Department of Labor awards $39.4M Job Corps contract to Human Learning Systems LLC for vocational training

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $39,376,776 ($39.4M)

Contractor: Human Learning Systems LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Labor

Start Date: 2016-12-01

End Date: 2022-02-28

Contract Duration: 1,915 days

Daily Burn Rate: $20.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF JOB CORPS IS A VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM FOR YOUTH BETWEEN THE AGES OF 16 AND 24. THIS IS THE INITIAL CONTRACT FOR OPERATION OF THE FRED G. ACOSTA JOB CORPS CENTER.

Place of Performance

Location: TUCSON, PIMA County, ARIZONA, 85719

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Labor obligated $39.4 million to HUMAN LEARNING SYSTEMS LLC for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF JOB CORPS IS A VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM FOR YOUTH BETWEEN THE AGES OF 16 AND 24. THIS IS THE INITIAL CONTRACT FOR OPERATION OF THE FRED G. ACOSTA JOB CORPS CENTER. Key points: 1. The contract supports vocational training for youth aged 16-24. 2. This is the initial contract for the Fred G. Acosta Job Corps Center. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 4. The total value is approximately $39.4 million over a period of 1915 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $39.4 million for a 5-year period appears reasonable for operating a Job Corps center, considering the scope of vocational training and support services provided. Benchmarking against similar large-scale training programs would offer further insight.

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, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures fair market value is obtained.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for effective youth vocational training.

Public Impact

Provides critical vocational training and job placement services for young adults. Supports economic mobility and workforce development in Arizona. Addresses the need for skilled labor in various trades. The program's success hinges on effective training and employer partnerships. Potential for long-term positive impact on participants' earning potential.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contract duration is lengthy (1915 days).
Performance metrics and outcomes not detailed in provided data.
Potential for cost overruns if not managed effectively.

Positive Signals

Supports a vital youth development program.
Awarded through competitive bidding.
Focus on vocational skills aligns with workforce needs.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under educational services, specifically vocational training schools. Spending in this sector is crucial for workforce development and addressing skills gaps. Benchmarks for similar large-scale training programs would provide context for the $39.4 million award.

Small Business Impact

The provided 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 Department of Labor's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management is the awarding agency. Oversight would typically involve monitoring program performance, financial management, and adherence to contract terms to ensure accountability.

Related Government Programs

Other Technical and Trade Schools
Department of Labor Contracting
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management Programs

Risk Flags

Contract duration is extensive.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in provided data.
Potential for scope creep or unmanaged costs.
Dependence on external economic factors for job placement success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Labor awarded $39.4 million to HUMAN LEARNING SYSTEMS LLC. IGF::CT::IGF JOB CORPS IS A VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM FOR YOUTH BETWEEN THE AGES OF 16 AND 24. THIS IS THE INITIAL CONTRACT FOR OPERATION OF THE FRED G. ACOSTA JOB CORPS CENTER.

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 $39.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-12-01. End: 2022-02-28.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will they be measured to ensure the effectiveness of the vocational training program?

Key performance indicators would likely include participant completion rates, job placement success rates, starting wages of placed participants, and employer satisfaction. Measurement would involve regular reporting by the contractor, site visits, and potentially third-party evaluations to ensure the program meets its objectives and provides value for taxpayer investment.

What are the primary risks associated with operating a Job Corps center, and what mitigation strategies are in place under this contract?

Risks include participant retention challenges, difficulty in securing sufficient job placements, fluctuations in labor market demand for trained skills, and potential cost overruns. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust participant support services, strong partnerships with local employers, adaptive curriculum development, and diligent financial oversight by the Department of Labor.

How does the pricing structure (Firm Fixed Price) align with ensuring cost-effectiveness and value for money in a long-term vocational training program?

A Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract provides cost certainty for the government, transferring most of the cost risk to the contractor. For a vocational training program, FFP can incentivize efficiency, but it requires careful scope definition to avoid compromising quality or limiting necessary services if unforeseen circumstances arise. Regular performance monitoring is crucial to ensure value.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Technical and Trade Schools › Other Technical and Trade Schools

Product/Service Code: OPERATION OF GOVT OWNED FACILITY › OPERATE GOVT OWNED BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: DOLJ14SA00005

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1900 BOULDERCREST RD SE, ATLANTA, GA, 30316

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $78,237,531

Exercised Options: $54,499,569

Current Obligation: $39,376,776

Actual Outlays: $18,881,799

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline