DOJ contract for substance use and mental health services in Oklahoma City awarded to Western Alternative Corrections, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $135,800 ($135.8K)

Contractor: Western Alternative Corrections, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-10-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 272 days

Daily Burn Rate: $499/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 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK.

Place of Performance

Location: HASTINGS, ADAMS County, NEBRASKA, 68901

State: Nebraska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $135,800 to WESTERN ALTERNATIVE CORRECTIONS, INC. for work described as: SUBSTANCE USE, MENTAL HEALTH, AND SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT SERVICES IN OKLAHOMA CITY, OK. Key points: 1. Contract aims to provide essential treatment services to individuals in Oklahoma City. 2. Focus on substance use, mental health, and sex offender treatment indicates a specialized need. 3. The contract duration of 272 days suggests a short-term or interim service provision. 4. Fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government. 5. The award was made under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), implying a focus on smaller value procurements.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $135,800 for approximately 9 months of service appears reasonable for specialized treatment services in a specific geographic area. Benchmarking against similar contracts for mental health and substance abuse treatment services is difficult without more detailed service scope and location data. However, the fixed-price nature provides cost control. Further analysis would require comparing the per-unit cost of services provided against regional averages.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which generally allows for full and open competition but may have streamlined processes. The number of bidders is not specified, but SAP is intended to promote competition for acquisitions below the simplified acquisition threshold. The level of competition under SAP can vary, but it is designed to ensure fair pricing and value.

Taxpayer Impact: Competition under SAP aims to secure competitive pricing for taxpayers on smaller procurements, ensuring that funds are used efficiently for essential services.

Public Impact

Individuals requiring substance use, mental health, and sex offender treatment in Oklahoma City will benefit from these services. The services delivered are outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment. The geographic impact is focused on Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The contract supports the mission of the Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons to provide rehabilitative services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for service gaps if follow-on contract is not awarded promptly.
Ensuring continuity of care for patients transitioning out of federal custody.
Monitoring the quality and effectiveness of specialized treatment services.

Positive Signals

Addresses critical needs for mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Utilizes a fixed-price contract to manage costs.
Awarded under procedures designed to encourage competition.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Healthcare sector, specifically focusing on outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment centers. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 621420 represents Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers. Spending in this sub-sector is driven by government contracts for correctional facilities, community health programs, and veteran services. The market size for such specialized services can be significant, particularly when addressing the complex needs of individuals within the justice system.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans is not available for this specific award. As the contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures, it is possible that small businesses were encouraged to bid. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any small business participation goals were set or achieved.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight of this contract would typically fall under the purview of the Department of Justice and the Federal Prison System. Accountability measures would include performance monitoring, adherence to service level agreements, and financial audits. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics may not be publicly disclosed.

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

Potential for service discontinuity
Quality assurance of specialized treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $135,800 to WESTERN ALTERNATIVE CORRECTIONS, INC.. SUBSTANCE USE, MENTAL HEALTH, AND SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT SERVICES IN OKLAHOMA CITY, OK.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WESTERN ALTERNATIVE CORRECTIONS, INC..

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 $135,800.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the track record of Western Alternative Corrections, Inc. in providing similar federal services?

Information regarding the specific track record of Western Alternative Corrections, Inc. in providing federal services, particularly substance use, mental health, and sex offender treatment, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history with federal agencies, and any reported issues or successes. Without this data, it is difficult to gauge their experience and reliability for this specific contract. Further research into federal procurement databases and contractor performance systems would be necessary to provide a detailed answer.

How does the contract value compare to similar services in the Oklahoma City area?

The contract value of $135,800 for approximately 9 months of outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment services in Oklahoma City is difficult to benchmark precisely without detailed service scope and patient volume data. However, considering the specialized nature of sex offender treatment alongside general mental health and substance abuse services, this amount appears to be within a reasonable range for a localized federal contract. To provide a more accurate comparison, one would need to analyze per-patient costs or cost per service hour against regional healthcare provider rates and other government contracts for similar populations.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential disruptions in service continuity if the contractor fails to perform adequately or if a follow-on contract is not secured in a timely manner. There is also a risk related to the quality and effectiveness of the specialized treatment services provided, particularly for sex offender treatment, which requires specific expertise. Ensuring patient privacy and data security in accordance with federal regulations is another critical risk area. Finally, managing patient transitions and ensuring successful reintegration into the community post-treatment are inherent challenges.

How effective are these types of services in achieving rehabilitation goals for federal inmates?

The effectiveness of outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment services in achieving rehabilitation goals for federal inmates is generally supported by evidence, though outcomes can vary significantly based on individual patient factors, program intensity, and quality of care. Studies have shown that comprehensive treatment programs, including those addressing substance use and mental health comorbidities, can lead to reduced recidivism rates and improved community reintegration. The inclusion of sex offender treatment indicates a focus on addressing specific high-risk behaviors, which, when effectively delivered, can contribute to public safety. Success is often measured by reduced relapse rates, improved mental well-being, and decreased re-arrests.

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

Historical spending patterns for similar services by the Federal Prison System (FPS) indicate a consistent and significant investment in inmate healthcare, including mental health and substance abuse treatment. The FPS operates numerous facilities nationwide, each requiring a spectrum of medical and therapeutic services. Spending in this area is influenced by inmate population demographics, the prevalence of mental health and substance use disorders within the incarcerated population, and evolving healthcare standards and mandates. While specific historical dollar amounts for Oklahoma City are not provided, the overall trend shows a sustained need and allocation of resources towards these critical support services to address inmate well-being and facilitate rehabilitation.

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: 15BCTS21Q00000039

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 101 S HASTINGS AVE, HASTINGS, NE, 68901

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $433,951

Exercised Options: $433,951

Current Obligation: $135,800

Actual Outlays: $76,904

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15BCTS21D00000629

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline