DHS awards $33.5M for Protective Security Officer services in New York, with 5 bidders

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,506,974 ($33.5M)

Contractor: Universal Protection Service, Limited Partnership

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-02-01

End Date: 2030-01-31

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $22.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER (PSO) SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE NEW YORK METROPOLITAN AREA

Place of Performance

Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK County, NEW YORK, 10278

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $33.5 million to UNIVERSAL PROTECTION SERVICE, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP for work described as: PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER (PSO) SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE NEW YORK METROPOLITAN AREA Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in securing critical infrastructure and personnel within a major metropolitan area. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a healthy market for security services, though specific pricing benchmarks are needed for full value assessment. 3. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, shifting performance risk to the contractor. 4. The contract duration of four years allows for sustained service delivery and potential for performance-based incentives. 5. This award falls within the broader category of security guard and patrol services, a vital sector for public safety and asset protection.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award of $33.5 million over four years averages to approximately $8.375 million annually. Benchmarking against similar large-scale security contracts for federal agencies in major metropolitan areas suggests this pricing is competitive, assuming the scope of services and personnel requirements are comparable. The firm-fixed-price contract type helps control costs, but a detailed analysis of the per-hour rate or per-officer cost would be necessary to definitively assess value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. With five bidders participating, the level of competition appears adequate for this type of service contract. A higher number of bidders might typically drive prices lower, but five offers suggest sufficient market interest and a reasonable degree of price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition with multiple bidders is beneficial for taxpayers, as it increases the likelihood of securing services at a competitive market rate and reduces the risk of overpayment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are federal agencies operating within the New York metropolitan area requiring protective security services. Services delivered include the provision of trained and uniformed Protective Security Officers to safeguard federal facilities, personnel, and assets. The geographic impact is concentrated within the New York metropolitan area, encompassing various federal sites and operations. Workforce implications include the creation or sustainment of jobs for security professionals within the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if service requirements are not clearly defined and managed.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical security functions could pose a risk if performance falters.
Ensuring consistent quality and adherence to standards across all deployed officers requires robust oversight.

Positive Signals

The firm-fixed-price contract incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive market, potentially leading to better service at a reasonable price.
The multi-year duration allows for stable service provision and relationship building with the contractor.

Sector Analysis

The security guard and patrol services sector is a substantial part of the broader private security industry, which provides essential services to government and commercial clients. Federal spending in this area is consistent, driven by the need to protect sensitive facilities and personnel. This contract fits within the government's ongoing requirement for physical security, often awarded through competitive solicitations to meet diverse operational needs across different regions.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not appear to have a specific small business set-aside. While the prime contractor is Universal Protection Service, Limited Partnership, there is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting goals for small businesses. Further review of the contract's subcontracting plan, if applicable, would be necessary to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the contracting officer's representative (COR) within the relevant Department of Homeland Security component utilizing the services. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, with performance standards expected to be met. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics and oversight reports may not always be publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Security Guard Services
Physical Security Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Contracts
Metropolitan Area Security Services

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues with a large service contract.
Need for robust oversight to ensure service quality.
Reliance on contractor for critical security functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $33.5 million to UNIVERSAL PROTECTION SERVICE, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP. PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER (PSO) SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE NEW YORK METROPOLITAN AREA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSAL PROTECTION SERVICE, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Office of Procurement Operations).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $33.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-02-01. End: 2030-01-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for Protective Security Officer (PSO) services by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the New York metropolitan area?

Analyzing historical spending for PSO services by DHS in the New York metropolitan area requires access to detailed federal procurement data. While this specific award is for $33.5 million over four years, understanding the trend requires looking at prior contracts for similar services in the same region. Factors such as changes in security requirements, inflation, and the number of facilities requiring PSO coverage would influence historical spending. Without specific historical data for this region and service type, it's difficult to establish a precise pattern, but it's reasonable to assume consistent spending given the ongoing need for security in a major urban center. Previous contract values, durations, and the number of competitors would provide context for whether this current award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment.

How does the per-hour cost of Protective Security Officers under this contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar services in the New York metropolitan area?

To compare the per-hour cost of Protective Security Officers (PSOs) under this contract to industry benchmarks, we would need to derive the effective hourly rate from the total contract value and estimated labor hours. The contract is for $33.5 million over 1460 days (4 years). Assuming a standard 40-hour work week for a significant number of officers, the total labor hours would be substantial. Industry benchmarks for armed or unarmed security guards in a high-cost-of-living area like New York City can vary widely based on experience, certifications, and specific duties. Generally, rates can range from $30-$70+ per hour. Without knowing the exact number of officers, their hours, and specific roles (e.g., armed vs. unarmed, supervisory), a precise comparison is challenging. However, if the derived average hourly rate falls within or below this range, it suggests competitive pricing.

What is the track record of Universal Protection Service, Limited Partnership in delivering similar security services to federal agencies?

Universal Protection Service, Limited Partnership, now operating as Allied Universal, has a significant track record in providing security services across various sectors, including federal government contracts. They are a large provider of security solutions nationwide. Assessing their specific track record for this type of Protective Security Officer (PSO) service for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would involve reviewing past performance evaluations, any documented instances of contract disputes or awards, and the scale and complexity of previous federal contracts they have managed. Their extensive experience suggests a capability to handle large contracts, but a detailed review of their performance history specifically related to DHS and PSO services would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment of their reliability and effectiveness in this context.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the effectiveness of the Protective Security Officers under this contract?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Protective Security Officer (PSO) contracts are crucial for ensuring service quality and accountability. While specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided data, typical metrics for such contracts often include response times to incidents, adherence to post orders, incident reporting accuracy and timeliness, officer punctuality and attendance rates, and successful prevention of unauthorized access or security breaches. The government (DHS) would likely establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) KPIs. Performance against these KPIs would inform payment, potential award fees, or penalties, and influence future contract decisions. The effectiveness of the PSOs is ultimately measured by their ability to maintain a secure environment as per the contract's requirements.

How does the duration of this contract (4 years) impact the government's ability to adapt to changing security needs or technology?

A four-year contract duration provides stability and continuity for essential security services, allowing the contractor to invest in personnel and resources. However, it also presents a potential challenge in adapting to rapidly evolving security needs or technological advancements. During the contract period, the government can typically issue modifications or task orders to incorporate minor changes or new requirements, provided they are within the scope of the original contract and funding is available. For significant shifts in technology or security strategy, the government might need to wait until the contract's expiration or exercise options (if any) to re-compete the requirement. This duration strikes a balance between ensuring consistent service and maintaining flexibility, though proactive contract management and potential for mid-term reviews are important.

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

Solicitation ID: 70RFP125QE2000009

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 161 WASHINGTON ST STE 600, CONSHOHOCKEN, PA, 19428

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $226,605,850

Exercised Options: $33,506,974

Current Obligation: $33,506,974

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70RFP224DEC000001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline