EPA spent $17.4M on security services, with IDS International LLC awarded a competitive delivery order

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,401,876 ($17.4M)

Contractor: IDS International, LLC

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2008-10-01

End Date: 2014-06-30

Contract Duration: 2,098 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.3K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SECURITY SERVICES-CINCINNATI

Place of Performance

Location: CINCINNATI, HAMILTON County, OHIO, 45268

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $17.4 million to IDS INTERNATIONAL, LLC for work described as: SECURITY SERVICES-CINCINNATI Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the contract duration and scope. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a single awardee from a competitive process. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm fixed-price contract type. 4. Performance context is within security guard and patrol services. 5. Sector positioning is within government contracting for essential services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award amount of $17.4 million over approximately 6.8 years suggests a consistent need for security services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for security guard and patrol services would provide a clearer picture of value, but the firm fixed-price structure generally offers cost certainty. The contract was awarded as a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, which can sometimes lead to more competitive pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded as a competitive delivery order, implying that multiple vendors were likely considered or competed for this specific task order. While the data indicates one awardee (IDS INTERNATIONAL, LLC), the 'COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER' designation suggests a competitive process was followed. The number of bidders is not explicitly stated, but a competitive award generally fosters better price discovery than a sole-source or limited competition scenario.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices through vendor competition.

Public Impact

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) benefits from enhanced security at its facilities. Services delivered include security guards and patrol, ensuring physical safety and asset protection. The geographic impact is primarily within Ohio, where the contract was administered. Workforce implications include the employment of security personnel by the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess effectiveness.
Limited detail on the competitive bidding process beyond 'competitive delivery order'.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Awarded by a major federal agency (EPA) indicates a level of trust and capability.
Long contract duration suggests a stable, ongoing need for services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader government contracting sector for security services, specifically guard and patrol operations (NAICS code 561612). The market for these services is substantial, with numerous private sector companies competing for federal, state, and local government contracts. The EPA's spending on security is a component of its overall operational budget, ensuring the protection of its personnel and facilities.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary contractor, IDS INTERNATIONAL, LLC, is likely not a small business for the purpose of this award. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans or their impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Environmental Protection Agency's contracting officers and program managers. As a delivery order, it falls under the purview of the parent contract's oversight. Transparency is generally provided through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Security Contracts
General Services Administration Schedules (Security Services)

Risk Flags

Contract duration is long, increasing potential for scope creep or changing requirements.
Limited information on specific performance metrics makes objective assessment difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $17.4 million to IDS INTERNATIONAL, LLC. SECURITY SERVICES-CINCINNATI

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is IDS INTERNATIONAL, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $17.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-10-01. End: 2014-06-30.

What was the specific nature of the competition for this delivery order, and how many bids were received?

The provided data designates this as a 'COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER,' indicating that the EPA followed a competitive process to award this task order to IDS INTERNATIONAL, LLC. However, the exact number of bids received is not specified in the data. Typically, a competitive delivery order implies that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid, either through a pre-competed contract vehicle or a specific solicitation for this order. The level of competition can significantly influence pricing; a higher number of bids generally leads to more favorable pricing for the government. Without the specific number of bidders, it's challenging to definitively assess the intensity of the competition and its impact on price discovery.

How does the total contract value of $17.4 million compare to similar security service contracts awarded by the EPA or other federal agencies?

The total contract value of $17.4 million over approximately 6.8 years (2008-2014) averages to roughly $2.56 million per year. This figure needs to be contextualized by the scope of services, number of personnel, geographic coverage, and specific security requirements. Comparing this to similar contracts requires access to a broader dataset of federal procurement. However, for a large federal agency like the EPA, providing comprehensive security services across multiple locations or for significant facilities, this annual average expenditure is not inherently excessive. It falls within a range expected for substantial security contracts, but a detailed benchmark analysis would involve comparing specific service levels and pricing structures.

What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate IDS INTERNATIONAL, LLC's performance under this contract?

The provided data does not include specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or details regarding the evaluation criteria used for this contract. Performance evaluation for security services typically includes metrics such as response times, incident reporting accuracy, personnel reliability, adherence to post orders, and client satisfaction. The effectiveness of the contractor is usually assessed through regular performance reports, site inspections, and feedback from the agency's points of contact. Without access to the contract's statement of work or performance work statement, a detailed assessment of the KPIs and their impact on service quality cannot be made.

What is the track record of IDS INTERNATIONAL, LLC in providing security services to the federal government?

IDS INTERNATIONAL, LLC has a history of providing security services to the federal government, as evidenced by this contract with the EPA. To fully assess their track record, one would need to examine their complete contract history, including past performance evaluations on other federal awards. This would involve looking at contract durations, values, types of services rendered, and any documented performance issues or commendations. A review of public databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) would reveal the extent of their federal contracting activities and potentially provide insights into their reliability and capability as a government contractor.

Were there any significant risks or challenges identified during the performance of this contract?

The provided data does not explicitly list any significant risks or challenges encountered during the performance of this contract. However, contracts of this nature, involving physical security, can inherently face risks such as personnel turnover, security breaches, contractor non-compliance, or changes in agency security requirements. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract helps mitigate financial risks for the government by capping costs. Any significant performance issues or disputes would typically be documented within the agency's contract management system or through official correspondence, which is not available in this dataset.

How has EPA's spending on security services evolved over time, and does this contract represent a typical spending pattern?

This contract, awarded between 2008 and 2014, represents a specific period of EPA spending on security services. To understand EPA's overall spending evolution, a longitudinal analysis of their security procurement data over a longer timeframe (e.g., the last 10-20 years) would be necessary. This would involve aggregating spending across all security-related contracts, including guard services, electronic security systems, and background checks. This particular contract's value of $17.4 million suggests a significant investment in physical security during its term. Whether it represents a 'typical' pattern depends on the agency's evolving security needs, budget allocations, and contracting strategies over time.

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: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 45380 US HIGHWAY 169, ONAMIA, MN, 08

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,514,136

Exercised Options: $17,514,136

Current Obligation: $17,401,876

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F0103M

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline