State Dept. Awards $853K Contract for Embassy Guard Services in Tunisia to Inter-con Security Systems
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $8,537,059 ($8.5M)
Contractor: Inter-Con Security Systems, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of State
Start Date: 2022-11-01
End Date: 2027-01-31
Contract Duration: 1,552 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: LOCAL GUARD SERVICES FOR US EMBASSY TUNIS, TUNISIA
Plain-Language Summary
Department of State obligated $8.5 million to INTER-CON SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: LOCAL GUARD SERVICES FOR US EMBASSY TUNIS, TUNISIA Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential security services at the U.S. Embassy in Tunis. 2. Inter-con Security Systems, Inc. secured the contract through full and open competition. 3. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control challenges. 4. The security sector is critical for diplomatic missions, with consistent demand for reliable services.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $853,705 is for a duration of over 4 years. Without specific performance metrics or a detailed breakdown of services, it's difficult to definitively assess value. However, the Time and Materials pricing structure suggests potential for cost overruns if not closely managed.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and allows multiple vendors to compete, potentially leading to better pricing. However, the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing model can limit price certainty.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure services at reasonable rates. However, the T&M structure requires diligent oversight to prevent excessive spending and ensure the final cost aligns with the value received.
Public Impact
Ensures the safety and security of U.S. diplomatic personnel and facilities in Tunisia. Supports the ongoing operations of the U.S. Embassy in a key geopolitical region. Provides employment opportunities within the security services sector. Contributes to the U.S. government's foreign policy and diplomatic engagement efforts.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Time and Materials pricing can lead to cost overruns.
- Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.
- Potential for scope creep with T&M contracts.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Secures critical embassy security.
- Experienced contractor likely involved.
Sector Analysis
The security services sector is characterized by a need for specialized personnel and adherence to strict protocols. Benchmarks for similar embassy security contracts can vary significantly based on location, threat level, and specific service requirements. This contract falls within the typical range for such services.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the awarded contractor, Inter-con Security Systems, Inc., is likely a larger entity. There is no explicit information on subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of State is responsible for overseeing this contract. Given the critical nature of embassy security, robust oversight mechanisms, including regular performance reviews and financial audits, are essential to ensure contract compliance and prevent waste.
Related Government Programs
- Security Guards and Patrol Services
- Department of State Contracting
- Department of State Programs
Risk Flags
- Time and Materials pricing model.
- Long contract duration (over 4 years).
- Lack of specific cost breakdown.
- Potential for scope creep.
- No explicit small business set-aside.
Tags
security-guards-and-patrol-services, department-of-state, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of State awarded $8.5 million to INTER-CON SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC.. LOCAL GUARD SERVICES FOR US EMBASSY TUNIS, TUNISIA
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is INTER-CON SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $8.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-11-01. End: 2027-01-31.
What is the estimated total cost per hour or per guard under this Time and Materials contract, and how does it compare to industry benchmarks for similar security services in the region?
The provided data does not include specific hourly rates or per-guard costs, making a direct comparison to industry benchmarks impossible. The Time and Materials (T&M) structure means costs are based on actual labor hours and materials used, plus a markup. To assess value, the agency would need to track these costs against pre-defined ceilings and compare them to market rates for comparable security personnel and services in Tunisia.
What specific security threats or risk assessments informed the scope and duration of this contract, and are there contingency plans in place for escalating security needs?
The data does not detail the specific threat assessments or risk factors that influenced the contract's scope and duration. However, contracts for embassy security typically align with U.S. Department of State threat levels and security requirements for diplomatic facilities abroad. Contingency planning is usually embedded within the contract's performance work statement, allowing for adjustments to services and potentially funding based on evolving security conditions.
How will the Department of State ensure effective performance and cost control under this long-term Time and Materials contract to maximize taxpayer value?
Effective performance and cost control will rely on robust contract administration by the Department of State. This includes establishing clear performance metrics, conducting regular site visits and performance evaluations, closely monitoring all labor hours and material costs, and enforcing contract limitations. Utilizing a T&M contract necessitates diligent oversight to ensure services are necessary, efficiently delivered, and priced competitively within the agreed-upon parameters.
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: 19AQMM22R0089
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 210 S DE LACEY AVE, PASADENA, CA, 91105
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $11,912,012
Exercised Options: $10,146,642
Current Obligation: $8,537,059
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-11-01
Current End Date: 2027-01-31
Potential End Date: 2028-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-14
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