DOJ awards $182K for funeral services in NC, competed under SAP

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $182,050 ($182.1K)

Contractor: Lancaster Funeral and Cremation Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-01-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 272 days

Daily Burn Rate: $669/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: LANCASTER FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, LLC JAN-SEPT FY 26

Place of Performance

Location: LOUISBURG, FRANKLIN County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27549

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $182,050.07 to LANCASTER FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, LLC for work described as: LANCASTER FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, LLC JAN-SEPT FY 26 Key points: 1. Contract awarded via Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on smaller value procurements. 2. The contract is for funeral home and funeral services, a niche but essential government function. 3. Fixed-price contract type indicates predictable costs for the government. 4. The award is a Delivery Order, implying it's part of a larger contract vehicle. 5. Limited duration of 9 months suggests a specific, short-term need. 6. Geographic focus on North Carolina aligns with the operational needs of the Federal Prison System.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking funeral home services can be challenging due to variability in service packages and geographic location. The awarded amount of $182,050.07 for a 9-month period appears reasonable for the scope of services typically provided by funeral homes, especially when considering the potential need for services related to federal inmates. Without specific service details or comparable contract data, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult, but the fixed-price nature provides cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for a broader range of competition for procurements under the federal micro-purchase threshold. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAP aims to foster competition among eligible vendors. The use of SAP suggests that the agency sought competitive offers within the established regulatory framework for smaller acquisitions.

Taxpayer Impact: Competition under SAP generally leads to better pricing for taxpayers by encouraging multiple vendors to submit bids, driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

Provides essential funeral and cremation services for deceased individuals under the purview of the Federal Prison System. Ensures dignified and respectful handling of remains for federal inmates. Services are geographically focused within North Carolina, supporting facilities in that region. Supports the operational continuity of the Bureau of Prisons by fulfilling a critical service need.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed service scope makes it difficult to fully assess value for money.
Limited contract duration may necessitate future re-competition, leading to potential administrative overhead.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability.
Competition under SAP likely resulted in a fair market price.
Geographic specificity ensures services are available where needed.

Sector Analysis

The funeral homes and funeral services sector (NAICS 812210) is characterized by a large number of small, locally-owned businesses. Government contracts in this sector typically involve providing services for deceased individuals, often related to military personnel, veterans, or, as in this case, federal inmates. Spending in this category is generally consistent, driven by the ongoing need for these services.

Small Business Impact

This contract was competed under SAP, which is often utilized for procurements that may include opportunities for small businesses. However, without specific details on the number of bidders or set-aside status, it's unclear if small businesses were specifically targeted or participated. Future analysis could explore subcontracting opportunities if the prime contractor is a larger entity.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight. As a delivery order under a potential larger contract vehicle, oversight would involve monitoring performance against the terms and conditions. The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General would have jurisdiction for investigations into fraud, waste, or abuse related to this award.

Related Government Programs

Federal Bureau of Prisons Services
Department of Justice Procurement
Funeral Home Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for service quality issues
Risk of cost overruns if scope is underestimated
Need for timely re-competition due to short duration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $182,050.07 to LANCASTER FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, LLC. LANCASTER FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, LLC JAN-SEPT FY 26

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LANCASTER FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $182,050.07.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What specific services are included in this $182,050.07 contract for funeral and cremation services?

The provided data does not detail the specific services included in the $182,050.07 contract. Typically, funeral home services can encompass a range of offerings such as transportation of remains, embalming, cremation, viewing arrangements, funeral services, and the provision of caskets or urns. For federal inmates, services might be standardized or tailored based on specific agency protocols and the deceased's circumstances. A comprehensive understanding of the value requires a detailed statement of work outlining the exact deliverables, quantities, and quality standards expected by the Federal Prison System.

How does the awarded amount compare to typical funeral service costs for government contracts?

Comparing this $182,050.07 award for a 9-month period to typical government funeral service contracts is difficult without more specific data. Funeral costs vary significantly based on location, the extent of services (e.g., burial vs. cremation, type of service), and the specific requirements of the contracting agency. However, for a contract supporting a federal institution like the Bureau of Prisons, which may require services for a consistent number of individuals, this amount appears to be within a reasonable range for providing essential services over the specified period. Further benchmarking would require access to similar contracts or detailed pricing structures.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract for funeral services?

Potential risks for this funeral services contract include service quality issues, such as improper handling of remains or failure to meet service timelines, which could lead to reputational damage for the agency and distress for families. There's also a risk of cost overruns if the fixed-price contract does not adequately account for unforeseen circumstances or a higher-than-anticipated volume of services. Ensuring compliance with all federal regulations, ethical standards, and specific agency protocols is crucial. The limited duration also poses a risk of service disruption if a new contract is not awarded in a timely manner.

What is the historical spending pattern for funeral and cremation services by the Federal Prison System?

Historical spending data for funeral and cremation services by the Federal Prison System (FPS) is not directly available in the provided information. However, the FPS, as part of the Department of Justice, is responsible for the care and custody of federal inmates. This includes the disposition of remains upon death. It is reasonable to assume that the FPS has a consistent need for such services, likely awarded through various contracts over time, potentially varying in value and duration based on regional needs and procurement strategies. Analyzing past contract awards for similar services within the FPS or other federal correctional agencies would provide insight into spending patterns.

How does the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation impact the contractor's track record and potential for future awards?

The 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) designation indicates that this contract was awarded through a streamlined process for procurements valued below the federal micro-purchase threshold (typically $10,000, though SAP can extend up to $250,000). For LANCASTER FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, LLC, successfully performing under a SAP contract demonstrates their ability to meet basic government requirements and compete effectively in a less complex procurement environment. This can build a positive track record for future, potentially larger, opportunities. However, it also suggests this award is relatively small, and performance here may not directly translate to suitability for much larger, more complex contracts requiring extensive experience and resources.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Death Care Services › Funeral Homes and Funeral Services

Product/Service Code: MISCELLANEOUS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 15BFA024Q00000110

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 804 N BICKETT BLVD, LOUISBURG, NC, 27549

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $182,050

Exercised Options: $182,050

Current Obligation: $182,050

Actual Outlays: $40,020

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15BFA025D00000009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline