DHS awards $1.8M for financial forensic support, with Guidehouse Inc. securing the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,799,846 ($1.8M)

Contractor: Guidehouse Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-04-13

End Date: 2026-10-12

Contract Duration: 182 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS TASK ORDER PROVIDES FINANCIAL FORENSIC SUPPORT SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS FINANCIAL CRIME UNIT.

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22202

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $1.8 million to GUIDEHOUSE INC. for work described as: THIS TASK ORDER PROVIDES FINANCIAL FORENSIC SUPPORT SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS FINANCIAL CRIME UNIT. Key points: 1. Contract value of $1.8M for specialized financial forensic services. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process. 3. Performance period spans approximately six months. 4. Services are critical for Homeland Security Investigations' financial crime unit. 5. Contract type is Firm Fixed Price, suggesting defined costs. 6. The award is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.8 million for six months of specialized financial forensic support appears reasonable given the critical nature of the services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for forensic accounting and financial crime investigation support would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Firm Fixed Price contract type suggests that the government has a clear understanding of the scope and cost, which can be advantageous.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but a full and open competition generally fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and service offerings for the government. This approach allows the agency to select the most capable and cost-effective solution.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for competitive pricing and ensures that the government receives the best value by considering a wide range of qualified offerors.

Public Impact

Benefits the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the broader Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by enhancing financial crime investigation capabilities. Delivers essential financial forensic support services to combat financial crimes. Geographic impact is primarily within Virginia, where the contractor is located, but the services support national-level investigations. Workforce implications include specialized roles for forensic accountants and financial analysts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if the financial crime investigations are more complex than initially anticipated.
Dependence on the contractor's expertise for critical investigative functions.
Ensuring timely delivery of services within the six-month performance period.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.
Contractor, Guidehouse Inc., likely possesses specialized expertise in financial forensics.
Services directly support a critical mission of Homeland Security Investigations.

Sector Analysis

The financial forensic support services fall within the broader professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically accounting services. This sector is characterized by specialized expertise and often involves supporting government agencies in complex analytical tasks. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous firms offering expertise in areas like fraud detection, financial investigations, and forensic accounting. The contract value of $1.8 million is moderate for a specialized support service of this nature.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not provided in the data. As this was a full and open competition, it is possible that small businesses were eligible to bid directly or participate as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the specific impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) contracting officer and program officials. The Firm Fixed Price nature of the contract provides a degree of accountability for the contractor to deliver the specified services within the agreed-upon cost. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting mechanisms, though specific details of the forensic work performed may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

Homeland Security Investigations Financial Crime Unit Support
Forensic Accounting Services
Financial Investigation Support
Department of Homeland Security Contracts
Accounting Services

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep
Contractor performance dependency
Timeliness of service delivery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $1.8 million to GUIDEHOUSE INC.. THIS TASK ORDER PROVIDES FINANCIAL FORENSIC SUPPORT SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS FINANCIAL CRIME UNIT.

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 $1.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-13. End: 2026-10-12.

What is Guidehouse Inc.'s track record with federal contracts, particularly in financial forensics?

Guidehouse Inc. has a significant history of federal contracting across various agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security. Their expertise spans financial management, consulting, and technology solutions. While specific details on their performance for this particular task order are not yet available due to its recent award, Guidehouse generally has a strong reputation for delivering complex professional services. A review of their past performance ratings on similar contracts, if publicly accessible, would offer further insight into their reliability and capability in providing financial forensic support.

How does the $1.8 million contract value compare to similar financial forensic support contracts awarded by DHS or other agencies?

The $1.8 million contract value for approximately six months of specialized financial forensic support is within a typical range for such services. Contracts for forensic accounting, fraud investigation, and financial crime analysis can vary widely based on scope, duration, and complexity. However, for a focused task order supporting a specific unit's needs, this amount suggests a well-defined scope. Benchmarking against contracts with similar objectives, such as those supporting investigative units within agencies like the FBI, IRS, or SEC, would provide a more precise comparison. The Firm Fixed Price structure also implies that the cost is intended to cover all aspects of the defined services.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include the potential for the scope of financial crime investigations to be more complex or extensive than initially defined, leading to potential delays or cost overruns if not managed carefully. Another risk is the reliance on the contractor's specialized expertise, making performance quality crucial. Mitigation strategies likely involve clear performance work statements, regular progress reviews by ICE officials, and robust oversight. The Firm Fixed Price contract type inherently shifts some risk to the contractor, incentivizing them to manage costs and timelines effectively. Strong communication channels and defined escalation procedures are also vital.

How effective is this contract likely to be in supporting the Homeland Security Investigations Financial Crime Unit?

This contract is likely to be highly effective in supporting the HSI Financial Crime Unit, given the specialized nature of financial forensic services. These services are critical for investigating complex financial crimes, money laundering, fraud, and other illicit financial activities. By outsourcing these specialized functions to a firm like Guidehouse Inc., HSI can leverage external expertise and resources to enhance its investigative capabilities without necessarily expanding its internal headcount. The success will depend on the clarity of the task order, the contractor's performance, and the agency's ability to effectively utilize the support provided.

What are the historical spending patterns for financial forensic support services within DHS or HSI?

Historical spending patterns for financial forensic support within DHS and HSI would reveal the agency's reliance on external contractors for these specialized services. Agencies like HSI often require significant external support due to the complexity and volume of financial crime investigations. Analyzing past contract awards for similar services, including their values, durations, and awarded contractors, would indicate whether this $1.8 million award represents a typical investment or a significant increase/decrease. Understanding these patterns helps assess the ongoing need and budget allocation for such critical support functions.

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: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

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: $1,799,846

Exercised Options: $1,799,846

Current Obligation: $1,799,846

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70CMSD23D00000002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline