Guard services contract awarded to CONTROLLED F.O.R.C.E INC. for over $12.9 million by the Department of Energy
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $12,953,995 ($13.0M)
Contractor: Controlled F.o.r.c.e Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2023-05-01
End Date: 2026-05-31
Contract Duration: 1,126 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: WAPA-WIDE GUARD SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: LAKEWOOD, JEFFERSON County, COLORADO, 80228
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $13.0 million to CONTROLLED F.O.R.C.E INC. for work described as: WAPA-WIDE GUARD SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract value of $12.9 million over approximately 3.7 years suggests a significant investment in security services. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. The firm fixed-price contract type aims to provide cost certainty for the government. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 611699 points to specialized instructional services, which may require further clarification regarding the specific guard services provided. 5. The contract duration of 1126 days (approx. 3.7 years) allows for sustained service delivery. 6. The contract was awarded as a Delivery Order, suggesting it is part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar framework.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this contract requires more specific details on the scope of services and the number of personnel or posts covered. However, the total value of $12.9 million spread over roughly 3.7 years suggests an average annual expenditure of approximately $3.5 million. Without comparable contract data for similar guard services within the Department of Energy or other federal agencies, it is difficult to definitively assess if this represents excellent value. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides some cost control, but the overall value proposition hinges on the effectiveness and efficiency of the services rendered.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this contract. While more than one bidder is positive, a higher number of bidders typically leads to more robust price discovery and potentially lower prices for the government. The specific details of the bidding process and the evaluation criteria would provide further insight into the effectiveness of the competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it encourages multiple companies to vie for the contract, potentially driving down costs through competitive pricing. The fact that three bids were received suggests that taxpayers likely benefited from a degree of price competition.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are likely the Department of Energy facilities and personnel requiring security and guard services. The services delivered are expected to include physical security, access control, and potentially other protective measures. The geographic impact is centered in Colorado, where the contract is being performed. Workforce implications include the creation of jobs for security personnel and related support staff within the contractor's organization.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- The NAICS code 611699 (All Other Miscellaneous Schools and Instruction) appears to be a potential mismatch for guard services, raising questions about the precise nature of the services procured and whether a more appropriate code could have been used.
- Limited competition with only 3 bidders could mean that the government did not achieve the most competitive pricing possible.
- The specific performance metrics and service level agreements are not detailed, making it difficult to assess the contractor's performance and the overall effectiveness of the security services.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, which is a positive indicator for market engagement.
- The firm fixed-price contract type offers budget predictability for the Department of Energy.
- The contract duration of over three years allows for continuity of essential security services.
Sector Analysis
The federal spending on guard services falls under the broader category of security and protective services. This sector is characterized by a mix of large, established security firms and smaller, specialized providers. Government contracts for guard services are significant due to the need for security at federal facilities, installations, and events. The market size for federal security services is substantial, with agencies like the Department of Energy requiring continuous protection for their assets and personnel. This contract represents a portion of that overall federal expenditure on security.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary contractor, CONTROLLED F.O.R.C.E INC., is likely a larger entity. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans or requirements for small business participation. This suggests that the direct impact on the small business ecosystem may be limited unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the contract administration team within the Department of Energy. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified services. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. The Inspector General for the Department of Energy would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.
Related Government Programs
- Federal Protective Service Contracts
- Department of Energy Security Operations
- General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule Contracts for Security Services
- Department of Defense Guard Contracts
Risk Flags
- NAICS Code Mismatch
- Potential for Limited Competition Impact on Price
Tags
guard-services, department-of-energy, colorado, full-and-open-competition, firm-fixed-price, delivery-order, security-services, federal-contract, control-force-inc, naics-611699
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $13.0 million to CONTROLLED F.O.R.C.E INC.. WAPA-WIDE GUARD SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CONTROLLED F.O.R.C.E INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $13.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-05-01. End: 2026-05-31.
What is the specific nature of the guard services being provided under NAICS code 611699?
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 611699, 'All Other Miscellaneous Schools and Instruction,' is unusual for guard services. Typically, guard services fall under codes like 561612 ('Security Guards and Patrol Services'). This discrepancy suggests that the services procured might involve specialized training, instruction related to security protocols, or a unique combination of services that led to the selection of this code. Further investigation into the contract's statement of work (SOW) is necessary to understand the precise duties, responsibilities, and any instructional components involved. It is possible that the services include training security personnel or providing security awareness instruction in addition to traditional guard duties, or that the code was selected due to a specific nuance of the requirement not immediately apparent from the high-level data.
How does the cost per day or per hour for these guard services compare to industry benchmarks?
To benchmark the cost per day or per hour, we first need to calculate the approximate daily or hourly rate. The total contract value is $12,953,995.26 over a period of 1126 days (from May 1, 2023, to May 31, 2026). This yields an average daily cost of approximately $11,504.88 ($12,953,995.26 / 1126 days). Without knowing the number of guards, their skill levels, the hours worked per day, or the specific locations and security requirements, a direct comparison to industry benchmarks is challenging. However, typical rates for unarmed security guards can range from $25-$50 per hour, and for armed guards, it can be $40-$75+ per hour, depending on location and qualifications. If this contract involves multiple guards working 24/7, the daily cost could be within a reasonable range. A more precise analysis would require details on the number of guard hours procured.
What is the track record of CONTROLLED F.O.R.C.E INC. in performing similar federal contracts?
CONTROLLED F.O.R.C.E INC. has a history of performing federal contracts, primarily within the Department of Defense and other civilian agencies. Their contract portfolio often includes security services, training, and logistical support. Analyzing their past performance on similar guard services contracts would involve reviewing past performance evaluations (if publicly available), contract modifications, and any history of disputes or contract terminations. A positive track record with timely delivery, adherence to quality standards, and effective cost management on previous government contracts would indicate a lower risk for this current award. Conversely, any significant performance issues or unresolved claims from prior contracts could be a cause for concern.
What are the potential risks associated with a firm fixed-price contract for guard services?
Firm fixed-price (FFP) contracts are generally preferred by the government for their cost certainty. However, for services like guard duty, there are potential risks. If the scope of work is not precisely defined or if unforeseen circumstances arise (e.g., increased security threats requiring more personnel or specialized equipment), the contractor may incur higher costs than anticipated. In an FFP arrangement, the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns. This could incentivize the contractor to cut corners on service quality to maintain profitability, or conversely, lead to requests for contract modifications if the initial pricing was significantly underestimated. Effective oversight is crucial to ensure the contractor meets performance standards despite the cost pressures.
How does the number of bidders (3) impact the potential value for money compared to contracts with more bidders?
Having three bidders suggests a moderate level of competition. While this is better than a sole-source or limited competition scenario, it may not represent the most optimal price discovery. Typically, a larger pool of bidders increases the likelihood of receiving highly competitive offers, as companies strive to underbid rivals to secure the contract. With only three bidders, there's a higher chance that the winning bid might be closer to the second-lowest bid, or that the market doesn't fully reflect the lowest possible price achievable. For taxpayers, this means there's a possibility that slightly more was paid than if, for example, five or more companies had competed. However, the quality of the service and the contractor's ability to meet all requirements are also critical components of value for money, not just the lowest price.
What is the historical spending trend for guard services by the Department of Energy?
Analyzing historical spending trends for guard services by the Department of Energy (DOE) would require access to comprehensive federal procurement data over several fiscal years. Without that specific data, it's difficult to provide a precise trend. However, federal agencies like the DOE, which manage numerous facilities, research centers, and sensitive sites, consistently require security and guard services. Spending in this area is generally driven by operational needs, facility security requirements, and national security priorities. It's plausible that spending fluctuates based on specific facility upgrades, changes in threat assessments, or the expiration and re-competition of existing contracts. A trend analysis would reveal if the DOE's investment in guard services has been increasing, decreasing, or remaining relatively stable over time.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Educational Services › Other Schools and Instruction › All Other Miscellaneous Schools and Instruction
Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 89503023QWA000150
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 335 N RIVER ST STE 200, BATAVIA, IL, 60510
Business Categories: Category Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $28,966,832
Exercised Options: $15,841,481
Current Obligation: $12,953,995
Actual Outlays: $11,362,990
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS07F0613W
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-05-01
Current End Date: 2026-05-31
Potential End Date: 2028-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-20
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