DHS awards $30.6M contract for detention support services at Batavia facility

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,620,615 ($30.6M)

Contractor: Akima Global Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-02-01

End Date: 2025-01-31

Contract Duration: 365 days

Daily Burn Rate: $83.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: DETENTION SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ICE DETAINEES AT THE BUFFALO FEDERAL DETENTION FACILITY IN BATAVIA, NY.

Place of Performance

Location: BATAVIA, GENESEE County, NEW YORK, 14020

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $30.6 million to AKIMA GLOBAL SERVICES, LLC for work described as: DETENTION SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ICE DETAINEES AT THE BUFFALO FEDERAL DETENTION FACILITY IN BATAVIA, NY. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Akima Global Services, LLC for security guard and patrol services. 2. The contract is a firm-fixed-price delivery order with a duration of 365 days. 3. Services are for detention support at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia, NY. 4. The award was made under full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 5. This contract represents a significant portion of the annual spending for security services at this facility.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $30.6 million for one year of detention support services appears reasonable when benchmarked against similar contracts for facility security and operations. While specific per-unit cost data is not provided, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor assumes the risk for cost overruns, which can be beneficial for the government. Further analysis would require comparing the scope of services and personnel hours to other ICE detention facility contracts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This competitive process is designed to ensure fair pricing and access to a broad range of qualified contractors. The specific exclusion of sources, if any, would need further investigation to understand its impact on the competitive landscape.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process generally leads to better value for taxpayers by driving down prices and encouraging innovation among bidders.

Public Impact

Provides essential security and support services for the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility. Ensures the safe and secure operation of a key immigration detention center. Supports the Department of Homeland Security's mission in managing immigration detention. Impacts the local workforce in Batavia, NY, through employment opportunities for security personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for over-reliance on a single contractor for critical security functions.
Need for robust performance monitoring to ensure service quality and compliance.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market.
Firm-fixed-price contract shifts cost risk to the contractor.
Clear service delivery period with defined start and end dates.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the broader security services sector, specifically focusing on government facility management and security. This sector is characterized by a mix of large, established defense and security contractors, as well as specialized service providers. Spending in this area is often driven by government needs for operational support at federal facilities, including detention centers, courthouses, and administrative buildings. Benchmarks for similar contracts would typically consider the size of the facility, the number of detainees, and the specific security requirements.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Akima Global Services, LLC, a large business. There is no indication of a small business set-aside for this specific contract. However, large prime contractors are often required to meet small business subcontracting goals. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether Akima Global Services actively seeks out and utilizes small businesses for subcontracted portions of the work.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) contracting officers and program managers. Performance will be monitored against the terms and conditions of the firm-fixed-price delivery order. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, and any significant issues or performance concerns would likely be addressed through contract modifications or potential corrective actions. Inspector General oversight may be involved if specific allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

ICE Detention Operations
Federal Law Enforcement Support Services
Government Facility Security Contracts

Risk Flags

Performance Risk
Contractor Capability Risk
Security Protocol Adherence Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $30.6 million to AKIMA GLOBAL SERVICES, LLC. DETENTION SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ICE DETAINEES AT THE BUFFALO FEDERAL DETENTION FACILITY IN BATAVIA, NY.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AKIMA GLOBAL SERVICES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $30.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-02-01. End: 2025-01-31.

What is the track record of Akima Global Services, LLC in providing detention support services?

Akima Global Services, LLC, a subsidiary of Akima LLC, has a significant presence in providing a wide range of services to government agencies, including logistics, facility management, and security. They have held numerous contracts with various federal departments, including Homeland Security, Defense, and Justice. Their experience in detention support services would be evidenced by past contracts with ICE or similar agencies. A review of their contract history would reveal their performance on similar engagements, including any past performance issues or commendations. This specific contract award suggests they met the qualifications and performance expectations set forth by ICE for this critical service.

How does the $30.6 million contract value compare to historical spending for detention support at this facility?

To accurately compare the $30.6 million contract value to historical spending, one would need access to historical contract data for the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia, NY. This would involve identifying previous contracts for similar detention support services, including security, maintenance, and operational support, and their respective award values. If previous contracts were for shorter durations or covered a different scope of services, a direct comparison might be misleading. Adjusting for inflation and changes in service requirements would also be necessary for a robust analysis. Without this historical data, it is difficult to definitively state whether this award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of spending.

What are the primary risks associated with this detention support services contract?

Key risks associated with this detention support services contract include potential performance deficiencies by the contractor, such as inadequate staffing levels, insufficient training of personnel, or failure to adhere to security protocols, which could compromise facility safety and detainee well-being. There's also a risk of cost overruns if the firm-fixed-price contract does not adequately account for unforeseen operational challenges or changes in requirements, although the contractor typically bears this risk. Reputational risk for the government could arise from any negative incidents occurring at the facility under the contractor's watch. Furthermore, reliance on a single contractor for critical security functions presents a risk if the contractor experiences significant operational disruptions.

What is the expected effectiveness of these detention support services in ensuring facility security and detainee welfare?

The effectiveness of these detention support services is expected to be high, provided that Akima Global Services, LLC adheres strictly to the contract's performance standards and security protocols. The services, encompassing security guards and patrol, are fundamental to maintaining order, preventing escapes, and ensuring the safety of both detainees and staff. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract incentivizes efficient service delivery. However, effectiveness is contingent on adequate contractor training, robust oversight by ICE, and the contractor's ability to adapt to evolving security needs within the facility. Regular performance evaluations and audits will be crucial to gauge and ensure ongoing effectiveness.

Are there any indications of potential cost savings or inefficiencies in this contract award?

The primary indication of potential cost savings or efficiencies in this contract award stems from its 'full and open competition' nature. This competitive process is designed to solicit bids from multiple qualified vendors, thereby driving down prices through market forces. The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type also shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, incentivizing them to manage their operations efficiently to maintain profitability. If the contractor can deliver the required services below their bid price, it represents an efficiency gain. Conversely, potential inefficiencies could arise if the scope of work is not clearly defined, leading to change orders, or if the contractor understaffs or cuts corners on quality to maximize profit, which would be identified during performance monitoring.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3901 OLD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT RD STE 200-G, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99502

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $30,620,615

Exercised Options: $30,620,615

Current Obligation: $30,620,615

Actual Outlays: $30,305,105

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSCEDM15D00002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline