HHS Funds $832M for Refugee Children's Legal Services Amidst Shifting Immigration Landscape
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $832,386,516 ($832.4M)
Contractor: Acacia Center for Justice
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2022-03-30
End Date: 2025-07-31
Sector: Other
Official Description: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, OFFICE OF REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT'S LEGAL SERVICES FOR UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $832.4 million to ACACIA CENTER FOR JUSTICE for work described as: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, OFFICE OF REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT'S LEGAL SERVICES FOR UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN Key points: 1. Significant investment in legal aid for unaccompanied minors. 2. Competition appears limited, with ACACIA CENTER FOR JUSTICE as a key provider. 3. Potential risks include program effectiveness and long-term cost management. 4. Contract awarded by the Department of the Interior raises questions about agency alignment.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The Administration for Children and Families has allocated substantial funds to ensure legal representation for unaccompanied children. This funding aims to provide critical support during complex immigration proceedings.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was awarded to ACACIA CENTER FOR JUSTICE. The sole-source nature suggests a specific need or limited availability of qualified providers for this specialized service.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards ensuring legal due process for vulnerable children.
Public Impact
Ensures vulnerable children have access to legal counsel. Aims to improve outcomes in immigration court. Supports the welfare and rights of minors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Ensuring consistent quality of legal services across all cases.
- Managing the long-term financial commitment of the program.
- Potential for increased demand impacting resource allocation.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical need for legal representation.
- Provides stability for service providers.
- Supports a vulnerable population.
Sector Analysis
This program operates within the social services sector, specifically focusing on legal aid for a vulnerable demographic within the broader context of immigration and child welfare.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not set aside for small businesses. This suggests the scope and nature of the services required may be better suited for larger, specialized organizations.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to ensure the effective and efficient use of these funds. Monitoring service delivery and outcomes will be key accountability measures.
Related Government Programs
- Legal Services for Unaccompanied Children
- Office of Refugee Resettlement Programs
- Department of Health and Human Services Initiatives
Risk Flags
- Sole-source justification
- Inter-agency award anomaly
Tags
unaccompanied-children, legal-services, refugee-resettlement, hhs, immigration, child-welfare, sole-source-contract, department-of-interior
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $832.4 million to ACACIA CENTER FOR JUSTICE. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, OFFICE OF REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT'S LEGAL SERVICES FOR UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ACACIA CENTER FOR JUSTICE.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $832.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-03-30. End: 2025-07-31.
Analysis insight 1
The contract's duration extends into mid-2025, indicating a sustained need for these services.
Analysis insight 2
The awarding agency, Department of the Interior, is unusual for a program managed by HHS, warranting further investigation into the procurement process.
Analysis insight 3
The significant funding amount suggests a large caseload or high complexity of legal needs for the target population.