VA awards $8.6M for unarmed security guards, with 4 orders issued under a 2007 contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,627,748 ($8.6M)

Contractor: Cogar Group, Ltd., the

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2020-12-20

End Date: 2026-06-19

Contract Duration: 2,007 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: UNARMED SECURITY GUARDS

Place of Performance

Location: NEW ORLEANS, ORLEANS County, LOUISIANA, 70119

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $8.6 million to COGAR GROUP, LTD., THE for work described as: UNARMED SECURITY GUARDS Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the duration and service type. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm fixed-price contract type. 4. Performance context is established by the long-standing nature of the contract. 5. Sector positioning is within security services, a common government need.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award amount of $8.6 million over a potential 2007-day period (approximately 5.5 years) for unarmed security guard services seems within a reasonable range for federal contracts of this nature. Benchmarking against similar contracts for security services across different agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price contract type helps control costs for the government, as the contractor assumes the risk of cost overruns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The data shows 4 delivery orders have been issued against this contract. The level of competition is not explicitly detailed beyond 'full and open,' but the existence of multiple orders suggests ongoing need and potential for sustained competition if re-competed.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for taxpayers by encouraging a wider range of bidders.

Public Impact

Veterans Affairs facilities benefit from enhanced security and safety. Services include unarmed security guard patrols and monitoring. Geographic impact is primarily within Louisiana, where the contract is stated to be. Workforce implications include employment for security personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for contractor complacency due to long contract duration.
Ensuring consistent service quality across all delivery orders.
Monitoring performance to ensure adherence to security standards.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits cost uncertainty.
Full and open competition promotes market-driven pricing.
Long-standing contract suggests a proven provider.

Sector Analysis

The security services industry is a significant sector for government contracting, encompassing a wide range of protective services. Federal spending in this area is consistently high due to the need to secure government facilities, personnel, and assets. This contract for unarmed security guards fits within the broader category of facility support services, a market segment characterized by numerous providers ranging from large corporations to smaller specialized firms.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions for this contract, nor does it detail subcontracting plans. Without this information, it's difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem. However, the nature of security services often involves opportunities for smaller firms to participate as subcontractors, even if the prime contract is awarded to a larger entity.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price structure, which obligates the contractor to deliver services at the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics and oversight reports may not always be publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules for Security Services
Department of Defense Security Contracts
Federal Protective Service Contracts

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may lead to complacency.
Potential for service degradation over time if not actively managed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $8.6 million to COGAR GROUP, LTD., THE. UNARMED SECURITY GUARDS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is COGAR GROUP, LTD., THE.

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 $8.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-12-20. End: 2026-06-19.

What is the historical spending trend for this specific contract vehicle?

The provided data indicates a total award of $8,627,747.86 with 4 delivery orders issued. The contract start date is December 20, 2020, and the end date is June 19, 2026. The duration of the base contract period plus option periods is 2007 days. Without access to the specific amounts of each of the 4 delivery orders and their respective dates, a detailed historical spending trend cannot be fully reconstructed. However, the total award suggests a consistent expenditure over the contract's life. The contract was originally awarded in 2007, implying a long-term relationship, but the current award data pertains to a more recent period, suggesting potential re-competes or modifications that led to this specific award amount and duration.

How does the per-hour cost of these security guards compare to market rates in Louisiana?

To accurately compare the per-hour cost, we would need the total hours of service provided under the $8.6 million award and the specific period they cover. Assuming a standard 40-hour work week per guard and an average annual salary for security guards in Louisiana (which can range from $30,000 to $45,000 annually, translating to roughly $15-$22 per hour before overhead and profit), we could estimate. If, for example, the $8.6 million covers approximately 400,000-500,000 hours of service over its lifespan, the effective hourly rate would be in the $17-$21 range. This falls within the expected market range for unarmed security personnel, especially when factoring in benefits, training, and administrative costs associated with government contracts.

What specific performance metrics are tracked for these security guard services?

The provided data does not detail the specific performance metrics tracked for this contract. Typically, for security guard services, performance metrics would include factors such as response times to incidents, adherence to post orders, punctuality and attendance of guards, incident reporting accuracy, and overall effectiveness in preventing unauthorized access or disturbances. The Department of Veterans Affairs would have a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) outlining these metrics and the methods for monitoring contractor performance. Failure to meet these metrics could result in corrective actions or penalties.

What is the track record of COGAR GROUP, LTD., THE with federal contracts, particularly with the VA?

COGAR GROUP, LTD., THE has been awarded federal contracts, including this one with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The fact that this contract has seen 4 delivery orders issued suggests a level of satisfaction or continued need for their services. A deeper analysis would involve reviewing their contract history across all federal agencies, looking at past performance evaluations, any contract disputes or terminations, and the types and values of contracts they have previously held. Without this broader context, it's difficult to definitively assess their overall track record, but the issuance of multiple orders implies a functional working relationship.

Are there any known risks associated with the use of unarmed security guards versus armed guards for VA facilities?

The primary risk associated with unarmed security guards compared to armed guards is a reduced capacity to deter or immediately neutralize threats involving lethal force. Unarmed guards are effective for access control, monitoring, patrolling, and de-escalation. However, in situations requiring immediate physical intervention against an armed assailant or a highly volatile situation, their effectiveness is limited. The decision to use unarmed guards suggests that the VA has assessed the specific risks at these locations and determined that unarmed personnel are sufficient for maintaining security, likely focusing on deterrence, observation, and reporting rather than direct confrontation with armed individuals.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 23409 NEW MOUNTAIN RD, ALDIE, VA, 20105

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,627,748

Exercised Options: $8,627,748

Current Obligation: $8,627,748

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F0625X

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline