Young Center receives $33.7M for child advocate services, awarded via full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,742,763 ($33.7M)

Contractor: THE Young Center for Immigrant Childrens Rights

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2023-02-26

End Date: 2026-02-25

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $30.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CHILD ADVOCATE SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: CHICAGO, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60601

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $33.7 million to THE YOUNG CENTER FOR IMMIGRANT CHILDRENS RIGHTS for work described as: CHILD ADVOCATE SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, specialized provider, indicating a niche service area. 2. The contract duration of three years suggests a stable, ongoing need for these services. 3. Fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. 4. The award amount reflects significant investment in child advocacy, particularly for vulnerable populations. 5. Geographic scope appears focused on Illinois, though specific service locations are not detailed. 6. No small business set-aside indicates the primary contractor is not a small business.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $33.7 million over three years for child advocate services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar contracts is challenging without more specific service details, but the award to a known entity in this field suggests a considered price. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty. The base award amount of $30.8 million suggests a significant portion of the total value is committed.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of three bidders indicates a degree of competition for this specialized service. While the specific number of proposals received is not detailed, the fact that it was competed openly is a positive sign for price discovery and value for money.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to better pricing for taxpayers by encouraging multiple vendors to offer their best terms and pricing.

Public Impact

Children in need of advocacy services, particularly immigrant children, are the primary beneficiaries. The services delivered are critical for ensuring the well-being and legal rights of vulnerable minors. The contract's geographic focus on Illinois suggests a concentration of services within that state. The contract supports specialized roles within the child welfare and legal services sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited vendor pool in highly specialized advocacy services.
Geographic concentration may not address needs in other regions.
Reliance on a single primary contractor could pose continuity risks if not managed effectively.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
Firm fixed-price contract type offers cost predictability.
Long-term contract (3 years) provides service stability.
Contractor is a recognized specialist in immigrant child advocacy.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically focusing on social services and legal advocacy for children. The market for such specialized services is often niche, with a limited number of organizations possessing the required expertise and certifications. Government spending in this area is driven by legal mandates and the need to protect vulnerable populations, particularly in immigration contexts. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of immigrant child advocacy.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary contractor is likely a larger organization, and the specialized nature of the services may not lend itself to typical small business subcontracting opportunities. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal for this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the contracting officer and the relevant program officials within the Department of the Interior. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon budget. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though detailed performance metrics may not be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Child Welfare Services
Immigration Legal Services
Social Services Administration
Legal Aid Programs
Victim Assistance Programs

Risk Flags

Specialized Service Provider
Potential for Limited Competition in Niche Markets
Geographic Concentration of Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $33.7 million to THE YOUNG CENTER FOR IMMIGRANT CHILDRENS RIGHTS. CHILD ADVOCATE SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE YOUNG CENTER FOR IMMIGRANT CHILDRENS RIGHTS.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $33.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-02-26. End: 2026-02-25.

What is the specific expertise of The Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights that made them the selected provider?

The Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights is a non-profit organization specializing in providing pro bono legal representation and advocacy for unaccompanied immigrant children in the United States. Their expertise lies in navigating the complex legal and social service systems that affect these vulnerable children, including asylum claims, child welfare proceedings, and reunification efforts. They are known for their deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by children who have experienced trauma, displacement, and exploitation, and for their commitment to ensuring these children have access to legal protections and support services. This specialized focus and established track record likely positioned them favorably for this federal contract.

How does the $33.7 million contract value compare to historical spending on similar child advocacy services by the Department of the Interior or other agencies?

Directly comparing the $33.7 million value to historical spending on 'similar' services is challenging due to the highly specialized nature of immigrant child advocacy. The Department of the Interior, while involved in various services, is not typically the primary agency for direct child welfare or immigration legal services funding, which often falls under agencies like HHS or DOJ. However, the scale of this award suggests a significant, potentially multi-year commitment to addressing a critical need. Without specific data on comparable contracts for specialized child advocacy, particularly for immigrant populations, it's difficult to benchmark this value definitively. The award reflects a substantial investment in a specific, high-need area.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

Primary risks include the potential for service gaps if the contractor faces operational challenges, the risk of cost increases if the scope expands beyond initial projections (though mitigated by fixed-price), and the risk associated with relying on a single specialized provider. Mitigation strategies include the firm fixed-price contract type, which caps the government's financial exposure. The three-year duration provides stability but also necessitates robust oversight to ensure performance. The full and open competition process, selecting a known specialist, also aims to reduce performance risk. Continuous monitoring by the contracting officer and program managers is crucial for identifying and addressing any emerging issues.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the effectiveness of child advocacy for immigrant children in Illinois?

This contract is expected to significantly enhance the effectiveness of child advocacy for immigrant children in Illinois by providing dedicated resources to The Young Center. The funding will enable the organization to expand its capacity to represent and advocate for a larger number of children, ensuring they receive necessary legal and social services. This can lead to better outcomes in their immigration cases, improved access to welfare services, and more stable placements. The sustained funding over three years allows for long-term planning and consistent support, which is crucial for children navigating complex legal and personal challenges. Ultimately, the contract aims to ensure these vulnerable children's rights are protected and their best interests are served.

Are there any historical spending patterns or trends related to child advocate services that this contract aligns with or deviates from?

Historical spending patterns in child advocacy, particularly for immigrant children, have generally increased over the past decade due to heightened awareness of child welfare issues and evolving immigration policies. Federal agencies have increasingly contracted for specialized legal and social services to support vulnerable populations. This $33.7 million contract aligns with a trend of federal investment in targeted advocacy programs. However, direct historical spending data for the Department of the Interior specifically on 'immigrant child advocate services' is not readily available, as such services are often procured by other departments like HHS or DOJ. This award may represent a specific initiative or a consolidation of previously fragmented efforts within the DOI's purview.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Individual and Family Services › Child and Youth Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 140D0422R0046

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2245 S MICHIGAN AVE, CHICAGO, IL, 60616

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $52,695,605

Exercised Options: $33,742,763

Current Obligation: $33,742,763

Actual Outlays: $32,709,195

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline