The Department of Homeland Security is spending billions on contracts. According to a Deltek report, DHS agencies invested over $1 billion into contract awards in 2023, and by the end of fiscal year 2024, the department’s contract obligations are expected to hit up to $12 billion — over 11 percent of its $103.2 billion budget.
Get an inside look at DHS’s top budget priorities at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Homeland Security Summit on Nov. 13, where experts in the field will gather to evaluate the current homeland security landscape and explore the ways in which DHS can pave a pathway for a successful future. Click here to learn more, and register now to take advantage of all the event has to offer.
The DHS contracting landscape is wide and full of opportunities across all facets of homeland security needs. Keep reading to get a preview of the current homeland security contracting landscape before you attend the summit.
What is DHS Buying?
Professional services and information technology have been top priorities for DHS in recent years, with both areas reaching around $8 billion in total contract spending in 2023.
One of DHS’ major IT contracts is FirstSource II, a multiple-award indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract reserved for small businesses through which the department has already awarded billions of dollars. The IDIQ covers both hardware and software, including mobile devices, IT service management tools, virtual desktop infrastructure devices and other tools supporting systems management, productivity, device monitoring and more.
The Public Assistance Technical Assistance Contract, or PA-TAC, is a major professional services IDIQ. The most recent award under this vehicle, a $570.5 million Federal Emergency Management Agency contract, was issued to Jacobs for risk reduction, on-site assessments and cost analysis services.
Though IT and professional services have dominated overall DHS contract obligations over the past five years, a $1.75 million U.S. Customs and Border Protection blanket purchase agreement to provide soft-sided facilities along the Southwest border was the largest contract awarded during that period.
DHS Turns to Small Businesses for Support
DHS set ambitious goals for small business engagement in FY 2023, aiming to award 35.5 percent of eligible contracting dollars to small businesses — 12.5 percent more than the government-wide goal. The department surpassed this figure, issuing 38.21 percent of its contract funding to small businesses. It also reached its goals for each subcategory: Small Disadvantaged Businesses; Woman-Owned Small Businesses; Historically Underutilized Business Zones; and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses.
Upcoming DHS Contracts
DHS is preparing to release solicitations for multiple contracts valued at billions of dollars. Below are several awards you should be aware of and Deltek’s value estimates.
Screening Partnership Program IDIQ
Estimated Value: $5.5 billion
Solicitation Expected: Nov. 1
The Transportation Security Administration’s Screening Partnership Program is an IDIQ contract vehicle used to purchase security screening services at commercial airports from private companies. The IDIQ targets baggage screening, operational supervision and training activities.
Tactical Communications Equipment and Services III
Estimated Value: $3 billion
Managed by DHS and available to numerous other federal organizations, the Tactical Communications and Equipment Services Multi-Agency Contract Vehicle enables the department and government partners to purchase cutting-edge voice and data transmission technologies. It encompasses both physical equipment and related services. There are currently 37 awardees on the IDIQ.
Regional Multiple Award Construction Contracts III
Estimated Value: $1.3 billion
DHS’ Regional Multiple Award Construction Contracts, or RMACCs, are designed to help DHS attain its infrastructure needs. The decentralized ordering structure of these awards helps DHS accelerate procurement speeds, maintain competitive pricing and prevent cost overruns to ultimately improve project execution. Under RMACC III, DHS intends to issue awards to SDVOSBs and HUBZone companies.
Get an inside look at even more DHS contracting goals at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Homeland Security Summit. Don’t wait to secure your spot at the event! Visit the Potomac Officers Club website to register today.
