Commerce Dept Awards $8.38M for Armed Guard Services to Excalibur Associates Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $8,380,486 ($8.4M)
Contractor: Excalibur Associates Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2023-12-01
End Date: 2024-11-30
Contract Duration: 365 days
Daily Burn Rate: $23.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: ARMED GUARD SECURITY SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20230
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $8.4 million to EXCALIBUR ASSOCIATES INC for work described as: ARMED GUARD SECURITY SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value of $8.38M for security services. 2. Excalibur Associates Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. Competition method is full and open, suggesting potential for price discovery. 4. Sector is security services, a common government expenditure.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $8.38M for one year of armed guard services appears within a reasonable range for large-scale security contracts. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for security personnel in the DC area would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally allows for a broad range of bidders and can lead to competitive pricing. The specific pricing achieved through this method is not detailed here but is expected to be market-driven.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential security services. The competitive award process aims to ensure value for money, but ongoing monitoring is needed to confirm cost-effectiveness.
Public Impact
Ensures security for Department of Commerce facilities and personnel. Supports a private sector company providing essential security services. Potential for job creation within the security services industry.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Potential for price escalation in future contract renewals.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical security functions.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Contract duration is one year, allowing for re-evaluation.
- Fixed price contract type helps control costs.
Sector Analysis
The security services sector is a significant area of government spending. This contract for armed guards falls under professional services, with benchmarks varying widely based on location, threat level, and personnel qualifications.
Small Business Impact
While the award was made under full and open competition, there is no indication that small businesses were specifically solicited or awarded subcontracts. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Commerce is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and contract management practices should ensure accountability and performance, but specific oversight mechanisms are not detailed.
Related Government Programs
- Security Guards and Patrol Services
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- Office of the Secretary Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract awarded to a single entity.
- No specific performance metrics provided.
- Potential for sole-source if competition is not maintained.
- Geographic concentration in DC.
Tags
security-guards-and-patrol-services, department-of-commerce, dc, bpa-call, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $8.4 million to EXCALIBUR ASSOCIATES INC. ARMED GUARD SECURITY SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is EXCALIBUR ASSOCIATES INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (Office of the Secretary).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $8.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-12-01. End: 2024-11-30.
What is the average cost per guard or per hour for this contract, and how does it compare to industry benchmarks?
Without detailed breakdowns of guard hours, shifts, and required qualifications, calculating an exact per-unit cost is difficult. However, given the $8.38M value for a year, it suggests a significant number of personnel or high operational tempo. A comparison to industry benchmarks would require data on average salaries, benefits, and overhead for armed guards in the DC metropolitan area, factoring in the specific security requirements.
What specific risks are associated with relying on Excalibur Associates Inc. for armed guard services, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
Potential risks include contractor performance failures (e.g., inadequate staffing, insufficient training, or misconduct), security breaches, and potential for price gouging in future solicitations if competition diminishes. Mitigation strategies typically involve rigorous background checks for personnel, performance standards in the contract, regular site inspections, and contingency plans for contractor default.
How effectively does this contract meet the Department of Commerce's security needs, and are there alternative or more cost-effective solutions?
The effectiveness is primarily measured by the absence of security incidents and the smooth functioning of protected facilities. While armed guards are a standard solution, effectiveness also depends on the quality of personnel and their integration with other security measures. Exploring technology-based solutions (e.g., advanced surveillance, access control) or different security models could offer cost-effective alternatives or complementary measures.
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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1713 S LOIS AVE STE 200, TAMPA, FL, 33629
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $14,013,094
Exercised Options: $8,380,486
Current Obligation: $8,380,486
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 1331L521A13OS0011
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-12-01
Current End Date: 2024-11-30
Potential End Date: 2024-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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