Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs awards $2.2M for juvenile detention education, with 1 bidder

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,237,932 ($2.2M)

Contractor: Fast Wolf Educational Consulting Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2020-09-01

End Date: 2025-08-31

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.2K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER EDUCATION SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: FORT YATES, SIOUX County, NORTH DAKOTA, 58538

State: North Dakota Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $2.2 million to FAST WOLF EDUCATIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES, LLC for work described as: JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER EDUCATION SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract value appears reasonable for the scope of educational support services. 2. Limited competition raises concerns about potential overpricing and reduced value for taxpayer funds. 3. The firm fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. Performance is benchmarked against similar educational support contracts for juvenile facilities. 5. This contract falls within the broader 'Educational Support Services' sector. 6. The duration of the contract (5 years) suggests a need for sustained educational services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.24 million over five years for educational support services at a juvenile detention center seems within a reasonable range for specialized services. However, without specific details on the number of students served or the curriculum provided, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar contracts for juvenile justice education programs would provide a clearer picture of whether the pricing is competitive. The firm fixed-price nature of the award helps control costs, but the limited competition could mean the government did not secure the best possible price.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for fewer bidders than full and open competition. With only one bidder identified, this suggests a very limited competition. While SAP is intended for smaller procurements, the lack of multiple bids raises questions about whether the solicitation reached a sufficient number of potential offerors or if there are specific market conditions that restrict participation. This limited competition could impact price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A single bidder means taxpayers may not have benefited from the cost savings that typically arise from a competitive bidding process. The government may have paid more than it would have if multiple firms had vied for the contract.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the juveniles residing in detention centers managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, who will receive educational services. The contract delivers essential educational support, likely including academic instruction, tutoring, and potentially life skills training. The geographic impact is focused on North Dakota, where the services are being delivered. The contract supports the workforce within the educational services sector, specifically those qualified to work with at-risk youth.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may result in higher costs for taxpayers.
The specific educational outcomes and their measurement are not detailed, posing a potential performance risk.
Reliance on a single vendor could create challenges if the vendor fails to perform or faces operational issues.

Positive Signals

The firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract duration of five years indicates a stable provision of services.
The services address a critical need for education within the juvenile justice system.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under the 'Educational Support Services' (NAICS 611710) sector, which encompasses establishments primarily engaged in providing educational support activities. This sector includes services like academic tutoring, test preparation, and educational consulting. The federal government is a significant purchaser of such services, particularly for specialized populations like those in juvenile detention facilities. The market for these services can be niche, with specialized providers focusing on specific age groups or environments. The $2.24 million award is a moderate-sized contract within this sector.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This means that opportunities for small business participation in this specific contract are likely minimal, unless the sole awardee voluntarily engages them. The focus appears to be on securing the required educational services rather than specifically promoting small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education within the Department of the Interior. Performance monitoring, adherence to contract terms, and quality of services delivered would be key areas of oversight. As a purchase order under SAP, the level of formal oversight might be less intensive than for larger, more complex contracts, but accountability would still be expected through regular reporting and performance reviews. There is no specific mention of an Inspector General's direct involvement at this stage, but IG oversight is generally available for federal contracts.

Related Government Programs

Bureau of Indian Affairs Education Programs
Juvenile Justice Programs
Federal Education Contracts
Educational Support Services

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Potential for Overpricing
Lack of Performance Metrics Detail

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $2.2 million to FAST WOLF EDUCATIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES, LLC. JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER EDUCATION SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FAST WOLF EDUCATIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-09-01. End: 2025-08-31.

What is the specific educational curriculum and expected student outcomes for this contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact educational curriculum or the measurable student outcomes expected under this contract. Typically, contracts for juvenile detention center education services would outline academic standards aligned with state or federal requirements, potentially including GED preparation, vocational training, and life skills development. Expected outcomes often include improvements in academic performance, reduction in disciplinary incidents, and successful reintegration into educational or employment pathways post-release. A detailed review of the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) would be necessary to ascertain these specifics and to establish a baseline for performance evaluation.

How does the $2.24 million contract value compare to similar juvenile detention education services nationwide?

Benchmarking the $2.24 million contract value requires comparing it to similar contracts for juvenile detention center education services, considering factors like the number of juveniles served, the duration of the contract, and the scope of services. Without access to a comprehensive database of comparable contracts, a precise comparison is difficult. However, contracts for educational services in correctional or detention facilities can range significantly, from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars annually, depending on the facility's size and needs. The firm fixed-price nature suggests a defined scope, and the five-year term indicates a substantial, long-term commitment. Further analysis would involve identifying contracts with similar student populations and service requirements to assess if this award represents a fair market price.

What are the risks associated with having only one bidder for this educational services contract?

The primary risk associated with having only one bidder is the potential for reduced price competition, which could lead to the government paying a higher price than necessary. This lack of competition can also limit the government's options if the sole bidder fails to perform adequately or encounters financial difficulties. Furthermore, it may indicate barriers to entry in the market or a lack of outreach to potential qualified vendors. The government's negotiation leverage is significantly diminished, potentially impacting the overall value and quality of the services received. Robust performance monitoring becomes even more critical in such scenarios.

What is the track record of FAST WOLF EDUCATIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES, LLC in providing similar services?

Information regarding the specific track record of FAST WOLF EDUCATIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES, LLC in providing juvenile detention center education services is not detailed in the provided data. To assess their capabilities and past performance, one would typically review their contract history, client references, and any performance evaluations from previous government contracts. Understanding their experience with similar populations (at-risk youth, juveniles in detention) and their success in delivering educational support is crucial for evaluating the risk associated with this award. A review of federal procurement databases and past performance questionnaires would be necessary for a thorough assessment.

How has federal spending on juvenile detention center education services trended over the past five years?

The provided data focuses on a single contract and does not offer historical spending trends for juvenile detention center education services. To analyze this trend, one would need to aggregate spending data across various agencies (like the Department of the Interior, Department of Justice, state and local governments) that procure such services. Factors influencing spending trends include changes in juvenile incarceration rates, shifts in educational policy for incarcerated youth, and the availability of federal funding. A comprehensive analysis would require accessing historical federal procurement data and potentially reports from relevant government agencies or research institutions.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Educational Support Services › Educational Support Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 140A1620Q0085

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7904 PILGRIM CT. NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 87109

Business Categories: American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,237,932

Exercised Options: $2,237,932

Current Obligation: $2,237,932

Actual Outlays: $2,237,879

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline