DOJ Awards $11.5M for BOP Reentry Programs Amidst Concerns Over Time & Materials Contract
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,494,109 ($11.5M)
Contractor: Research Triangle Institute
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2022-07-01
End Date: 2026-10-31
Contract Duration: 1,583 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: EVALUATION OF BUREAU OF PRISONS REENTRY PROGRAMS
Place of Performance
Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27709
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $11.5 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE for work described as: EVALUATION OF BUREAU OF PRISONS REENTRY PROGRAMS Key points: 1. The contract, valued at $11.5 million, focuses on administrative management and general management consulting services for Bureau of Prisons reentry programs. 2. Research Triangle Institute is the contractor, with the Office of Justice Programs as the awarding agency. 3. The use of a Time and Materials contract type raises potential cost control concerns. 4. The sector is primarily administrative and management consulting, supporting social services and public safety initiatives.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The Time and Materials (T&M) contract type is often less desirable for government spending as it can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored. Benchmarking against similar T&M contracts for consulting services is difficult without specific labor rates and hours.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which is positive for price discovery. However, the T&M pricing structure may limit the effectiveness of competitive pressures on the final cost.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for reentry programs, which can have long-term benefits in reducing recidivism. However, the T&M structure introduces a risk of inefficient spending.
Public Impact
Supports federal efforts to improve outcomes for individuals transitioning from incarceration back into society. Aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of reentry programs through expert consulting. Potential for improved public safety and reduced long-term costs associated with recidivism. The contract's duration and value suggest a significant investment in program development and oversight.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Time and Materials contract type
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited visibility into specific labor rates
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Focus on critical reentry programs
- Experienced contractor
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the administrative management and general management consulting services sector, supporting the government's social and public safety objectives. Benchmarks for similar consulting contracts vary widely based on scope and duration, but the T&M nature warrants scrutiny.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation was not a stated factor in this award (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were pursued.
Oversight & Accountability
The Office of Justice Programs is responsible for oversight. The Time and Materials contract type necessitates robust monitoring and reporting to ensure accountability and prevent cost creep.
Related Government Programs
- Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Office of Justice Programs Programs
Risk Flags
- Time and Materials contract type poses inherent cost control risks.
- Potential for scope creep without strict management.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Limited information on small business involvement.
Tags
administrative-management-and-general-ma, department-of-justice, nc, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $11.5 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE. EVALUATION OF BUREAU OF PRISONS REENTRY PROGRAMS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Office of Justice Programs).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $11.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-07-01. End: 2026-10-31.
What specific metrics will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the reentry programs supported by this contract?
The effectiveness of the reentry programs will likely be evaluated through a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics. These could include recidivism rates, employment rates post-release, successful completion of program milestones, and participant feedback. The contract itself should outline specific performance standards and key performance indicators (KPIs) that the contractor must meet.
How will the government mitigate the risks associated with the Time and Materials contract type to ensure cost efficiency?
Mitigation strategies for T&M contracts typically involve establishing clear ceilings on labor rates and total contract value, requiring detailed reporting of hours and materials, and implementing rigorous oversight by contracting officers. Regular performance reviews and audits are crucial to ensure that the contractor is operating efficiently and that costs are reasonable and allocable.
What is the expected impact of these reentry programs on reducing recidivism rates in the long term?
The expected long-term impact is a reduction in recidivism rates, leading to improved public safety and reduced costs associated with incarceration and crime. Effective reentry programs address critical needs such as housing, employment, education, and substance abuse treatment, thereby increasing an individual's likelihood of successful reintegration into society.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 15PNJD22Q00000002
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3040 CORNWALLIS RD, DURHAM, NC, 27709
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: $11,494,109
Exercised Options: $11,494,109
Current Obligation: $11,494,109
Actual Outlays: $7,012,868
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $2,867,814
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS00F354CA
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-07-01
Current End Date: 2026-10-31
Potential End Date: 2026-10-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-10
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