DHS ICE Awards $2M Task Order for Financial Forensic Support to Guidehouse Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,034,757 ($2.0M)

Contractor: Guidehouse Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-09-03

End Date: 2025-09-02

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: ISSUE TASK ORDER FOR FINANCIAL FORENSIC SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22202

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $2.0 million to GUIDEHOUSE INC. for work described as: ISSUE TASK ORDER FOR FINANCIAL FORENSIC SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. The task order is for financial forensic support services, a critical function for detecting fraud and ensuring financial integrity. 2. Guidehouse Inc. is a well-established firm in the consulting and professional services sector. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The duration of the task order is one year, with a potential for renewal. 5. The total value is $2,034,756.90.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $2,034,756.90 for a one-year financial forensic support contract appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for forensic accounting and investigative services would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value offer.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is expected to yield fair pricing, ensuring taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential financial oversight services.

Public Impact

Enhanced financial oversight and fraud detection capabilities for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Support for investigations into financial irregularities and potential misconduct. Improved accountability and transparency in government financial operations. Potential for identifying cost savings or recovering misused funds.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if initial forensic findings lead to extensive investigations.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical forensic services for the duration of the task order.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Experienced contractor with relevant expertise.
Clear need for specialized financial forensic support.

Sector Analysis

The accounting services sector, particularly specialized areas like financial forensics, is crucial for government agencies to maintain financial integrity and combat fraud. Spending in this area can fluctuate based on investigative needs and regulatory requirements.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this was a full and open competition, which typically allows for participation by small businesses. However, the specific award to Guidehouse Inc. does not provide information on whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if they were prime offerors.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Homeland Security, specifically U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for task orders, including performance monitoring and financial reviews, should be in place to ensure contractor performance and proper use of funds.

Related Government Programs

Other Accounting Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if services are extended.
Scope definition is critical to prevent cost overruns.
Data security and confidentiality of sensitive financial information.
Dependence on contractor expertise for critical financial investigations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $2.0 million to GUIDEHOUSE INC.. ISSUE TASK ORDER FOR FINANCIAL FORENSIC SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GUIDEHOUSE INC..

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 $2.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-03. End: 2025-09-02.

What specific types of financial forensic services will Guidehouse Inc. provide, and how will their work directly contribute to ICE's mission?

Guidehouse Inc. will likely provide services such as financial statement analysis, fraud detection, forensic accounting investigations, and litigation support. These services are critical for ICE to identify and address financial irregularities, prevent fraud, waste, and abuse within its programs, and support enforcement actions related to financial crimes, ultimately contributing to national security and border integrity.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on Guidehouse Inc. for these specialized forensic services over the next year?

Potential risks include over-reliance on a single vendor, leading to a lack of fresh perspectives or potential complacency. There's also a risk of insufficient expertise if the scope of forensic needs exceeds the contractor's capabilities, or if data security breaches occur. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the services hinges on the quality of data provided by ICE and the contractor's ability to interpret it accurately.

How will the effectiveness of Guidehouse Inc.'s financial forensic support be measured and evaluated by ICE?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) such as the accuracy and timeliness of forensic reports, the identification of significant financial discrepancies or fraudulent activities, and the successful support provided during investigations or litigation. ICE will likely conduct regular performance reviews, assess the impact of the contractor's findings on enforcement actions, and solicit feedback from relevant ICE personnel.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services › Other Accounting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Veritas Capital Fund Management, L.L.C.

Address: 1676 INTERNATIONAL DR STE 800, MC LEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,034,757

Exercised Options: $2,034,757

Current Obligation: $2,034,757

Actual Outlays: $1,754,082

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70CMSD23D00000002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline