DHS Awards $69.5M for Detention Services to The GEO Group, Inc. in Washington

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $69,539,507 ($69.5M)

Contractor: THE GEO Group, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2022-10-28

End Date: 2023-10-27

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $191.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: NEW TASK ORDER FOR DETENTION AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AT NORTHWEST DETENTION CENTER, TACOMA

Place of Performance

Location: TACOMA, PIERCE County, WASHINGTON, 98421

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $69.5 million to THE GEO GROUP, INC. for work described as: NEW TASK ORDER FOR DETENTION AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AT NORTHWEST DETENTION CENTER, TACOMA Key points: 1. The contract is for detention and transportation services, a critical but often scrutinized area of government operations. 2. The GEO Group, Inc. is a major player in private corrections and detention services. 3. Potential risks include service quality, cost overruns, and ethical considerations associated with private detention facilities. 4. The sector involves significant government spending on correctional and immigration services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award amount of $69.5 million for a 364-day contract appears substantial for detention services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for facilities of comparable size and service scope is necessary to assess value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method aims to achieve fair pricing through market forces, though the specific pricing outcomes require further analysis.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for detention services, with the efficiency and necessity of these services impacting overall value for money.

Public Impact

Impacts individuals in immigration detention, affecting their living conditions and access to services. Raises questions about the role and effectiveness of private companies in managing detention facilities. Contributes to the broader debate on immigration policy and enforcement costs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost escalation beyond initial estimates.
Concerns regarding the quality of care and conditions in private detention centers.
Reliance on a single provider for essential services.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Clear contract duration and defined services.
Fixed-price contract type can help control costs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Facilities Support Services sector, specifically related to correctional and detention operations. Government spending in this area is substantial, driven by immigration policies and law enforcement needs.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific set-aside for small businesses. Large, established contractors typically dominate this sector, potentially limiting opportunities for smaller entities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is crucial to ensure the contractor meets all performance standards and contractual obligations, safeguarding both detainees and taxpayer interests.

Related Government Programs

Facilities Support Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for service quality issues in detention facilities.
Risk of cost overruns or contract modifications.
Ethical and humanitarian concerns associated with private detention.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $69.5 million to THE GEO GROUP, INC.. NEW TASK ORDER FOR DETENTION AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AT NORTHWEST DETENTION CENTER, TACOMA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE GEO GROUP, 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 $69.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-10-28. End: 2023-10-27.

What is the benchmark cost per detainee per day for similar facilities, and how does this contract's pricing compare?

Determining the benchmark cost per detainee per day requires access to detailed cost breakdowns and comparative data from other ICE-contracted facilities. Without this granular information, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the total award of $69.5 million over approximately 364 days suggests a daily operational cost. Analyzing this figure against industry standards and publicly available data on detention center expenses is essential for evaluating cost-effectiveness and ensuring fair pricing for taxpayers.

What are the established performance metrics and oversight mechanisms to ensure the quality of detention and transportation services?

Effective oversight relies on clearly defined performance metrics within the contract, such as standards for housing, food, medical care, and transportation safety. ICE's Office of Detention Oversight (ODO) is responsible for monitoring contractor performance through site visits, audits, and review of incident reports. Robust mechanisms include regular performance evaluations, corrective action plans for deficiencies, and potential penalties for non-compliance to ensure services meet contractual and humane standards.

How does the use of a private contractor for detention services align with government goals for immigration enforcement and detainee welfare?

The use of private contractors like The GEO Group is a common strategy for managing the logistical and operational demands of immigration detention. Proponents argue it offers flexibility and cost-efficiency. However, critics raise concerns about profit motives potentially compromising detainee welfare and service quality. The government's goal is to ensure safe, secure, and humane detention while enforcing immigration laws; evaluating the contractor's performance against these dual objectives is critical.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Facilities Support Services › Facilities Support Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

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: 621 NW 53RD ST STE 700, BOCA RATON, FL, 33487

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $69,539,507

Exercised Options: $69,539,507

Current Obligation: $69,539,507

Actual Outlays: $69,539,583

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSCEDM15D00015

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline