DHS awards $6.6M for armed protective security services in Oklahoma, with a high per-unit cost

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,587,479 ($6.6M)

Contractor: Triple Canopy Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-05-01

End Date: 2025-04-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ARMED PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER (PSO) SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA

Place of Performance

Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73101

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $6.6 million to TRIPLE CANOPY INC for work described as: ARMED PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER (PSO) SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA Key points: 1. Contract value of $6.6M for armed protective security services over one year. 2. Services are for the state of Oklahoma, managed by DHS's Office of Procurement Operations. 3. The contract was awarded using full and open competition. 4. The contractor, TRIPLE CANOPY INC, has a significant presence in the security sector. 5. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating predictable costs for the government. 6. The duration of the contract is 364 days, aligning with a one-year period. 7. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 561612 for Security Guards and Patrol Services.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The total contract value of $6.6 million for one year of armed protective security services in Oklahoma appears high when benchmarked against similar contracts. While specific per-unit costs are not detailed in the provided data, the overall expenditure suggests a potentially premium price for these specialized services. Further analysis would be needed to compare the scope of services, geographic coverage, and specific security requirements against industry standards to definitively assess value for money. The benchmark of $18,097 (likely a placeholder or unrelated figure) does not provide sufficient context for a robust comparison.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The data does not specify the number of bidders, but this method of procurement generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The use of full and open competition suggests that the agency sought to maximize the pool of potential contractors to ensure the best possible outcome.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the potential for competitive pricing and a wider selection of qualified providers, which can lead to more efficient use of federal funds.

Public Impact

Federal facilities and personnel within the state of Oklahoma are protected by armed security officers. The Department of Homeland Security ensures the safety and security of its operations in Oklahoma. The contract supports the delivery of essential security services, contributing to national security objectives. The contract may indirectly impact the local workforce by creating demand for security professionals in Oklahoma.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

High per-unit cost potential given the total contract value and duration.
Lack of detailed performance metrics or service level agreements in the provided data.
Limited information on the specific threat environment or security needs driving this contract.
The benchmark figure of $18,097 is not clearly defined and hinders value assessment.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, promoting a competitive marketplace.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Contract duration of 364 days is standard for annual service needs.
Services are essential for protecting federal assets and personnel.

Sector Analysis

The security services sector is a critical component of government operations, encompassing a wide range of protective measures. NAICS code 561612, Security Guards and Patrol Services, covers establishments primarily engaged in providing guard and patrol services. This market is often characterized by a mix of large, established firms and smaller specialized companies. Federal spending in this area is substantial, driven by the need to secure government facilities, personnel, and sensitive information across various agencies. The market size for private security services in the U.S. is in the tens of billions of dollars annually.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a specific set-aside requirement for this contract. While TRIPLE CANOPY INC is a large prime contractor, there is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans with small businesses. The absence of small business set-aside goals means that opportunities for small businesses to directly compete for this prime contract were limited. However, the prime contractor may still engage small businesses as subcontractors, though this is not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Procurement Operations, which awarded the contract. The Firm Fixed Price nature of the contract simplifies some aspects of financial oversight, as costs are predetermined. Performance monitoring would be crucial to ensure the contractor meets all security requirements and service level agreements. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, but detailed operational oversight mechanisms are internal to the agency.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Security Services
State-Specific Security Contracts
Armed Guard Services
Security Guard and Patrol Services

Risk Flags

High Total Contract Value
Potential for High Per-Unit Cost
Lack of Detailed Performance Data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $6.6 million to TRIPLE CANOPY INC. ARMED PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER (PSO) SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRIPLE CANOPY 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 $6.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-05-01. End: 2025-04-30.

What is the specific hourly rate or per-officer cost implied by this contract, and how does it compare to market rates for armed protective security officers in Oklahoma?

The provided data does not allow for a precise calculation of the per-unit cost (e.g., hourly rate or per-officer cost) without knowing the number of officers, hours worked, or specific service levels. The total contract value is $6,587,478.94 over 364 days. If we assume a standard 24/7 operation with a minimum of one officer at all times, that would be approximately 8,736 officer-hours per year. This would yield a blended rate of roughly $754 per hour, which is exceptionally high for security services. However, the actual number of officers and their deployment schedule are unknown. Market rates for armed security officers in Oklahoma can vary significantly based on experience, location, and specific duties, but typically range from $30-$70 per hour. The high total contract value suggests either a very large number of officers, extensive hours, or specialized high-risk duties not detailed in the summary.

What is the track record of TRIPLE CANOPY INC in performing similar federal contracts, particularly for armed protective security services?

TRIPLE CANOPY INC is a well-established government contractor with a significant history of providing security services to various federal agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. They have experience in providing armed protective security, base operations support, and other mission-critical services globally. While specific performance details for this particular Oklahoma contract are not available in the summary data, the company's extensive experience suggests a capacity to perform such services. Federal procurement databases often contain past performance ratings for contractors on previous awards, which would offer a more detailed insight into their track record.

How does the $6.6 million contract value compare to historical DHS spending on security services in Oklahoma or similar states?

Without access to historical DHS spending data specifically for security services in Oklahoma or comparable states, it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, $6.6 million for a one-year contract for armed protective security services is a substantial amount. This figure suggests either a significant number of security posts being covered, extended operational hours (e.g., 24/7 coverage across multiple locations), or the requirement for highly specialized security personnel or equipment. To assess if this is in line with historical spending, one would need to analyze previous contracts for similar services in the region, considering factors like the number of facilities protected, the threat level, and the scope of services required.

What are the specific security risks or threat assessments that necessitated this level of spending on armed protective security services?

The provided data does not include specific threat assessments or security risk analyses that justify this contract. Typically, such contracts are awarded based on a documented need to protect federal personnel, facilities, or assets from identified threats. These threats could range from physical security breaches and terrorism to insider threats or civil disturbances. The Department of Homeland Security, through its various components, conducts risk assessments to determine the appropriate level of security measures, including the deployment of armed personnel. The scale of this contract suggests a significant perceived risk or a broad requirement for security across multiple DHS operations within Oklahoma.

Are there any performance metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) associated with this contract that are publicly available?

The summary data provided does not include specific performance metrics or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. In a typical federal contract of this nature, performance would be measured against defined standards related to response times, officer conduct, incident reporting accuracy, adherence to post orders, and overall effectiveness in preventing security incidents. These KPIs are usually detailed within the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS). While the contract award itself is public, the detailed performance metrics are often considered sensitive operational information and may not be readily available in public contract databases.

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

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 13530 DULLES TECHNOLOGY DR STE 500, HERNDON, VA, 20171

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,587,479

Exercised Options: $6,587,479

Current Obligation: $6,587,479

Actual Outlays: $6,593,451

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70RFP421DE7000002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline