DOJ's $20.9M Guard Services Contract Awarded to Undisclosed Domestic Firm

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,948 ($20.9K)

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: $58/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY2025 DISTRICT GUARD SUPPORT SERVICES - D34

Place of Performance

Location: NEW ORLEANS, ORLEANS County, LOUISIANA, 70130

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $20,947.5 to DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED) for work described as: FY2025 DISTRICT GUARD SUPPORT SERVICES - D34 Key points: 1. Contract awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on smaller value procurements. 2. The contract's duration of one year with no option periods indicates a short-term need for services. 3. Services are categorized under Security Guards and Patrol Services, a common requirement for federal facilities. 4. The awardee is listed as 'Domestic Awardees (Undisclosed)', raising questions about transparency in the selection process. 5. The contract is for labor hours, implying a flexible service delivery model based on operational needs. 6. The geographic scope is limited to Louisiana, suggesting a localized requirement for support services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without knowing the specific services and labor rates. However, the award amount of $20.9 million for a one-year period for security guard services is substantial. Without comparison to similar contracts for similar scope and geographic locations, it is difficult to definitively assess value for money. The use of labor hours suggests potential for cost variability based on actual hours worked.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of bidders and is intended for procurements below a certain threshold. While competed, the specific number of bidders and the extent of outreach are not detailed. This method can sometimes lead to less competitive pricing compared to full and open competition, especially if the solicitation was not widely disseminated.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, competition under SAP may result in slightly higher prices than if the contract had been broadly competed. However, the administrative cost savings of SAP can sometimes offset this.

Public Impact

The U.S. Marshals Service will benefit from enhanced security and operational support at its facilities in Louisiana. The contract ensures the provision of essential security guard and patrol services, contributing to the safety of federal personnel and property. The geographic impact is concentrated within Louisiana, supporting local federal operations. The contract will likely create or sustain jobs for security personnel within the state.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of transparency regarding the specific awardee hinders assessment of their track record and potential performance.
The use of SAP may limit the pool of potential bidders, potentially impacting price competitiveness.
The 'undisclosed' nature of the awardee raises concerns about accountability and public scrutiny.

Positive Signals

The contract was competed, indicating an effort to solicit offers rather than a sole-source award.
The services provided are essential for the operational security of the U.S. Marshals Service.
The contract is for a defined period, allowing for re-evaluation of needs and contractor performance.

Sector Analysis

The security services sector is a significant component of the federal contracting landscape, encompassing a wide range of protective services. This contract falls within the broader professional, scientific, and technical services category. Federal spending in this area is driven by the need to protect government assets, personnel, and sensitive information across various agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other contracts for guard services awarded by agencies like the GSA, FBI, or other law enforcement bodies, considering factors like geographic scope and service level.

Small Business Impact

The contract was competed under SAP, and there is no explicit indication of a small business set-aside. The 'undisclosed' nature of the awardee makes it impossible to determine if a small business was awarded the contract or if subcontracting opportunities for small businesses will be significant. Further investigation into the specific solicitation details would be needed to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the U.S. Marshals Service, the contracting agency. The use of labor hours allows for monitoring of hours worked and associated costs. Transparency is limited by the undisclosed awardee. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse, but detailed performance oversight rests with the contracting officer's representative (COR) and the agency.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Security Services
General Services Administration (GSA) Security Contracts
FBI Support Services
Law Enforcement Agency Support Services

Risk Flags

Lack of Awardee Transparency
Potential for Limited Competition under SAP
Need for Benchmarking Value for Money

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $20,947.5 to DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED). FY2025 DISTRICT GUARD SUPPORT SERVICES - D34

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 $20,947.5.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the specific track record and past performance of the undisclosed awardee for similar security guard services?

The provided data does not include information on the specific awardee, making it impossible to assess their track record or past performance. To determine this, one would need to identify the awarded entity through contract databases or agency solicitations and then review their performance history on previous federal contracts, including any past performance evaluations, awards, or debriefings. Without this information, the risk associated with the contractor's ability to deliver reliable services remains unknown.

How does the per-hour labor rate for this contract compare to market rates for security guards in Louisiana?

The data provided does not include the specific per-hour labor rates or the total number of labor hours anticipated under the contract. To perform this comparison, one would need to obtain the contract's pricing details. Subsequently, market research would involve analyzing Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for security guard wages in Louisiana, as well as reviewing publicly available contract awards for similar services in the same geographic region. This would allow for an assessment of whether the contracted rates are competitive and represent good value for the government.

What are the specific security risks or vulnerabilities that this contract aims to mitigate for the U.S. Marshals Service in Louisiana?

The contract is for 'Security Guards and Patrol Services,' indicating its primary purpose is to enhance physical security and deter unauthorized access or activities at U.S. Marshals Service facilities within Louisiana. Specific risks mitigated likely include unauthorized entry, theft, vandalism, and ensuring the safety of personnel and visitors. The 'undisclosed' nature of the awardee means specific performance metrics or risk mitigation strategies tied to that contractor cannot be detailed, but the general intent is to maintain a secure operational environment.

What is the historical spending pattern for security guard services by the U.S. Marshals Service in Louisiana over the past five fiscal years?

The provided data only pertains to the FY2025 contract. To analyze historical spending patterns, one would need to query federal procurement databases (like FPDS or USASpending) for all contracts awarded to the U.S. Marshals Service for security guard and patrol services within Louisiana over the last five fiscal years. This analysis would reveal trends in contract values, award types (competed vs. sole-source), and the number of contracts awarded, providing context for the current $20.9 million award.

What are the implications of awarding this contract under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) versus full and open competition?

Awarding under SAP generally means the procurement process is streamlined and less formal than full and open competition. This can lead to faster award times and reduced administrative burden. However, it typically involves a smaller pool of potential offerors and may not achieve the same level of price competition as a broadly advertised solicitation. For taxpayers, this could mean potentially higher prices, but the efficiency gains of SAP might offset some of these costs. The 'undisclosed' awardee further complicates assessing the true competitive outcome.

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: $20,948

Exercised Options: $20,948

Current Obligation: $20,948

Actual Outlays: $22,512

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline