Department of Labor awards $40M for Job Corps Center Operations to Human Learning Systems LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $39,988,374 ($40.0M)

Contractor: Human Learning Systems LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Labor

Start Date: 2022-02-09

End Date: 2027-02-28

Contract Duration: 1,845 days

Daily Burn Rate: $21.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 10

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 THE FRED G. ACOSTA JOB CORPS CENTER WITH OUTREACH AND ADMISSIONS AND CAREER TRANSITION SERVICES.

Place of Performance

Location: TUCSON, PIMA County, ARIZONA, 85719

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Labor obligated $40.0 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 THE FRED G. ACOSTA JOB CORPS CENTER WITH OUTREACH AND ADMISSIONS AND CAREER TRANSITION SERVICES. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on vocational training for youth aged 16-24. 2. Human Learning Systems LLC is the sole awardee for operating the Fred G. Acosta Job Corps Center. 3. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating a set cost for services. 4. This award falls under the 'Other Technical and Trade Schools' NAICS code.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $39.99 million contract for Job Corps Center operations appears reasonable given the scope of vocational training, outreach, admissions, and career transition services provided over a 5-year period. Benchmarking against similar large-scale educational and training program contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

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 bidding process. This method aims to ensure fair pricing and access for qualified contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: The investment supports youth workforce development, potentially leading to increased employment and reduced reliance on social services, thus benefiting taxpayers long-term.

Public Impact

Provides essential vocational training and career services to young adults. Supports economic opportunity and workforce development in Arizona. Operates a critical federal program aimed at improving youth employment outcomes.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if program demands exceed initial projections.
Ensuring consistent quality of training across all program components.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical need for youth workforce development.
Long-term contract duration allows for program stability.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Other Technical and Trade Schools' sector, which encompasses institutions providing vocational and technical training. Spending in this area is crucial for developing a skilled workforce to meet industry demands.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if opportunities were missed.

Oversight & Accountability

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard federal oversight mechanisms for program performance, financial management, and compliance are expected to be in place.

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 contractor performance issues impacting service delivery.
Risk of misalignment between training programs and current labor market needs.
Dependency on federal funding levels for sustained program operation.
Challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified youth participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Labor awarded $40.0 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 THE FRED G. ACOSTA JOB CORPS CENTER WITH OUTREACH AND ADMISSIONS AND CAREER TRANSITION SERVICES.

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 $40.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-02-09. End: 2027-02-28.

What is the expected impact of this contract on youth employment rates in the service area?

The contract aims to improve youth employment rates by providing comprehensive vocational training, job placement assistance, and career transition services. Success will be measured by the number of participants completing training, obtaining certifications, and securing employment within a specified timeframe post-program completion. The effectiveness hinges on aligning training with local labor market demands and providing robust support services.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate the contractor's performance?

Key performance indicators likely include participant enrollment and retention rates, training completion rates, credential attainment, job placement rates, and post-placement wage levels. Additionally, measures related to student satisfaction, employer feedback, and adherence to program standards will be crucial. The Department of Labor will monitor these KPIs to ensure the contractor meets program objectives and provides high-quality services.

How does the cost of this contract compare to similar Job Corps center operations?

A direct cost comparison requires data from other Job Corps center contracts, considering factors like center size, student capacity, geographic location, and specific services offered. The $39.99 million award over five years suggests an average annual cost of approximately $8 million. Benchmarking against similar contracts would reveal if this represents an efficient use of federal funds or if there are opportunities for cost savings through improved operational efficiencies or competitive renegotiation.

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

Offers Received: 10

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: $48,228,850

Exercised Options: $48,228,850

Current Obligation: $39,988,374

Actual Outlays: $35,755,856

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline