NOAA awards $1.06M contract for Gulf Coast security guard services to Innovative Performance Construction Co LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,058,824 ($1.1M)

Contractor: Innovative Performance Construction CO LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2025-01-31

End Date: 2027-01-30

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SECURITY GUARD SERVICES FOR THE GULF MARINE SUPPORT FACILITY (GMSF), ABOARD NOAA SHIPS LOCATED AT GMSF, AT THE PORT OF PASCAGOULA'S SINGING RIVER ISLAND FACILITY, AND AT THE PORT OF GULFPORT.

Place of Performance

Location: PASCAGOULA, JACKSON County, MISSISSIPPI, 39567

State: Mississippi Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $1.1 million to INNOVATIVE PERFORMANCE CONSTRUCTION CO LLC for work described as: SECURITY GUARD SERVICES FOR THE GULF MARINE SUPPORT FACILITY (GMSF), ABOARD NOAA SHIPS LOCATED AT GMSF, AT THE PORT OF PASCAGOULA'S SINGING RIVER ISLAND FACILITY, AND AT THE PORT OF GULFPORT. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential security services at key NOAA facilities in Mississippi. 2. The contract duration is two years, indicating a need for sustained security presence. 3. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs for the government. 4. This award represents a significant investment in safeguarding NOAA's maritime assets and operations. 5. The services are critical for maintaining operational integrity and asset protection at the specified ports.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of approximately $1.06 million over two years for security guard services appears to be within a reasonable range for the scope of work. However, without specific details on the number of personnel, hours, and specific security requirements, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar contracts for security services at maritime facilities would provide a clearer picture of whether the pricing is competitive. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract helps in budget predictability.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting it may have been awarded through a sole-source or limited competition process. The lack of open competition raises questions about whether the government secured the best possible price and service. Further details on the justification for not competing are needed to understand the procurement strategy and its potential impact on cost savings.

Taxpayer Impact: A sole-source award means taxpayers may not have benefited from competitive pricing that could have driven down costs. The absence of multiple bids limits the government's ability to negotiate the most favorable terms.

Public Impact

Ensures the security and safety of NOAA's Gulf Marine Support Facility (GMSF) and associated assets. Provides critical security services at the Port of Pascagoula and the Port of Gulfport. Supports NOAA's operational continuity and protection of sensitive equipment and vessels. Contributes to the safety and security of personnel working at these NOAA facilities. Maintains a secure environment for NOAA's maritime research and operational activities in the Gulf region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competitive bidding may lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
Limited transparency into the justification for sole-source award.
Potential for less innovation or service improvement without competitive pressure.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Contract addresses essential security needs for NOAA's critical infrastructure.
Two-year duration ensures consistent security coverage.

Sector Analysis

The security guard services sector is a significant part of the broader professional, scientific, and technical services industry. Federal agencies frequently contract for these services to protect facilities, assets, and personnel. Spending in this area is driven by national security needs, infrastructure protection, and the operational requirements of various government departments. Comparable contracts often involve varying levels of security, personnel, and specialized equipment, influencing overall cost.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not competed under SAP and the data indicates no small business set-aside (ss: false) or subcontracting (sb: false). Therefore, this award does not appear to directly benefit small businesses through set-asides or mandated subcontracting goals. The prime contractor, Innovative Performance Construction Co LLC, is likely a small business itself, but the contract structure does not indicate a specific effort to engage the broader small business ecosystem for this particular service.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). As a purchase order, it is subject to internal agency procurement regulations and financial controls. Transparency regarding the justification for the sole-source award and performance monitoring would be key areas for oversight. The Inspector General for the Department of Commerce may have jurisdiction for audits and investigations if concerns arise.

Related Government Programs

NOAA Facility Security Contracts
Maritime Security Services
Federal Security Guard Contracts
Department of Commerce Procurement

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing.
Limited transparency on procurement justification.
Potential for higher costs due to lack of competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $1.1 million to INNOVATIVE PERFORMANCE CONSTRUCTION CO LLC. SECURITY GUARD SERVICES FOR THE GULF MARINE SUPPORT FACILITY (GMSF), ABOARD NOAA SHIPS LOCATED AT GMSF, AT THE PORT OF PASCAGOULA'S SINGING RIVER ISLAND FACILITY, AND AT THE PORT OF GULFPORT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INNOVATIVE PERFORMANCE CONSTRUCTION CO LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $1.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-01-31. End: 2027-01-30.

What is the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The provided data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' and was awarded as a 'PURCHASE ORDER'. This suggests it may have been procured through a sole-source justification or a limited competition process not requiring full and open competition under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) for simplified acquisitions. Common reasons for sole-source awards include urgency, lack of available sources, or specific technical requirements that only one contractor can meet. Without the specific justification document (e.g., a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition - JOFOC), it is impossible to determine the precise rationale. This lack of competition means taxpayers may not have benefited from the potentially lower prices and improved terms that could arise from a competitive bidding process.

How does the contract value compare to similar security guard services for federal maritime facilities?

The contract value of approximately $1.06 million over a 729-day period (roughly two years) for security guard services at NOAA facilities in Mississippi needs to be benchmarked against similar procurements. Factors influencing cost include the number of guards, hours of service, required security clearances, specialized equipment, and the specific risks associated with the locations. For instance, a contract for 24/7 armed guards at a high-security port facility would naturally cost more than one for unarmed guards during business hours at a less critical site. Without access to a database of comparable federal contracts for security services at maritime installations, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the average annual cost per guard can range significantly, from $50,000 to over $100,000 depending on these variables. This contract's total value suggests a substantial security presence is required.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source contract for security services?

Awarding security guard services on a sole-source basis carries several potential risks. Primarily, the government may not achieve the best possible value for its money, as the absence of competition can lead to higher prices than would be obtained in a competitive environment. There's also a risk of reduced service quality or innovation, as the contractor faces less pressure to excel or offer improvements. Furthermore, a sole-source award can raise concerns about fairness and transparency in the procurement process. If the justification for the sole-source award is weak or improperly documented, it could lead to protests and potential delays. For critical services like security, ensuring robust performance and fair pricing through competition is generally preferred.

What is the track record of Innovative Performance Construction Co LLC in providing federal security services?

Information regarding the specific track record of Innovative Performance Construction Co LLC in providing federal security services is not detailed in the provided data. As the award was made via a purchase order and not competed under SAP, it suggests this might be a new or limited engagement for this specific service category. To assess their track record, one would typically look at past performance evaluations on federal contracts (e.g., through the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), the types and scale of previous contracts awarded to them, and any history of performance issues or successes. Without this external data, it's difficult to gauge their experience and reliability in delivering security guard services.

How does this contract align with NOAA's overall spending on security and facility management?

This $1.06 million contract represents a specific allocation for security guard services at NOAA's Gulf Coast facilities. To understand its alignment with NOAA's overall spending, one would need to examine NOAA's budget and historical spending patterns for security, facility operations, and maritime support. NOAA operates numerous facilities and vessels nationwide, each requiring varying levels of security. This contract's value should be considered in the context of the total budget allocated for physical security across the agency. If NOAA's total security budget is in the tens or hundreds of millions, this contract would be a component. Conversely, if it represents a disproportionately large share of a smaller security budget, it might warrant further scrutiny regarding necessity and efficiency.

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: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 1305M225Q0005

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 13370 HIGHWAY 61, FAYETTE, MS, 39069

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,049,988

Exercised Options: $1,240,228

Current Obligation: $1,058,824

Actual Outlays: $517,812

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline