DHS awards $26.6M contract to New Mexico Commission for the Blind for food services at FLETC Artesia

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,600,310 ($26.6M)

Contractor: THE NEW Mexico Commision for Blind

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2018-10-01

End Date: 2023-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.6K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF FOOD SERVICES FLETC ARTESIA, NM

Place of Performance

Location: ARTESIA, EDDY County, NEW MEXICO, 88210

State: New Mexico Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $26.6 million to THE NEW MEXICO COMMISION FOR BLIND for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF FOOD SERVICES FLETC ARTESIA, NM Key points: 1. Contract value of $26.6M over 5 years. 2. Sole-source award to a specific commission. 3. Potential risk in limited competition impacting price. 4. Services are essential for training facility operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value is substantial for food services. Without competitive bids, it's difficult to assess if the pricing is optimal compared to similar government contracts for food services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor was considered. This significantly limits price discovery and may not result in the most cost-effective solution for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could lead to higher costs than a competitively bid contract, impacting taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

Ensures essential food services for federal law enforcement trainees. Supports a specific commission serving the blind. Potential for higher costs due to sole-source nature.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of price competition

Positive Signals

Ensures essential service delivery
Supports a specific mission-oriented organization

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under general services, specifically food contractors. Government spending on food services can vary widely based on location, facility size, and service level, but typically aims for competitive pricing.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to the New Mexico Commission for the Blind, which is a state agency, not a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically involve contract performance monitoring by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to ensure service quality and adherence to contract terms. The sole-source nature warrants scrutiny to ensure fair pricing.

Related Government Programs

Food Service Contractors
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits competition.
Potential for inflated pricing.
Lack of transparency in price negotiation.
Long contract duration without re-competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $26.6 million to THE NEW MEXICO COMMISION FOR BLIND. IGF::CT::IGF FOOD SERVICES FLETC ARTESIA, NM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE NEW MEXICO COMMISION FOR BLIND.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Law Enforcement Training Center).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $26.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-10-01. End: 2023-09-30.

What is the justification for the sole-source award?

The justification for a sole-source award needs to be clearly documented and approved by the contracting officer. Typically, this involves demonstrating that only one responsible source can meet the government's needs, often due to unique capabilities or urgent requirements. Without this documentation, the award's rationale remains unclear.

How is the value for money assessed in a sole-source contract?

Assessing value for money in a sole-source contract is challenging. Agencies often rely on historical pricing, market research for similar services, or independent cost estimates. However, without competitive bids, there's an inherent risk that the price may be higher than what could be achieved through open competition.

What are the risks associated with a long-term sole-source contract for essential services?

Long-term sole-source contracts for essential services carry risks of complacency, price escalation, and reduced innovation. The lack of competitive pressure can lead to decreased service quality or higher costs over time. Regular reviews and potential re-competition, if feasible, are crucial to mitigate these risks.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Accommodation and Food Services › Special Food Services › Food Service Contractors

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 70LART18RPFB00001

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2905 RODEO PARK DR E BLDG 4 STE 100, SANTA FE, NM, 87505

Business Categories: Category Business, Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, U.S. Regional/State Government

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,855,693

Exercised Options: $26,600,310

Current Obligation: $26,600,310

Actual Outlays: $6,108,527

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline