HHS awards $832M for legal services to unaccompanied children, with a significant portion for ACACIA CENTER FOR JUSTICE

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

Contract Duration: 1,219 days

Daily Burn Rate: $682.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

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

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20032

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

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. The contract's substantial value suggests a critical need for legal representation for a vulnerable population. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, indicating an effort to secure the best value through a broad bidding process. 3. The contract duration extends over three years, implying a sustained requirement for these specialized legal services. 4. The use of Time and Materials pricing may introduce cost variability, requiring close monitoring. 5. The geographic focus on Washington D.C. highlights the concentration of services in a specific region. 6. The award to ACACIA CENTER FOR JUSTICE, a single entity, warrants scrutiny regarding performance and capacity.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award of over $832 million for legal services to unaccompanied children is a significant investment. Benchmarking this against similar contracts is challenging due to the specialized nature of the services and the specific population served. The Time and Materials pricing structure, while flexible, can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently. The contract's value suggests a high demand and potentially complex legal needs for the beneficiaries.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple bidders were likely considered. This approach is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring a competitive market. The number of bidders and the specific evaluation criteria would provide further insight into the strength of the competition. A robust competitive process can lead to better pricing and service quality.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the most cost-effective services. Full and open competition increases the likelihood of obtaining favorable rates and high-quality legal support for the unaccompanied children.

Public Impact

Unaccompanied children in the U.S. benefit from essential legal representation to navigate complex immigration proceedings. Services include legal advice, representation in immigration court, and assistance with asylum claims. The primary geographic impact is concentrated in Washington D.C., where many administrative and legal processes occur. The contract supports legal professionals and administrative staff, contributing to employment in the legal services sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost escalation due to Time and Materials pricing.
Concentration of services in a single entity (ACACIA CENTER FOR JUSTICE) could pose performance risks if capacity is strained.
Geographic concentration in D.C. might not fully address needs in other regions without additional contracts.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a structured procurement process.
Addresses a critical humanitarian need for vulnerable children.
Long contract duration suggests a stable and ongoing commitment to service provision.

Sector Analysis

The legal services sector supporting government contracts is highly specialized. This contract falls within the professional services category, specifically focusing on legal aid and immigration law. The market for such services is driven by government policy and the number of individuals requiring assistance, such as unaccompanied minors. The significant award amount indicates a substantial portion of the federal spending in this niche area.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any small business set-aside provisions for this contract. Therefore, the primary contractor, ACACIA CENTER FOR JUSTICE, is likely a larger entity. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans, which could potentially involve small businesses, but this is not a stated focus of the award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within HHS. Accountability measures would be defined in the contract terms, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics may not be publicly detailed. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Programs
Legal Services Corporation
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Legal Services
Department of Justice - Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing.
Single point of failure risk with a sole awardee.
Geographic service limitations.
Dependence on specialized legal expertise.

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.

What is the track record of ACACIA CENTER FOR JUSTICE in providing legal services to unaccompanied children?

Information regarding the specific track record of ACACIA CENTER FOR JUSTICE in providing legal services to unaccompanied children is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, client feedback, and any prior government contracts held by the organization. Understanding their experience with this specific demographic and the complexities of immigration law is crucial for evaluating their capacity to fulfill this significant contract effectively. Further research into their organizational history and previous project outcomes would be necessary.

How does the value of this contract compare to historical spending on legal services for unaccompanied children?

The total award of $832,386,515.82 represents a substantial commitment to legal services for unaccompanied children. To compare this to historical spending, one would need to analyze previous fiscal years' budgets and contract awards for similar services provided by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) or related agencies. Factors such as the number of children encountered, changes in immigration policy, and the complexity of legal cases can influence year-over-year spending. A significant increase or decrease in this award compared to prior periods would indicate shifts in federal priorities or the scale of the issue.

What are the primary risk indicators associated with this contract?

Key risk indicators for this contract include the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, which can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed and monitored. The concentration of the award to a single entity, ACACIA CENTER FOR JUSTICE, presents a performance risk; if the contractor faces capacity issues, staffing shortages, or management challenges, it could significantly disrupt service delivery. Furthermore, the specialized nature of legal services for vulnerable populations requires highly skilled personnel, and any turnover or difficulty in recruitment could impact service quality. The geographic concentration in D.C. might also pose a risk if needs arise in other regions not covered by this specific award.

How effective is the current model for providing legal services to unaccompanied children?

The effectiveness of the current model is best assessed by examining outcomes for the children served. Key performance indicators would include asylum grant rates, successful navigation of immigration court proceedings, and overall case resolution times. While the large contract value suggests a recognized need and a commitment to providing these services, the ultimate measure of effectiveness lies in the legal and humanitarian outcomes for the unaccompanied children. Data on recidivism, successful integration, or long-term stability post-legal resolution would also contribute to an effectiveness assessment.

What is the typical duration and value of contracts for legal services to unaccompanied children?

The typical duration and value of contracts for legal services to unaccompanied children can vary significantly based on agency needs, funding levels, and the scope of services required. This contract, with a duration of over three years (March 2022 to July 2025) and a value exceeding $832 million, appears to be a large-scale, long-term commitment. Shorter-term or smaller contracts might exist for specific regions or specialized legal tasks. Benchmarking requires comparing this award against the average contract size and duration within the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) or similar federal programs focused on child welfare and immigration.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Legal Services › Offices of Lawyers

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 140D0422R0012

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1025 CONNECTICUT AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20036

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: $1,016,685,223

Exercised Options: $963,223,959

Current Obligation: $832,386,516

Actual Outlays: $779,613,761

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 119

Total Subaward Amount: $285,176,864

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline