DOJ's $10.7M Guard Services Contract Awarded to Undisclosed Domestic Firm Under SAP

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,713 ($10.7K)

Contractor: Domestic Awardees (undisclosed)

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2024-10-01

End Date: 2025-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $29/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY2025 DISTRICT GUARD SUPPORT SERVICES - D17

Place of Performance

Location: TALLAHASSEE, LEON County, FLORIDA, 32301

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $10,712.5 to DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED) for work described as: FY2025 DISTRICT GUARD SUPPORT SERVICES - D17 Key points: 1. Contract awarded under Special Access Program (SAP) limits transparency and public scrutiny. 2. Limited competition dynamics due to SAP designation may impact price discovery and value. 3. Performance period of one year suggests a need for ongoing security services. 4. Focus on labor hours indicates a service-based contract rather than fixed-price deliverables. 5. Award to an undisclosed domestic entity raises questions about contractor vetting and accountability. 6. Geographic focus on Florida (ST/SN) suggests localized security needs for the U.S. Marshals Service.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging due to the undisclosed awardee and the Special Access Program (SAP) designation, which restricts public access to detailed pricing information. The contract's value of $10.7 million for one year of security guard services needs comparison against similar contracts for the U.S. Marshals Service or other Department of Justice components. Without knowing the specific services rendered and the number of personnel involved, assessing the per-hour labor cost or overall value proposition is difficult. The lack of transparency inherent in SAP awards raises concerns about whether the government is achieving optimal value for taxpayer dollars.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under a Special Access Program (SAP), which inherently limits the scope of competition. SAPs are typically used for highly sensitive or classified information, meaning only a select group of authorized contractors would have been eligible to bid. The number of bidders is not disclosed, but the nature of SAP competition suggests a significantly reduced pool compared to full and open competition. This limited competition environment can potentially lead to higher prices as the government may have fewer options to choose from.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition associated with SAP contracts means taxpayers may not benefit from the most competitive pricing achievable through broader market engagement. This can result in a higher cost for essential security services.

Public Impact

The U.S. Marshals Service is the primary beneficiary, receiving essential security guard and patrol services. The services provided are critical for maintaining security at facilities or for operations managed by the Marshals Service. The contract's geographic impact is focused on Florida, indicating specific operational needs within that state. The contract supports a workforce of security guards and patrol officers, contributing to employment in the security sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of transparency due to SAP designation hinders assessment of contractor suitability and performance.
Undisclosed awardee makes it difficult to evaluate past performance or potential conflicts of interest.
Limited competition may have resulted in a higher price than achievable in a more open market.
The nature of SAP contracts can obscure the specific deliverables and performance metrics.

Positive Signals

The contract was competed, indicating an effort to solicit offers, albeit within a restricted environment.
The award is for a defined period (one year), suggesting a clear scope and timeline for services.
The contract is with the Department of Justice, a major federal agency with established procurement processes.

Sector Analysis

The security guard and patrol services sector is a significant component of the broader professional, scientific, and technical services industry. This contract falls under NAICS code 561612, which encompasses establishments primarily engaged in providing security guards and patrol services. The federal government is a major consumer of these services, utilizing them for facility protection, event security, and personnel escort across various agencies. Market size for federal security services is substantial, with numerous contracts awarded annually. This specific contract for the U.S. Marshals Service represents a portion of that overall federal spending, likely focused on specialized security needs given the SAP designation.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans is not available for this contract, likely due to its Special Access Program (SAP) designation. SAP contracts often operate with reduced reporting requirements and may not adhere to standard small business utilization goals. The absence of this information makes it difficult to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem or whether opportunities were specifically created for small businesses through subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is primarily vested within the Department of Justice and the U.S. Marshals Service. However, the Special Access Program (SAP) designation significantly limits external oversight and transparency. Standard reporting mechanisms and public access to contract details are curtailed. Accountability measures are likely managed internally by the contracting agency, but the lack of public visibility makes independent assessment of accountability difficult. Inspector General jurisdiction may be applicable, but the scope of their review could be constrained by SAP protocols.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Security Services
Department of Defense Guard Services
Law Enforcement Support Services

Risk Flags

Lack of Transparency (SAP)
Limited Competition
Undisclosed Awardee
Potential for Inflated Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $10,712.5 to DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED). FY2025 DISTRICT GUARD SUPPORT SERVICES - D17

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED).

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (U.S. Marshals Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $10,712.5.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-01. End: 2025-09-30.

What specific security services are being procured under this contract, and what are the key performance indicators (KPIs)?

The contract specifies 'Security Guards and Patrol Services' under NAICS code 561612. However, due to the Special Access Program (SAP) designation, the detailed scope of work, specific security functions (e.g., access control, surveillance, response), and key performance indicators (KPIs) are not publicly disclosed. These details are likely classified or sensitive, limiting our ability to assess the precise nature of the services and how their effectiveness will be measured. The contract's focus on 'LABOR HOURS' suggests a requirement for personnel time dedicated to security tasks, rather than specific, measurable outcomes that might be tied to fixed-price deliverables.

How does the $10.7 million value compare to similar security contracts awarded by the U.S. Marshals Service or other DOJ components?

Direct comparison of the $10.7 million value is difficult without knowing the specific services, duration, and geographic scope of comparable contracts, especially given the SAP designation. However, for context, the U.S. Marshals Service procures a wide range of security services. Contracts for basic guard services can range from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars annually, depending on the number of posts, hours required, and security levels. The one-year duration and $10.7 million price tag suggest a significant security requirement, potentially involving multiple posts, specialized personnel, or high-security environments, which is not unusual for federal law enforcement support.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding a contract under a Special Access Program (SAP)?

The primary risk associated with SAP contracts is the inherent lack of transparency. This can obscure potential conflicts of interest, limit the ability to verify contractor qualifications and past performance, and make it challenging to ensure fair pricing and optimal value for taxpayer money. Competition is typically restricted, potentially leading to higher costs. Furthermore, oversight mechanisms may be less robust or accessible compared to standard procurements, increasing the risk of mismanagement or fraud. Ensuring accountability and performance can be more complex when information is compartmentalized.

What does the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation imply about the procurement process and potential bidder pool?

This designation indicates that the contract was competed, meaning multiple offers were solicited, but within the confines of a Special Access Program (SAP). SAPs are used for highly sensitive or classified information, restricting access to only authorized personnel and contractors. Consequently, the bidder pool would have been significantly smaller than in a full and open competition, likely limited to companies possessing the necessary clearances and meeting stringent security requirements. While competed, the process may not have yielded the same level of price competition or broad market engagement as a non-SAP procurement.

Given the undisclosed awardee, what steps can be taken to ensure contractor accountability and performance?

Ensuring accountability for an undisclosed contractor under a SAP requires robust internal controls within the awarding agency (U.S. Marshals Service/DOJ). This includes rigorous performance monitoring, clear contractual requirements, and established procedures for addressing deficiencies or breaches. Regular internal audits and reviews, even if not publicly shared, are crucial. The agency must maintain detailed records of performance evaluations and any corrective actions taken. While external transparency is limited, the agency's internal governance and compliance frameworks are paramount to ensuring the contractor meets its obligations effectively and responsibly.

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: 15M10222QA4700055

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

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: $10,713

Exercised Options: $10,713

Current Obligation: $10,713

Actual Outlays: $12,049

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline