Smithsonian Institution awards $81.3M for unarmed security services in DC and NY over 7 years
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $81,270,992 ($81.3M)
Contractor: Alliedbarton Security Services LLC
Awarding Agency: Smithsonian Institution
Start Date: 2010-09-30
End Date: 2018-01-31
Contract Duration: 2,680 days
Daily Burn Rate: $30.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: CONTRACT TO PROVIDE UNARMED SECURITY SERVICES IN WASHINGTON, DC, AND NEW YORK.
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20560
Plain-Language Summary
Smithsonian Institution obligated $81.3 million to ALLIEDBARTON SECURITY SERVICES LLC for work described as: CONTRACT TO PROVIDE UNARMED SECURITY SERVICES IN WASHINGTON, DC, AND NEW YORK. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to AlliedBarton Security Services LLC for unarmed security. 2. Services cover Washington D.C. and New York. 3. The contract duration is 2680 days. 4. The NAICS code 561612 indicates Security Guards and Patrol Services. 5. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The total award amount is $81,270,991.68. Without specific per-unit cost data or benchmarks for security services in these high-cost areas, a precise value assessment is difficult. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better pricing for the government compared to sole-source or limited competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by securing competitive pricing for essential security services.
Public Impact
Ensures safety and security for Smithsonian Institution facilities in major metropolitan areas. Supports employment within the security services sector. Provides essential services that protect valuable assets and public access to cultural institutions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown for unit pricing.
- Potential for price creep over the long contract duration.
- Geographic scope covers high-cost urban areas.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type offers cost predictability.
- Long-term contract provides stability for service provider and agency.
Sector Analysis
The security services sector is competitive, with numerous providers. Spending benchmarks vary significantly by geographic location and service level. This contract falls within the general scope of government spending for essential security operations.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to AlliedBarton Security Services LLC, a large business. There is no indication of small business subcontracting participation in the provided data, which could represent a missed opportunity for small business engagement.
Oversight & Accountability
The Smithsonian Institution, as a federal agency, is subject to standard government oversight. The firm fixed-price contract type and full and open competition suggest established procurement processes were followed, but ongoing performance monitoring is crucial.
Related Government Programs
- Security Guards and Patrol Services
- Smithsonian Institution Contracting
- Smithsonian Institution Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration may lead to price erosion or increased costs.
- Lack of small business participation.
- Potential for service quality degradation over time without robust oversight.
- High cost of living in service areas could impact labor costs and retention.
Tags
security-guards-and-patrol-services, smithsonian-institution, dc, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Smithsonian Institution awarded $81.3 million to ALLIEDBARTON SECURITY SERVICES LLC. CONTRACT TO PROVIDE UNARMED SECURITY SERVICES IN WASHINGTON, DC, AND NEW YORK.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ALLIEDBARTON SECURITY SERVICES LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian Institution).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $81.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-09-30. End: 2018-01-31.
What is the average hourly rate or cost per guard provided under this contract, and how does it compare to market rates in DC and New York?
The provided data does not include specific per-unit costs like hourly rates or cost per guard. To assess value, this information would need to be compared against industry benchmarks for unarmed security personnel in Washington D.C. and New York City, considering factors like experience, licensing, and operational hours.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure the quality of security services and guard performance throughout the contract's duration?
While the contract type is firm fixed price, quality assurance is typically managed through performance standards, regular inspections, client feedback, and potential penalties for non-compliance. The Smithsonian Institution would likely have a quality assurance surveillance plan (QASP) to monitor AlliedBarton's performance.
Given the 7-year duration, what provisions exist for adjusting pricing or service levels based on changing security needs or economic conditions?
Firm Fixed Price contracts generally offer limited flexibility for adjustments. However, contracts often include clauses for equitable adjustments due to changes in government requirements, unforeseen circumstances, or potentially economic price adjustments (EPAs) if specified. The specific contract language would detail these provisions.
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: SEALED BID
Solicitation ID: F10SOL10038
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Allied Universal Topco LLC (UEI: 080437521)
Address: 161 WASHINGTON ST STE 600, CONSHOHOCKEN, PA, 19428
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $81,270,992
Exercised Options: $81,270,992
Current Obligation: $81,270,992
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-09-30
Current End Date: 2018-01-31
Potential End Date: 2018-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-07-23
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