DHS awards $9.5M for DC protective security, with Simmons & Golden Security LLC securing the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,496,321 ($9.5M)

Contractor: Simmons & Golden Security LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-10-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $26.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER (PSO) SERVICES IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C. AREA. SECTION

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20001

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $9.5 million to SIMMONS & GOLDEN SECURITY LLC for work described as: PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER (PSO) SERVICES IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C. AREA. SECTION Key points: 1. Contract value of $9.5 million over two years for PSO services. 2. Awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 3. Potential for cost efficiencies through a firm-fixed-price structure. 4. Services are critical for maintaining security in the Washington D.C. area. 5. Contract duration of one year with a one-year option. 6. Sector is Security Guards and Patrol Services, a niche but essential service.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $9.5 million for two years of protective security services in the D.C. area appears reasonable given the critical nature of the services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for PSO services in high-cost urban areas suggests this pricing is within expected ranges. The firm-fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government, although it places more risk on the contractor for unforeseen cost increases.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be open, specific sources may have been excluded prior to the solicitation, or the competition was limited to a specific set of pre-qualified vendors. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'exclusion of sources' phrasing suggests a potentially narrower competitive pool than a truly unrestricted full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: While the competition was not fully unrestricted, the 'after exclusion of sources' approach may still yield competitive pricing if multiple qualified vendors were allowed to bid. Taxpayers benefit from a structured procurement process designed to achieve value, even with potential source limitations.

Public Impact

Federal facilities and personnel in the Washington D.C. area will receive enhanced security. Citizens and visitors to secure federal locations will benefit from a safer environment. The contract supports the Department of Homeland Security's mission to protect the nation. Local workforce in the D.C. area will be employed in security roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources' phrasing.
Contractor's track record in large-scale PSO services needs further review.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical security functions in a high-risk area.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability.
Awarded to a specific company, indicating they met stringent requirements.
Services are essential for national security and public safety in the capital.

Sector Analysis

The Security Guards and Patrol Services sector (NAICS 561612) is a vital component of the broader security industry, encompassing a wide range of protective services. This contract falls within a segment focused on specialized personnel for sensitive government locations. Spending in this sector is often driven by government needs for physical security at federal buildings, embassies, and critical infrastructure, particularly in high-threat urban environments like Washington D.C. Market size for government security contracts is substantial, with significant annual outlays across various agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation is not a primary focus for this specific award, as the 'ss' (small business set-aside) and 'sb' (small business) flags are false. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this particular contract appears minimal, unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for support services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely fall under the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Procurement Operations. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract simplifies some aspects of financial oversight, focusing on performance delivery. Accountability will be measured against the service level agreements and performance standards outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics and detailed oversight reports may not always be publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Security Services
Washington D.C. Area Security Contracts
Protective Security Officer Services

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources'.
Contractor's past performance and capacity for large-scale security operations.
Ensuring consistent service quality and personnel reliability over the contract term.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $9.5 million to SIMMONS & GOLDEN SECURITY LLC. PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER (PSO) SERVICES IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C. AREA. SECTION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SIMMONS & GOLDEN SECURITY LLC.

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 $9.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for Protective Security Officer (PSO) services by the Department of Homeland Security in the Washington D.C. area?

Analyzing historical spending for PSO services by DHS in the D.C. area requires access to detailed federal procurement databases. However, general trends indicate a consistent need for such services due to the concentration of federal agencies and high-security requirements in the capital. Spending typically fluctuates based on specific facility needs, threat assessments, and the competitive landscape for security firms. Contracts are often awarded on a multi-year basis, with values ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars annually per contract, depending on the scope and duration. The current $9.5 million award over two years suggests a significant, ongoing requirement for comprehensive security coverage in this critical region.

How does the competition level ('FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES') typically impact pricing for security services?

The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' (FOCI) designation suggests a procurement process that aims for broad competition but may have specific pre-qualification criteria or limitations on the pool of eligible bidders. While it's more competitive than a sole-source award, it might not achieve the same level of price discovery as an unrestricted full and open competition where any responsible source can bid. If the exclusion criteria are narrow, it could limit the number of potential bidders, potentially leading to higher prices than if a wider range of companies could compete. However, if multiple capable firms are still eligible under FOCI, the competition can still drive prices down effectively, especially for standardized services like PSO.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) typically used to evaluate PSO contractors for federal agencies?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for PSO contracts are crucial for ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of security services. Common KPIs include response times to incidents, adherence to post orders, accuracy in reporting and documentation, personnel punctuality and attendance rates, successful completion of required training, and the absence of security breaches or critical incidents under the contractor's watch. Agencies often use a performance evaluation system, such as the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), to track these metrics. Consistent failure to meet KPIs can lead to contract deficiencies, penalties, or non-renewal, while strong performance can be a factor in future contract awards.

What is the typical duration and value range for similar PSO contracts in major metropolitan areas?

PSO contracts in major metropolitan areas, especially those serving federal agencies, often have durations ranging from one to five years, including option periods. The value can vary significantly based on the number of posts, hours of coverage, security clearances required, and the specific threat environment. Contracts for large federal facilities or multiple sites can easily reach several million dollars annually. For instance, contracts for PSO services at federal courthouses, office buildings, or sensitive installations in cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Washington D.C. can range from $1 million to over $10 million per year. The $9.5 million award over two years for DHS in D.C. aligns with the higher end of this range, reflecting the critical nature and scale of the requirement.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single contractor for critical security services in a high-profile area like Washington D.C.?

Relying on a single contractor for critical security services in a high-profile area like Washington D.C. presents several potential risks. These include service disruption if the contractor experiences financial instability, labor disputes, or fails to maintain adequate staffing levels. There's also a risk of complacency or a decline in service quality over time if competition is limited or oversight is lax. Furthermore, a single point of failure could be exploited by adversaries. To mitigate these risks, agencies typically implement robust performance monitoring, contingency planning, and maintain strong relationships with the contractor to address issues proactively. Contract clauses often include provisions for service continuity and penalties for non-performance.

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: 1230 ELSBORN RIDGE RD, MARYVILLE, TN, 37801

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,496,321

Exercised Options: $9,496,321

Current Obligation: $9,496,321

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70RFP225DEC000001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline