DOJ's $7.6M FY26 CSO Program Funding contract awarded to Metropolitan Security Services for security guard services in Tennessee

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,578,739 ($7.6M)

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: $20.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: CIRCUIT 10 D13 - 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 $7.6 million to METROPOLITAN SECURITY SERVICES, INC. for work described as: CIRCUIT 10 D13 - FY 2026 CSO PROGRAM FUNDING Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in security services for the U.S. Marshals Service. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract are crucial for ensuring cost-effectiveness and optimal service delivery. 3. Performance context will be key to understanding the effectiveness of security guard services provided. 4. The sector for security guard services is mature, with established players and pricing benchmarks. 5. Geographic focus on Tennessee highlights specific regional security needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The awarded amount of $7.6 million for a 364-day contract appears within a reasonable range for comprehensive security services, especially considering the specialized nature of supporting federal law enforcement. However, without specific details on the scope of services, personnel required, and geographic coverage within Tennessee, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for security guard services in comparable regions would provide a clearer picture of whether this represents a competitive price point.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive process is generally expected to drive down prices and encourage innovation. The number of bidders and the evaluation criteria used would further inform the degree to which this competition effectively translated into optimal pricing and service quality for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition suggests that taxpayers benefit from a more efficient allocation of resources, as the government likely secured services at a price reflecting market conditions and competitive pressures.

Public Impact

The U.S. Marshals Service benefits from enhanced security operations. Essential security guard services are delivered across specified locations in Tennessee. The contract supports the operational readiness and safety of federal law enforcement activities. Local workforce in Tennessee may see employment opportunities in the security sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if service requirements are not clearly defined and managed.
Ensuring consistent quality of personnel across all shifts and locations.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical security functions.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
Clear contract duration provides predictability for service provision.
Focus on a specific geographic area allows for tailored security solutions.

Sector Analysis

The security guard services sector is a well-established part of the broader professional, scientific, and technical services industry. It encompasses a wide range of services from unarmed guards to specialized security personnel. Federal spending in this sector is substantial, driven by the need to protect government facilities, personnel, and assets. This contract fits within the typical federal procurement landscape for security services, with pricing often benchmarked against industry standards and previous contract awards.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and does not explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears limited unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities. Further analysis of the subcontracting plan would be needed to fully assess the impact.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the U.S. Marshals Service contracting officer and program managers. Accountability measures would be defined in the contract's performance work statement, with potential for performance evaluations and remedies for non-compliance. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics may not always be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Security Contracts
General Services Administration Schedules for Security Services

Risk Flags

Potential for service disruption due to contractor performance issues.
Risk of price escalation in future contract renewals.
Dependence on contractor's ability to maintain qualified personnel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $7.6 million to METROPOLITAN SECURITY SERVICES, INC.. CIRCUIT 10 D13 - 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 $7.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

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

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

Analyzing historical spending by the U.S. Marshals Service for security guard services in Tennessee would provide crucial context for the current $7.6 million award. This involves examining previous contract awards, their values, durations, and the contractors involved over the past several fiscal years. Understanding whether this represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of spending can indicate changes in security needs, operational scope, or market pricing. For instance, a significant increase might suggest expanded requirements or inflation, while a decrease could point to efficiency gains or reduced operational presence. Benchmarking this award against prior expenditures helps assess if the current investment is consistent with historical needs and resource allocation.

How does the per-unit cost of security personnel under this contract compare to similar federal contracts?

To assess the value for money, a comparison of the per-unit cost of security personnel under this contract against similar federal contracts is essential. This would involve calculating the average cost per guard per hour or per day based on the contract's total value and estimated labor hours. This calculated rate can then be benchmarked against rates from other federal contracts for security guard services, particularly those awarded by agencies with similar security needs or in comparable geographic regions. Significant deviations from the benchmark could indicate either exceptional service quality and pricing or potential overpricing/underpricing. Factors such as the level of security clearance required, specialized training, and the specific duties of the guards must be considered in this comparison.

What are the specific performance metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract?

The specific performance metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract are critical for evaluating the effectiveness and value delivered by Metropolitan Security Services. These KPIs would typically outline measurable standards for guard performance, such as response times to incidents, adherence to post orders, incident reporting accuracy, and overall site security. The contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS) would detail these requirements and the methods for measuring compliance. Understanding these metrics allows for an objective assessment of whether the contractor is meeting or exceeding expectations, and whether the $7.6 million investment is yielding the desired security outcomes for the U.S. Marshals Service.

What is the track record of Metropolitan Security Services in fulfilling federal contracts of similar scope and value?

Metropolitan Security Services' track record in fulfilling federal contracts of similar scope and value is a key indicator of their capability and reliability. An analysis would involve reviewing their past performance ratings on federal contracts, particularly those involving security guard services for law enforcement or government agencies. This includes examining contract close-out data, any past performance issues, awards, or disputes. A history of successful contract completion, positive performance reviews, and adherence to contractual obligations suggests a lower risk for this current award. Conversely, a pattern of performance deficiencies or contract terminations would raise concerns about the contractor's ability to meet the requirements of this $7.6 million award.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single contractor for these security services?

Relying on a single contractor, even one selected through full and open competition, introduces several potential risks. These include a lack of competitive pressure once the contract is awarded, potentially leading to complacency or price increases in future renewals. There's also the risk of service disruption if the contractor experiences financial difficulties, labor disputes, or fails to maintain adequate staffing levels. Furthermore, a single point of failure can be problematic if the contractor's performance degrades significantly, requiring a potentially lengthy and disruptive process to transition to a new provider. Mitigation strategies, such as robust contract management and performance monitoring, are essential to address these 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: $7,578,739

Exercised Options: $7,578,739

Current Obligation: $7,578,739

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15M10523DA4700069

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline