DOJ's $3.6M Security Systems Contract Awarded to Versar Security Systems for New Installation Project

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,616,308 ($3.6M)

Contractor: Versar Security Systems, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2021-09-09

End Date: 2024-02-28

Contract Duration: 902 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: NEW INSTALL PROJECT

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20005

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $3.6 million to VERSAR SECURITY SYSTEMS, LLC for work described as: NEW INSTALL PROJECT Key points: 1. Contract value of $3.6 million for security systems services. 2. Awarded under a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call. 3. Full and open competition was utilized. 4. Contract duration spans over 900 days. 5. The contract is for a new installation project. 6. Services fall under Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths).

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $3.6 million for security systems installation appears to be within a reasonable range for a project of this nature, given the duration and scope. However, without specific details on the exact services rendered and the complexity of the installation, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar new installation projects for security systems by federal agencies would provide a clearer picture of whether the pricing reflects competitive market rates or if there are opportunities for cost savings.

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 had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 5 bidders suggests a reasonably competitive environment. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and can lead to more cost-effective solutions for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the competitive bidding process, which aims to secure the best possible price and quality for the required security systems installation.

Public Impact

The U.S. Marshals Service benefits from enhanced security infrastructure. New security systems are installed to improve operational capabilities. The project is geographically located in the District of Columbia. Potential for local workforce engagement during the installation phase.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in new installation projects if not clearly defined.
Reliance on a single BPA call may limit broader market engagement for future needs.
Ensuring timely completion within the 902-day duration is crucial for operational readiness.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
Firm Fixed Price contract type helps manage cost certainty.
The project addresses a clear need for new security system installations.

Sector Analysis

The security systems services sector is a critical component of government infrastructure, encompassing the installation, maintenance, and upgrading of physical and electronic security measures. This contract, valued at approximately $3.6 million, fits within the broader federal spending on security and facility management. Comparable spending benchmarks in this sector often vary widely based on the scale and technological sophistication of the systems installed, but this award appears to be a moderate-sized project within the federal IT and facilities maintenance landscape.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. While Versar Security Systems, LLC is a prime contractor, there is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans or goals for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are participating in the supply chain for this project.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight. As a BPA Call, it likely falls under the purview of the issuing agency's contracting officer and potentially the Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General for audits or investigations. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, but specific oversight mechanisms for this particular installation project would require deeper investigation into agency policies.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Security Equipment Purchases
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules for Security Equipment

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope is not well-defined.
Risk of delays impacting operational readiness.
Need for robust quality assurance during installation.
Ensuring adequate cybersecurity measures for new systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $3.6 million to VERSAR SECURITY SYSTEMS, LLC. NEW INSTALL PROJECT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VERSAR SECURITY SYSTEMS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (U.S. Marshals Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-09. End: 2024-02-28.

What specific types of security systems are being installed under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths)' and is a 'NEW INSTALL PROJECT'. However, it does not specify the exact types of security systems. These could range from access control systems, surveillance cameras (CCTV), alarm systems, intrusion detection, or integrated security management platforms. A detailed statement of work or contract line item details would be necessary to identify the specific technologies and components being installed. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 561621 supports a broad range of security system services, including installation and maintenance.

How does the $3.6 million contract value compare to similar new security system installation projects for federal agencies?

Benchmarking this $3.6 million contract requires comparison with similar new installation projects for federal agencies. Projects of this value can range significantly in scope. For instance, a large-scale installation across multiple federal buildings in a major metropolitan area could easily exceed this amount, while a single, smaller facility upgrade might be less. Factors such as the number of sites, the complexity of the technology (e.g., high-definition cameras vs. basic alarms), integration requirements with existing systems, and the specific security threat environment all influence cost. Without more granular data on comparable projects, it's difficult to definitively state if $3.6 million represents a high, low, or average cost.

What is the track record of Versar Security Systems, LLC with federal contracts, particularly in security system installations?

Versar Security Systems, LLC has a history of performing federal contracts. To assess their track record specifically for security system installations, a review of their past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) would be essential. This would reveal their performance history regarding quality, timeliness, cost control, and overall customer satisfaction on similar projects. Examining the number and value of previous security system contracts awarded to Versar by federal agencies would also provide insight into their experience and capacity in this specific service area.

What are the potential risks associated with a new installation project of this magnitude and duration?

Potential risks for a new installation project of this magnitude ($3.6M) and duration (902 days) include scope creep, where project requirements expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost overruns and delays. Technical risks involve unforeseen site conditions, integration challenges with existing infrastructure, and the possibility of technology obsolescence during the extended installation period. Contractor performance risks include potential delays, quality issues, or financial instability of the vendor. Furthermore, ensuring adequate security during the installation phase itself is a critical consideration. Effective project management, clear communication, and robust oversight are crucial to mitigate these risks.

How does the firm fixed price contract type impact cost certainty and potential for overruns?

A Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type is designed to provide maximum certainty for the government regarding the total cost of the project. Under an FFP agreement, the contractor assumes the primary risk for any cost overruns incurred due to their own inefficiencies or unforeseen cost increases in labor or materials. This means the government is obligated to pay the agreed-upon price regardless of the contractor's actual costs. While this offers excellent cost control for the buyer, it can incentivize the contractor to cut corners on quality or scope if not carefully monitored. For the government, the main benefit is budget predictability, but it requires thorough initial scope definition to avoid disputes or change orders.

What is the historical spending pattern for security systems services by the U.S. Marshals Service or the Department of Justice?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for security systems services by the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and the broader Department of Justice (DOJ) is crucial for context. This involves examining past contract awards for similar services, including installations, maintenance, and upgrades. Understanding the volume and value of previous contracts can reveal trends in technology adoption, vendor relationships, and overall budget allocation for security infrastructure. For example, a consistent increase in spending might indicate a growing need for enhanced security, while significant fluctuations could point to specific large-scale projects or shifts in security priorities. This historical data helps in evaluating whether the current $3.6 million award is an outlier or part of a sustained investment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Investigation and Security Services › Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths)

Product/Service Code: ALARM, SIGNAL, SECURITY DETECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1025 VERMONT AVE NW STE 500, WASHINGTON, DC, 20005

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,616,308

Exercised Options: $3,616,308

Current Obligation: $3,616,308

Actual Outlays: $2,166,160

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15M20019AA32NP01G

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline