DOJ's Bureau of Prisons awards $92K for wastewater services in Kentucky, with limited competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $91,996 ($92.0K)

Contractor: Manchester, City of

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-03-31

End Date: 2026-03-31

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: FY26 WASTE WATER SEWER 2ND QTR FY26.

Place of Performance

Location: MANCHESTER, CLAY County, KENTUCKY, 40962

State: Kentucky Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $91,995.57 to MANCHESTER, CITY OF for work described as: FY26 WASTE WATER SEWER 2ND QTR FY26. Key points: 1. Spending is concentrated in the Federal Prison System, specifically the Bureau of Prisons. 2. The contract is for sewage treatment facilities, a critical infrastructure need. 3. Limited competition raises questions about price discovery and potential value. 4. The sector is essential public services, often with specialized needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value is relatively small at $91,995.57. Without comparable contract data or a competitive bidding process, it is difficult to assess if this price is reasonable for sewage treatment services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract is listed as 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION,' indicating a limited competition approach. This limits the government's ability to secure the best possible price through a robust bidding process.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is minimal due to the small contract value, but the lack of competition sets a precedent for potentially less efficient spending on similar future contracts.

Public Impact

Ensures essential wastewater treatment services for federal correctional facilities. Supports local infrastructure and services in Kentucky. Highlights the operational needs of federal prisons.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Lack of pricing benchmarks

Positive Signals

Essential service provision
Supports federal operations

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Construction and Facilities Maintenance sector, specifically related to essential public utilities like sewage treatment. Spending benchmarks for such services can vary widely based on location, facility size, and specific treatment requirements.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract. The limited competition nature might reduce opportunities for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is primarily managed by the Department of Justice's Bureau of Prisons. The limited competition approach warrants scrutiny to ensure fair pricing and effective service delivery.

Related Government Programs

Sewage Treatment Facilities
Department of Justice Contracting
Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Lack of transparency in justification for limited competition
Potential for overpayment due to lack of competitive pricing
Absence of performance metrics or benchmarks in the provided data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $91,995.57 to MANCHESTER, CITY OF. FY26 WASTE WATER SEWER 2ND QTR FY26.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MANCHESTER, CITY OF.

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 $91,995.57.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-31. End: 2026-03-31.

What specific factors contributed to the 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status for this sewage treatment contract?

The specific reasons for the limited competition are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, such designations might stem from unique facility requirements, existing infrastructure dependencies, or urgent needs where only a specific vendor can provide the necessary services within the required timeframe.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar sewage treatment services procured by other federal agencies or state/local governments?

Without access to a competitive bidding process or detailed service specifications, a direct price comparison is challenging. The $91,995.57 contract value for a one-year term for sewage treatment facilities is difficult to benchmark accurately against other procurements without knowing the scope of work, volume of waste treated, and specific regulatory compliance requirements.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding wastewater treatment services under limited competition?

The primary risk is paying a non-competitive price, leading to potential waste of taxpayer funds. Other risks include reduced service quality if the vendor faces no competitive pressure, and a lack of innovation. Furthermore, it can hinder the development of a broader market of qualified service providers.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Utilities › Water, Sewage and Other Systems › Sewage Treatment Facilities

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › UTILITIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 123 TOWN SQ, MANCHESTER, KY, 40962

Business Categories: Category Business, Community Development Corporation, Council of Governments, Government, U.S. Local Government, U.S. National Government, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $91,996

Exercised Options: $91,996

Current Obligation: $91,996

Actual Outlays: $28,654

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15B11018D00000046

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline