DOJ's FY2026 CSO Program Funding contract awarded to Metropolitan Security Services for $14.1M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,069,650 ($14.1M)

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: $38.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: CIRCUIT 9 D08 - 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 $14.1 million to METROPOLITAN SECURITY SERVICES, INC. for work described as: CIRCUIT 9 D08 - FY 2026 CSO PROGRAM FUNDING Key points: 1. Contract value of $14.1M for one year of security services. 2. Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Security services are crucial for government facility operations and personnel safety. 4. The contract duration is one year, allowing for regular performance reviews. 5. The primary service is security guards and patrol, a common government need. 6. The contract is a delivery order, indicating it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $14.1 million for one year of security services appears reasonable given the scope of providing security guards and patrol services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for security services in the Department of Justice or other federal agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The pricing structure, based on labor hours, allows for flexibility but requires diligent oversight to ensure efficiency and prevent cost overruns. Without specific details on the number of personnel or hours, a direct per-unit cost comparison is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service quality. The agency likely sought proposals that best met the technical and cost requirements for security services.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for cost savings through competitive bidding and encourages a wider range of service providers to offer their best value.

Public Impact

The U.S. Marshals Service benefits from enhanced security for its facilities and operations. Services include the provision of security guards and patrol, ensuring physical safety and access control. The contract's geographic impact is focused on Tennessee, where the services will be delivered. The contract supports jobs in the security services sector within Tennessee.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost creep if labor hours are not closely monitored.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical security functions.
Ensuring consistent service quality across all deployed personnel.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive price.
Clear service requirements for security guards and patrol.
Defined contract period allows for performance evaluation and potential adjustments.

Sector Analysis

The security services industry is a significant sector within the federal contracting landscape, encompassing a wide range of protective services. This contract falls under the 'Security Guards and Patrol Services' (NAICS 561612) category. Federal spending in this area is consistently high due to the need for facility protection, personnel safety, and asset safeguarding across numerous government agencies. This specific contract represents a portion of the broader federal investment in maintaining secure government operations.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss and sb fields) is false for this contract. This suggests that the prime contractor, Metropolitan Security Services, Inc., is not a small business, and there is no explicit indication of small business set-aside provisions or subcontracting goals within this specific award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within the scope of this delivery order.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the U.S. Marshals Service, with contract officers and technical monitors responsible for ensuring performance standards are met and that services are delivered as specified. The contract's performance period allows for regular reviews and accountability. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Security Services
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule Contracts for Security

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to labor hour basis.
Dependence on contractor performance for critical security functions.
Need for rigorous oversight to ensure service quality and compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $14.1 million to METROPOLITAN SECURITY SERVICES, INC.. CIRCUIT 9 D08 - 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 $14.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the track record of Metropolitan Security Services, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly in security services?

Metropolitan Security Services, Inc. has a history of federal contracting, primarily within the security services domain. Analyzing their past performance on similar contracts, including their on-time delivery rates, quality of service, and any past performance issues or awards, is crucial for assessing their reliability. Information from sources like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or contractor performance databases can reveal their experience with agencies like the Department of Justice and the U.S. Marshals Service. A review of their financial stability and any history of litigation or disputes would also contribute to a comprehensive understanding of their track record.

How does the awarded amount of $14.1 million compare to similar security contracts awarded by the U.S. Marshals Service or other federal agencies for comparable services?

To benchmark the value of this $14.1 million contract, a comparison with similar security guard and patrol service contracts awarded by the U.S. Marshals Service or other federal agencies is necessary. Factors such as the number of personnel, hours of service, geographic location, and specific security requirements (e.g., armed vs. unarmed guards, specialized equipment) must be considered. If this contract is a delivery order under an IDIQ, the pricing should be evaluated against the ceiling price and other awarded orders. A higher or lower value compared to benchmarks could indicate either exceptional value or potential overpricing/underbidding, warranting further investigation into the specifics of the service scope and market rates.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Key risks for this contract include potential service disruptions due to contractor performance issues, cost overruns if labor hours are not managed effectively, and security breaches if personnel are not adequately vetted or trained. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust contract oversight by the U.S. Marshals Service, including regular performance reviews, site inspections, and audits of labor hours and billing. Contractor performance metrics and clear deliverables are essential. Furthermore, the contract likely includes clauses for remedies in case of non-performance, such as penalties or termination for default, and requires personnel to meet specific background check and training standards.

What is the expected effectiveness of the security services provided under this contract in meeting the U.S. Marshals Service's operational needs?

The effectiveness of the security services hinges on the contractor's ability to consistently provide qualified personnel who adhere to strict protocols and maintain vigilance. The U.S. Marshals Service's operational needs likely involve securing facilities, controlling access, deterring unauthorized entry, and responding to security incidents. The contract's success will be measured by its ability to prevent security breaches, ensure the safety of personnel and assets, and support the overall mission of the Marshals Service. Performance metrics, such as incident response times, adherence to post orders, and client satisfaction, will be key indicators of effectiveness.

What are the historical spending patterns for security services by the U.S. Marshals Service, and how does this contract fit within that trend?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for security services by the U.S. Marshals Service provides context for this $14.1 million award. Understanding whether this amount is consistent with, higher than, or lower than previous years' spending on similar services can indicate trends in resource allocation and security needs. Factors such as changes in the agency's operational footprint, threat levels, or shifts in contracting strategies (e.g., moving from multiple small contracts to larger IDIQs) can influence these patterns. This contract's value and duration should be assessed against this historical data to determine if it represents a stable, increased, or decreased investment in security.

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: $14,069,650

Exercised Options: $14,069,650

Current Obligation: $14,069,650

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15M10523DA4700068

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline