DOJ awards $1.85M for ACTC/CDL training to Kentucky Community and Technical College System

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $184,720 ($184.7K)

Contractor: Kentucky Community and Technical College System

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-13

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 170 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY26 G3 ACTC CDL PROGRAM MAR 26 ACTC/CDL TRAINING PROGRAM

Place of Performance

Location: ASHLAND, BOYD County, KENTUCKY, 41101

State: Kentucky Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $184,720 to KENTUCKY COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM for work described as: FY26 G3 ACTC CDL PROGRAM MAR 26 ACTC/CDL TRAINING PROGRAM Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in workforce development for correctional facilities. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about potential cost efficiencies and market alternatives. 3. Limited competition may impact price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers. 4. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs, but the absence of competition is a risk indicator. 5. The training program is critical for inmate rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society. 6. Geographic focus on Kentucky may limit broader applicability or scalability of the training model.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award of $1.85 million for ACTC/CDL training to the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) appears to be a sole-source contract. Without competitive bidding, it is difficult to benchmark the value for money. KCTCS is a state-level entity, and its pricing structure may differ significantly from private sector training providers. The firm-fixed-price contract type suggests an attempt to cap costs, but the lack of competition prevents a direct comparison to market rates or similar federal contracts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed. The Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons did not solicit bids from multiple vendors. This approach bypasses the standard competitive process, which typically involves identifying and evaluating offers from various qualified contractors. The lack of competition means there is no direct comparison of pricing or service offerings from other potential providers.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers as there is no market pressure to drive down prices. It also limits opportunities for other businesses to compete for federal contracts.

Public Impact

Inmates within the Federal Prison System will benefit from vocational training in Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and Automotive Technology (ACTC). The services delivered include specialized training programs designed to equip inmates with marketable skills. The geographic impact is primarily within Kentucky, where KCTCS will deliver the training. Workforce implications include the potential for reduced recidivism rates and improved employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may result in suboptimal pricing.
Sole-source award limits transparency in the procurement process.
Potential for higher costs due to absence of market-driven price discovery.

Positive Signals

Focus on vocational training addresses a critical need for inmate rehabilitation.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Partnership with a state-level educational institution leverages existing infrastructure.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Education and Training sector, specifically focusing on vocational programs for correctional facilities. The market for such specialized training can be niche, often involving partnerships with educational institutions or specialized training providers. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more information on the scope and duration of similar programs, but federal spending on inmate education and rehabilitation is a significant component of the correctional system's budget.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not competed and there is no indication of small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements. As a sole-source award to a state community college system, it is unlikely to directly benefit the small business ecosystem or involve subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight of this contract would typically fall under the purview of the Department of Justice's Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons. Accountability measures would be defined by the contract terms and performance metrics. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature of the award. The Inspector General for the Department of Justice would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Programs
Department of Labor Workforce Development Grants
State Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competitive bidding
Potential for cost overruns
Limited transparency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $184,720 to KENTUCKY COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM. FY26 G3 ACTC CDL PROGRAM MAR 26 ACTC/CDL TRAINING PROGRAM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KENTUCKY COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $184,720.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-13. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the track record of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System in delivering similar vocational training programs to correctional populations?

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) is a large public institution with multiple campuses across Kentucky, offering a wide range of vocational and technical programs. While KCTCS has a strong reputation for workforce development within the state, specific details regarding their experience and success in delivering ACTC/CDL training programs directly within federal correctional facilities are not readily available in the provided data. Their general experience in providing CDL training is likely robust, given the demand for such skills in the transportation sector. However, adapting these programs to the unique environment and security requirements of federal prisons would necessitate specialized protocols and demonstrated success in that specific context. Further inquiry into KCTCS's past performance with correctional agencies, particularly federal ones, would be necessary to fully assess their suitability and track record for this contract.

How does the per-unit cost of this training compare to similar federal or state correctional training programs?

Benchmarking the per-unit cost of this $1.85 million contract is challenging due to several factors. Firstly, the contract is sole-source, meaning there was no competitive bidding process to establish a market-driven price. Secondly, the provided data does not specify the number of inmates to be trained or the exact duration and scope of the ACTC/CDL program, making it impossible to calculate a precise per-unit cost. Typically, federal correctional training programs aim for cost-effectiveness, leveraging existing educational infrastructure where possible. However, without comparable sole-source contracts or detailed cost breakdowns for similar programs within other federal or state correctional systems, a direct comparison of value for money cannot be made. The firm-fixed-price nature suggests an attempt to control costs, but the absence of competition leaves the actual cost-effectiveness uncertain.

What are the specific risks associated with awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

Awarding this contract on a sole-source basis presents several risks. The primary risk is the potential for inflated costs, as the absence of competition removes the incentive for the contractor to offer the most competitive pricing. This can lead to taxpayers paying more than necessary for the training services. Another risk is the lack of innovation; a competitive environment often encourages contractors to propose more efficient or effective training methodologies. Furthermore, a sole-source award can create a perception of favoritism or a lack of due diligence in exploring alternative providers who might offer better value or specialized expertise. It also limits the government's ability to leverage market competition to secure the best possible terms and conditions for the training program.

What is the expected impact of this training on inmate rehabilitation and recidivism rates?

The expected impact of this ACTC/CDL training on inmate rehabilitation and recidivism rates is potentially significant and positive. Providing inmates with marketable skills, such as those required for Commercial Driver's Licenses and Automotive Technology, directly addresses a key factor in successful reintegration into society: employability. Upon release, individuals with these skills are more likely to secure stable employment, reducing their reliance on public assistance and decreasing the likelihood of returning to criminal activity. This program aligns with the broader goals of correctional systems to reduce recidivism by equipping individuals with the tools for self-sufficiency. While the direct impact will depend on program quality, completion rates, and post-release support, the provision of such vocational training is a recognized strategy for improving outcomes for formerly incarcerated individuals.

How does this contract align with the Federal Prison System's overall strategy for inmate education and workforce development?

This contract aligns with the Federal Prison System's (FPS) broader strategy of inmate education and workforce development by providing vocational training aimed at enhancing employability upon release. The FPS, like many correctional systems, recognizes that equipping inmates with in-demand skills is crucial for reducing recidivism and promoting successful reentry. Offering training in fields like Commercial Driver's License (CDL) operation and Automotive Technology addresses sectors with consistent labor needs. By partnering with the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, the FPS is leveraging an established educational provider to deliver these critical services. This initiative supports the FPS's mission to prepare individuals for a law-abiding and productive life after incarceration, contributing to public safety and reducing the long-term costs associated with recidivism.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1400 COLLEGE DR, ASHLAND, KY, 41101

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $184,720

Exercised Options: $184,720

Current Obligation: $184,720

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline