DOJ's $8.3M FY26 CSO Program Funding contract awarded to Metropolitan Security Services for security guard services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,311,114 ($8.3M)

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: $22.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: CIRCUIT 11 D18 - 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 $8.3 million to METROPOLITAN SECURITY SERVICES, INC. for work described as: CIRCUIT 11 D18 - FY 2026 CSO PROGRAM FUNDING Key points: 1. Contract awarded for security guard services, a critical component of federal facility protection. 2. The contract duration is one year, aligning with annual federal budget cycles. 3. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process. 4. The contract type is a delivery order, indicating it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 561612 points to specialized security services. 6. The contract is for labor hours, providing flexibility in service delivery. 7. The base contract value is $8.3 million for the specified period.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $8.3 million for a one-year security guard services contract appears reasonable when benchmarked against similar federal procurements for security personnel. The pricing structure, based on labor hours, allows for adjustments based on actual service needs. Without specific details on the number of personnel or hours, a precise per-unit cost comparison is difficult, but the overall award amount is within expected ranges for this type of service.

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. This method typically fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple bidders to offer their best pricing and service proposals. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation suggests a healthy level of competition was sought and likely achieved.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down costs through market forces and ensuring the government receives the best value for its investment in security services.

Public Impact

The U.S. Marshals Service benefits from enhanced security for federal facilities and personnel. Services delivered include the provision of security guards and patrol services. The contract has a geographic impact in Tennessee (ST: TN, SN: TENNESSEE). The contract supports the federal law enforcement and judicial system's operational needs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if the definition of 'security guard services' is not clearly delineated.
Reliance on a single delivery order under a potentially larger IDIQ could have implications if the base IDIQ was not competitively sourced.
The contract's one-year duration may necessitate frequent re-competition or extensions, leading to administrative overhead.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a fair and transparent procurement process.
The contract specifies labor hours, allowing for flexibility in meeting evolving security needs.
The award to Metropolitan Security Services indicates a selection based on demonstrated capability and competitive pricing.

Sector Analysis

The security services industry is a significant sector within the broader professional services market, encompassing a wide range of protective and investigative activities. Federal agencies are major consumers of these services, particularly for safeguarding sensitive facilities and personnel. This contract for security guards and patrol services falls within the established market for guarding, alarm, and investigative services, which is characterized by numerous providers ranging from small businesses to large corporations. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for security personnel indicates that award values are highly dependent on the scope, duration, and specific requirements of the service.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on small businesses would be through potential subcontracting opportunities if Metropolitan Security Services chooses to engage them. However, without specific subcontracting plans or goals outlined in the award, it is difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this particular contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the U.S. Marshals Service, the designated agency. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, performance standards, and payment schedules. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like SAM.gov 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
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule Contracts for Security
Department of Defense Security Guard Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues if guard training or supervision is inadequate.
Risk of price increases in future contract renewals if competition is limited.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical security functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $8.3 million to METROPOLITAN SECURITY SERVICES, INC.. CIRCUIT 11 D18 - 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 $8.3 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?

Analyzing historical spending for security guard services by the U.S. Marshals Service requires access to detailed federal procurement data over multiple fiscal years. Typically, agencies like the Marshals Service procure these services through various contract vehicles, including IDIQ contracts and direct awards. Spending can fluctuate based on facility needs, threat assessments, and budget allocations. For instance, if the Marshals Service has expanded its operational footprint or increased security requirements at existing facilities, spending on guard services would likely rise. Conversely, consolidation of facilities or shifts in security strategy could lead to decreased spending. Benchmarking this $8.3 million award against prior years' expenditures would reveal whether this represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment in security personnel.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar security guard services in Tennessee?

To compare the awarded price to market rates for similar security guard services in Tennessee, one would need to analyze the contract's specific labor rates (hourly wages for different security guard levels) and compare them against prevailing wage data for security personnel in the relevant geographic areas of Tennessee. Factors such as the required security clearances, experience levels, and the specific duties (e.g., armed vs. unarmed guards, supervisory roles) significantly influence market rates. Federal contracts often incorporate specific wage determinations (like Service Contract Act requirements) that may differ from purely commercial rates. A detailed analysis would involve examining the number of labor hours allocated per guard type and multiplying by the awarded rates, then comparing this to industry benchmarks and data from other federal or state contracts in the region.

What is Metropolitan Security Services' track record with federal contracts, particularly for security guard services?

Metropolitan Security Services' track record with federal contracts, especially for security guard services, can be assessed by reviewing their past performance information available in federal procurement databases. This includes examining previous awards, contract values, durations, and any reported performance evaluations or past performance questionnaires. A positive track record would typically involve successful completion of similar contracts, adherence to contract terms, and positive feedback from government agencies. Conversely, any history of contract disputes, performance issues, or terminations would be a concern. Understanding their experience with the U.S. Marshals Service or other law enforcement agencies would provide further insight into their suitability for this specific award.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the effectiveness of this security guard contract?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for a security guard contract typically focus on ensuring the physical security and safety of the facilities and personnel. Common KPIs include response times to incidents, adherence to post orders and patrol routes, incident reporting accuracy and timeliness, guard presence and punctuality, and the successful prevention of unauthorized access or security breaches. The contract likely specifies these metrics, along with acceptable performance thresholds. Performance is often evaluated through regular inspections, audits, and feedback from facility managers. Failure to meet these KPIs could result in contractual remedies, such as penalties or corrective action plans, and could impact future contract awards.

Are there any specific risks associated with relying on Metropolitan Security Services for these critical security functions?

Risks associated with relying on Metropolitan Security Services would be evaluated based on their past performance, financial stability, and the specific nature of the security requirements. Potential risks could include personnel-related issues such as high turnover rates, inadequate training, or background check deficiencies, which could compromise security. Operational risks might involve lapses in vigilance, failure to follow protocols, or insufficient staffing during critical periods. Furthermore, any history of security incidents or breaches under previous contracts awarded to the company would represent a significant risk. A thorough risk assessment would also consider the company's capacity to scale services up or down as needed and their ability to maintain consistent service quality throughout the contract period.

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: $8,311,114

Exercised Options: $8,311,114

Current Obligation: $8,311,114

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