DHS Spends $32.1M on Armed Guard Services in DC via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $32,145,667 ($32.1M)
Contractor: Universal Protection Service, Limited Partnership
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2026-02-01
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 241 days
Daily Burn Rate: $133.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: ARMED GUARD II SERVICES IN WASHINGTON DC
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20024
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $32.1 million to UNIVERSAL PROTECTION SERVICE, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP for work described as: ARMED GUARD II SERVICES IN WASHINGTON DC Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $32.1M for security services. 2. Universal Protection Service is the incumbent contractor. 3. Potential risk associated with reliance on a single provider for critical security. 4. Spending falls within the Security Guards and Patrol Services sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $32.1M for approximately 8 months of service appears high. Benchmarking against similar contracts for armed guard services in major metropolitan areas is needed to assess pricing efficiency.
Cost Per Unit: $133,385 per month (estimated)
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the impact on price discovery for this specific delivery order needs further analysis to confirm optimal pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are funding essential security services, with the expectation that the competitive process yielded a fair price for the required level of protection.
Public Impact
Ensures security for Department of Homeland Security operations in Washington D.C. Supports federal agency presence and safety in the nation's capital. Provides employment opportunities within the private security sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- High per-unit cost requires validation.
- Short contract duration (8 months) may indicate potential for frequent re-competition and associated administrative costs.
Positive Signals
- Awarded via full and open competition.
- Clear contract end date provides opportunity for future competitive review.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Security Guards and Patrol Services sector (NAICS 561612). Spending in this sector is crucial for government facility protection and public safety, with costs varying based on location, service level, and duration.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Office of Procurement Operations managed this procurement. Oversight should focus on ensuring the continued necessity of these services and the efficiency of future contract awards.
Related Government Programs
- Security Guards and Patrol Services
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- Office of Procurement Operations Programs
Risk Flags
- High estimated monthly cost.
- Short contract duration may lead to administrative inefficiencies.
- Lack of detail on small business participation.
- Potential for vendor lock-in if competition is not robust in subsequent cycles.
Tags
security-guards-and-patrol-services, department-of-homeland-security, dc, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $32.1 million to UNIVERSAL PROTECTION SERVICE, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP. ARMED GUARD II SERVICES IN WASHINGTON DC
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 $32.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-02-01. End: 2026-09-30.
What is the specific scope of services provided by Universal Protection Service under this contract?
The scope of services likely includes providing trained and licensed armed security personnel to protect federal facilities, assets, and personnel within Washington D.C. This could encompass access control, perimeter security, response to incidents, and surveillance, tailored to the specific needs and threat environment of the Department of Homeland Security's operations in the area.
How does the monthly cost compare to industry benchmarks for similar armed guard services in high-cost urban areas like D.C.?
The estimated monthly cost of $133,385 requires comparison with industry benchmarks for armed guard services in Washington D.C. Factors such as the number of guards, hours of coverage, required security clearances, and specific post orders will influence this comparison. Without detailed service requirements, it's difficult to definitively assess if this cost is competitive.
What is the potential impact on service continuity if this contract is not renewed or re-competed effectively?
A disruption in service continuity could pose significant security risks to Department of Homeland Security operations and personnel in Washington D.C. A poorly managed re-competition or failure to secure a new contract in a timely manner could lead to gaps in essential security coverage, potentially increasing vulnerability to threats and compromising agency functions.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 70RFP223REC000001
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: $32,145,667
Exercised Options: $32,145,667
Current Obligation: $32,145,667
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 70RFP224DEC000012
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-02-01
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-26
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