Department of Labor awards $26.2M contract for Job Corps plastering trades training to National Plastering Industry's Joint Apprenticeship Trust Fund

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,249,605 ($26.2M)

Contractor: National Plastering Industrys Joint Apprenticeship Trust Fund

Awarding Agency: Department of Labor

Start Date: 2023-07-31

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 1,096 days

Daily Burn Rate: $23.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE INCENTIVE

Sector: Other

Official Description: JOB CORPS NATIONAL TRAINING CONTRACT (NTC) PLASTERING TRADES 2023

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBIA, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 21046

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Labor obligated $26.2 million to NATIONAL PLASTERING INDUSTRYS JOINT APPRENTICESHIP TRUST FUND for work described as: JOB CORPS NATIONAL TRAINING CONTRACT (NTC) PLASTERING TRADES 2023 Key points: 1. The contract aims to provide vocational rehabilitation services through specialized plastering trades training. 2. Awarded on a fixed-price incentive basis, suggesting a focus on performance and cost control. 3. The duration of the contract is approximately three years, indicating a medium-term commitment to training. 4. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, implying a robust selection process. 5. The specific NAICS code (624310) points to vocational rehabilitation services, aligning with Job Corps' mission. 6. The contract value is substantial, reflecting the scale of national training initiatives. 7. The contractor is a joint apprenticeship trust fund, suggesting deep industry ties and expertise.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $26.2 million over three years for national plastering trades training appears reasonable given the scope of Job Corps programs. Benchmarking against similar vocational training contracts is challenging without more specific data on training hours, participant numbers, and curriculum scope. However, the fixed-price incentive structure suggests an effort to ensure value for money by linking contractor payment to performance outcomes. The absence of a small business set-aside indicates the primary contractor is likely not a small business, but subcontracting opportunities may exist.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple potential bidders were solicited and evaluated. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, encouraging bidders to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. The fact that a specific joint apprenticeship trust fund was selected suggests they presented the most advantageous offer based on the evaluation criteria, which likely included factors like experience, technical approach, and cost.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of innovative solutions, ultimately maximizing the value of federal investment in job training.

Public Impact

Job Corps participants nationwide will benefit from specialized training in plastering trades, enhancing their employability. The contract supports the delivery of vocational rehabilitation services, aiding individuals in acquiring marketable skills. The training is expected to have a positive impact on the construction workforce by developing skilled tradespeople. Geographic impact is national, as Job Corps serves individuals across the United States. The program aims to improve workforce development outcomes for participants, contributing to economic mobility.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if incentive targets are not met or if unforeseen issues arise during training delivery.
Ensuring consistent quality and standardization of plastering trades training across all Job Corps locations nationwide.
Measuring the long-term success and job placement rates of participants trained under this contract.
Dependence on the specific expertise and capacity of the National Plastering Industry's Joint Apprenticeship Trust Fund to deliver at scale.

Positive Signals

Award to a specialized joint apprenticeship trust fund suggests deep industry knowledge and established training methodologies.
Fixed-price incentive contract structure encourages contractor performance and cost efficiency.
Full and open competition indicates a thorough vetting process, likely resulting in a qualified and capable contractor.
The contract directly addresses a need for skilled trades in the construction sector, aligning with workforce development goals.

Sector Analysis

The construction industry, particularly the skilled trades, faces ongoing demand for qualified workers. Vocational training programs like those managed by Job Corps are crucial for developing this talent pipeline. This contract fits within the broader sector of workforce development and vocational education, aiming to equip individuals with specific skills demanded by employers. Comparable spending benchmarks in vocational training can vary widely based on the trade, duration, and intensity of the program.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (sb: false). As a large national training initiative, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors, particularly in providing localized training support or specialized services. However, the primary award to a joint apprenticeship trust fund suggests a focus on established industry organizations. The impact on the small business ecosystem will depend on the subcontracting plan, if any, developed by the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of Labor's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM), which is responsible for administrative and management functions. Accountability measures will be tied to the fixed-price incentive contract terms, focusing on performance outcomes and adherence to training standards. Transparency is generally maintained through contract awards databases and reporting requirements, though specific details of training delivery and participant outcomes may be less publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

Job Corps National Training Contracts
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Construction Trades Training Programs
Apprenticeship and Skilled Trades Development

Risk Flags

Contract duration aligns with typical training program cycles.
Fixed-price incentive structure requires careful monitoring of performance metrics.
Contractor's capacity to deliver national-level training needs assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Labor awarded $26.2 million to NATIONAL PLASTERING INDUSTRYS JOINT APPRENTICESHIP TRUST FUND. JOB CORPS NATIONAL TRAINING CONTRACT (NTC) PLASTERING TRADES 2023

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NATIONAL PLASTERING INDUSTRYS JOINT APPRENTICESHIP TRUST FUND.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Labor (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $26.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-07-31. End: 2026-07-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for Job Corps National Training Contracts related to skilled trades?

Historical spending on Job Corps National Training Contracts for skilled trades, including areas like plastering, has varied based on program needs, economic conditions, and the specific trades prioritized. While precise figures for plastering trades alone are not readily available in this dataset, the overall Job Corps program budget supports a wide array of vocational training. For instance, previous years might show similar or fluctuating investment levels depending on the demand for specific skills in the construction sector and the availability of qualified training providers. The current $26.2 million award for plastering trades training over three years suggests a sustained or potentially increased focus on this particular skill set within the broader Job Corps initiative. Analyzing historical data would require examining annual appropriations and specific contract awards for vocational training across different trades to identify trends and patterns in federal investment.

How does the cost per participant for this plastering trades training compare to other vocational training programs?

Determining the exact cost per participant for this $26.2 million plastering trades contract is not possible without knowing the total number of participants expected over the contract's three-year duration and the total training hours provided. However, vocational training costs can range significantly. Factors influencing cost include the intensity of the training, the specialized equipment required, instructor salaries, and the duration of the program. For example, intensive, hands-on trades like plastering might have a higher per-participant cost than shorter, less equipment-intensive courses. To benchmark, one would need to compare this contract's projected cost per participant against similar trades training programs funded by the Department of Labor or other federal agencies, considering the scope and depth of the curriculum.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how are they measured?

While the specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are not detailed in the provided data, a fixed-price incentive (FPI) contract structure typically ties contractor payment to achieving specific performance targets. For this plastering trades training contract, likely KPIs would include metrics related to training completion rates, participant skill proficiency assessments, job placement rates post-training, and potentially employer satisfaction with graduates. The 'incentive' aspect suggests that exceeding certain targets could lead to higher payments for the contractor, while failing to meet minimum standards might result in reduced payment or penalties. The Department of Labor would establish these KPIs and the methodology for measuring them, likely involving regular reporting from the contractor and potentially independent verification.

What is the track record of the National Plastering Industry's Joint Apprenticeship Trust Fund in delivering similar training programs?

The National Plastering Industry's Joint Apprenticeship Trust Fund, by its nature as a joint trust fund, likely possesses significant experience and established methodologies for delivering apprenticeship and training programs within the plastering trade. These organizations are typically formed by collective bargaining agreements between labor unions and employer associations, indicating a deep understanding of industry needs and standards. Their track record would be assessed during the full and open competition process by the Department of Labor. Evidence of successful past training initiatives, high graduation rates, and strong job placement outcomes for their apprentices would be crucial factors in their selection for this significant federal contract.

What are the potential risks associated with the fixed-price incentive contract type for this training program?

The primary risk with a fixed-price incentive (FPI) contract is the potential for cost overruns if the contractor struggles to meet performance targets, leading to higher incentive payments, or if the initial target cost proves insufficient. For a training program, this could manifest as the contractor needing to spend more on resources or personnel to achieve desired training outcomes, thereby increasing the overall cost to the government if incentives are structured to cover these additional efforts. Conversely, if the targets are too easily met, the government might overpay for the achieved results. There's also a risk that the focus on meeting specific, measurable KPIs might inadvertently narrow the scope of training or neglect less quantifiable but important aspects of skill development.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Vocational Rehabilitation Services › Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 1605C2-23-R-00019

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE INCENTIVE (L)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 9700 PATUXENT WOODS DR STE 105, COLUMBIA, MD, 21046

Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $48,210,032

Exercised Options: $27,605,864

Current Obligation: $26,249,605

Actual Outlays: $22,546,959

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline