DHS awards $2.3M for Alaska security services under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,288,214 ($2.3M)

Contractor: CDA Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-10-01

End Date: 2026-01-31

Contract Duration: 122 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SECTION 2(D): NON-COVERED CONTRACT. THIS TASK ORDER IS BEING ISSUED FOR PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER SERVICES IN THE STATE OF ALASKA SERVICE AREA.

Place of Performance

Location: ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE County, ALASKA, 99501

State: Alaska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $2.3 million to CDA INC for work described as: SECTION 2(D): NON-COVERED CONTRACT. THIS TASK ORDER IS BEING ISSUED FOR PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER SERVICES IN THE STATE OF ALASKA SERVICE AREA. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential security services in Alaska. 2. Utilizes a firm-fixed-price structure, providing cost certainty. 3. Competition was conducted after excluding specific sources, warranting further review. 4. The contract duration is approximately 4 months. 5. Services are categorized under Security Guards and Patrol Services. 6. The awardee, CDA INC, will provide protective security. 7. The contract is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of approximately $2.3 million for a 4-month period for security services in Alaska appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized protective services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for security guard services in remote or high-cost-of-living areas like Alaska would provide a more definitive assessment of value for money. The firm-fixed-price contract type helps manage cost risks for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be broad, certain sources were excluded from the outset. The specific reasons for this exclusion are not detailed but could impact the breadth of competition and potentially the final pricing. Further information is needed to understand the scope of the exclusion and its impact on market dynamics.

Taxpayer Impact: Excluding sources, even with an intent for open competition, may limit the number of potential bidders, potentially leading to less competitive pricing for taxpayers. A thorough justification for the exclusion is crucial for ensuring fair market access and optimal value.

Public Impact

Provides critical protective security officer services within the state of Alaska. Ensures the safety and security of federal facilities or personnel in the designated service area. Supports the operational continuity of Department of Homeland Security functions in Alaska. Creates employment opportunities for security personnel within Alaska.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition method requires further scrutiny to ensure it was justified and did not unduly restrict competition.
Lack of detailed performance metrics or past performance information in the provided data makes it difficult to assess the contractor's reliability.
The relatively short duration of the contract (approx. 4 months) may indicate a need for ongoing services or a temporary requirement, impacting long-term planning.

Positive Signals

The use of a firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability for the government.
The contract is awarded to CDA INC, suggesting an established relationship or successful bid.
The services are essential for maintaining security and operational integrity for DHS in Alaska.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Security and Protection Services sector, specifically Security Guards and Patrol Services (NAICS 561612). This sector is characterized by a mix of large, established security firms and smaller, specialized providers. Federal spending in this area is consistent across various agencies requiring physical security for facilities and personnel. The market size is substantial, driven by government needs for both routine and specialized security operations, particularly in sensitive or remote locations.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a specific set-aside criterion for this particular award. Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses mandated by this contract's structure. However, the prime contractor, CDA INC, may engage small businesses as subcontractors based on their own procurement practices.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Homeland Security's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified services at an agreed-upon price. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases, though specific performance monitoring details are not publicly detailed here. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Security Services
Alaska Regional Security Contracts
Security Guard Services
Protective Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Competition Method Justification
Contractor Past Performance
Service Level Agreement Clarity
Geographic Cost Variance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $2.3 million to CDA INC. SECTION 2(D): NON-COVERED CONTRACT. THIS TASK ORDER IS BEING ISSUED FOR PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER SERVICES IN THE STATE OF ALASKA SERVICE AREA.

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 $2.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-01-31.

What is the specific justification for excluding certain sources in the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' method for this contract?

The provided data does not contain the specific justification for excluding certain sources. This contracting method, while allowing for open competition among the remaining pool of potential offerors, requires a documented rationale for the exclusion. Typically, such exclusions are based on factors like national security, proprietary technology, or specific capabilities not available from all sources. Without this justification, it is difficult to fully assess whether the exclusion was necessary and if it potentially limited competition to the detriment of obtaining the best value for the government. Further review of the contract file or solicitation documents would be necessary to ascertain the precise reasons.

How does the cost of these security services in Alaska compare to similar contracts in other regions or for similar services?

Benchmarking the cost of these security services requires detailed comparison with contracts for similar protective security officer services in comparable geographic locations or with similar operational requirements. Alaska's unique logistical challenges and potentially higher cost of living can influence labor and operational costs. The provided data does not include specific cost breakdowns or comparable contract data. A comprehensive analysis would involve examining contract awards for security services in other remote or high-cost areas, considering factors like the number of personnel, hours of service, required security clearances, and specific threat levels to determine if the $2.3 million award for approximately four months represents a competitive price point.

What is the track record of CDA INC in providing protective security services to the federal government, particularly for the Department of Homeland Security?

Information regarding CDA INC's specific track record for providing protective security services to the federal government, especially for the Department of Homeland Security, is not detailed in the provided data. A thorough assessment would involve reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on previous DHS or similar federal contracts. This would include examining their experience with similar scope, scale, and geographic locations. Without this historical performance data, it is challenging to definitively assess their reliability and capability to meet the requirements of this specific task order.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or service level agreements (SLAs) associated with this contract, and how will performance be measured?

The provided data snippet does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) or service level agreements (SLAs) that will be used to measure the performance of CDA INC under this contract. Typically, contracts for security services include detailed requirements related to response times, officer conduct, reporting procedures, and adherence to post orders. Performance is usually monitored through regular inspections, client feedback, and formal evaluations. Understanding these KPIs and SLAs is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of the services delivered and ensuring accountability.

What is the total federal spending on Security Guards and Patrol Services (NAICS 561612) by the Department of Homeland Security over the past five fiscal years?

To determine the total federal spending on Security Guards and Patrol Services (NAICS 561612) by the Department of Homeland Security over the past five fiscal years, one would need to access comprehensive federal procurement databases such as USAspending.gov or FPDS. These databases allow users to filter contract awards by agency, NAICS code, and fiscal year. While this specific contract award is for approximately $2.3 million, a broader analysis would aggregate all contracts within this category awarded by DHS during the specified period. This would provide context on the overall investment in such services and identify trends in spending.

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: $2,288,214

Exercised Options: $2,288,214

Current Obligation: $2,288,214

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70RFPW20DWA000001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline