DHS Spends $18.7M on Maryland Protective Security Officer Services via Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,691,936 ($18.7M)

Contractor: CDA Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2022-10-01

End Date: 2023-07-31

Contract Duration: 303 days

Daily Burn Rate: $61.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF MARYLAND

Place of Performance

Location: BALTIMORE, BALTIMORE CITY County, MARYLAND, 21201

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $18.7 million to CDA INC for work described as: PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF MARYLAND Key points: 1. The contract awarded to CDA Inc. for security services in Maryland represents a significant investment of $18.7 million. 2. Utilizing full and open competition suggests a robust market for these services, potentially driving competitive pricing. 3. The fixed-price contract structure aims to control costs, but the duration and specific service levels will determine overall value. 4. The sector for security services is generally stable, but specific regional demands and the number of bidders influence competitive intensity.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $18.7 million contract value for security services appears reasonable given the 303-day duration and the scope across Maryland. Benchmarking against similar large-scale security contracts would provide a clearer picture of cost-effectiveness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' method indicates that multiple vendors were considered, fostering price discovery and potentially leading to a more competitive outcome. This approach is generally favorable for achieving fair market prices.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is a positive sign for taxpayers, as it aims to secure the best value by allowing a wide range of qualified vendors to bid on the contract.

Public Impact

Ensures physical security for state facilities and personnel across Maryland. Supports local employment through the provision of security officer services. The contract's performance directly impacts the safety and operational continuity of DHS facilities in the region. Transparency in the procurement process through open competition builds public trust.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 60 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep or unaddressed service gaps within the fixed-price model.
Dependence on a single contractor (CDA Inc.) for critical security functions.

Positive Signals

Use of full and open competition.
Fixed-price contract to manage costs.
Clear geographic scope within Maryland.

Sector Analysis

The security services sector is characterized by a mix of large, established firms and smaller specialized providers. Spending benchmarks vary widely based on the level of security, geographic area, and contract duration. This contract falls within a typical range for comprehensive state-wide security services.

Small Business Impact

While the contract was awarded to CDA Inc., the 'full and open competition' clause suggests that small businesses may have had the opportunity to bid or subcontract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Office of Procurement Operations managed the solicitation and award. Oversight of contract performance, including service quality and adherence to terms, is crucial to ensure accountability and taxpayer value.

Related Government Programs

Security Guards and Patrol Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Office of Procurement Operations Programs

Risk Flags

Contract duration is relatively short (303 days), potentially leading to frequent re-procurement costs.
Reliance on a single awardee for critical security functions.
Potential for cost overruns if service requirements are not precisely defined.
Need for robust government oversight to ensure service quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $18.7 million to CDA INC. PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF MARYLAND

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CDA 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 $18.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-10-01. End: 2023-07-31.

What specific metrics are used to evaluate the performance of the protective security officers and CDA Inc. under this contract?

Performance evaluation likely involves metrics such as response times to incidents, adherence to post orders, officer conduct and professionalism, and incident reporting accuracy. The Department of Homeland Security's quality assurance personnel would typically monitor these aspects through site visits, performance reports, and feedback from facility managers to ensure contract compliance and effectiveness.

How does the $18.7 million expenditure compare to previous security contracts for similar services in Maryland?

Comparing this $18.7 million contract to previous ones requires access to historical spending data for DHS security services in Maryland. Factors like inflation, changes in security requirements, and market competition over time would influence any year-over-year comparisons. A detailed analysis would reveal if current spending represents an increase or decrease relative to prior periods and the underlying reasons.

What are the potential risks associated with a fixed-price contract for security services over a 303-day period?

A primary risk of fixed-price contracts is that the contractor may cut corners on service quality to maximize profit if costs exceed expectations. Conversely, if the scope of work is underestimated by the government, the agency might not receive the full level of service required. Unforeseen events or changes in security needs could also strain the fixed budget.

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: 185 ADMIRAL COCHRANE DRIVE, SUITE 220, ANNAPOLIS, MD, 21401

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,691,936

Exercised Options: $18,691,936

Current Obligation: $18,691,936

Actual Outlays: $18,691,936

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70RFP318DE3000002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline