DOJ's $3.96M contract for Memphis residential re-entry services awarded to Dismas Charities Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,960,850 ($4.0M)

Contractor: Dismas Charities Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2022-10-01

End Date: 2023-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TO PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL RE-ENTRY CENTER (RRC) SERVICES LOCATED IN MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

Place of Performance

Location: MEMPHIS, SHELBY County, TENNESSEE, 38116

State: Tennessee Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $4.0 million to DISMAS CHARITIES INC for work described as: TO PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL RE-ENTRY CENTER (RRC) SERVICES LOCATED IN MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE Key points: 1. Contract addresses a critical need for post-incarceration support, aiming to reduce recidivism. 2. The fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a potentially competitive bidding process. 4. Performance is tied to service delivery, with potential for quality variations. 5. The contract falls within the 'Other Residential Care Facilities' NAICS code. 6. Geographic focus on Memphis, Tennessee, targets a specific community need.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.96 million for a one-year period for residential re-entry services in Memphis appears reasonable given the scope of services typically provided by such facilities. Benchmarking against similar contracts for RRC services in other regions would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price contract type helps manage cost risks for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. This suggests a robust bidding environment, which generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government. The number of bidders, if available, would further clarify the intensity of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages multiple providers to offer competitive pricing, potentially driving down costs and improving service quality.

Public Impact

Individuals transitioning from incarceration in the Memphis area will benefit from structured support and services. Services include housing, case management, and programs designed to facilitate successful reintegration into society. The geographic impact is concentrated in Memphis, Tennessee, addressing local needs for re-entry support. The contract supports the workforce within the residential re-entry sector, including program staff and administrators.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for service quality variations impacting recidivism rates.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical social service.
Ensuring effective case management and program adherence for all residents.

Positive Signals

Addresses a clear government need for offender rehabilitation.
Firm fixed-price contract provides budget predictability.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive market for these services.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under the 'Other Residential Care Facilities' sector, which includes establishments primarily engaged in providing residential care services, with limited health care. This sector is crucial for supporting individuals transitioning from correctional facilities, aiming to reduce recidivism and promote public safety. Spending in this area is often driven by federal and state correctional budgets. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing the per-resident cost of similar RRC services across different jurisdictions.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions for this contract. Analysis of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would require further investigation into the contractor's utilization plans. The absence of set-asides means the primary competition was likely among larger, established providers in the RRC sector.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight of this contract would typically be managed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) within the Department of Justice. Accountability measures would likely include performance metrics related to resident outcomes, facility standards, and program delivery. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and performance reports, though specific operational details may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

Federal Bureau of Prisons Programs
Residential Re-entry Center Services
Offender Rehabilitation Programs
Department of Justice Grants and Contracts

Risk Flags

Performance Risk: Potential for contractor failure to meet service level agreements.
Recidivism Risk: Ineffectiveness of services leading to higher re-offense rates.
Cost Management Risk: While fixed-price, unforeseen issues could strain contractor resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $4.0 million to DISMAS CHARITIES INC. TO PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL RE-ENTRY CENTER (RRC) SERVICES LOCATED IN MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DISMAS CHARITIES 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 $4.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-10-01. End: 2023-09-30.

What is the track record of Dismas Charities Inc. in providing residential re-entry services?

Dismas Charities Inc. is a well-established non-profit organization with a significant history of providing residential re-entry services to individuals returning from correctional facilities. They operate numerous facilities across the United States, often in partnership with federal, state, and local government agencies. Their experience typically includes providing housing, case management, job readiness training, and other supportive services aimed at facilitating successful reintegration and reducing recidivism. While specific performance metrics for this particular contract are not detailed here, their long-standing presence in the field suggests a substantial operational capacity and established protocols for service delivery. A deeper dive into their past performance evaluations and client success rates would offer a more comprehensive understanding of their capabilities.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar contracts for RRC services?

The awarded amount of $3.96 million for a one-year contract for residential re-entry services in Memphis needs to be benchmarked against similar contracts to assess value for money. Factors influencing cost include the number of beds/residents served, the duration and intensity of services provided (e.g., case management, job training, substance abuse counseling), and the local cost of living in Memphis. Without specific details on the contract's scope (e.g., average daily census, specific program requirements), a direct comparison is challenging. However, typical per-diem or per-resident costs for RRC services can range significantly, often from $50 to over $150 per day per resident, depending on the level of service. This contract's total value, spread over a year, suggests a substantial operation, and its competitiveness would be better understood by comparing its per-resident cost against regional or national averages for similar service levels.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract revolve around service delivery and outcomes. A key risk is the potential for inconsistent or inadequate service provision by the contractor, which could lead to higher recidivism rates, undermining the program's goals and potentially impacting public safety. Performance failures could necessitate corrective actions or even contract termination, leading to disruption in services for residents. Another risk is the potential for cost overruns if the firm fixed-price contract does not adequately account for unforeseen operational challenges, although this risk is primarily borne by the contractor. Ensuring robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are in place is crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the contractor meets performance expectations.

How effective are RRC services in reducing recidivism, and how is this contract expected to contribute?

Residential Re-entry Center (RRC) services are widely recognized as a critical component in reducing recidivism by providing a structured environment and supportive services to individuals transitioning from incarceration. These services typically include stable housing, case management, life skills training, employment assistance, and substance abuse treatment, all of which address key factors contributing to re-offending. Studies have shown that RRC programs can significantly lower recidivism rates compared to individuals released directly into the community without such support. This specific contract aims to contribute by offering these essential services to individuals in the Memphis area, thereby facilitating their successful reintegration, promoting community safety, and reducing the long-term costs associated with incarceration.

What is the historical spending pattern for RRC services by the Department of Justice?

The Department of Justice, primarily through the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), has consistently allocated significant funding towards residential re-entry services as part of its correctional and post-release support mission. Historical spending patterns show a steady investment in RRCs to manage the population of individuals transitioning back into society. This spending is influenced by factors such as the federal prison population size, legislative mandates, and the recognized effectiveness of RRCs in reducing recidivism and associated costs. While the exact year-over-year spending can fluctuate based on budget appropriations and specific contract awards, the overall trend indicates a sustained commitment to funding these essential services. Analyzing historical data would reveal trends in contract values, durations, and the number of RRC providers utilized by the BOP.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Other Residential Care Facilities › Other Residential Care Facilities

Product/Service Code: SOCIAL SERVICES › SOCIAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2500 7TH STREET RD STE 1, LOUISVILLE, KY, 40208

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: $3,960,850

Exercised Options: $3,960,850

Current Obligation: $3,960,850

Actual Outlays: $3,977,827

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NOT OBTAINED - WAIVED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15BRRC19D00000073

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline