Commerce's USPTO Awards $11.8M for Armed Security Guard Services to Universal Protection Service
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,849,014 ($11.8M)
Contractor: Universal Protection Service, Limited Partnership
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2026-01-08
End Date: 2027-02-14
Contract Duration: 402 days
Daily Burn Rate: $29.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: ARMED SECURITY GUARD SERVICE
Place of Performance
Location: ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22314
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $11.8 million to UNIVERSAL PROTECTION SERVICE, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP for work described as: ARMED SECURITY GUARD SERVICE Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Universal Protection Service, a significant player in the security industry. 2. The contract value of $11.8M for a 402-day duration suggests a substantial need for security. 3. Risk is moderate, given the nature of security services and the firm fixed-price contract type. 4. The sector is security services, a critical component for government facilities.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $11.8M over approximately 13 months appears reasonable for armed security guard services, especially considering the firm fixed-price nature which caps costs.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process that likely resulted in a fair market price.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential security services.
Public Impact
Ensures the physical security of USPTO facilities and personnel. Supports the uninterrupted operation of critical government intellectual property functions. Provides employment opportunities within the security services sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for service disruptions if the contractor fails to meet performance standards.
- Reliance on a single contractor for a critical security function.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed-price contract limits cost overruns.
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
- Long-term contract provides stability for security operations.
Sector Analysis
The security services sector is vital for government operations, with spending often driven by facility size, criticality, and threat levels. Benchmarks vary widely based on these factors.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors in this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is subject to standard government oversight for performance and compliance. The firm fixed-price structure provides some cost control.
Related Government Programs
- Security Guards and Patrol Services
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract duration is substantial, requiring ongoing monitoring.
- Reliance on a single provider for a critical function.
- Potential for performance issues inherent in service contracts.
- Security guard services can be subject to labor market fluctuations affecting staffing.
Tags
security-guards-and-patrol-services, department-of-commerce, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $11.8 million to UNIVERSAL PROTECTION SERVICE, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP. ARMED SECURITY GUARD SERVICE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSAL PROTECTION SERVICE, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $11.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-01-08. End: 2027-02-14.
What is the benchmark cost for armed security guard services for a federal agency of this size and scope?
Benchmarking armed security guard services is complex due to variations in guard qualifications, post orders, hours, and geographic location. However, typical rates can range from $40-$80 per hour per guard, depending on these factors. The total contract value of $11.8M over 402 days suggests an average daily cost of approximately $29,375, or roughly $1,224 per hour if assuming 24/7 coverage, which needs further breakdown by guard numbers and shifts to assess against benchmarks.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?
Key risks include potential service failures impacting facility security, contractor personnel issues (e.g., turnover, training), and price increases if the contract were not firm fixed-price. Mitigation strategies involve robust performance standards in the contract, regular oversight by the USPTO, and the competitive nature of the initial award. The firm fixed-price structure inherently mitigates cost overrun risks for the government.
How effectively does this contract support the USPTO's mission and operational continuity?
This contract is crucial for maintaining the physical security of USPTO facilities, protecting sensitive information, intellectual property, and personnel. By ensuring continuous and reliable armed security presence, it directly supports the agency's mission to administer patent and trademark laws and maintain operational continuity, preventing disruptions that could impact national innovation and commerce.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Investigation and Security Services › Security Guards and Patrol Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 161 WASHINGTON ST STE 600, CONSHOHOCKEN, PA, 19428
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $66,727,762
Exercised Options: $11,849,014
Current Obligation: $11,849,014
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 47QSWA23D0028
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-01-08
Current End Date: 2027-02-14
Potential End Date: 2031-08-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-10
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