HHS Awards $18.9M Guard Services Contract to Bering Straits Professional Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,890,415 ($18.9M)
Contractor: Bering Straits Professional Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2024-12-01
End Date: 2027-11-30
Contract Duration: 1,094 days
Daily Burn Rate: $17.3K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: NIOSH GUARD SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: CINCINNATI, HAMILTON County, OHIO, 45226
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $18.9 million to BERING STRAITS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, LLC for work described as: NIOSH GUARD SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single vendor, raising questions about competition. 2. The contract value is significant for security guard services. 3. Potential for cost savings if better pricing could be achieved through competition. 4. The sector is essential for government facility safety and security.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $18.9 million over approximately three years appears high for guard services. Benchmarking against similar contracts is difficult without more detailed scope information, but the lack of competition suggests potential overpricing.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not available for competition, indicating a limited source selection. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these essential security services.
Public Impact
Ensures security for CDC facilities in Ohio. Supports a single contractor's operations and workforce. Taxpayers may be overpaying due to limited competition.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for overpricing
- Limited transparency in award justification
Positive Signals
- Ensures continuous security coverage
- Contract awarded to a known entity
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically security and protective services. Government spending on guard services is substantial, with significant variation based on facility size, location, and security requirements.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses could have provided these services competitively.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is crucial to ensure the contractor meets all performance requirements and that the pricing remains fair throughout the contract term, especially given the limited competition.
Related Government Programs
- Security Guards and Patrol Services
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential for cost overruns
- Lack of transparency in award justification
- Contract duration is substantial
Tags
security-guards-and-patrol-services, department-of-health-and-human-services, oh, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $18.9 million to BERING STRAITS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, LLC. NIOSH GUARD SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BERING STRAITS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $18.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-12-01. End: 2027-11-30.
What was the justification for awarding this contract on a limited/non-competitive basis?
The justification for awarding this contract on a limited basis is not provided in the data. Typically, such awards occur when only one source is capable of meeting the requirement, or in specific emergency situations. Further investigation into the contract file would be necessary to understand the specific rationale and ensure it was appropriate.
How does the per-unit cost of guards compare to industry benchmarks for similar government contracts?
Without specific details on the number of guards, hours, and required skill levels, a precise per-unit cost comparison is not possible. However, given the contract's limited competition and fixed-price nature, it is prudent to assume the cost may be higher than if it were competitively bid. Benchmarking would require detailed service level agreements.
What measures are in place to ensure the effectiveness and quality of guard services provided?
Effectiveness and quality are typically ensured through performance standards outlined in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) and the agency's quality assurance surveillance plan (QASP). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) should have designated personnel monitoring performance, conducting site visits, and reviewing reports to ensure compliance with contract terms.
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: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: 75D30124R73169
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3301 C ST STE 400, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99503
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $28,261,555
Exercised Options: $18,890,415
Current Obligation: $18,890,415
Actual Outlays: $10,282,908
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-12-01
Current End Date: 2027-11-30
Potential End Date: 2027-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-24
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