VA awards $2.39M unarmed security services contract to Guard Force Inc. in Illinois

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,393,439 ($2.4M)

Contractor: Guard Force Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2022-04-01

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.3K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FHCC VAMC AND CBOCS UNARMED SECURITY SERVICES NORTH CHICAGO IL

Place of Performance

Location: HEBRON, MCHENRY County, ILLINOIS, 60034

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $2.4 million to GUARD FORCE INC for work described as: FHCC VAMC AND CBOCS UNARMED SECURITY SERVICES NORTH CHICAGO IL Key points: 1. Contract awarded through Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on smaller value procurements. 2. The contract duration of 1825 days (5 years) indicates a long-term need for security services. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government. 4. The award to a single vendor, Guard Force Inc., warrants a review of competition and pricing. 5. Geographic focus on North Chicago, Illinois, suggests localized service delivery.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.39 million over five years averages to approximately $478,000 annually. Benchmarking this against similar unarmed security contracts for federal facilities is crucial. Without specific per-unit cost data or comparison to other VA security contracts, assessing the value for money is challenging. The use of SAP might imply a price that was deemed fair and reasonable for the scope, but further analysis of Guard Force Inc.'s pricing structure against market rates would be beneficial.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of bidders compared to full and open competition. While the data indicates 5 bidders, the specific nature of the SAP competition (e.g., if it was a set-aside or if only a few vendors were solicited) is not detailed. A limited competition can sometimes lead to less aggressive pricing than a broader solicitation.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, a limited competition under SAP may mean that the government did not achieve the lowest possible price due to a smaller pool of potential bidders. However, SAP is designed for efficiency in acquiring goods and services below certain thresholds, balancing cost and speed.

Public Impact

Veterans at the VA facilities in North Chicago, Illinois, will benefit from enhanced security. The contract ensures the provision of unarmed security guard and patrol services. Services are geographically focused within North Chicago, Illinois. The contract supports jobs within the security services industry in the local Illinois economy.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP could potentially lead to higher costs than a fully competed contract.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess service quality.
The firm fixed price contract, while providing cost certainty, could lead to contractor profit if costs are lower than anticipated.

Positive Signals

The contract is firm fixed price, which provides budget certainty for the VA.
The duration of the contract suggests a stable and ongoing need for these security services.
Awarding to a single vendor ensures a consistent provider for the duration of the contract.

Sector Analysis

The security services industry is a significant sector within the broader professional, scientific, and technical services market. Federal agencies, particularly those with large physical footprints like the Department of Veterans Affairs, are major consumers of security services. This contract falls under the Security Guards and Patrol Services NAICS code (561612), a segment characterized by numerous small and medium-sized businesses, as well as larger national providers. Federal spending in this area is substantial, driven by the need to protect personnel, assets, and facilities across various government operations.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it provide information on subcontracting plans. Given the contract value and the nature of security services, it's possible that Guard Force Inc. is a small or medium-sized business, or that they may utilize small business subcontractors. Further investigation into the contractor's size status and subcontracting goals would be necessary to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting officers and program managers. The contract type (Firm Fixed Price) implies that the contractor is responsible for delivering services at the agreed-upon price. Transparency would be enhanced by public availability of performance reports and any Inspector General audits related to security services at this VA facility. Accountability measures would be tied to the contract's performance standards and delivery requirements.

Related Government Programs

VA Medical Center Security Contracts
Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Defense Security Services
General Services Administration Security Services

Risk Flags

Limited competition may impact price.
Contractor performance history needs review.
Potential for service quality issues if not managed.
SAP competition may not yield lowest price.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $2.4 million to GUARD FORCE INC. FHCC VAMC AND CBOCS UNARMED SECURITY SERVICES NORTH CHICAGO IL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GUARD FORCE 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 $2.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.

What is Guard Force Inc.'s track record with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Guard Force Inc. has a history of receiving federal contracts, primarily with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Analyzing their past performance on similar security service contracts is essential. This includes reviewing any documented performance issues, contract modifications, or awards. Understanding their experience with VA facilities specifically can provide insight into their capability to meet the requirements of this North Chicago contract. A review of their contract history might reveal patterns in contract values, durations, and types, helping to contextualize the current award. For instance, have they consistently performed well, or have there been recurring issues that might indicate a higher risk profile for this new contract?

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar unarmed security services in the North Chicago, Illinois area?

To assess the value for money, the awarded contract price needs to be benchmarked against prevailing market rates for unarmed security services in the North Chicago, Illinois region. This involves researching average hourly rates for security guards, supervisory personnel, and any associated overhead costs charged by comparable private security firms operating in the area. Factors such as the level of security clearance required, the specific duties (e.g., access control, patrols, emergency response), and the hours of service will influence these rates. If the awarded price significantly deviates from the market average, it could indicate either an exceptionally good deal for the government or potential underpricing that might compromise service quality or contractor viability.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Key risks for this contract include potential service disruptions if Guard Force Inc. faces staffing shortages or operational issues, and the risk of inadequate service quality if performance standards are not rigorously enforced. Another risk is that the limited competition under SAP might have resulted in a less competitive price. Mitigation strategies should involve clear performance metrics within the contract, regular performance reviews by the VA, and contingency plans for service continuity. The VA contracting officer should actively monitor Guard Force Inc.'s adherence to contract terms and address any performance deficiencies promptly. Furthermore, maintaining open communication channels with the contractor can help identify and resolve potential issues before they escalate.

How effective has Guard Force Inc. been in fulfilling previous federal contracts for security services?

Evaluating the effectiveness of Guard Force Inc. requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts. This typically involves examining contract performance reports, past performance questionnaires (PPQs), and any available CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System) data. Positive indicators would include consistent on-time delivery, adherence to security protocols, positive feedback from government points of contact, and minimal contract disputes or modifications. Conversely, negative indicators might include documented instances of non-compliance, failure to meet service level agreements, or significant cost overruns. Understanding their historical performance provides a crucial basis for assessing their reliability and capability to successfully execute this new VA contract.

What is the historical spending pattern for unarmed security services at this specific VA facility or within the VA Illinois region?

Analyzing historical spending for unarmed security services at the North Chicago VA facility or within the broader VA Illinois region provides essential context for the current $2.39 million award. This involves examining previous contract values, durations, and awarded vendors over the past several years. Significant increases or decreases in spending could signal changes in security needs, facility expansions, or shifts in procurement strategies. Comparing the current contract's total value and annual average to historical figures helps determine if this award represents a continuation of established spending levels, a significant escalation, or a reduction. Understanding these patterns can also reveal trends in competition and pricing over time.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Investigation and Security Services › Security Guards and Patrol Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 36C25222Q0160

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6135 TAM O SHANTER DR # 2, STOCKTON, CA, 95210

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,836,278

Exercised Options: $2,393,439

Current Obligation: $2,393,439

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline