Department of Labor awards $15.8M contract to Human Learning Systems for Job Corps center operation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,790,366 ($15.8M)

Contractor: Human Learning Systems LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Labor

Start Date: 2021-11-01

End Date: 2024-02-29

Contract Duration: 850 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: JOB CORPS IS A VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM FOR YOUTH BETWEEN THE AGES OF 16 AND 24. THIS CONTRACT IS FOR THE OPERATION OF SPRINGDALE JOB CORPS CENTER WITH OUTREACH AND ADMISSION.

Place of Performance

Location: TROUTDALE, MULTNOMAH County, OREGON, 97060

State: Oregon Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Labor obligated $15.8 million to HUMAN LEARNING SYSTEMS LLC for work described as: JOB CORPS IS A VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM FOR YOUTH BETWEEN THE AGES OF 16 AND 24. THIS CONTRACT IS FOR THE OPERATION OF SPRINGDALE JOB CORPS CENTER WITH OUTREACH AND ADMISSION. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on vocational training for youth aged 16-24. 2. Human Learning Systems LLC is the contractor for the Springdale Job Corps Center. 3. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating predictable costs. 4. This award falls under the 'Other Technical and Trade Schools' NAICS code.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $15.8 million for a duration of approximately 2.8 years appears reasonable for operating a Job Corps center, considering the scope of vocational training and support services provided.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a competitive process was initiated, though specific details on source exclusion are not provided. This method aims for price discovery but may limit the pool of potential bidders.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to support youth vocational training, aiming for long-term economic benefits through workforce development.

Public Impact

Provides essential job training and career development opportunities for young adults. Supports economic mobility for participants by equipping them with in-demand skills. Contributes to a skilled workforce, potentially benefiting local and national economies. The program's success can reduce unemployment rates among young people.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Potential for cost overruns if program demands exceed initial projections.
Dependence on contractor's effectiveness in delivering quality training.

Positive Signals

Focus on youth development and workforce readiness.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Competitive award process suggests potential for value.

Sector Analysis

The 'Other Technical and Trade Schools' sector (NAICS 611519) encompasses vocational training programs. Spending in this area is crucial for addressing skills gaps and preparing individuals for employment. Benchmarks would typically consider program scale, duration, and student outcomes.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors in this award. Further analysis would be needed to assess small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically involve the Department of Labor monitoring the contractor's performance against contract requirements, ensuring quality of training, and proper use of federal funds. Accountability rests on meeting program goals and participant success rates.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues impacting training quality.
Risk of participant dropout or failure to secure employment.
Contract duration may not be sufficient for long-term program impact.
Dependence on contractor's ability to adapt to changing labor market needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Labor awarded $15.8 million to HUMAN LEARNING SYSTEMS LLC. JOB CORPS IS A VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM FOR YOUTH BETWEEN THE AGES OF 16 AND 24. THIS CONTRACT IS FOR THE OPERATION OF SPRINGDALE JOB CORPS CENTER WITH OUTREACH AND ADMISSION.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HUMAN LEARNING SYSTEMS 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 $15.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-11-01. End: 2024-02-29.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of the Springdale Job Corps Center operation under this contract?

Key performance indicators likely include participant enrollment rates, completion rates for vocational programs, job placement rates post-graduation, and starting wages of placed participants. The Department of Labor would establish specific targets for these KPIs, and contractor performance would be evaluated against them to ensure the effective use of federal funds and the program's impact on youth employment.

How does the cost per participant compare to similar Job Corps center contracts or other federal vocational training programs?

A precise per-unit cost benchmark is not available without detailed program data and comparable contracts. However, the total contract value of $15.8 million over roughly 34 months suggests an average annual cost of approximately $5.5 million. This figure needs to be divided by the number of participants served to establish a per-participant cost for comparison against industry or government benchmarks.

What measures are in place to ensure the quality and relevance of the vocational training provided to meet current labor market demands?

Quality assurance likely involves regular program reviews, curriculum updates based on industry feedback, and tracking graduate employment in relevant fields. The Department of Labor would oversee the contractor's adherence to training standards and ensure that the skills taught align with employer needs, potentially through advisory boards or partnerships with local businesses.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: OPERATION OF GOVT OWNED FACILITY › OPERATE GOVT OWNED BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2445 CANDLER RD, DECATUR, GA, 30032

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $42,195,964

Exercised Options: $17,585,500

Current Obligation: $15,790,366

Actual Outlays: $15,790,366

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline