DHS Awards $20M for Southwest Border Facility Guards to Centerra Group, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,023,931 ($20.0M)
Contractor: Centerra Group, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2023-08-26
End Date: 2025-03-07
Contract Duration: 559 days
Daily Burn Rate: $35.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS
Sector: Other
Official Description: SOUTHWEST BORDER ARMED FACILITY GUARDS
Place of Performance
Location: HERNDON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20171
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $20.0 million to CENTERRA GROUP, LLC for work described as: SOUTHWEST BORDER ARMED FACILITY GUARDS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Centerra Group, LLC for security guard services. 2. Significant spending on border security infrastructure and personnel. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 4. The contract duration is approximately 1.5 years, ending in March 2025.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award amount of $20,023,930.60 for 559 days of service appears reasonable given the scope of armed facility guards. Benchmarking against similar contracts for security services at federal facilities is needed for a definitive assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives best value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for essential border security operations, aiming to ensure facility safety and operational integrity.
Public Impact
Ensures security and operational continuity at Southwest Border facilities. Supports federal efforts in border management and enforcement. Provides employment opportunities within the security services sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if scope expands.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical security functions.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports a critical national security mission.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls within the security and protective services sector, a common area of government spending. Benchmarks for similar security guard contracts can vary widely based on location, personnel requirements, and threat levels.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors in this award. Further analysis would be required to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to ensure Centerra Group, LLC meets all contractual obligations, maintains adequate staffing levels, and adheres to security protocols. Performance monitoring by U.S. Customs and Border Protection is essential.
Related Government Programs
- Security Guards and Patrol Services
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract duration is relatively short (approx. 1.5 years).
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports critical national security functions.
- Potential for performance-related risks inherent in security contracts.
- Specific cost per unit (hourly rate) not immediately discernible.
Tags
security-guards-and-patrol-services, department-of-homeland-security, va, bpa-call, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $20.0 million to CENTERRA GROUP, LLC. SOUTHWEST BORDER ARMED FACILITY GUARDS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CENTERRA GROUP, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $20.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-08-26. End: 2025-03-07.
What is the average hourly rate for the armed guards under this contract, and how does it compare to industry standards?
The contract is for labor hours, but the specific hourly rate is not provided in the data. To assess value, the total award amount ($20,023,930.60) divided by the contract duration (559 days) and estimated daily labor hours would yield an approximate daily cost. This figure would then need to be compared against industry benchmarks for armed security personnel in the Southwest Border region, considering experience, certifications, and operational demands.
What are the specific risks associated with relying on Centerra Group, LLC for armed facility guard services at the Southwest Border?
Risks include potential contractor performance issues, such as inadequate staffing, insufficient training, or failure to adhere to strict security protocols. Dependence on a single provider could also lead to vulnerabilities if the contractor faces operational disruptions or financial instability. Furthermore, the sensitive nature of border operations necessitates robust background checks and continuous monitoring of personnel.
How effectively will these armed guards contribute to the overall security and operational goals of U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Southwest Border?
The effectiveness hinges on the guards' training, equipment, adherence to post orders, and integration with existing security infrastructure. Properly deployed and managed, they can enhance facility security, deter unauthorized access, and support law enforcement operations. Regular performance evaluations and clear communication channels between CBP and Centerra Group are vital to ensure alignment with strategic security objectives.
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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)
Contractor Details
Address: 13530 DULLES TECHNOLOGY DR, HERNDON, VA, 20171
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $20,023,931
Exercised Options: $20,023,931
Current Obligation: $20,023,931
Actual Outlays: $19,747,490
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 70B01C23A00000006
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-08-26
Current End Date: 2025-03-07
Potential End Date: 2025-03-07 13:38:21
Last Modified: 2025-06-11
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