DHS awards $7.2M contract for armed protective security services in Oklahoma, raising value-for-money questions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,183,798 ($7.2M)

Contractor: Triple Canopy Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-10-01

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 211 days

Daily Burn Rate: $34.0K/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 $7.2 million to TRIPLE CANOPY INC for work described as: ARMED PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER (PSO) SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA Key points: 1. The contract value of $7.2 million for 211 days of service suggests a high daily rate, warranting scrutiny of cost-effectiveness. 2. Competition was full and open, indicating a potentially robust market for these services, but the number of bidders is not specified. 3. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs, but the absence of detailed performance metrics makes assessing value challenging. 4. The service is critical for homeland security operations in Oklahoma, highlighting the importance of reliable and effective security provision. 5. The contractor, TRIPLE CANOPY INC, has a significant presence in the security services sector, suggesting experience but also potential for market concentration. 6. The contract duration is relatively short, which may indicate a need for ongoing services or a phased approach to security provision.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's total value of $7.2 million over approximately 7 months (211 days) translates to a daily rate of roughly $34,000. This rate appears high when compared to general benchmarks for security services, even for armed personnel. Without specific details on the number of personnel, their deployment locations, or the exact scope of duties, it is difficult to definitively assess value for money. However, the high daily cost warrants further investigation into whether this represents a competitive and efficient price for the services rendered.

Cost Per Unit: Approximately $34,000 per day (based on total contract value and duration).

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which theoretically allows any interested and capable vendor to bid. This method is generally preferred for ensuring fair access to government contracts and promoting competitive pricing. However, the specific number of bids received is not provided, which is crucial for understanding the actual level of competition and its impact on the final price. A high number of bids would typically lead to better price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it encourages multiple vendors to offer their best prices, potentially leading to cost savings for the government.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Homeland Security and its operational components within Oklahoma, receiving enhanced security coverage. The services delivered include armed protective security, ensuring the safety and security of federal assets and personnel in the state. The geographic impact is statewide within Oklahoma, covering various federal facilities or operations as needed. Workforce implications include the potential employment of security professionals, both directly by the contractor and indirectly through subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

High daily cost raises concerns about potential overpayment if not adequately justified by service intensity.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the security services provided.
The short contract duration might lead to frequent re-competition, incurring administrative costs and potential service disruptions.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a broad market engagement.
Fixed-price contract type helps to establish cost certainty for the government.
Contractor has experience in providing security services, implying a level of operational capability.

Sector Analysis

The security services sector is a significant component of government contracting, encompassing a wide range of protective and investigative services. This contract falls under the 'Security Guards and Patrol Services' (NAICS 561612) category. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous large and small businesses vying for government contracts. Spending in this area is driven by the need to protect federal assets, personnel, and critical infrastructure across various agencies. Benchmarks for similar contracts would typically consider the number of personnel, hours of service, geographic coverage, and required security clearances.

Small Business Impact

While the contract was awarded under full and open competition and there is no explicit small business set-aside mentioned (ss: false, sb: false), the potential for small business participation exists through subcontracting opportunities. The prime contractor, TRIPLE CANOPY INC, may engage small businesses for specialized support or to meet subcontracting goals. However, without specific subcontracting plans or targets, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem remains unclear. The scale of this contract might favor larger prime contractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the Department of Homeland Security's contracting officers and program managers responsible for security operations in Oklahoma. Accountability measures are usually embedded within the contract's terms and conditions, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed operational specifics are often sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Security Services
Statewide Security Contracts
Armed Guard Services
Contract Security Services

Risk Flags

High Daily Cost
Lack of Performance Metrics Detail
Unspecified Number of Bidders

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $7.2 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 $7.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the track record of TRIPLE CANOPY INC in providing similar armed protective security services to federal agencies?

TRIPLE CANOPY INC is a well-established provider of security and mission support services, often working with government agencies, including defense and homeland security. They have a history of performing large-scale security contracts, which may include armed protective services. Analyzing their past performance on similar federal contracts, including any past performance evaluations or awards/debarments, would provide insight into their reliability and capability. Their experience suggests they possess the necessary resources and expertise to manage complex security operations. However, a detailed review of their specific contract history with DHS and other agencies would be needed to fully assess their track record for this particular type of service.

How does the daily cost of $34,000 for these security services compare to similar contracts awarded by DHS or other agencies for armed protective services in comparable geographic regions?

The daily rate of approximately $34,000 for armed protective security services appears high when benchmarked against general industry standards and publicly available contract data for similar services. While specific comparisons are difficult without knowing the exact number of personnel, their deployment, and the precise scope of duties, typical rates for armed security personnel, even in high-cost areas or for specialized roles, often fall significantly below this figure on a per-day basis. Contracts for similar services might involve multiple guards, 24/7 coverage, or specialized equipment, which would increase the total cost. However, a rate of $34,000 per day warrants a detailed comparison with other DHS contracts or contracts from agencies like the General Services Administration (GSA) that procure similar security services to ensure competitive pricing and value for taxpayer dollars.

What are the specific performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) outlined in this contract to ensure the effectiveness and quality of the security services?

The provided data does not detail the specific performance metrics or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. Typically, contracts for armed protective security services would include metrics related to response times, guard presence, incident reporting accuracy, adherence to post orders, and personnel qualifications (e.g., training, background checks, firearms proficiency). The effectiveness and quality of the services are crucial for ensuring the security of federal assets and personnel. Without these defined metrics, it is challenging to objectively assess whether the contractor is meeting the government's requirements and delivering value for money. The contract's effectiveness hinges on clear, measurable, and achievable performance standards.

What is the historical spending pattern for armed protective security services by the Department of Homeland Security in Oklahoma or similar states?

Historical spending data for armed protective security services by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in Oklahoma or comparable states is not directly available in the provided information. However, DHS, through its various components like Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Federal Protective Service (FPS), frequently procures security services nationwide. Analyzing past DHS solicitations and awards for similar services in regions with comparable security needs and cost-of-living indices would provide context. Trends might indicate whether this $7.2 million contract represents an increase, decrease, or continuation of previous spending levels for such services in the region, and whether competition has remained consistent.

Given the full and open competition, how many bids were received, and what was the range of proposed prices to assess the competitiveness of the awarded price?

The provided data indicates that the contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION,' which is a positive sign for market engagement. However, it does not specify the number of bids received or the range of proposed prices. This information is critical for a thorough assessment of the competition's effectiveness. A large number of bids typically suggests robust competition, which should drive prices down. Conversely, a low number of bids might indicate barriers to entry, limited market capacity, or that the solicitation was not widely known or attractive. Without knowing the number of bidders and their proposed pricing, it is difficult to definitively conclude whether the awarded price of $7.2 million represents a competitive market outcome or if there was potential for better value.

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: $7,183,798

Exercised Options: $7,183,798

Current Obligation: $7,183,798

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70RFP421DE7000002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline