DOJ's $3.6M contract for residential care in Florida awarded to Dismas Charities Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,624,697 ($3.6M)

Contractor: Dismas Charities Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2023-10-24

End Date: 2024-08-31

Contract Duration: 312 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TASK ORDER FOR RRC & HC SERVICES LOCATED IN BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, FY24

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: TASK ORDER FOR RRC & HC SERVICES LOCATED IN BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, FY24 Key points: 1. Value for money assessed against similar contracts for residential care services. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, potentially driving competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators include contract duration and the specific nature of residential care services. 4. Performance context relies on the successful delivery of RRC & HC services. 5. Sector positioning within the 'Other Residential Care Facilities' NAICS code. 6. The contract is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.62 million for approximately 10 months of service appears reasonable when benchmarked against similar residential reentry and halfway house contracts. While specific per-unit cost data is not provided, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests a defined cost for services. Further analysis would involve comparing the scope of services and geographic location to other federal contracts to ensure optimal value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not detailed, but this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to more favorable pricing and better service offerings for the government. The agency sought proposals from all responsible sources.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining services at a competitive market rate, preventing potential overspending.

Public Impact

Individuals requiring residential reentry and halfway house services in Broward County, Florida, will benefit from this contract. The services delivered are crucial for the reintegration of individuals into society. The geographic impact is focused on Broward County, Florida. This contract supports jobs within the residential care and social services sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Ensuring consistent quality of care throughout the contract period.
Monitoring contractor performance to meet all service level agreements.
Managing potential fluctuations in client needs and service demands.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty.
Clear delivery order structure under a larger contract vehicle.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Other Residential Care Facilities' sector, which includes establishments primarily engaged in providing residential care services, with or without nursing care, for the elderly, chronically ill, or disabled, or in providing correctional treatment, or halfway house services. The federal government frequently contracts for such services to support various populations, including formerly incarcerated individuals and those needing transitional housing. Benchmarking against similar contracts in this sector is essential for assessing value.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary focus is on the prime contractor's capabilities. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this specific delivery order, though the prime contractor may engage small businesses as part of their overall operations.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the Department of Justice's Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms and service level agreements. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports are typically internal.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Services
Residential Reentry Center Programs
Bureau of Prisons Contracts
Department of Justice Social Services

Risk Flags

Contract Duration
Service Scope Complexity
Performance Monitoring Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $3.6 million to DISMAS CHARITIES INC. TASK ORDER FOR RRC & HC SERVICES LOCATED IN BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, FY24

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: 2023-10-24. End: 2024-08-31.

What is the track record of Dismas Charities Inc. in providing similar residential care services to federal agencies?

Dismas Charities Inc. has a significant history of providing residential reentry and related services to federal agencies, particularly the Bureau of Prisons. They operate numerous facilities across the country. Their experience typically involves managing programs focused on offender rehabilitation, including housing, case management, job readiness training, and substance abuse counseling. Evaluating their past performance on similar federal contracts, including any past performance reviews or awards, would provide insight into their reliability and effectiveness in meeting government requirements. Specific data on their performance metrics for prior contracts, such as recidivism rates of program participants or successful completion rates, would be valuable for a comprehensive assessment.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to other federal contracts for similar services in Florida or the Southeast region?

Benchmarking the pricing of this $3.62 million delivery order against comparable federal contracts for residential reentry and halfway house services in Florida and the Southeast region is crucial for assessing value for money. Factors such as the number of beds, the duration of stay, the intensity of services provided (e.g., counseling, job training), and the specific geographic location influence costs. Without access to a detailed breakdown of per-diem rates or service-specific costs within this contract, a precise comparison is challenging. However, by analyzing publicly available contract data for similar services awarded by the Bureau of Prisons or other federal agencies in the same region, one could identify a typical cost range and determine if Dismas Charities' pricing is within that expected market. Deviations significantly above or below the benchmark would warrant further investigation.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract revolve around service delivery and contractor performance. Ensuring that Dismas Charities Inc. consistently provides high-quality residential reentry and halfway house services that meet the Bureau of Prisons' standards is paramount. Risks include potential lapses in security, inadequate staffing, failure to meet program objectives (e.g., successful reintegration of residents), or non-compliance with regulations. Mitigation strategies typically include robust performance monitoring by the contracting officer's representative (COR), regular site visits, adherence to strict performance standards outlined in the contract, and the firm-fixed-price structure which incentivizes the contractor to manage costs effectively. The contract's duration (ending August 31, 2024) also presents a risk of service interruption if not managed proactively towards renewal or transition.

What is the expected effectiveness of the services provided under this contract in achieving the Bureau of Prisons' goals for offender rehabilitation?

The effectiveness of the services provided under this contract is expected to contribute to the Bureau of Prisons' goals for offender rehabilitation by offering a structured and supportive environment for individuals transitioning back into the community. These services typically include safe housing, case management, counseling, and assistance with employment and education, all of which are critical components for reducing recidivism and promoting successful reintegration. The effectiveness will largely depend on the quality of program implementation by Dismas Charities Inc., the specific needs of the resident population, and the coordination with post-release support services. While this contract focuses on the residential phase, its success is measured by its contribution to the broader rehabilitation continuum, aiming to equip individuals with the tools and stability needed for long-term positive outcomes.

How has federal spending on residential reentry and halfway house services evolved over the past five fiscal years, and what trends are apparent?

Federal spending on residential reentry and halfway house services has generally seen a consistent demand, driven by the Bureau of Prisons' mission to manage the federal inmate population and facilitate successful reentry. Over the past five fiscal years, spending in this category has remained substantial, reflecting the ongoing need for these transitional programs. Trends may include shifts in the geographic distribution of contracts, increased emphasis on evidence-based practices and performance metrics, and potentially fluctuations in contract values based on appropriation levels and inmate population changes. Analyzing historical spending data from agencies like the Department of Justice (specifically the Bureau of Prisons) would reveal the overall growth or contraction in this service area, the average contract sizes, and the prevalence of different contract types (e.g., full and open vs. set-asides).

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: $3,624,697

Exercised Options: $3,624,697

Current Obligation: $3,624,697

Actual Outlays: $3,635,969

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15BRRC19D00000208

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline