Department of Labor awards $111M contract for Job Corps vocational training to YWCA of Greater Los Angeles

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $111,370,878 ($111.4M)

Contractor: Young Women's Christian Association of Greater LOS Angeles, California

Awarding Agency: Department of Labor

Start Date: 2011-11-01

End Date: 2017-04-30

Contract Duration: 2,007 days

Daily Burn Rate: $55.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: JOB CORPS IS A VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM FOR YOUTH BETWEEN THE AGES OF 16 AND 24. THIS CONTRACT IS FOR THE OPERATION OF THE CENTER AND CAREER TRANSITION SERVICES.

Place of Performance

Location: LOS ANGELES, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 90015

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Labor obligated $111.4 million to YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF GREATER LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA for work described as: JOB CORPS IS A VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM FOR YOUTH BETWEEN THE AGES OF 16 AND 24. THIS CONTRACT IS FOR THE OPERATION OF THE CENTER AND CAREER TRANSITION SERVICES. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on vocational training and career transition services for youth aged 16-24. 2. This is a cost-plus incentive fee contract, suggesting potential for shared savings or cost overruns. 3. The award was made under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract duration spans from 2011 to 2017, representing a significant investment in youth development.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract type (Cost Plus Incentive Fee) allows for performance incentives but also carries risk if costs exceed projections. Benchmarking against similar vocational training contracts would provide further insight into its value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the best value is sought. The specific pricing structure (CPIF) incentivizes cost control.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are invested in youth workforce development, aiming for long-term economic benefits through improved employability and reduced reliance on social services.

Public Impact

Provides critical job training and career services to young adults, potentially improving their economic prospects. Supports the development of a skilled workforce, benefiting local and national economies. The program's success hinges on effective training, job placement rates, and long-term participant outcomes.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 55 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost-plus contracts can lead to higher-than-expected costs if not managed tightly.
Program effectiveness relies heavily on the quality of training and job placement services provided.
The contract was awarded to a non-profit organization, raising questions about profit motives vs. mission focus.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition suggests a fair and competitive award process.
Focus on youth development addresses a key societal need.
Incentive fee structure can drive efficiency and cost savings.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the 'Other Technical and Trade Schools' category, which is part of the broader education and workforce development sector. Spending in this area aims to equip individuals with skills for in-demand jobs.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were provided to small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Labor's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management is responsible for overseeing this contract. Robust oversight is crucial to ensure program effectiveness and proper use of funds.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Cost-plus contracts can be prone to cost overruns.
Effectiveness is highly dependent on contractor performance and program design.
Lack of small business participation noted.
Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Labor awarded $111.4 million to YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF GREATER LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA. JOB CORPS IS A VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM FOR YOUTH BETWEEN THE AGES OF 16 AND 24. THIS CONTRACT IS FOR THE OPERATION OF THE CENTER AND CAREER TRANSITION SERVICES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF GREATER LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.

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 $111.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-11-01. End: 2017-04-30.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how are they measured to ensure program effectiveness and value for money?

Key performance indicators likely include participant enrollment rates, completion rates, job placement success, and post-placement wage levels. These are typically measured through regular reporting by the contractor and potentially independent evaluations. The effectiveness is judged by the extent to which participants gain sustainable employment and improve their earning potential, demonstrating a return on taxpayer investment.

Given the cost-plus incentive fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure efficient resource allocation?

The incentive fee component is designed to reward the contractor for meeting or exceeding cost targets. Robust oversight by the Department of Labor, including regular audits and performance reviews, is essential. Clear contract terms defining allowable costs and performance benchmarks, along with penalties for non-compliance, help manage risk and ensure efficient use of funds.

How does the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles's operational model and past performance compare to other vocational training providers, and what is the projected long-term impact on participant outcomes?

A comparative analysis of the YWCA's track record in similar programs, including their success rates in job placement and participant retention, is crucial. Benchmarking against other Job Corps centers or similar vocational training initiatives would reveal strengths and weaknesses. The long-term impact is measured by sustained employment, career advancement, and reduced recidivism or reliance on social support systems for program graduates.

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

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: DOLJ11SA00003

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE (V)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3345 WILSHIRE BLVD STE 300, LOS ANGELES, CA, 90010

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $207,460,103

Exercised Options: $143,227,257

Current Obligation: $111,370,878

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline