DOJ awards $3.57M for residential reentry services in Charlotte, NC, to Dismas Charities Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,573,753 ($3.6M)

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: $9.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TO PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL REENTRY CENTER (RRC) SERVICES AND HOME CONFINEMENT SERVICES IN CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA IN ACCORDANCE WITH SOLICITATION 15BRRC21R00000349. THIS MODIFICATION IS FOR FUNDING FOR THE BASE PERIOD FROM 10/01/2022 TO 5/31/2023.

Place of Performance

Location: LOUISVILLE, JEFFERSON County, KENTUCKY, 40208

State: Kentucky Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $3.6 million to DISMAS CHARITIES INC for work described as: TO PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL REENTRY CENTER (RRC) SERVICES AND HOME CONFINEMENT SERVICES IN CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA IN ACCORDANCE WITH SOLICITATION 15BRRC21R00000349. THIS MODIFICATION IS FOR FUNDING FOR THE BASE PERIOD FROM 10/01/2022 TO 5/31/2023. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential residential reentry and home confinement services. 2. Funding covers the base period of operations from October 2022 to May 2023. 3. The award was made under a full and open competition. 4. Dismas Charities Inc. is the selected contractor for these critical services. 5. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating predictable costs. 6. This award supports the Federal Prison System's reintegration efforts.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The awarded amount of $3.57 million for residential reentry center (RRC) services and home confinement in Charlotte, North Carolina, appears reasonable given the scope of services. While direct comparisons are difficult without more granular data on service levels and duration, the contract's fixed-price nature suggests that the pricing was determined through a competitive process. Benchmarking against similar RRC contracts nationwide would provide a clearer picture of value for money, but the amount aligns with the operational needs for such facilities.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through a full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were invited to bid. The solicitation number 15BRRC21R00000349 suggests a structured procurement process. The level of competition is not explicitly stated in terms of the number of bidders, but the 'full and open' designation implies a robust process designed to solicit the best value. This approach generally leads to more competitive pricing and a wider selection of qualified providers.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages multiple companies to vie for the contract, driving down prices and ensuring the government receives the best possible value for its investment in essential reentry services.

Public Impact

Individuals re-entering the community after incarceration in Charlotte, North Carolina, will benefit from structured support and supervision. The contract provides essential residential reentry center (RRC) services, including housing, counseling, and program management. Home confinement services offer an alternative to incarceration, allowing for community-based supervision. The services are geographically focused on Charlotte, North Carolina, addressing local reentry needs. This contract supports the successful reintegration of individuals, potentially reducing recidivism rates and enhancing public safety.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The duration of the base period (October 2022 to May 2023) is relatively short, raising questions about long-term stability and planning for continuous service delivery.
Specific performance metrics and quality assurance mechanisms are not detailed, making it difficult to assess the effectiveness of the services provided.
The reliance on a single contractor for these critical services in a specific geographic area could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

The award was made under a full and open competition, suggesting a thorough vetting of potential providers.
The contract utilizes a Firm Fixed Price structure, which provides cost certainty for the government.
Dismas Charities Inc. is an established provider of such services, implying experience and operational capacity.

Sector Analysis

The Residential Reentry Center (RRC) services sector is a critical component of the correctional system, focused on facilitating the transition of individuals from incarceration back into society. This market involves providing housing, case management, and support services aimed at reducing recidivism. Spending in this sector is driven by federal and state correctional agencies seeking cost-effective and evidence-based solutions for offender reentry. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing per-diem rates for RRC beds and case management services across different regions and contract types.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this contract. As it was awarded under full and open competition, the primary focus was likely on obtaining the best overall value from all eligible offerors. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if there were opportunities missed for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice, specifically the Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons. The contract's performance would be monitored through regular reporting, site visits, and performance evaluations to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions. Accountability measures are inherent in the Firm Fixed Price structure, and any deviations or failures to meet service level agreements would trigger contractual remedies. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting mechanisms.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Operations
Community Corrections Programs
Offender Reintegration Services
Home Confinement Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for service disruption due to short base period funding.
Contractor performance risk in delivering comprehensive reentry services.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in the award notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $3.6 million to DISMAS CHARITIES INC. TO PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL REENTRY CENTER (RRC) SERVICES AND HOME CONFINEMENT SERVICES IN CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA IN ACCORDANCE WITH SOLICITATION 15BRRC21R00000349. THIS MODIFICATION IS FOR FUNDING FOR THE BASE PERIOD FROM 10/01/2022 TO 5/31/2023.

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 $3.6 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 reentry services?

Dismas Charities Inc. is a well-established non-profit organization with a significant history of providing residential reentry services across the United States. They operate numerous facilities and programs aimed at assisting individuals transitioning from correctional institutions back into the community. Their services typically include housing, case management, job readiness training, substance abuse counseling, and other support necessary for successful reintegration. While specific performance data for this particular contract in Charlotte, NC, is not detailed here, Dismas Charities generally has a broad operational footprint and experience with federal, state, and local correctional agencies. A deeper dive into their past performance reviews, client success rates, and any documented issues with previous contracts would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and reliability.

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

The awarded amount of $3.57 million for the base period (October 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023) for residential reentry center (RRC) and home confinement services in Charlotte, North Carolina, needs to be contextualized by the specific services, capacity, and duration. Without detailed service level agreements, bed counts, and the exact scope of home confinement monitoring, a direct comparison is challenging. However, RRC services typically involve a per-diem rate per resident, encompassing housing, meals, supervision, and programming. National averages for RRC per-diem rates can vary significantly, often ranging from $70 to $150 or more, depending on the level of service and location. If this contract supports a certain number of beds for the specified period, the total cost can be benchmarked against these typical rates. The 'full and open competition' suggests that the pricing was vetted against market offerings.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance deficiencies by the contractor, Dismas Charities Inc., in delivering the required residential reentry and home confinement services. This could manifest as inadequate supervision, insufficient programming, or failure to meet facility standards, potentially impacting the successful reintegration of individuals and public safety. Another risk is the short duration of the base period funding (8 months), which might lead to service disruptions if follow-on funding is not secured promptly or if the contract is recompeted. Furthermore, unforeseen increases in operational costs for the contractor could strain their ability to deliver services effectively within the fixed-price structure. Finally, community acceptance and potential NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) issues related to the RRC facility could pose operational challenges.

How effective are residential reentry centers in reducing recidivism?

Residential reentry centers (RRCs) are generally considered an important component of correctional systems aimed at reducing recidivism. Evidence suggests that RRCs can be effective when they provide comprehensive services tailored to individual needs. These services often include evidence-based programming such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, substance abuse treatment, education, vocational training, and employment assistance. By offering a structured and supportive environment during the critical transition period from incarceration to community living, RRCs help individuals develop the skills and resources necessary to avoid reoffending. Studies have shown that participation in RRC programs can lead to lower rates of re-arrest, reconviction, and re-incarceration compared to individuals released directly into the community without such support. However, the effectiveness can vary based on program quality, fidelity to evidence-based practices, and the specific needs of the population served.

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

The Department of Justice (DOJ), primarily through the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), has consistently allocated significant funding towards residential reentry services and community-based programs. Historical spending reflects a growing recognition of the importance of reentry support in reducing long-term incarceration costs and improving public safety outcomes. Over the years, the BOP has contracted with numerous public and private entities to provide these essential services across various geographic locations. Spending patterns are influenced by factors such as inmate population levels, legislative mandates, and the availability of funding through appropriations. Analyzing historical spending data would reveal trends in contract values, the number of contracts awarded, and the geographic distribution of services, indicating a sustained commitment to supporting offender reentry.

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: $3,573,753

Exercised Options: $3,573,753

Current Obligation: $3,573,753

Actual Outlays: $3,625,815

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15BRRC22D00000349

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline