DHS Spends $39.6M on UAC Transportation Services with MVM, Inc. via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $39,653,432 ($39.7M)
Contractor: MVM, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2019-09-12
End Date: 2020-03-31
Contract Duration: 201 days
Daily Burn Rate: $197.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: UNACCOMPANIED ALIEN CHILDREN (UAC) TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: MCALLEN, HIDALGO County, TEXAS, 78501
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $39.7 million to MVM, INC. for work described as: UNACCOMPANIED ALIEN CHILDREN (UAC) TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $39.6 million for essential UAC transportation. 2. MVM, Inc. is the sole awardee, indicating a competitive award process. 3. Contract duration of 201 days suggests a focused, short-term need. 4. The service category (Security Guards and Patrol Services) is unusual for transportation, warranting further investigation.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $39.6 million for 201 days is substantial. Benchmarking against similar transportation or security services contracts is difficult without more specific service details.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the specific nature of the services and the single awardee warrant scrutiny.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for critical services related to unaccompanied alien children, with the efficiency and necessity of the spending subject to oversight.
Public Impact
Ensures the safe and secure transportation of unaccompanied alien children. Supports federal agencies in managing the complex logistics of child migration. Highlights the significant financial resources allocated to border and immigration services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Unusual service classification for transportation.
- Lack of small business participation.
- Potential for cost overruns given the sensitive nature of services.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Addresses a critical humanitarian and logistical need.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under government services, specifically related to security and transportation for a vulnerable population. Benchmarking is challenging due to the unique nature of UAC services.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no small business participation in this contract, which is a missed opportunity for supporting smaller enterprises in government contracting.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is crucial to ensure the funds are used effectively and ethically, particularly given the sensitive nature of transporting children. The Department of Homeland Security and ICE are responsible for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Security Guards and Patrol Services
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Programs
Risk Flags
- Service classification mismatch.
- No small business involvement.
- Potential for ethical concerns regarding child welfare.
- High contract value requires robust oversight.
Tags
security-guards-and-patrol-services, department-of-homeland-security, tx, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $39.7 million to MVM, INC.. UNACCOMPANIED ALIEN CHILDREN (UAC) TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MVM, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $39.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-09-12. End: 2020-03-31.
What specific transportation and security measures are included in this contract to ensure the well-being and safety of unaccompanied alien children?
The contract details are limited, but typically such services involve secure, monitored transport, potentially including escorts and adherence to child welfare protocols. The classification under 'Security Guards and Patrol Services' suggests a strong emphasis on security during transit, which requires careful balancing with the children's welfare.
How does the $39.6 million cost compare to the estimated cost of providing similar services through alternative methods or providers?
Without specific service breakdowns and market data for UAC transportation, a direct cost comparison is difficult. The full and open competition aims to ensure fair pricing, but the unique nature of these services may limit direct benchmarking against standard transportation or security contracts.
What are the long-term implications of relying on private contractors for UAC transportation services, particularly concerning child welfare and program effectiveness?
Long-term reliance raises questions about institutional capacity, potential for service degradation, and the ethical considerations of privatizing child welfare services. Continuous evaluation of contractor performance and adherence to child protection standards is essential for program effectiveness and accountability.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Investigation and Security Services › Security Guards and Patrol Services
Product/Service Code: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATION › OTHER TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCAT SV
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 44620 GUILFORD DR STE 150, ASHBURN, VA, 20147
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $39,653,432
Exercised Options: $39,653,432
Current Obligation: $39,653,432
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HSCEDM14D00006
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-09-12
Current End Date: 2020-03-31
Potential End Date: 2021-03-18 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-06-23
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