VA Awards $2.1M Contract for Security Guards to Culpepper & Associates

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,100,934 ($2.1M)

Contractor: Culpepper & Associates Security Services Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2022-10-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.4K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CBOC SECURITY GUARDS FOR MULIT FACILITY AND SUPPLIES

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBIA, RICHLAND County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29209

State: South Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $2.1 million to CULPEPPER & ASSOCIATES SECURITY SERVICES INC for work described as: CBOC SECURITY GUARDS FOR MULIT FACILITY AND SUPPLIES Key points: 1. Contract awarded for security guard services across multiple facilities. 2. Culpepper & Associates Security Services Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. The contract is for a duration of 4 years. 4. The total value is $2,100,933.90. 5. The NAICS code indicates Security Guards and Patrol Services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a firm fixed price purchase order. Without competitive bids or benchmarks, assessing the pricing fairness is difficult. The total value of $2.1M over 4 years suggests a moderate annual spend.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting it may have been awarded under other limited competition methods. This lack of broad competition could limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be paying more than necessary due to the limited competition for these essential security services.

Public Impact

Ensures security at multiple Department of Veterans Affairs facilities. Supports the operational needs of the VA by providing essential guard services. Potential for increased costs to taxpayers due to limited competition.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Lack of clear justification for limited competition

Positive Signals

Essential service provision
Long-term contract duration provides stability

Sector Analysis

The security services sector, particularly guard services, is competitive. However, government contracts can sometimes be awarded with limited competition, especially for specific geographic areas or specialized needs. Benchmarks for similar contracts are needed for a full assessment.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if this award went to a small business. Further investigation is needed to determine the impact on small business participation in federal contracting.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is needed to ensure the VA is receiving adequate security services for the price paid and to verify the justification for limited competition.

Related Government Programs

Security Guards and Patrol Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition raises concerns about potential overpayment.
Lack of transparency in the procurement process.
Potential for reduced service quality due to lack of competitive pressure.
Need for detailed justification for limited competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $2.1 million to CULPEPPER & ASSOCIATES SECURITY SERVICES INC. CBOC SECURITY GUARDS FOR MULIT FACILITY AND SUPPLIES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CULPEPPER & ASSOCIATES SECURITY SERVICES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What was the specific justification for not competing this contract more broadly?

The provided data states the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP'. This implies it was either competed under different, potentially more restrictive, procedures or was sole-sourced. A clear justification, such as a specific need, urgency, or lack of qualified bidders, would be required for limited competition to be considered appropriate and ensure value for taxpayer money.

How does the per-unit cost of these security guards compare to industry averages or other government contracts?

Without specific details on the number of guards, hours worked, or specific roles, a precise per-unit cost comparison is not possible. However, the total contract value of $2.1M over 4 years for security guards suggests an average annual spend of approximately $525,000. This figure needs to be benchmarked against similar contracts and private sector rates to assess value.

What is the risk of service disruption or quality issues given the limited competition?

Limited competition can increase the risk of service disruption if the sole provider faces operational issues. Quality concerns may also arise if there's less incentive to perform exceptionally due to a lack of competitive pressure. Robust performance monitoring and clear contract terms are crucial to mitigate 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: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1810 WATER PL SE, ATLANTA, GA, 30339

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,641,709

Exercised Options: $2,100,934

Current Obligation: $2,100,934

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline