(MONEY Magazine) – You may laugh in the face of Y2K's so-called dangers, but some firms--such as nuclear power plants--aren't amused. Instead, they're calling Wackenhut. The firm, which rents guards to airports, prisons, banks and, it's rumored, the legendary alien facility Area 51 in Nevada, is now negotiating special fin de siecle "contingency" contracts.

How much does ultra-security cost? Guards from Wackenhut's elite Custom Protection and Emergency Services divisions, made up of ex-military and law-enforcement officers, cost $25 to $30 per guard, per hour. So far, potential clients include a southeastern bank and several midwestern nuclear utilities.

Supervising these guards is a management loaded with heavy hitters. Wackenhut's board includes an ex-Marine commandant. The company has employed several CIA directors, either before or after they became spooks. But no, they don't make guest appearances on The X-Files.

--BRIAN MURPHY