Feral Jundi

Monday, March 13, 2017

Industry Talk: Constellis To Acquire Centerra Group

Filed under: Industry Talk — Tags: , , , — Matt @ 11:59 PM

Wow, this is big. Centerra Group (formerly Wackenhut/G4S Government Solutions) has 9,000 employees and Constellis is wanting to acquire them. So yeah, I would say that this will dramatically increase the size of the Constellis family, and this action is in addition to their other merger and acquisitions over the last couple of years.

From a quick glance at the kind of contracts they have, it looks like they are heavy into CONUS security stuff, like nuclear security. Their jobs page showed firefighter gigs, medical gigs, and support stuff as well, but lots of security jobs. So this move will definitely get Constellis into the game of DOE contracts in the US.

As to a little background of Centerra Group, they started out in 1960 as Wackenhut Services Inc. Then G4S bought them and called it G4S Government Solutions. Then in 2014, a private equity group called Alvarez & Marsal bought the business and renamed it Centerra Group. On a side note, Centerra Group also acquired a land mine clearance company called The Development Initiative. –Matt

Centerra Group webpage here.

Centerra-Nevada here.

 

 

CONSTELLIS ENTERS INTO DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE CENTERRA GROUP
Transaction Unites Leaders in the Safety and Risk Management Sector
Enhances Constellis’ Domestic Presence and Enables Further Penetration of Key Customers, Notably the U.S. Department of Energy
Transaction to Be Supported by Committed Debt Financing Provided by Four Leading Financial Institutions
RESTON, Va. & PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fl. (March 13, 2017) — Constellis, a leading provider of operational support and risk management services, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Centerra Group, LLC (“Centerra”) and its subsidiaries from an affiliate of Alvarez & Marsal Capital. The acquisition of Centerra, a leading global government and critical infrastructure services company, will significantly enhance Constellis’ U.S. domestic presence and strengthen its relationships with key customers, including the U.S. Department of Energy and the United Nations.
The transaction is conditioned on customary regulatory reviews and approvals, and is expected to close within the second quarter of 2017. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The transaction brings together the industry’s two premier safety and risk management providers serving a broad range of customers, including U.S. government agencies (notably the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. Department of Energy), foreign governments, NGOs and a diverse mix of blue-chip commercial entities. The transaction furthers Constellis’ ongoing strategy of expanding its domestic presence serving well-funded customers with enduring requirements. Constellis will be able to leverage the combined entity’s scale, vertical integration, training facilities, shared best practices and financial resources to strengthen its best-in- class risk mitigation service offering, utilizing the industry’s most revered compliance programs.
Headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Centerra has approximately 9,000 employees operating across the U.S., Africa, the Middle East and other international locations. Centerra has an established track record of more than five decades operating domestically for the U.S. Department of Energy and currently provides operational support and risk management services at 15 U.S. Department of Energy sites across the U.S. In addition, Centerra provides security, fire suppression and base operations support to other U.S. Government customers, as well as humanitarian- focused services and training, such as munitions clearance and related consulting services, to the United Nations and foreign governments abroad.
“The acquisition of Centerra represents a critical step in our continued evolution as an essential service provider, enabling enduring missions for our customers,” said Jason DeYonker, Chief Executive Officer of Constellis. “Centerra greatly enhances our domestic footprint and accelerates our ongoing efforts to further penetrate the U.S. risk management market with such highly regarded customers as the U.S. Department of Energy. Centerra’s well respected brand, exceptional performance and strong leadership bring tremendous value to our combined offering.”
Paul Donahue, President and Chief Executive Officer of Centerra, commented: “We are excited by the combination of Centerra and Constellis, yielding the leading global provider of the most creative, compliant and comprehensive risk management services in the world. Constellis’ award winning compliance programs, exceptional training capabilities and commitment to invest in operational best practices will add value at less overall cost to our customers and partners.”
Financing
Constellis has secured financing commitments from Credit Suisse, Barclays, Citi and Goldman Sachs to fund the acquisition of Centerra and to refinance the combined company’s existing debt.
Advisors
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP are serving as legal advisors to affiliates of Apollo Global Management (together with its subsidiaries “Apollo”) and Constellis.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside the control of the Company. Therefore, actual results may differ materially and adversely, in terms of quantum and timing, from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason except as may be required by law.

(more…)

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Industry Talk: G4S-Wackenhut Replaces Leadership At Y-12 Nuclear Plant After Protesters Broke In

Filed under: Industry Talk,Tennessee — Tags: , , , , , — Matt @ 5:20 PM

The hits keep coming on G4S…. Wackenhut is a G4S owned company and are currently guarding this nuclear plant in Tennessee. Over the years, this particular contract has had some issues. For example, guards falling asleep on the job–which is particularly troubling when talking about securing a nuclear facility.

But this incident is not cool at all. This is what guards get paid for, their bread and butter, and that is to prevent folks from compromising the security of the facility they are guarding. How embarrassing, and especially since these protesters included an 82 year old nun in their force? lol  Just imagine if these protesters were terrorists, and this embarrassing act would have instead turned into a major national security incident.

I have also heard from former guards on this contract that DoE and the government is partly responsible as well. That funding for security upgrades has been turned down because of budget issues. That and the government more than likely went with the lowest bidder for this contract.  Although I am not privy to how it was determined that WSI got the contract, or what the contracting mechanism was. My guess would be LPTA or lowest bidder which is standard for the government and how they do business.

The other point here is that the government must do more to get a better value for the money spent. To actually act like a consumer who wants the best service they can get, and acts accordingly when they do not get the service that the contract stipulates. To fire companies who do poorly and replace them with companies that actually care about doing a good job. It is the strength of private industry, and yet government does a horrible job of taking advantage of this.

Perhaps we can also learn a few things from Bruce Power security, and the contracts that they have put together there? Who knows, and I am sure WSI is doing all they can for damage control and getting this contract squared away. –Matt

 

New security leaders at Tenn nuclear weapons plant; protesters broke into high-security area
August 8, 2012
The security contractor at a Tennessee plant that stores the nation’s supply of weapons-grade uranium has replaced its general manager almost two weeks after three protesters, including an 82-year-old nun, got into a high-security area.
Security firm WSI Oak Ridge confirmed to the Knoxville News Sentinel Wednesday that Steven C. Hafner is taking over the position from Lee Brooks.
Protesters on July 28 were found hanging banners in the dark, singing and offering to break bread with the security guards at Y-12 Oak Ridge National Security Complex in Knoxville. An affidavit said that before security guards apprehended them, they spray-painted the building with protest slogans and threw blood on it. They were arrested and officials say all nuclear materials are safe.
Afterward, security contractor WSI said it was looking at its procedures and it removed Brooks and Y-12 Protective Force director Gary Brandon from their posts. WSI named John Garrity to replace Brandon. Brooks and Brandon are awaiting reassignments by G4S Government Solutions, the parent company of WSI.
The newspaper reported that the halt to nuclear operations at the plant was still in effect. The plant originally said the stand-down was expected to be lifted by this week and that security personnel would undergo training and refresher instruction.

(more…)

Friday, August 26, 2011

Jobs: Disaster Response Security Officers–Hurricane Irene, CONUS

Filed under: Disaster Response,Jobs — Tags: , , , , , — Matt @ 12:21 PM

I wanted to get this up so guys can jump on these opportunities. Wackenhut is an old hand at this disaster response security stuff. They also pay alright. The second company below is a new one to me, and if anyone has anything on them, I would be interested. With that one, apply at your own risk. Hopefully I can get some feedback on that company.

Please follow the links below to apply for these jobs, and I am not the POC or recruiter. Good luck out there, and if I find any more jobs I will make the edit and add them to this post. –Matt

Disaster Response Security Officer-NCR
Job ID:
2011-2588
Location:
US-MD-Oxon Hill
Category:
Security Services – Access Control
Type:
REG
More information about this job: Overview: WSI, a national security firm, is recruiting for Armed Security Officers in support of our Federal Protective Services Disaster Response contracts. Applicants from all states are encouraged to apply. Areas of deployment include: Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida and Tennessee. Responsibilities: Provide armed security to FPS sites. Qualifications:
Basic Requirements for all applicants:
Must be at least 21 yrs old and U.S. Citizen or legally eligible to work in the United States.
Proficiency in English (Written or Spoken)
Must posses a high school diploma or GED
Must successfully pass a criminal and credit background investigation
3 years armed security experience (police and military acceptable)
Must successfully pass physical examination to include a drug screen
State and local law enforcement officers must provide training certificate and proof of current employment
Experience with Entry/Exit Access
Comfortable with Roving Patrol up to 12 hours per day across long distances
Familiarity with securing facilities and/or vehicles at a fixed location
Physically capable of standing a 12-hour post
Firearms training and firearms qualifications, and company certifications
Must pass DHS Public Trust suitability requirements
You will be *REQUIRED to supply the following items:
• 2 Fingerprint cards (FD-258’s) -Required
• Copy of passport (if available)
• Copy of Driver’s License – Required
• Copy of Birth certificate OR Naturalization Certificate – Required
• CPR & First Aid (if available)
• Baton Training (if available)
• Copy of Current Annual Firearms Training – Required
• Copy of Current Armed Security Guard License
• Copy of DD-214 (if available)
• Copy of High School Diploma or GED – Required
*If any of the required items are missing, then you will be unable to complete the recruitment process and your application will be forfeit.
To apply please go to www.wsihq.com
For more information please email www.gctemp@wsihq.com or call 561-632-8837 or 561-275-8585.
EOE, M/F/D/V
Apply here.
—————————————————————
All Pro Legal Investigations, PA d/b/a/ All Protection & Security is currently recruiting disaster security guards in support of our contract with a 3000+ location nationwide health care provider.
This client requires the following RAPID RESPONSE security personnel:
* ARMED Security Guard License from any of the East Coast states.*

(more…)

Friday, October 8, 2010

Industry Talk: EODT And Wackenhut/AGNA/G4S Respond To SASC Report

Filed under: Afghanistan,Industry Talk — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Matt @ 9:49 AM

     Boy, the sharks of the media really went to town on this story. Funny how the Jim Jones thing will probably turn this report into a footnote. lol

     What I wanted to do is actually provide a little balance here and get the word out as to what the companies have to say.  If you read most of the stories out about this thing, they are all pretty one sided. The report does detail some shady practices, but I agree with the companies below that the military knew what they were doing the whole time.

     One of the pieces of evidence that the investigators could have relied upon to establish this is to go into the BDOC of these bases and look up all of these guards that were used for base protection.  Because if any Afghan was allowed to come on to a FOB or whatever for security, more than likely the ID nazis were all over them. Everyone has to have ID.

     The other missing component is the mountains of negative reviews from the military that showed their disgust with these companies?  Where are these performance evaluations or surveys that showed poor service?  Where is the reprimands from the military, if in fact they wanted these companies to stop doing what they were doing? Or like the companies have stated, the military knew what was going on and even recommend some of these folks to the companies?

      Finally, just to play devil’s advocate here. Doesn’t COIN also state to win over the support of the local population? So when companies go into a specific area to set up shop, and they are directed to hire ‘Afghan First‘ and hire locally, then you can see how limited a company can be? Worse yet, if a company doesn’t use these locals, the locals get mad and the security situation gets worse because they are unemployed and look at the company as just a threat. It is like going into a town that is pro-union, and if you don’t hire union, you will face the wrath of the union.  Try bringing in the ‘scabs’ in a warzone? lol

    On the flip side, I am not going to necessarily condone what these companies did, but on the flip side, the military and the pentagon both should receive equal criticism in this matter. I agree with report about bringing in more auditors and CORS, but this is not new.  I also agree that money should be used wisely in a war like this, and ensure that where that money goes does not fund the opposition. Commonsense stuff really, and Petraeus has already addressed this.

     Now it is time to put action to words and get the job done. It takes leadership and a ‘trust but verify’ focus–as if you guys are spending your own money on this, and not just the tax payer’s money. I am still waiting to see this in the military and government, and I don’t think we need any more reports to make that point any more clear. Less talk, more action.

    One more thing. EODT did a great job getting this press release out there the day the report came out. Wackenhut/AGNA/G4S has did a terrible job of getting the word out.  I checked the G4S press releases and nothing.  No one from that company has forwarded anything to me and I have yet to see a press release floating around. So basically I had to scrounge up a quote from an AP report. –Matt

——————————————————————

Statement of EOD Technology Regarding the Senate Armed Services Committee Report Dated Sept. 28, 2010

LENOIR CITY, TN (October 7, 2010) – EOD Technology, Inc. (EODT) has only had the opportunity to preliminarily review the Report issued by the Senate Arms Services Committee (SASC). EODT cooperated fully in the SASC investigation. It is our understanding that this Report, discusses a contract that EODT was performing in Afghanistan at the Adraskan National Training Center and more specifically, EODT’s utilizing and hiring Afghan nationals.

In response to these statements EODT would first make clear that its contract required EODT to utilize Afghan personnel and specifically those from the area surrounding the contract location. The local leaders which EODT sought out to assist in hiring personnel were persons made known to EODT by the U.S. military or were commonly known leaders within that area. In any event all leaders which EODT utilized were made known to the U.S. military at every stage of mobilization.

As for Afghan citizens hired by EODT, all names were provided to the appropriate person or persons designated by our contract in order to gain approval for the hire.  However, above and beyond its contract requirements, EODT sought out representatives from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) operating in that area in order to provide names for screening and resulting feedback.

While the SASC Report may present certain criticisms of EODT’s hiring practices, EODT has never been advised by the U.S military that problems of this nature exist. However, just as EODT has cooperated fully with the SASC investigation, EODT stands ready to engage the U.S. military or other stakeholders about these issues in order to improve our internal processes and contract performance.

EODT was asked to perform the Adraskan contract after the prior contractor failed to mobilize. The dangerous region and work presented significant challenges which EODT believes it successfully overcame. EODT underwent a successful Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) audit for this contract in 2008 as well as earning subsequent positive past performance on this contract.

Link to press release here.

——————————————————————-

Susan Pitcher, a spokeswoman for Wackenhut Services, ArmorGroup’s parent company, said the company only engaged workers from local villages upon the “recommendation and encouragement” of U.S. special operations troops.

Pitcher said that ArmorGroup stayed in “close contact” with the military personnel “to ensure that the company was constantly acting in harmony with, and in support of, U.S. military interests and desires.”

Link to article here.

——————————————————————-

Senate report blasts Pentagon for handling of security contractors

By Charley Keyes

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Senate report: Failure to keep track of private security contractors puts troops at risk

• Sen. Carl Levin: “We must shut off the spigot of U.S. dollars” to Afghan warlords

• Committee staff: 125 security contracts cost the U.S. more than $100 million

• Report cites nonexistent training, violent incidents, warlord affiliations

(more…)

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Industry Talk: U.S. Seeks New Guards in Kabul

Filed under: Afghanistan,Industry Talk — Tags: , , , , , , , — Matt @ 7:59 AM

   Finally.  Now lets hope that they will square this stuff away and do what is necessary to prevent this from getting out of hand again in the future.  I would also hope that the State Department would fire a few folks responsible for not doing what was necessary to control this contract and maintain order starting back in 2007.

   Now one thing I hope doesn’t happen, is that the good guys on this contract who didn’t do anything wrong, don’t get shoved onto some black list.  That is stupid.  The folks who are at fault, are the leaders, and those are the ones that should be on a black list.  To put everyone that was ever involved with this contract on some dorkwad list, or who had worked for AGNA at one point or another on a no hire list, is not right.  Identify who the problem children were, and put them on the black list if need be.

    And for those guys who are innocent of any wrong doing or got caught up in this poorly managed mess, I wish you well and I really hope this doesn’t tarnish your chances for future employment.

   The other story on this, is check out David Isenberg’s article at PMH about IPOA and it’s slow progress on the investigation of complaints in regards to Armor Group North America’s performance. Especially after it was brought up at the hearing. –Matt

——————————————————————

U.S. Seeks New Guards in Kabul

December 9, 2009

By AUGUST COLE

The State Department plans to seek new bids to protect the U.S. Embassy in Kabul after the current firm ran into staffing and oversight problems.

The company, ArmorGroup North America, a unit of Wackenhut Services Inc., will be allowed to bid on the new contract, the State Department said.

“The recent allegations of misconduct and various contract compliance deficiencies led us to conclude it was in the best interest of the government to compete a new contract,” said P.J. Crowley, assistant secretary of state for public affairs.

The plan to rebid the contract was earlier disclosed by the Project on Government Oversight, an independent watchdog group that in September released lurid photos and videos of ArmorGroup guards at a party.

(more…)

Older Posts »

Powered by WordPress