Interior Department Contracts $77.8M for Legal Services Supporting Operation Allies Welcome

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $77,776,285 ($77.8M)

Contractor: U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2022-12-12

End Date: 2025-09-29

Sector: Other

Official Description: LEGAL SERVICES THROUGH OPERATION ALLIES WELCOME (OAW)

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $77.8 million to U.S. COMMITTEE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS, INC. for work described as: LEGAL SERVICES THROUGH OPERATION ALLIES WELCOME (OAW) Key points: 1. Significant contract awarded to a single non-profit organization. 2. Focus on legal services for Afghan evacuees under Operation Allies Welcome. 3. Potential for concentrated risk due to sole-source nature. 4. Long-term contract duration suggests ongoing need for these services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $77.8 million over its period of performance is substantial, indicating a significant investment in providing legal support. The award to a single entity suggests a focused approach to meeting the needs of Operation Allies Welcome.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This appears to be a sole-source award to the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, Inc. This approach may be justified by the specialized nature of the services and the urgency of the situation for Afghan evacuees.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being directed to a specific organization for critical legal services, ensuring support for vulnerable populations.

Public Impact

Afghan evacuees receive essential legal assistance. Streamlined support through a dedicated service provider. Ensures compliance with legal requirements for resettlement.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Risk of vendor lock-in due to sole-source nature.
Potential for service delivery challenges if vendor capacity is exceeded.
Ensuring effective oversight of a large sole-source contract.

Positive Signals

Addresses critical legal needs for a vulnerable population.
Supports a key government initiative (Operation Allies Welcome).
Leverages expertise of a known non-profit in refugee services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the social services and legal aid sector, specifically addressing the complex legal needs arising from humanitarian crises and resettlement efforts.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set-aside for small businesses. The award was made to a large non-profit organization with extensive experience in refugee and immigrant services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of legal services. The Department of the Interior will need to monitor performance closely, especially given the sole-source nature of the award.

Related Government Programs

Legal Services
Refugee and Immigrant Support
Operation Allies Welcome

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Large contract value

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $77.8 million to U.S. COMMITTEE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS, INC.. LEGAL SERVICES THROUGH OPERATION ALLIES WELCOME (OAW)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is U.S. COMMITTEE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $77.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-12-12. End: 2025-09-29.

Analysis insight 1

The contract's sole-source designation warrants scrutiny to ensure fair pricing and competitive alternatives were considered.

Analysis insight 2

Performance metrics should be clearly defined to assess the effectiveness of the legal services provided.

Analysis insight 3

The duration of the contract suggests a long-term commitment to supporting the integration of Afghan evacuees.