USDA Forest Service awards $6.27M for Job Corps Outreach, Admissions, and Career Transition Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,269,398 ($6.3M)

Contractor: GBX Consultants, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2023-05-04

End Date: 2026-10-31

Contract Duration: 1,276 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 13

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) FOREST SERVICE JOB CORPS OUTREACH AND ADMISSIONS AND CAREER TRANSITION SERVICES (OA/CTS) FOR THE DALLAS REGION SUPPORTING JOB CORPS CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CENTERS LOCATED IN THE STATES OF ARKANSAS, COLORADO, MONT

Place of Performance

Location: STAFFORD, STAFFORD County, VIRGINIA, 22554

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $6.3 million to GBX CONSULTANTS, INC. for work described as: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) FOREST SERVICE JOB CORPS OUTREACH AND ADMISSIONS AND CAREER TRANSITION SERVICES (OA/CTS) FOR THE DALLAS REGION SUPPORTING JOB CORPS CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CENTERS LOCATED IN THE STATES OF ARKANSAS, COLORADO, MONT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to GBX Consultants, Inc. for essential support services. 2. Services will support Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers in multiple states. 3. The contract has a duration of 1276 days, ending in October 2026. 4. This award falls under the Educational Support Services NAICS code.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.27 million over approximately 3.5 years appears reasonable for the scope of outreach, admissions, and career transition services. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for educational support services would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a limited competition. This method may impact price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to unrestricted full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to support critical Job Corps programs, aiming to provide valuable training and career opportunities for young people.

Public Impact

Supports the Job Corps program, which provides vocational training and education to disadvantaged youth. Aims to improve outreach, admissions, and career transition services for conservation centers. Contributes to workforce development and environmental stewardship initiatives. Services will benefit students in Arkansas, Colorado, and Montana.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may impact cost-effectiveness.
Exclusion of sources could limit the pool of potential offerors.

Positive Signals

Supports a vital federal program for youth development.
Clear contract duration and end date.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Educational Support Services sector, specifically supporting the Job Corps program. Spending in this area is crucial for federal workforce development initiatives and providing opportunities for underserved populations.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this award (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were excluded or if the prime contractor is expected to subcontract.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the USDA Forest Service, which is responsible for oversight. The 'DEFINITIVE CONTRACT' type suggests a well-defined scope, but ongoing monitoring is essential to ensure performance and value.

Related Government Programs

Educational Support Services
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for higher costs due to limited competition
Lack of small business participation noted
Need for detailed performance monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $6.3 million to GBX CONSULTANTS, INC.. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) FOREST SERVICE JOB CORPS OUTREACH AND ADMISSIONS AND CAREER TRANSITION SERVICES (OA/CTS) FOR THE DALLAS REGION SUPPORTING JOB CORPS CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CENTERS LOCATED IN THE STATES OF ARKANSAS, COLORADO, MONT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GBX CONSULTANTS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-05-04. End: 2026-10-31.

What was the rationale for excluding certain sources in the competition?

The specific rationale for excluding sources is not detailed in the provided data. Typically, such exclusions might be based on specific technical capabilities, past performance, or other criteria deemed essential for the unique requirements of the Job Corps program. A review of the solicitation documents would be necessary to understand the precise justification.

How does the per-unit cost of services compare to industry benchmarks?

A per-unit cost benchmark is not available from the provided data. To assess this, one would need to define a relevant unit (e.g., per student served, per outreach event) and compare the contract's pricing against similar services procured by other federal agencies or private organizations.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the Job Corps program's effectiveness?

This contract is expected to enhance the effectiveness of the Job Corps program by ensuring robust outreach, admissions, and career transition services. Improved services can lead to better student recruitment, retention, and successful placement into careers, ultimately strengthening the program's mission.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Educational Support Services › Educational Support Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 1282A723R0004

Offers Received: 13

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 556 GARRISONVILLE RD, STAFFORD, VA, 22554

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,237,845

Exercised Options: $6,269,398

Current Obligation: $6,269,398

Actual Outlays: $4,663,107

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline