GSA awards $45.9M contract for PSD security support to Triple Canopy Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $45,903,513 ($45.9M)

Contractor: Triple Canopy Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2012-03-13

End Date: 2014-09-12

Contract Duration: 913 days

Daily Burn Rate: $50.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TFBSO PSD SECURITY SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22202

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $45.9 million to TRIPLE CANOPY INC for work described as: TFBSO PSD SECURITY SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in security services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed-price contract type may offer cost certainty but limits flexibility. 4. Contract duration of over 3 years indicates a long-term need for these services. 5. The award to a single contractor warrants scrutiny of performance and pricing. 6. Small business participation is not explicitly detailed, requiring further investigation.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $45.9 million over approximately three years for PSD security support appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized security services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for security personnel and support services would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The firm-fixed-price structure suggests an expectation of predictable costs, but the absence of detailed performance metrics makes a definitive value assessment challenging without further data.

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 offers. This approach generally promotes a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service quality. The fact that only one award was made from this competition suggests that Triple Canopy Inc. was the most advantageous offer, though the number of actual bidders is not specified.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for cost savings through a robust bidding process.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely federal agencies requiring PSD (Personal Security Detail) security support. Services delivered include specialized security operations and personnel. The geographic impact is likely concentrated where PSD operations are required, potentially nationwide or at specific federal installations. Workforce implications include the employment of security professionals and support staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess effectiveness.
Limited information on the number of bidders in the full and open competition.
Potential for contractor lock-in given the multi-year duration.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a fair process.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Contract duration indicates a sustained need and potential for stable service delivery.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on security services. The market for government security contracting is substantial, with numerous firms competing for federal contracts. This award to Triple Canopy Inc. positions them as a key provider for specialized security needs within the federal government, likely competing with other large security firms.

Small Business Impact

The contract details indicate that small business participation was not a primary set-aside consideration (ss: false, sb: false). While the prime contractor is not a small business, there may be subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the scope of this contract. Further analysis of subcontracting plans would be necessary to determine the actual impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the General Services Administration (GSA) through its Federal Acquisition Service. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, with performance expectations tied to payment. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Federal Protective Service Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Security Services
Department of Defense Security Support Contracts
General Services Administration Professional Services Schedules

Risk Flags

Performance Risk
Cost Control Risk
Personnel Reliability Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $45.9 million to TRIPLE CANOPY INC. TFBSO PSD SECURITY SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRIPLE CANOPY INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $45.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-03-13. End: 2014-09-12.

What is the track record of Triple Canopy Inc. in delivering similar security support services to the federal government?

Triple Canopy Inc. has a history of providing security services, including personal security details and protective services, to various government agencies. Their experience often involves operating in complex and high-risk environments. While specific performance data for this $45.9 million contract is not detailed here, their past performance in similar roles would be a key factor in their selection. Federal procurement databases and past performance reviews would offer more granular insights into their reliability, quality of service, and adherence to contract terms in previous engagements. Assessing their ability to manage large-scale security operations and personnel effectively is crucial for understanding the potential risks and benefits associated with this award.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar PSD security support services?

A direct comparison of the awarded price to market rates for similar PSD security support services requires access to detailed pricing structures and market benchmarks. The firm-fixed-price nature of this contract ($45.9 million over approximately 3 years) suggests a negotiated rate. To assess value, one would need to compare the per-hour or per-person rates against industry standards for security personnel with comparable qualifications and operational scope. Factors such as geographic location, threat level, and required security clearances significantly influence market rates. Without specific breakdowns of labor categories, hours, and overhead, a precise market comparison is difficult, but the GSA's procurement process aims to secure competitive pricing.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

Key risks associated with this contract include potential performance failures in critical security operations, cost overruns if the fixed-price model proves inadequate for unforeseen circumstances, and contractor personnel issues (e.g., retention, vetting). Mitigation strategies typically involve robust performance monitoring by the GSA, clear contract deliverables and key performance indicators (KPIs), and contingency planning within the contract terms. The firm-fixed-price structure itself acts as a risk mitigation tool for the government by capping costs. Furthermore, the full and open competition process aims to select a contractor with a proven track record, reducing the risk of selecting an underqualified vendor.

What is the expected effectiveness of the security services provided under this contract?

The expected effectiveness of the security services hinges on the contractor's ability to provide highly trained and reliable personnel capable of executing PSD duties. This includes threat assessment, protective measures, and rapid response. The contract's success will be measured against defined performance standards and the overall security posture achieved for the protected individuals or assets. Given the specialized nature of PSD support, effectiveness is paramount and directly tied to the quality of personnel, their training, and the operational protocols implemented by Triple Canopy Inc. The government's oversight and performance evaluations will be critical in ensuring these services meet the required standards.

How does historical spending on PSD security support compare to this award?

Historical spending on PSD security support can vary significantly based on geopolitical conditions, agency needs, and the scale of operations. This $45.9 million award over roughly three years represents a substantial, but not necessarily unprecedented, investment. To contextualize this award, one would examine annual spending trends for similar services across agencies like the State Department, DoD, or GSA. Factors such as the number of personnel deployed, the duration of protective missions, and the threat environment influence total expenditure. Comparing this contract's total value and annual spend to previous years' data would reveal whether federal investment in this area is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing › Other Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: NP9700127061

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Constellis Holdings, LLC (UEI: 966133477)

Address: 12018 SUNRISE VALLEY DR STE 140, RESTON, VA, 20191

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $45,903,513

Exercised Options: $45,903,513

Current Obligation: $45,903,513

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F5499R

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline