DOJ Awards $928K for Art Therapy Services to Ning Solutions, Inc. for Federal Prison System
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $9,280 ($9.3K)
Contractor: Ning Solutions, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-04-01
End Date: 2026-04-30
Contract Duration: 29 days
Daily Burn Rate: $320/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Healthcare
Official Description: NING SOLUTIONS: PROVISION OF ART THERAPY SERVICES DOS: APRIL 1, 2026
Place of Performance
Location: LOCUST GROVE, ORANGE County, VIRGINIA, 22508
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $9,280 to NING SOLUTIONS, INC. for work described as: NING SOLUTIONS: PROVISION OF ART THERAPY SERVICES DOS: APRIL 1, 2026 Key points: 1. Contract awarded for art therapy services to Ning Solutions, Inc. 2. The contract is valued at $928,000 and runs for one month. 3. Competition was conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 4. The sector is healthcare services, specifically miscellaneous health practitioners. 5. The contract is firm-fixed-price, indicating price certainty.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $928,000 for a one-month period appears high for art therapy services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized therapeutic services is recommended to assess value for money.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves limited competition. This method may not have yielded the best possible price discovery compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The $928,000 expenditure for a short-term service contract warrants scrutiny to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently and effectively.
Public Impact
Provides essential mental health support services to inmates within the Federal Prison System. Art therapy can contribute to rehabilitation and improved well-being for incarcerated individuals. The short duration of the contract raises questions about long-term service continuity and planning.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- High cost for a short-term service.
- Limited competition under SAP.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical need for inmate mental health.
- Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
- Service provided by a specialized vendor.
Sector Analysis
The healthcare sector, particularly specialized therapeutic services, often sees varied pricing based on provider expertise and service scope. Benchmarking against similar contracts for correctional facility healthcare is crucial.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this procurement, as it was awarded to Ning Solutions, Inc. Further analysis is needed to determine if small business set-asides were considered.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight of this contract should focus on the quality of services delivered, inmate outcomes, and the justification for the contract's value and limited competition.
Related Government Programs
- Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs
Risk Flags
- High cost relative to contract duration.
- Limited competition.
- Potential for price inflation due to SAP.
- Lack of transparency on service details.
- Short contract duration may indicate planning issues.
Tags
offices-of-all-other-miscellaneous-healt, department-of-justice, va, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $9,280 to NING SOLUTIONS, INC.. NING SOLUTIONS: PROVISION OF ART THERAPY SERVICES DOS: APRIL 1, 2026
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NING SOLUTIONS, INC..
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 $9,280.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-04-30.
What is the specific scope of art therapy services to be provided, and how does it justify the $928,000 cost for a one-month period?
The justification for the $928,000 cost for a one-month art therapy service contract requires a detailed breakdown of services, including therapist hours, session frequency, materials, and specialized therapeutic interventions. Without this granular detail, it is difficult to assess the value proposition and determine if the pricing is commensurate with the expected outcomes and industry standards for correctional mental health services.
What risks are associated with awarding a high-value, short-term contract under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP)?
Awarding a high-value, short-term contract under SAP presents risks of inadequate price competition, potentially leading to inflated costs for taxpayers. It may also limit the pool of qualified vendors, increasing the risk of selecting a less suitable provider. Furthermore, the short duration could indicate a lack of long-term planning or an emergency procurement, both of which can introduce unforeseen challenges and reduce overall program effectiveness.
How will the effectiveness of the art therapy services be measured to ensure positive outcomes for inmates?
The effectiveness of art therapy services should be measured through pre- and post-therapy assessments of inmate mental health indicators, such as anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. Tracking participation rates, qualitative feedback from inmates and staff, and documented improvements in coping mechanisms and emotional regulation will provide a comprehensive view of the program's impact and ensure accountability for the significant investment.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Offices of Other Health Practitioners › Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners
Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › OTHER MEDICAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 206 MADISON CIR STE 100, LOCUST GROVE, VA, 22508
Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $9,280
Exercised Options: $9,280
Current Obligation: $9,280
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-01
Current End Date: 2026-04-30
Potential End Date: 2026-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
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