DOJ awards $250K for substance use and mental health services in Alabama

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $250,482 ($250.5K)

Contractor: AIM Counseling LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-10-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $688/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: SUBSTANCE USE, MENTAL HEALTH AND SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT SERVICES IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA.

Place of Performance

Location: BIRMINGHAM, JEFFERSON County, ALABAMA, 35209

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $250,482 to AIM COUNSELING LLC for work described as: SUBSTANCE USE, MENTAL HEALTH AND SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT SERVICES IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential treatment services in Birmingham, Alabama. 2. Fixed-price contract aims to control costs for outpatient mental health and substance abuse care. 3. Contract duration of one year with potential for renewal. 4. Services align with the Federal Prison System's mission to support inmate rehabilitation. 5. Small business participation not explicitly detailed in award notice.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $250,482 for a one-year period appears reasonable for specialized outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for these services within the Federal Prison System or other federal agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests a degree of cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a limited competition environment. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAP is typically used for procurements below a certain threshold where full and open competition may not be feasible or cost-effective. This approach can sometimes lead to higher prices compared to broad competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition under SAP may mean taxpayers do not benefit from the lowest possible price achievable through a wider bidding process.

Public Impact

Individuals within the Federal Prison System in Birmingham, Alabama, will benefit from substance use and mental health treatment. Outpatient services are delivered to address critical health needs of inmates. The geographic impact is focused on Birmingham, Alabama. The contract supports the operational needs of the Bureau of Prisons in providing rehabilitative services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may result in less favorable pricing for taxpayers.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in the award notice makes outcome assessment difficult.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Award to a specialized provider ensures targeted service delivery.
Contract supports critical inmate rehabilitation and mental health needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Healthcare sector, specifically focusing on outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment. The market for these services is substantial, driven by both public and private sector demand. Federal agencies, particularly those within the correctional system, represent a significant segment of this market, requiring specialized care for inmate populations. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other Bureau of Prisons contracts for similar services across different facilities.

Small Business Impact

The award notice does not indicate if this contract was set aside for small businesses, nor does it mention subcontracting requirements. If not set aside, larger businesses could have competed. The absence of explicit small business considerations suggests that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may be limited unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages them.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's Bureau of Prisons contracting and program management officials. Accountability measures would be tied to the performance standards outlined in the contract. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports are not publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Federal Bureau of Prisons Healthcare Services
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Grants
Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health Services

Risk Flags

Limited competition may impact price.
Performance metrics not detailed in award.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $250,482 to AIM COUNSELING LLC. SUBSTANCE USE, MENTAL HEALTH AND SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT SERVICES IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AIM COUNSELING LLC.

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 $250,482.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the track record of AIM COUNSELING LLC in providing federal government services?

Information regarding AIM COUNSELING LLC's specific track record with federal government contracts is not detailed in the provided award notice. To assess their performance, one would need to review past contract history, performance evaluations (if available through federal databases like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any history of disputes or corrective actions. Without this data, it's difficult to gauge their reliability and past success in fulfilling similar federal requirements. Further research into their operational history and client testimonials, particularly within the public sector, would be necessary for a comprehensive understanding.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar services?

The award value of $250,482 for one year of outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment services in Birmingham, Alabama, needs to be benchmarked against prevailing market rates. This comparison should consider the specific scope of services, patient population (inmates), and the provider's qualifications. Without access to detailed pricing data from comparable federal or state contracts in the region, or private sector benchmarks for similar specialized services, a definitive assessment of value for money is challenging. However, the firm fixed-price nature suggests the government has negotiated a set cost, aiming for predictability.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

Key risks associated with this contract include potential service quality issues if the provider, AIM COUNSELING LLC, does not meet performance standards, leading to gaps in inmate care. There's also a risk of cost overruns if the fixed price doesn't adequately cover unforeseen service demands, although the firm fixed-price structure mitigates this for the government. Competition risk is present due to the limited competition under SAP, potentially leading to suboptimal pricing. Furthermore, reliance on a single provider for critical services introduces operational risk if the contractor faces staffing shortages or operational disruptions.

How effective are these services in achieving the Bureau of Prisons' rehabilitation goals?

The effectiveness of these substance use and mental health services in achieving the Bureau of Prisons' rehabilitation goals hinges on the quality of care provided by AIM COUNSELING LLC and the integration of these services into the broader inmate management and reentry programs. Success would be measured by outcomes such as reduced recidivism rates, improved inmate mental well-being, and successful reintegration into society post-release. The contract itself does not detail specific performance metrics or outcome targets, making a direct assessment of effectiveness difficult based solely on the award information. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation by the Bureau of Prisons are crucial.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar services by the Federal Prison System?

Historical spending patterns for similar substance use and mental health services by the Federal Prison System (FPS) are likely substantial, given the agency's mandate to provide comprehensive care to a large inmate population. The FPS manages numerous facilities across the country, each requiring such services. Annual spending can fluctuate based on inmate population size, specific healthcare needs, and contracting strategies. Analyzing past contract awards for outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment services by the FPS, particularly in different geographic regions, would reveal trends in contract values, durations, and provider types, offering context for the current $250,482 award.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Outpatient Care Centers › Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers

Product/Service Code: SOCIAL SERVICES › SOCIAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 15BCTS20Q00000052

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2860 DOMINION WALK LN, SNELLVILLE, GA, 30078

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $746,700

Exercised Options: $746,700

Current Obligation: $250,482

Actual Outlays: $161,887

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15BCTS20D00000605

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline