Violation of Anti-Pinkerton Act

As a result of a congressional inquiry, the question of whether a contract violated the Anti-Pinkerton Act was investigated. A company whose corporate charter specifically authorized investigative as well as protective functions and which was licensed as a detective agency was a detective agency for purposes of the Anti-Pinkerton Act and may not be employed by a Federal agency. The contract for guard services was awarded based upon the contractor's representations that it was not a detective agency; therefore, the contract should be canceled. In future procurements for guard services, the procuring agency should require adequate documentation concerning the bidder's or offeror's corporate authority and licensing status.