DHS Spends $13.2M on El Centro Detention Services, Awarded to AKAL SECURITY, INC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,246,810 ($13.2M)
Contractor: Akal Security, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2007-01-01
End Date: 2007-12-31
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $36.4K/day
Number of Offers Received: 12
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: DETENTION SERVICES FOR EL CENTRO SERVICE PROCESSING CENTER
Place of Performance
Location: EL CENTRO, IMPERIAL County, CALIFORNIA, 92243
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $13.2 million to AKAL SECURITY, INC. for work described as: DETENTION SERVICES FOR EL CENTRO SERVICE PROCESSING CENTER Key points: 1. The contract for detention services at El Centro Service Processing Center totaled $13.2 million. 2. AKAL SECURITY, INC. was the sole provider for this service. 3. The contract duration was one year, ending December 31, 2007. 4. The spending falls under the Department of Homeland Security, specifically U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The total award was $13.2 million for a one-year period. Without comparable contracts or detailed cost breakdowns, assessing the value for money is difficult. The firm fixed-price contract type suggests a defined scope, but the benchmark is unclear.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded sole-source, meaning there was no open competition. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers as the government did not explore alternative providers or negotiate based on competitive bids.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for this $13.2 million contract may have resulted in a higher cost to taxpayers than if multiple bids had been solicited.
Public Impact
Immigration and Customs Enforcement relies on detention services to manage individuals in the immigration process. The services provided impact the operational capacity of border processing facilities. This contract represents a significant expenditure for detention operations in California.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price negotiation.
- Lack of detailed cost data hinders value assessment.
- Potential for inflated costs due to lack of competitive bidding.
Positive Signals
- Contract was awarded and services were presumably delivered.
- Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the security and protective services sector, specifically related to government facility management and inmate/detainee services. Spending benchmarks for detention services can vary widely based on location, facility type, and service level agreements.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication in the provided data whether small businesses were involved in this contract, either as the prime contractor or as subcontractors. Further investigation would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight of this contract would typically involve contract officers and program managers within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions. The sole-source nature warrants closer scrutiny to ensure fair pricing and adequate service delivery.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award raises concerns about competition.
- Lack of transparency in pricing and cost justification.
- Potential for overpayment due to limited market exploration.
- No clear indication of small business participation.
Tags
department-of-homeland-security, ca, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $13.2 million to AKAL SECURITY, INC.. DETENTION SERVICES FOR EL CENTRO SERVICE PROCESSING CENTER
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AKAL SECURITY, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $13.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-01-01. End: 2007-12-31.
What was the justification for the sole-source award, and did it align with federal procurement regulations?
The justification for a sole-source award is critical for understanding why competition was bypassed. Federal regulations permit sole-source awards under specific circumstances, such as when only one responsible source can satisfy the agency's needs. Without the justification documentation, it's impossible to assess its validity and whether it truly served the government's best interest or potentially masked a lack of due diligence in exploring competitive options.
How does the per-unit cost of detention compare to similar facilities or contracts within DHS?
Benchmarking the per-unit cost of detention is essential for evaluating value for money. Without access to detailed cost breakdowns or data from comparable contracts, it's difficult to determine if $13.2 million for a year of services at the El Centro facility was reasonable. Factors like inmate population, security levels, and services provided significantly influence these costs, making direct comparisons challenging but necessary for robust oversight.
What performance metrics were established for AKAL SECURITY, INC., and were they met during the contract period?
Performance metrics are crucial for ensuring that taxpayer funds are used effectively and that the contracted services meet the required standards. Understanding the key performance indicators (KPIs) for detention services, such as safety, security, and inmate welfare, and assessing whether AKAL SECURITY, INC. met these benchmarks is vital. This information would indicate the overall effectiveness of the contract and the contractor's performance.
Contractor Details
Address: 7 INFINITY LOOP, ESPANOLA, NM, 03
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $13,253,444
Exercised Options: $13,253,444
Current Obligation: $13,246,810
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: ACL2C0003
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-01-01
Current End Date: 2007-12-31
Potential End Date: 2007-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2010-09-21
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