Labor Department awards $18.6M for Job Corps training to International Masonry Institute

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,662,359 ($18.7M)

Contractor: International Masonry Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Labor

Start Date: 2004-08-01

End Date: 2007-11-30

Contract Duration: 1,216 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TO PROVIDE JOB TRAINING TO JOB CORPS TRAINEES.

Place of Performance

Location: ANNAPOLIS, ANNE ARUNDEL County, MARYLAND, 21401

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Labor obligated $18.7 million to INTERNATIONAL MASONRY INSTITUTE for work described as: TO PROVIDE JOB TRAINING TO JOB CORPS TRAINEES. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for job training services. 2. International Masonry Institute is the sole contractor. 3. Fixed-price contract type. 4. Services fall under Administrative Management and General Management Consulting.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $18.6 million for job training over three years is substantial. Without comparable contracts for similar services, assessing its value for money is difficult. The fixed-price nature provides some cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially reduces competition, which could lead to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in a higher price than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract, impacting taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

Directly impacts Job Corps trainees by providing essential job skills. Supports workforce development initiatives within the Department of Labor. Potential for long-term economic benefits through improved employment outcomes.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition.
Lack of clear performance metrics for training outcomes.
Contract duration is lengthy.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical need for job training.
Established contractor with experience in the field.

Sector Analysis

The sector involves administrative management and general management consulting, specifically applied to workforce development. Benchmarks for similar large-scale job training contracts are not readily available, making direct comparison challenging.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded to a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management is noted. However, the sole-source nature raises questions about the thoroughness of oversight in ensuring best value.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Department of Labor Contracting
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Potential for overpricing
Limited transparency on performance metrics
Long contract duration without clear re-evaluation points

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Labor awarded $18.7 million to INTERNATIONAL MASONRY INSTITUTE. TO PROVIDE JOB TRAINING TO JOB CORPS TRAINEES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INTERNATIONAL MASONRY INSTITUTE.

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 $18.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-08-01. End: 2007-11-30.

What is the expected return on investment for this job training program in terms of trainee employment rates and earning potential?

The return on investment is difficult to quantify without specific performance metrics and follow-up data on trainee outcomes. Key indicators would include post-training employment rates, average starting salaries, and long-term career progression. A robust evaluation framework is needed to assess the program's effectiveness and justify the $18.6 million expenditure.

What are the risks associated with a sole-source award for essential job training services?

The primary risk of a sole-source award is the lack of competitive pressure, which can lead to inflated prices and potentially lower quality services. It also limits the government's ability to explore innovative solutions from a wider range of providers. This approach bypasses the standard procurement processes designed to ensure best value and fair pricing for taxpayer funds.

How effectively does the International Masonry Institute's training program align with current industry demands and future job market needs?

The effectiveness hinges on the curriculum's relevance and adaptability. Alignment with current industry demands requires regular updates based on employer feedback and labor market analysis. Future job market needs necessitate forward-looking training modules. Without transparent reporting on curriculum development and trainee placement success, assessing this alignment is challenging.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: DOL041RP00045

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 42 EAST STREET, ANNAPOLIS, MD, 21401

Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,821,883

Exercised Options: $18,821,883

Current Obligation: $18,662,359

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline