State Dept. Awards $272M for Overseas Security Guards via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $272,431,880 ($272.4M)
Contractor: Triple Canopy Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of State
Start Date: 2018-01-10
End Date: 2023-07-09
Contract Duration: 2,006 days
Daily Burn Rate: $135.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 32
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: OVERSEAS CONTRACT
Plain-Language Summary
Department of State obligated $272.4 million to TRIPLE CANOPY INC for work described as: OVERSEAS CONTRACT Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $272.4M for essential security services. 2. Full and open competition indicates a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Contract duration of 5+ years suggests long-term service needs. 4. Services fall under Security Guards and Patrol Services (NAICS 561612).
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Time and Materials type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed closely. Benchmarking against similar contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting multiple bidders participated. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential overseas security, with competition aiming for cost-effectiveness.
Public Impact
Ensures security for U.S. personnel and facilities abroad. Supports diplomatic missions and operations in potentially high-risk environments. Provides employment opportunities within the private security sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Time and Materials contract type can inflate costs.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment difficult.
- Potential for scope creep over the contract's long duration.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Addresses critical national security needs.
- Long-term contract provides stability for service provision.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically security and investigation services. Spending benchmarks for similar overseas security contracts vary widely based on location and threat level.
Small Business Impact
While awarded under full and open competition, there is no specific indication that small businesses were primary awardees or significantly involved. Further analysis would be needed to determine subcontracting opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of State is responsible for oversight. The long duration and T&M nature necessitate robust monitoring to ensure performance and control costs.
Related Government Programs
- Security Guards and Patrol Services
- Department of State Contracting
- Department of State Programs
Risk Flags
- Time and Materials contract type.
- Lack of specific performance metrics.
- Long contract duration.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Limited visibility into per-unit costs.
Tags
security-guards-and-patrol-services, department-of-state, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of State awarded $272.4 million to TRIPLE CANOPY INC. OVERSEAS CONTRACT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TRIPLE CANOPY INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $272.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-01-10. End: 2023-07-09.
What is the estimated cost per hour or per guard, and how does it compare to industry standards for similar overseas security services?
The provided data does not detail the per-unit cost (e.g., hourly rate or cost per guard). Without this breakdown, it's impossible to benchmark against industry standards. Time and Materials contracts can obscure true per-unit costs, making direct comparison challenging and requiring careful review of invoices and labor rates.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how is Triple Canopy Inc. being held accountable for meeting them?
The data does not specify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. Accountability for a Time and Materials contract relies heavily on detailed reporting, regular audits, and vigilant contract management by the Department of State to ensure services meet defined requirements and are delivered efficiently.
Given the $272M value and 5-year duration, what is the projected cost savings or value-added achieved through the full and open competition process?
The full and open competition process likely resulted in a more competitive initial bid price compared to other contracting methods. However, the ultimate value and cost savings are contingent on effective contract management, preventing cost overruns inherent in Time and Materials contracts, and achieving the required security outcomes.
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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: SAQMMA17R0125
Offers Received: 32
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 12018 SUNRISE VLY 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: $320,216,912
Exercised Options: $280,578,471
Current Obligation: $272,431,880
Actual Outlays: $6,960,752
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: SAQMMA16D0048
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-01-10
Current End Date: 2023-07-09
Potential End Date: 2023-07-09 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-04-03
More Contracts from Triple Canopy Inc
- Worldwide Protective Services - Baghdad — $948.9M (Department of State)
- Baghdad Protective Security Office of Overseas Protective Services Bureau for Diplomatic Security US Department of State — $648.2M (Department of State)
- Local Guard Service — $510.3M (Department of State)
- Professional Services Contract Worldwide Protective Services III. Task Order - 04 Baghdad Movement Protective Services Bureau of Diplomatic Security U.S. Department of State Award — $450.2M (Department of State)
- Security Personnel — $392.6M (Department of State)
Other Department of State Contracts
- Care Logistical Support Services - Clss — $2.3B (Xator LLC)
- Task Order to Provide Project Management Support, Transition Support, Engineering and Design Support, Securing the Infrastructure Support and O&M Support for the Department's IT Consolidation Program — $2.1B (Science Applications International Corporation)
- Global Security Engineering&supply Chain Services — $1.5B (General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.)
- Slmaqm04c0030 — $1.2B (Dyncorp International LLC)
- THE Purpose of This Action IS to Establish a NEW Contract With General Dynamics Information Technology for Global Supply Chain Management, Logistics and Technology Development Services to Support the Department of State. the Initial Funding Associated With This Contract IS $22,304,578.00. the Overall Contract Value IS $2,200,000,000.00 — $1.2B (General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.)