DOJ's US Marshals Service awards $19.5M for FY26 CSO Program, MetSec Inc. secures contract
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,484,625 ($19.5M)
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: $53.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS
Sector: Other
Official Description: CIRCUIT 9 D12 - FY 2026 CSO PROGRAM FUNDING
Place of Performance
Location: CHATTANOOGA, HAMILTON County, TENNESSEE, 37402
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $19.5 million to METROPOLITAN SECURITY SERVICES, INC. for work described as: CIRCUIT 9 D12 - FY 2026 CSO PROGRAM FUNDING Key points: 1. Contract Value: $19.5 million for one year of security services. 2. Competition: Awarded under full and open competition. 3. Risk: Potential for cost overruns or service quality issues if not managed closely. 4. Sector: Security services, a critical but often commoditized sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $19.5M for 364 days of service appears reasonable given the scope of security guard services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for security personnel in the federal space would provide a clearer picture of its competitiveness.
Cost Per Unit: $53,529 (annualized benchmark based on provided data)
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to more competitive pricing by allowing all eligible vendors to bid.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from competitive pricing achieved through open competition, ensuring funds are used efficiently for essential security services.
Public Impact
Ensures continued security operations for the U.S. Marshals Service. Supports jobs within the private security sector. Potential for service disruptions if contractor performance is subpar.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Contract duration is short (364 days), potentially leading to frequent re-competition costs.
- Reliance on a single awardee for critical security services.
- Labor hours pricing can be susceptible to wage inflation.
Positive Signals
- Awarded via full and open competition.
- Contract supports a key law enforcement agency.
- Clear performance period defined.
Sector Analysis
The security services sector is highly competitive, with numerous providers. Federal contracts often focus on labor hours, making personnel costs and management key drivers of overall spending. Benchmarks vary widely based on location and service level.
Small Business Impact
While this contract was awarded under full and open competition, there is no specific indication of small business participation or set-aside. Larger contracts in this sector can sometimes be subcontracted to smaller, specialized firms.
Oversight & Accountability
The U.S. Marshals Service is responsible for overseeing contractor performance to ensure adherence to contract terms and service level agreements. Regular performance reviews and audits are crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Security Guards and Patrol Services
- Department of Justice Contracting
- U.S. Marshals Service Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost creep due to labor hours pricing.
- Short contract duration may lead to frequent re-competition.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical security functions.
- Need for robust performance monitoring by the agency.
Tags
security-guards-and-patrol-services, department-of-justice, tn, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $19.5 million to METROPOLITAN SECURITY SERVICES, INC.. CIRCUIT 9 D12 - 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 $19.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.
What is the historical performance of Metropolitan Security Services, Inc. with the federal government?
Assessing the contractor's past performance record is crucial. A review of previous federal contracts, including any performance issues, past disputes, or awards, would provide insight into their reliability and ability to meet the demanding requirements of the U.S. Marshals Service. This historical data informs the current risk assessment.
How does the per-unit cost of security guards compare to similar federal contracts in the region?
Benchmarking the per-unit cost against similar federal contracts for security guards in Tennessee is essential. Variations in pricing could indicate differences in service complexity, required qualifications, or simply market competitiveness. A significant deviation warrants further investigation into the contract's specifics and the contractor's cost structure.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure service quality and prevent cost overruns throughout the contract period?
Effective oversight mechanisms, including detailed performance metrics, regular reporting requirements, and clear escalation procedures for issues, are vital. The agency should actively monitor service delivery and contractor responsiveness. Proactive management and a clear understanding of the labor hours pricing model can help mitigate risks of cost overruns and ensure consistent service quality.
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: $19,484,625
Exercised Options: $19,484,625
Current Obligation: $19,484,625
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
Start Date: 2025-10-01
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-10
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