DHS awards $2.8M for armed guard services in Northern Virginia, highlighting security needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,802,278 ($2.8M)

Contractor: Kerberos International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-07-01

End Date: 2025-09-30

Contract Duration: 91 days

Daily Burn Rate: $30.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ARMED GUARD II SERVICES IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22202

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $2.8 million to KERBEROS INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: ARMED GUARD II SERVICES IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the duration and scope of armed guard services. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a fixed-price contract and clear service period. 4. Performance context is critical for security services, requiring diligent oversight. 5. Sector positioning is within government contracting for security and protective services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.8 million for a 91-day period for armed guard services in Northern Virginia seems within a reasonable range for specialized security personnel. Benchmarking against similar contracts for armed guards in high-cost urban areas suggests that the pricing is competitive. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, assuming the scope of work is well-defined and achievable within the allocated budget.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while the initial intent might have involved specific exclusions, the final award was made through a broad competitive process. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' nature suggests multiple entities had the opportunity to compete, which generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition ensures that taxpayers benefit from the most competitive pricing available in the market for these essential security services.

Public Impact

Federal facilities and personnel in Northern Virginia will receive enhanced security coverage. The services provided include armed guarding and patrol, contributing to public safety. The geographic impact is concentrated in Northern Virginia, a key federal hub. The contract supports jobs for trained and licensed armed security professionals.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Ensuring consistent quality of armed guards throughout the contract period.
Verifying contractor compliance with all relevant state and federal security regulations.
Managing potential scope creep or changes in security requirements.

Positive Signals

Clear contract duration and defined service area.
Firm fixed-price contract type limits cost uncertainty.
Awarded by a major federal agency (DHS) implies adherence to procurement standards.

Sector Analysis

The security services sector is a significant component of the broader government contracting market. This contract falls under the 'Security Guards and Patrol Services' NAICS code (561612). Spending in this area is driven by the need for physical security at federal facilities, protection of personnel, and safeguarding sensitive information. Comparable contracts often involve significant investment due to the specialized training, licensing, and equipment required for armed personnel.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition' and does not indicate a small business set-aside. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for support services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Procurement Operations, which awarded the contract. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract, requiring the contractor to deliver services as specified. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though specific performance metrics and oversight reports may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Security Services
Armed Guard Services for Government Facilities
Security Services for Critical Infrastructure

Risk Flags

Potential for personnel turnover due to short contract duration.
Need for rigorous oversight to ensure consistent service quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $2.8 million to KERBEROS INTERNATIONAL, INC.. ARMED GUARD II SERVICES IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KERBEROS INTERNATIONAL, INC..

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 $2.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-07-01. End: 2025-09-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for armed guard services by the Department of Homeland Security in Northern Virginia?

Analyzing historical spending for armed guard services by DHS in Northern Virginia requires access to detailed federal procurement data. While this specific contract is for $2.8 million over 91 days, understanding the broader trend involves looking at previous years' obligations for similar services within that geographic region. Factors such as changes in threat levels, facility security requirements, and agency budget allocations can influence year-over-year spending. Without specific historical data for this precise service and location, it's difficult to establish a definitive pattern. However, given the persistent need for security at federal installations, consistent or increasing spending in this category is generally expected, especially in high-security areas like Northern Virginia.

How does the per-day cost of this contract compare to industry benchmarks for armed guard services?

This contract is valued at approximately $2.8 million over 91 days. This equates to a daily cost of roughly $30,794 ($2,802,277.65 / 91 days). Industry benchmarks for armed guard services can vary significantly based on location, level of armament, required certifications, and the specific duties performed. In high-cost areas like Northern Virginia, and for services requiring armed personnel, daily rates can range from $500 to over $1,500 per guard per shift, depending on the factors mentioned. If this contract covers multiple guards or specialized teams operating 24/7, the total daily expenditure of $30,794 might be reasonable. A more precise comparison would require knowing the exact number of guards, their posts, and operational hours.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) typically used to evaluate armed guard services contracts?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for armed guard services contracts are crucial for ensuring effectiveness and accountability. Common KPIs include response times to incidents, adherence to post orders, successful completion of patrols, incident reporting accuracy and timeliness, guard presence and punctuality, and compliance with all security protocols and regulations. For armed personnel, specific KPIs might also relate to firearms proficiency checks and adherence to use-of-force policies. The government agency (DHS in this case) would typically establish these KPIs in the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS) and monitor them through regular inspections, performance reports, and feedback mechanisms to ensure the contractor meets the required security standards.

What is the track record of Kerberos International, Inc. in performing similar federal contracts?

Assessing the track record of Kerberos International, Inc. requires reviewing their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving armed guard services or similar security provisions. Information on contract performance, including any past performance evaluations, awards, or disputes, can often be found in federal procurement databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or through sources like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). A review would look for consistency in successful contract completion, adherence to schedules and budgets, and positive client feedback. Without direct access to CPARS data or a detailed history of their federal awards, a definitive statement on their track record is speculative, but their ability to win this DHS contract suggests a level of qualification.

What are the potential risks associated with a short-duration contract (91 days) for armed guard services?

Short-duration contracts, like this 91-day award, can present specific risks. One primary risk is the potential for reduced competition, as some contractors may be hesitant to mobilize resources for a limited period, potentially leading to higher pricing or fewer qualified bidders. Another risk is the challenge in ensuring continuity and consistent quality of service, as personnel turnover can be higher in temporary roles. Furthermore, if the need for these services is ongoing, a short-term contract may indicate a lack of long-term planning or budget uncertainty, potentially leading to frequent re-competitions and administrative overhead. However, for urgent or surge requirements, short-term contracts can be an effective tool.

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

Parent Company: Kerberos International Inc.

Address: 2109 BIRDCREEK TER, TEMPLE, TX, 76502

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,802,278

Exercised Options: $2,802,278

Current Obligation: $2,802,278

Actual Outlays: $1,874,679

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70RFP223DEC000009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline