Department of Labor Awards $33.2M Contract to Covenant Learning Solutions for Jacksonville Job Corps Center Operations

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,196,671 ($33.2M)

Contractor: Covenant Learning Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Labor

Start Date: 2023-05-01

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 1,126 days

Daily Burn Rate: $29.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: OPERATION OF JACKSONVILLE JOB CORPS CENTER W/ OA CTS

Place of Performance

Location: JACKSONVILLE, DUVAL County, FLORIDA, 32209

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Labor obligated $33.2 million to COVENANT LEARNING SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: OPERATION OF JACKSONVILLE JOB CORPS CENTER W/ OA CTS Key points: 1. The contract focuses on operating the Jacksonville Job Corps Center, a key educational and vocational training program. 2. Covenant Learning Solutions LLC is the sole awardee, indicating a specific capability or prior performance. 3. The contract is a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) type, providing cost certainty for the government. 4. The award falls under 'Other Technical and Trade Schools' (NAICS 611519), a sector vital for workforce development.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $33.2 million over approximately 3.7 years appears reasonable for operating a Job Corps center. Benchmarking against similar contracts for educational services and facility management would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES'. This suggests an initial broad solicitation followed by a restriction, potentially due to specific requirements or prior performance. The price discovery impact is moderate, as the exclusion of sources may limit the competitive pool.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from workforce development programs like Job Corps, which aim to improve individual earning potential and contribute to the economy. The FFP structure helps control costs.

Public Impact

Provides vocational training and educational services to youth, enhancing employability. Supports local economic development through job creation and skills enhancement in Florida. Contributes to the national goal of a skilled and ready workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may not yield the lowest possible price.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical training services.
Potential for cost overruns if scope significantly changes.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost predictability.
Focus on a vital workforce development program.
Contract duration allows for program stability.

Sector Analysis

The education and training sector, particularly vocational and technical schools, plays a crucial role in addressing skills gaps. Spending in this area is often driven by federal initiatives aimed at workforce development and economic opportunity.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business set-asides were considered or if opportunities were available for subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Labor, through the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Robust oversight is essential to ensure program effectiveness, adherence to contract terms, and efficient use of taxpayer funds.

Related Government Programs

Other Technical and Trade Schools
Department of Labor Contracting
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for sole-source dependency
Contract value requires diligent oversight
Performance metrics crucial for success validation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Labor awarded $33.2 million to COVENANT LEARNING SOLUTIONS LLC. OPERATION OF JACKSONVILLE JOB CORPS CENTER W/ OA CTS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is COVENANT LEARNING SOLUTIONS LLC.

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 $33.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-05-01. End: 2026-05-31.

What specific services are included in the operation of the Jacksonville Job Corps Center, and how do they align with the program's objectives?

The contract likely encompasses a broad range of services including academic instruction, vocational training, career counseling, job placement assistance, health and wellness services, and facility management for the Jacksonville Job Corps Center. These services are designed to equip disadvantaged youth with the skills and support needed to secure meaningful employment and succeed in post-secondary education or training.

What factors led to the exclusion of other sources in the competition, and what is the potential impact on pricing?

The exclusion of sources suggests that only a limited number of contractors met the specific requirements or possessed the necessary qualifications for operating the Job Corps center. This could be due to specialized expertise, prior successful performance, or unique program needs. While limiting the competitive pool might reduce price pressure, the government likely aimed to secure a contractor with proven capabilities to ensure program success.

How will the effectiveness of the Job Corps program under this contract be measured and ensured?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) such as student enrollment and retention rates, graduation rates, job placement success, and post-placement earnings. The Department of Labor will monitor these metrics, conduct regular performance reviews, and ensure Covenant Learning Solutions adheres to program standards and reporting requirements to guarantee accountability and program impact.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Technical and Trade Schools › Other Technical and Trade Schools

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 1605JE-22-R-00021

Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 407 W UNIVERSITY AVE STE 220, GEORGETOWN, TX, 78626

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, HUBZone Firm, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $60,394,920

Exercised Options: $35,784,064

Current Obligation: $33,196,671

Actual Outlays: $28,580,831

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline