DOJ's $15.4M contract for security services awarded to Metropolitan Security Services, Inc. for FY26

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,384,771 ($15.4M)

Contractor: Metropolitan Security Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-10-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $42.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: CIRCUIT 11 D04 - FY 2026 CSO PROGRAM FUNDING

Place of Performance

Location: CHATTANOOGA, HAMILTON County, TENNESSEE, 37402

State: Tennessee Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $15.4 million to METROPOLITAN SECURITY SERVICES, INC. for work described as: CIRCUIT 11 D04 - FY 2026 CSO PROGRAM FUNDING Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in safeguarding federal facilities and personnel. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract are crucial for ensuring cost-effectiveness and service quality. 3. Performance metrics and oversight will be key indicators of value for taxpayer dollars. 4. The duration of the contract allows for sustained security operations. 5. This award falls within the broader context of federal spending on protective services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The awarded amount of $15.4 million for a one-year contract appears reasonable given the scope of security services typically required by the U.S. Marshals Service. Benchmarking against similar contracts for security guard services in the federal sector, particularly for law enforcement agencies, suggests this pricing is within expected ranges. The contract type, labor hours, indicates flexibility in resource allocation, which can contribute to value if managed efficiently. Further analysis would require detailed service level agreements and performance data.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This process is designed to foster a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and service offerings. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust bidding process. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down costs through market forces and encouraging a wider pool of qualified contractors to vie for government business.

Public Impact

The U.S. Marshals Service benefits from enhanced security for its facilities and personnel. Services delivered include security guard and patrol functions, crucial for law enforcement operations. The geographic impact is focused on Tennessee (ST: TN, SN: TENNESSEE), where the services will be rendered. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for security personnel within the awarded contractor's organization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if labor hours are not managed effectively.
Ensuring consistent service quality across all deployed personnel.
Monitoring contractor performance against defined security objectives.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Contract duration allows for stable security operations.
Focus on essential security services for a critical law enforcement agency.

Sector Analysis

The security services industry is a significant component of the federal contracting landscape, with agencies like the Department of Justice consistently requiring protective services. This contract, valued at approximately $15.4 million for one year, fits within the broader market for security guards and patrol services (NAICS 561612). Federal spending in this sector is driven by the need to protect sensitive government assets, personnel, and facilities. Comparable contracts often range from a few million to tens of millions of dollars annually, depending on the agency's specific needs and geographic scope.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a small business set-aside (SS: false, SB: false). This suggests that large businesses were likely the primary bidders. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific contract appears limited, though the prime contractor may engage small businesses in their supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the U.S. Marshals Service contracting officer and program managers. Accountability measures will be tied to the performance work statement and service level agreements. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Security Services
Law Enforcement Support Services
Department of Justice Facility Management

Risk Flags

Contractor performance history needs verification.
Potential for service disruption if contractor faces operational challenges.
Ensuring consistent quality of security personnel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $15.4 million to METROPOLITAN SECURITY SERVICES, INC.. CIRCUIT 11 D04 - FY 2026 CSO PROGRAM FUNDING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is METROPOLITAN SECURITY SERVICES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for security services by the U.S. Marshals Service in Tennessee?

Analyzing historical spending for security services by the U.S. Marshals Service in Tennessee requires access to detailed procurement data over multiple fiscal years. While this specific award is for FY26, understanding past expenditures can provide context for the current contract's value. Typically, agencies like the Marshals Service maintain a consistent need for security services, with spending fluctuating based on facility needs, threat assessments, and budget allocations. Without specific historical data for this region, it's difficult to establish a precise trend, but federal agencies generally aim for stable or incrementally adjusted budgets for essential services like security. The current award of $15.4 million for FY26 suggests a significant and ongoing requirement for these services in Tennessee.

How does the awarded amount compare to the average contract value for similar security services nationwide?

Comparing the $15.4 million awarded to Metropolitan Security Services, Inc. for FY26 to nationwide averages for similar security services requires a broad dataset of federal contracts. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 561612 (Security Guards and Patrol Services) encompasses a wide range of contracts across various agencies and locations. National averages can vary significantly based on contract duration, scope of services (e.g., armed vs. unarmed guards, specialized surveillance), and geographic location. However, for a single-year contract of this magnitude, it suggests a substantial requirement, potentially involving multiple sites or high-security needs, placing it within the upper range of typical contracts for this service category but not necessarily an outlier, especially for a critical agency like the U.S. Marshals Service.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) likely to be used to evaluate Metropolitan Security Services, Inc.'s performance?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for a security services contract like this typically focus on the effectiveness and reliability of the services provided. Common KPIs include response times to incidents, adherence to post orders, guard presence and punctuality (e.g., minimizing unscheduled absences), incident reporting accuracy and timeliness, and overall customer satisfaction from the U.S. Marshals Service personnel. For armed guards, additional KPIs might relate to firearms proficiency and adherence to safety protocols. The contract's success will hinge on the contractor's ability to meet or exceed predefined standards in these areas, ensuring the security objectives are consistently met throughout the contract period.

What is the contractor's track record with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Justice?

Metropolitan Security Services, Inc.'s track record with federal contracts, especially with the Department of Justice, is a critical factor in assessing the risk and potential success of this award. A review of federal procurement databases would reveal their past performance, including the types of contracts awarded, their value, duration, and any reported performance issues or commendations. Experience with similar agencies or security requirements would indicate a lower risk profile. If the company has a history of successful contract completion with the DOJ or other federal entities, it suggests a strong understanding of government contracting requirements, compliance standards, and operational demands, which bodes well for this new award.

Are there any specific risks associated with relying on a single contractor for security services in this region?

While this contract was awarded through full and open competition, the execution is with a single entity, Metropolitan Security Services, Inc. Potential risks associated with relying on one contractor include service disruptions due to unforeseen events affecting the contractor (e.g., labor disputes, financial instability, or natural disasters impacting their operations). There's also the risk of complacency or a decline in service quality over time if performance monitoring is not rigorous. However, the full and open competition process aims to mitigate long-term risks by ensuring the initial award was based on best value. Robust contract management and contingency planning by the U.S. Marshals Service are essential to address these potential risks.

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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 15M10523RA4700028

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 100 E 10TH ST STE 400, CHATTANOOGA, TN, 37402

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,384,771

Exercised Options: $15,384,771

Current Obligation: $15,384,771

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15M10523DA4700070

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline