DOJ's $1.37M contract for reentry services in South Carolina awarded to Alston Wilkes Society

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,370,900 ($1.4M)

Contractor: Alston Wilkes Society

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-12-01

End Date: 2026-11-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: RESIDENTIAL REENTRY CENTER (RRC) SERVICES AND HOME CONFINEMENT SERVICES IN COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA.

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBIA, RICHLAND County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29203

State: South Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $1.4 million to ALSTON WILKES SOCIETY for work described as: RESIDENTIAL REENTRY CENTER (RRC) SERVICES AND HOME CONFINEMENT SERVICES IN COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA. Key points: 1. Value for money assessed through comparison with similar services and market rates. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, potentially driving competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators include performance history of the contractor and the nature of residential services. 4. Performance context is the provision of essential reentry and home confinement services. 5. Sector positioning is within the broader correctional and social services landscape.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.37 million for a 364-day period appears reasonable for residential reentry services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for RRC services in other regions would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure helps control costs for the government. However, without specific per-unit cost data or detailed service level agreements, a definitive assessment of optimal pricing is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The number of bidders is not specified, but this procurement method generally fosters price discovery and encourages competitive offers. A robust competition is expected to yield a fair market price for the services required.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process that aims to secure the most cost-effective solution for essential reentry services.

Public Impact

Individuals re-entering the community from correctional facilities in Columbia, South Carolina, will benefit from these services. Services include residential reentry support and home confinement, aiding in successful reintegration. The geographic impact is focused on Columbia, South Carolina, and surrounding areas served by the contractor. Workforce implications may include employment opportunities for staff at the Alston Wilkes Society to deliver these services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Ensuring consistent quality of care and supervision for individuals in residential reentry.
Monitoring contractor performance to meet all contractual obligations and service standards.
Managing potential fluctuations in demand for reentry services.

Positive Signals

Award to an established organization with experience in reentry services.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition process can lead to better value.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the social services and correctional support sector, specifically focusing on residential reentry centers (RRCs) and home confinement. This sector is crucial for offender rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. Spending in this area is often driven by federal and state correctional agency needs. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing the per-diem costs for RRC services across different jurisdictions and contractor types.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded via full and open competition and does not specify any small business set-aside. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through this specific award is likely minimal unless they are subcontractors. The Alston Wilkes Society, as the prime contractor, will determine subcontracting opportunities, if any, within the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will primarily be conducted by the Department of Justice, specifically the Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons. Accountability measures are embedded within the contract terms, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract award data, though detailed operational oversight specifics are typically internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Reentry Services
Bureau of Prisons Residential Reentry Management
Community Corrections Programs
Home Confinement Services

Risk Flags

Contract performance monitoring
Resident safety and security protocols
Compliance with facility standards
Substance abuse and mental health support availability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $1.4 million to ALSTON WILKES SOCIETY. RESIDENTIAL REENTRY CENTER (RRC) SERVICES AND HOME CONFINEMENT SERVICES IN COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALSTON WILKES SOCIETY.

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 $1.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-01. End: 2026-11-30.

What is the track record of Alston Wilkes Society in providing similar residential reentry services?

Alston Wilkes Society is a non-profit organization with a long history of providing services to individuals transitioning from incarceration back into the community. They operate various programs, including residential reentry, transitional housing, and employment assistance. Their experience typically spans several decades, and they often hold multiple contracts with federal, state, and local agencies. A review of their past performance on similar Bureau of Prisons or other federal contracts would reveal their ability to meet performance standards, manage facilities, and provide the required rehabilitative and supervisory services. Specific data on recidivism rates for individuals served by Alston Wilkes Society would be a key indicator of their effectiveness.

How does the per-diem cost of this contract compare to national averages for RRC services?

To benchmark the per-diem cost, we would need to calculate it from the provided data: $1,370,900 / 364 days = approximately $3,766 per day for the entire contract. This figure represents the total daily cost for all services and all residents. To compare this to national averages, we would need to know the capacity of the facility or the number of individuals served daily. If this contract covers, for example, 50 residents, the per-resident per-diem would be $3,766 / 50 = $75.32. National averages for RRC per-diem costs can vary significantly by region and service level, but often range from $60 to $100+. Therefore, a per-resident per-diem of $75.32 would likely fall within the mid-to-lower end of the typical range, suggesting potentially good value, assuming the service levels are comparable.

What are the primary risks associated with providing residential reentry services?

The primary risks associated with providing residential reentry services include ensuring the safety and security of residents and staff, managing potential escapes or abscondences, maintaining facility compliance with health and safety regulations, and addressing the complex needs of the resident population (e.g., substance abuse, mental health, employment barriers). There's also a risk of contractor performance issues, such as failure to meet program goals, inadequate staffing, or financial instability. Furthermore, public perception and community relations can pose risks if incidents occur. The government mitigates these risks through rigorous contractor vetting, performance monitoring, clear contractual requirements, and contingency planning.

How effective are RRC services in reducing recidivism rates?

Residential Reentry Center (RRC) services are generally considered an effective component of correctional programming aimed at reducing recidivism. By providing a structured and supportive environment post-release, RRCs help individuals transition back into society, access resources like employment and education, and receive counseling and supervision. Studies and evaluations by the Bureau of Justice Statistics and academic researchers have shown that participation in RRC programs can lead to lower rates of re-arrest and re-conviction compared to individuals released directly into the community without such support. The effectiveness is often dependent on the quality of services provided, the duration of stay, and the individual needs of the participants.

What has been the historical spending trend for RRC services by the Bureau of Prisons?

The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has consistently allocated significant funding towards Residential Reentry Center (RRC) services as a critical part of its inmate reentry strategy. Historical spending data shows a general upward trend in RRC expenditures over the past decade, reflecting an increased emphasis on post-release support and rehabilitation to reduce recidivism and improve public safety. Factors influencing this trend include legislative mandates, evolving correctional philosophies, and the growing recognition of the benefits of structured reentry programs. Specific annual spending figures can fluctuate based on contract awards, program expansions, and overall budget allocations, but RRC services remain a substantial and integral part of the BOP's operational budget.

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: 3519 MEDICAL DR, COLUMBIA, SC, 29203

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: $1,370,900

Exercised Options: $1,370,900

Current Obligation: $1,370,900

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NOT OBTAINED - WAIVED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15BRRC20D00000097

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline