DOJ's $13.6M contract for security services in Tennessee awarded to Metropolitan Security Services, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,568,191 ($13.6M)

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: $37.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: CIRCUIT 2 D53 - 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 $13.6 million to METROPOLITAN SECURITY SERVICES, INC. for work described as: CIRCUIT 2 D53 - FY 2026 CSO PROGRAM FUNDING Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in regional security infrastructure. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially competitive bidding process for this service. 3. Performance risk appears moderate given the nature of security services. 4. This contract aligns with the U.S. Marshals Service's ongoing operational needs. 5. The sector for security services is mature and highly specialized. 6. Small business participation is not explicitly mandated, requiring further review.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $13.6 million over one year appears reasonable for comprehensive security services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for federal security services in the region 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 per-unit cost data, a definitive assessment of pricing competitiveness is challenging, but the overall award amount seems aligned with market expectations for such services.

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 were likely invited to bid. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, driving down prices and encouraging innovation. The specific number of bidders and the evaluation criteria would offer deeper insights into the intensity of the competition. A robust competitive process is crucial for ensuring the government secures the best value and service quality.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically leads to more cost-effective solutions and a wider array of qualified providers, maximizing the use of public funds.

Public Impact

The U.S. Marshals Service benefits from enhanced security and operational support in Tennessee. Services delivered include vital security guard and patrol functions. The geographic impact is concentrated within Tennessee, supporting federal law enforcement operations. Workforce implications include job creation for security personnel within the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if service requirements are not clearly defined and managed.
Reliance on labor hours could lead to cost increases if not closely monitored.
Ensuring consistent service quality across all deployed personnel requires strong contractor management.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
Contract duration provides stability for both the agency and the contractor.
The contractor's specialization in security services indicates relevant expertise.

Sector Analysis

The security services sector is a substantial part of the broader professional, scientific, and technical services industry. This contract falls within the security and investigation services sub-sector, which is characterized by a mix of large, established firms and smaller, specialized providers. Federal spending in this area is driven by the need to protect government facilities, personnel, and assets. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other federal contracts for similar security guard and patrol services across different agencies and geographic locations.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary focus was on securing the most capable and cost-effective provider through open competition. Further analysis would be needed to determine if opportunities exist for small businesses to participate as subcontractors to Metropolitan Security Services, Inc., or if this contract represents a missed opportunity for small business engagement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the U.S. Marshals Service contracting officer and contract specialists. Accountability measures would include performance reviews, adherence to service level agreements, and financial audits. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics are often internal. The Inspector General for the Department of Justice may conduct audits or investigations if concerns regarding waste, fraud, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to labor-hour pricing
Ensuring consistent service quality and guard performance
Adequate contractor oversight and performance monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $13.6 million to METROPOLITAN SECURITY SERVICES, INC.. CIRCUIT 2 D53 - 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 $13.6 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?

Metropolitan Security Services, Inc. has a history of performing federal contracts, primarily within the Department of Justice and other law enforcement-related agencies. While specific details on past performance quality, such as on-time delivery, adherence to specifications, and customer satisfaction, are not detailed in this summary, the award of a new contract suggests a satisfactory performance history. A deeper dive into their contract award history, including any past performance evaluations or disputes, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and capability in fulfilling federal security requirements.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar security contracts in Tennessee?

The awarded amount of approximately $13.6 million for a one-year contract for security guard and patrol services in Tennessee is a significant figure. To benchmark its value, one would need to compare it against other federal, state, or large private sector contracts for similar services within the same geographic region. Factors such as the number of personnel required, hours of coverage, specific security technologies employed, and the level of threat assessment would influence pricing. Without access to a database of comparable contracts with detailed scope and pricing, it is difficult to definitively state if this represents excellent or fair value, but it is within the expected range for comprehensive federal security operations.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of security services contract?

The primary risks associated with this security services contract include performance failures, such as inadequate guard presence, delayed response times, or breaches of security protocols. Financial risks involve potential cost overruns due to the labor-hour pricing model if not managed effectively, or contractor default. There's also a risk of personnel issues, including high turnover, inadequate training, or misconduct among security staff, which can impact service quality and agency reputation. Ensuring robust contractor oversight, clear performance standards, and contingency planning are crucial to mitigate these risks.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' approach for securing security services?

The 'full and open competition' approach is generally considered highly effective for securing a wide range of services, including security. It maximizes the pool of potential bidders, fostering a competitive environment that can lead to better pricing and higher quality services. This method ensures that the government considers all responsible sources, increasing the likelihood of selecting the best value offer. For security services, this approach can bring in specialized expertise and innovative solutions that might not be available through more restrictive procurement methods. However, the effectiveness also depends on the clarity of the solicitation requirements and the rigor of the evaluation process.

What is the historical spending trend for security services by the U.S. Marshals Service?

Historical spending trends for security services by the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) would likely show a consistent and significant investment in safeguarding federal personnel, facilities, and judicial proceedings. This spending is driven by the agency's critical law enforcement mission. Analyzing past fiscal years would reveal fluctuations based on operational needs, threat levels, and budget allocations. It's probable that spending has remained robust, potentially increasing over time due to evolving security challenges and the expansion of USMS operations. Benchmarking this $13.6 million award against previous years' expenditures would indicate whether this represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment in security.

Are there specific performance metrics tied to this contract, and how are they measured?

While specific performance metrics are not detailed in the provided data, federal contracts for security services typically include Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to response times, incident reporting accuracy, guard presence and punctuality, and adherence to post orders. These metrics are usually measured through contractor self-reporting, government surveillance, site inspections, and feedback from agency personnel interacting with the security guards. Performance is often evaluated through a Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), which influences future contract awards. The effectiveness of these metrics depends on their clarity, measurability, and the rigor of the government's oversight process.

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: $13,568,191

Exercised Options: $13,568,191

Current Obligation: $13,568,191

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15M10523DA4700066

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline