DHS Awards $50.6M for Sarasota Airport Security Screening, Boosting Transportation Security Administration's SPP

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $50,595,735 ($50.6M)

Contractor: Aviation Security Management LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2022-11-01

End Date: 2026-10-31

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $34.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE AWARD FEE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY SCREENING SERVICES AT SARASOTA BRADENTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SRQ) IN SARASOTA, FLORIDA, IN SUPPORT OF THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (TSA), SCREENING PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (SPP).

Place of Performance

Location: SARASOTA, SARASOTA County, FLORIDA, 34243

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $50.6 million to AVIATION SECURITY MANAGEMENT LLC for work described as: COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY SCREENING SERVICES AT SARASOTA BRADENTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SRQ) IN SARASOTA, FLORIDA, IN SUPPORT OF THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (TSA), SCREENING PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (SPP). Key points: 1. The contract is for comprehensive security screening services at SRQ airport. 2. Aviation Security Management LLC is the prime contractor. 3. The award supports the Transportation Security Administration's Screening Partnership Program. 4. The contract has a fixed-price award fee structure. 5. This is a delivery order under a larger contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award value is $50.6 million over approximately four years. This appears to be a significant investment for airport security screening services, and the fixed-price award fee structure suggests incentives for performance.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to more competitive pricing as multiple vendors have the opportunity to bid.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to ensure the security of air travel through a competitive procurement process, aiming for value and effective service delivery.

Public Impact

Enhanced security measures at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. Support for the TSA's mission to ensure transportation security. Potential for improved passenger screening efficiency and effectiveness. Economic activity through contract with Aviation Security Management LLC. Ensuring compliance with federal aviation security regulations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if award fee targets are consistently met.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical security functions.
Risk of service disruption if contractor performance falters.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition likely secured competitive pricing.
Fixed-price award fee structure incentivizes performance.
Long-term contract provides stability for security operations.
Supports a key federal agency's mission.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the security services sector, specifically related to transportation security. Spending benchmarks for similar airport screening contracts can vary widely based on airport size, traffic volume, and specific service requirements.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this is a delivery order under a larger contract, and it's unclear if Aviation Security Management LLC is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation or subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Homeland Security, specifically the Transportation Security Administration, which has established oversight mechanisms for such agreements. The fixed-price award fee structure also provides a performance-based oversight component.

Related Government Programs

Security Guards and Patrol Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Transportation Security Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Contract duration is substantial (4 years).
Fixed Price Award Fee structure.
Relies on a single prime contractor.
Potential for scope creep or unmanaged cost increases.
Dependence on TSA's ability to effectively monitor performance metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $50.6 million to AVIATION SECURITY MANAGEMENT LLC. COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY SCREENING SERVICES AT SARASOTA BRADENTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SRQ) IN SARASOTA, FLORIDA, IN SUPPORT OF THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (TSA), SCREENING PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (SPP).

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AVIATION SECURITY MANAGEMENT LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $50.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-11-01. End: 2026-10-31.

What is the specific performance metric tied to the award fee, and how does it align with TSA's security objectives?

The specific performance metrics for the award fee are not detailed in the provided data. However, they are typically designed to align with TSA's core security objectives, such as passenger wait times, screening accuracy, compliance with security protocols, and overall operational efficiency. Understanding these metrics is crucial for assessing whether the contract truly incentivizes the most effective security outcomes for the taxpayer.

How does the per-unit cost of screening compare to other airports of similar size and traffic volume under the SPP?

Without specific per-unit cost data (e.g., cost per passenger screened) and a benchmark of similar airports within the TSA's Screening Partnership Program, a direct comparison is not possible. The total award value of $50.6 million over four years for Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) needs to be contextualized against SRQ's passenger volume and the scope of services provided to determine if it represents a competitive rate.

What is the contingency plan if Aviation Security Management LLC fails to meet its contractual obligations or faces significant operational challenges?

The contract likely includes clauses for contractor default, performance failures, and termination for convenience or cause. The TSA would have procedures in place to transition services to another provider or bring operations in-house if necessary. The existence of full and open competition suggests that alternative providers could be engaged, though such transitions can be complex and potentially disruptive.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE AWARD FEE (M)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 17885 FRALEY BLVD SUITE 201, DUMFRIES, VA, 22026

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $67,260,170

Exercised Options: $50,595,735

Current Obligation: $50,595,735

Actual Outlays: $32,501,371

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSTS0516DSPP902

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline