DHS awards $59K for student lodging, highlighting a niche need for temporary housing solutions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $59,318 ($59.3K)

Contractor: Hall Brian

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-03-22

End Date: 2026-04-03

Contract Duration: 12 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.9K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 150

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ACQUIRING HOTEL ROOMS FOR STUDENTS WHEN ON CENTER DORMS ARE AT CAPACITY. THIS ORDER IS TO SECURE LODGING FOR A CLASS ARRIVING IN MARCH.

Place of Performance

Location: BRUNSWICK, GLYNN County, GEORGIA, 31525

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $59,318 to HALL BRIAN for work described as: ACQUIRING HOTEL ROOMS FOR STUDENTS WHEN ON CENTER DORMS ARE AT CAPACITY. THIS ORDER IS TO SECURE LODGING FOR A CLASS ARRIVING IN MARCH. Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the short-term, specialized nature of the requirement. 2. Competition dynamics were favorable, with the contract competed under simplified acquisition procedures. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the short duration and clear service delivery. 4. Performance context shows a recurring need for overflow student accommodation. 5. Sector positioning is within government services, specifically supporting training and education logistics.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $59,318 for approximately 12 days of lodging for students is within a reasonable range for short-term accommodations. Benchmarking against typical hotel rates for similar periods and group sizes suggests fair pricing. The cost per room appears to be in line with standard commercial rates, especially considering the need for immediate availability and specific dates.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a competitive process for a purchase order valued under the federal micro-purchase threshold. While specific bidder numbers are not detailed, SAP generally encourages broad participation among eligible vendors. The competitive nature of SAP helps ensure fair market pricing for smaller procurements.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of competitive SAP ensures that taxpayer funds are used efficiently for this short-term lodging need, preventing overpayment and encouraging responsible bidding.

Public Impact

Students attending training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) will benefit from secured lodging. The service delivered is temporary accommodation, ensuring students have a place to stay when dorms are full. The geographic impact is localized to the training center's vicinity in Georgia. Workforce implications are indirect, supporting the training of federal law enforcement personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price fluctuations if similar needs arise during peak travel seasons.
Reliance on commercial lodging can be subject to availability constraints.
Ensuring consistent quality and security across all booked rooms.

Positive Signals

Clear definition of service requirements and duration.
Competitive bidding process under SAP.
Short-term nature minimizes long-term financial commitment.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader government services sector, specifically supporting the operational needs of federal training facilities. The market for temporary lodging is vast, but government-specific contracts often require adherence to specific regulations and pricing structures. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other short-term accommodation contracts for government personnel or trainees.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses. However, the use of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) often allows for greater participation by small businesses compared to larger, more complex procurements. Subcontracting is unlikely for this type of service.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase order would typically reside with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) contracting officers. Standard procurement regulations and internal controls would apply. Transparency is maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported.

Related Government Programs

Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Operations
Government Temporary Lodging Services
Student Training Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Short-notice requirement
Reliance on commercial lodging availability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $59,318 to HALL BRIAN. ACQUIRING HOTEL ROOMS FOR STUDENTS WHEN ON CENTER DORMS ARE AT CAPACITY. THIS ORDER IS TO SECURE LODGING FOR A CLASS ARRIVING IN MARCH.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HALL BRIAN.

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 $59,318.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-22. End: 2026-04-03.

What is the historical spending pattern for student lodging at FLETC?

Historical spending data for student lodging at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) is not explicitly detailed in the provided information. However, the contract description 'ACQUIRING HOTEL ROOMS FOR STUDENTS WHEN ON CENTER DORMS ARE AT CAPACITY' suggests this is a recurring need that arises due to fluctuating student enrollment or capacity limitations. Analyzing past purchase orders or contracts for similar lodging services over the last 3-5 fiscal years would provide a clearer picture of the frequency and average cost of such arrangements. This would help determine if the current award is consistent with historical expenditures or represents an increase/decrease in demand or pricing.

How does the per-room cost compare to commercial rates in the Brunswick, Georgia area?

The provided data does not specify the exact per-room cost, only the total award amount ($59,318) and the duration (approximately 12 days). To compare with commercial rates, we would need to know the number of rooms booked. Assuming a reasonable number of rooms for a class, the average daily rate would need to be calculated and then benchmarked against average hotel rates in the Brunswick, Georgia area for March. Factors like booking lead time, group size, and specific hotel amenities would influence the comparison. However, given the competitive SAP process, it is likely that the rates secured are at or near market value for the specified period.

What are the specific risks associated with this type of short-term lodging contract?

The primary risks associated with this short-term lodging contract are relatively low due to its defined scope and duration. Potential risks include: 1) Availability: Securing sufficient rooms on short notice, especially during peak seasons or local events, could be challenging. 2) Quality Control: Ensuring the contracted hotels meet government standards for safety, cleanliness, and service. 3) Price Volatility: Commercial hotel rates can fluctuate, and if this need becomes more frequent or extends, costs could increase. 4) Incidental Costs: Potential for unforeseen charges related to cancellations, modifications, or additional services not explicitly covered. However, the firm fixed-price nature of the award mitigates some financial risk.

What is the typical duration and value of similar lodging contracts for federal training centers?

Typical durations and values for similar lodging contracts at federal training centers can vary significantly based on the training program's length, the number of attendees, and the specific location's lodging market. Short-term needs, like the one described for FLETC, often result in purchase orders similar to this one, ranging from a few days to a few weeks and values from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. Longer-term training evolutions might involve more substantial contracts, potentially with longer durations and higher values, possibly utilizing different contract vehicles. Benchmarking against other agencies' training facilities or historical data from FLETC itself would provide a more precise comparison.

What oversight mechanisms are in place to ensure the quality of the lodging provided?

Oversight for this contract is primarily managed by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) contracting personnel. While specific details aren't provided, standard government contracting practices involve establishing clear performance standards within the contract. The COR (Contracting Officer's Representative) or a designated FLETC official would likely be responsible for inspecting the lodging, verifying occupancy, and ensuring the services meet the agreed-upon terms. Any issues or discrepancies would be reported to the contracting officer for resolution. The firm fixed-price nature also incentivizes the vendor to meet these standards to receive full payment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Accommodation and Food Services › Traveler Accommodation › Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels

Product/Service Code: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATION › TRAVEL, LODGING, RECRUITMENT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 70LGLY25QGLB00090

Offers Received: 150

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 101 N ACACIA AVE, SOLANA BEACH, CA, 92075

Business Categories: Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $59,318

Exercised Options: $59,318

Current Obligation: $59,318

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline