years suggests a substantial requirement for security personnel.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Special Access Programs (SAP), which inherently limits the number of potential bidders and public visibility. While competed, the specific details of the competition, including the number of bidders and the evaluation process, are not publicly disclosed. This limited competition environment may affect the government's ability to secure the most competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition under SAP means taxpayers may not be receiving the full benefit of a broad market price discovery, potentially leading to higher costs than a fully open competition.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Army and its personnel, who receive enhanced security. The services delivered include armed security guard and patrol functions, crucial for protecting sensitive assets and personnel. The geographic impact is likely concentrated at specific Army installations or facilities where the guards are deployed. Workforce implications include the direct employment of security guards, potentially impacting the private security industry.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of transparency due to SAP classification hinders comprehensive oversight and value assessment.
Limited competition may result in suboptimal pricing for taxpayers.
The specific nature of the security provided is not detailed, making it hard to assess effectiveness.
The undisclosed domestic awardees prevent analysis of contractor track record and past performance.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract type helps control costs and provides budget certainty.
The contract duration suggests a stable and ongoing need for these critical security services.
The use of a specific NAICS code indicates a standardized approach to procuring security services.

Sector Analysis

The security services sector is a significant component of federal contracting, with substantial spending allocated to guard and patrol services. This contract falls within that category, serving the defense industry's need for physical security. Comparable spending benchmarks for security services can vary widely based on location, threat level, and specific requirements, but the scale of this contract indicates a high-priority security need.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans is not available for this contract, likely due to its SAP classification. Typically, federal contracts aim to include small business participation, but the specific constraints of SAP may limit these opportunities. Without disclosure, the impact on the small business ecosystem remains unknown.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight mechanisms for contracts under SAP are often more restricted than for standard procurements, with limited public access to performance reports or audits. Accountability measures are internal to the agency and its oversight bodies. Transparency is inherently reduced, making independent assessment of the contract's effectiveness and adherence to terms challenging.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Security Contracts
Armed Guard Services
Physical Security Contracts
Special Access Program (SAP) Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Lack of transparency
Undisclosed awardees
Potential for higher costs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $31.9 million to DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED). IGF::OT::IGF ARMED SECURITY GUARDS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED).

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $31.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-07-01. End: 2020-06-30.

What is the track record of the undisclosed domestic awardees for providing armed security guard services?

The provided data does not disclose the specific awardees for this contract, making it impossible to assess their track record. Contracts awarded under Special Access Programs (SAP) often have limited public information regarding the contractors involved. To evaluate the awardees' track record, one would typically look at past performance on similar government contracts, client references, and any history of performance issues or commendations. Without this information, any assessment of the contractor's reliability and capability remains speculative.

How does the per-unit cost of these security guards compare to similar contracts awarded outside of SAP?

A direct comparison of per-unit costs is not feasible due to the contract's SAP classification, which restricts public access to detailed pricing information and comparable contract data. Contracts competed under SAP often involve specialized security requirements and potentially fewer bidders, which can influence pricing. Standard security guard contracts, especially those competed openly, can be benchmarked against market rates and other government awards. However, the unique nature and security protocols associated with SAP services mean that direct comparisons may not be entirely accurate or relevant.

What are the primary risks associated with procuring security services under Special Access Programs (SAP)?

The primary risks associated with procuring security services under SAP include reduced transparency, limited competition, and potential challenges in oversight and accountability. The classified nature of SAP can obscure the full scope of services, the specific threats being mitigated, and the effectiveness of the security measures. Limited competition may lead to higher costs for taxpayers. Furthermore, the restricted access to information can make it difficult for oversight bodies to ensure compliance, value for money, and contractor performance, increasing the risk of inefficiencies or unmet security needs.

How effective are armed security guards in fulfilling the Department of the Army's security objectives, particularly within SAP environments?

The effectiveness of armed security guards in fulfilling the Department of the Army's security objectives within SAP environments is presumed to be high, given the continued award and execution of such contracts. These guards are typically tasked with protecting sensitive personnel, information, and assets where conventional security measures may be insufficient. Their presence acts as a deterrent and provides immediate response capabilities. However, the specific metrics for measuring effectiveness in SAP environments are often classified, making a public assessment of their success difficult. The long duration of the contract suggests a sustained need and perceived effectiveness by the agency.

What has been the historical spending trend for armed security guard services by the Department of the Army over the past decade?

Analyzing the historical spending trend for armed security guard services by the Department of the Army requires access to comprehensive contract databases, including those that may contain classified or limited-disclosure information. While general trends for security services can be observed, specific spending on armed guards under SAP is not readily available in public datasets. Historically, the Department of Defense, including the Army, has consistently allocated significant resources to security services to protect its personnel and installations worldwide. Spending levels can fluctuate based on geopolitical conditions, threat assessments, and evolving security requirements.

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: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: W91B4N16R5008

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1800 F ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20405

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $32,723,208

Exercised Options: $31,880,440

Current Obligation: $31,880,440

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline