DOJ awards $10.4K contract for dental assistants at FCI Manchester, highlighting temporary staffing needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,372 ($10.4K)

Contractor: Kebros & Associates LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-12-31

End Date: 2025-12-31

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: DENTAL ASSISTANT CONTRACT STAFF PAY FCI MANCHESTER OCT-DEC FY26 CONTRACT: V797D-50497

Place of Performance

Location: SILVER SPRING, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20906

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $10,371.75 to KEBROS & ASSOCIATES LLC for work described as: DENTAL ASSISTANT CONTRACT STAFF PAY FCI MANCHESTER OCT-DEC FY26 CONTRACT: V797D-50497 Key points: 1. Contract value is modest, suggesting a focused need for specialized personnel. 2. Competition was full and open, indicating a healthy market for these services. 3. Fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. The contract duration is short-term, aligning with temporary staffing requirements. 5. Focus on a specific correctional facility points to localized operational needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $10.4K for a three-month period for dental assistant staff is relatively small. Benchmarking against similar temporary staffing contracts for specialized roles within federal agencies suggests this pricing is within a reasonable range, especially considering the specific requirements of a correctional facility. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty. Without more granular data on the number of hours or specific qualifications required, a precise per-unit cost comparison is difficult, but the overall award appears to represent fair value for the services rendered.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The presence of four bidders (no=4) suggests a competitive environment for temporary staffing services in this sector. A competitive process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more innovative solutions, benefiting the government by ensuring it receives services at a market-driven rate.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that helps ensure the government is not overpaying for essential temporary staffing services. The multiple bids indicate that the government likely secured a favorable price due to market forces.

Public Impact

Inmates at FCI Manchester will benefit from continued access to dental assistant support, contributing to overall health and well-being. The contract ensures the continuity of essential dental support services within the Federal Prison System. This award supports the operational efficiency of FCI Manchester by providing necessary personnel. The contract indirectly supports the healthcare workforce by creating demand for specialized temporary staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Short contract duration may lead to frequent re-competition and potential onboarding challenges.
Reliance on temporary staff could impact institutional knowledge and long-term service consistency.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition ensures a wide pool of potential contractors.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Award to a single entity streamlines management and accountability.

Sector Analysis

The temporary help services sector (NAICS 561320) is a significant component of the broader professional, scientific, and technical services industry. Federal agencies frequently utilize temporary staffing to fill short-term needs, manage fluctuating workloads, or access specialized skills without the long-term commitment of permanent hires. This contract, while small in dollar value, represents a typical use case for temporary staffing within government operations, particularly in specialized environments like correctional facilities where consistent, qualified personnel are crucial.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (sb=false), nor does it appear to have a small business subcontracting plan requirement (st=MD, which is a state code, not a subcontracting indicator). While this specific award may not directly benefit small businesses through a set-aside, the competitive nature of the award means that small businesses were eligible to compete if they met the qualifications. The overall impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on the number of small businesses that participated in the bidding process.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) contracting officers and program managers at FCI Manchester. As a firm fixed-price contract, the primary accountability measure is the successful delivery of the specified dental assistant services. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award being publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Healthcare Services
Bureau of Prisons Staff Augmentation
Temporary Medical Personnel Contracts
Department of Justice Operational Support

Risk Flags

Short-term contract duration may indicate recurring needs or a gap-filling measure.
Reliance on temporary staff requires robust oversight to ensure quality and security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $10,371.75 to KEBROS & ASSOCIATES LLC. DENTAL ASSISTANT CONTRACT STAFF PAY FCI MANCHESTER OCT-DEC FY26 CONTRACT: V797D-50497

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KEBROS & ASSOCIATES 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 $10,371.75.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-31. End: 2025-12-31.

What is the typical hourly rate for a dental assistant under federal contracts of this nature?

Determining a precise typical hourly rate for federal dental assistants is complex due to variations in location, required experience, specific duties, and contract type. However, based on publicly available data for similar temporary staffing contracts within the federal government, hourly rates can range broadly. For specialized roles like dental assistants in demanding environments such as correctional facilities, rates might fall between $30-$60 per hour, excluding overhead and profit margins for the contracting company. This specific contract's total value of $10,371.75 over a period likely spanning three months (October-December FY26) suggests an average of approximately 173 to 346 total hours of service, depending on the exact duration and the contractor's billing structure. Without knowing the exact number of hours or the specific qualifications mandated, a direct comparison is challenging, but the overall award suggests a rate that is competitive within the federal temporary staffing market.

How does the competition level for this contract compare to other temporary staffing services procured by the Bureau of Prisons?

The award for dental assistant staff at FCI Manchester, with four bidders under full and open competition, indicates a moderately competitive environment. For the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), the level of competition can vary significantly based on the service type, geographic location, and contract value. While four bidders is a healthy number suggesting adequate market interest, some larger or more critical service contracts procured by the BOP might attract a higher number of offers, particularly if they are for broader staffing needs or in high-demand regions. Conversely, highly specialized or geographically isolated requirements might see fewer bidders. This specific contract's competition level suggests that the market for temporary dental assistants is sufficiently robust to support multiple providers interested in serving federal correctional facilities.

What are the potential risks associated with using temporary dental assistants in a correctional facility setting?

Using temporary dental assistants in a correctional facility presents several potential risks. Firstly, there's a risk related to security and access control, as temporary staff may not have the same level of vetting or institutional familiarity as permanent employees, potentially posing security challenges. Secondly, continuity of care and institutional knowledge can be compromised; temporary staff may require more supervision and may not be as familiar with specific inmate health records or facility protocols, potentially impacting the quality and efficiency of care. Thirdly, there's a risk of inconsistent service delivery due to the transient nature of temporary staff, which could affect the reliability of dental services. Finally, ensuring consistent adherence to strict health and safety protocols within the unique environment of a correctional facility requires robust training and oversight for temporary personnel.

What is the historical spending pattern for dental assistant services at FCI Manchester or similar Bureau of Prisons facilities?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for dental assistant services at FCI Manchester or similar Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities requires access to detailed procurement data over multiple fiscal years. This specific contract award of approximately $10.4K for a three-month period in FY26 is a single data point. To establish a pattern, one would need to examine previous awards for similar services at this institution and comparable facilities. Factors influencing historical spending include changes in inmate population, evolving healthcare standards, budget allocations, and the agency's strategy regarding permanent versus temporary staffing. Without this broader historical context, it's difficult to determine if this award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of spending for such services. However, the modest value suggests it's likely addressing a specific, short-term need rather than a large-scale, ongoing requirement.

How does the firm fixed-price contract type impact the contractor's performance and the government's risk?

A firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type, like the one used for this dental assistant staffing at FCI Manchester, establishes a ceiling price that the contractor must not exceed. This structure places the primary risk of cost overruns on the contractor. For the government, the main benefit is cost certainty; the price is set and unlikely to change unless the contract scope is formally modified. This encourages the contractor to manage their costs efficiently to maximize profit. From a performance perspective, an FFP contract incentivizes the contractor to deliver the required services effectively and on time to meet the contract terms and secure payment. However, it can also potentially lead contractors to cut corners if not properly monitored, or to be less flexible in accommodating minor scope changes without formal modification and price adjustment, which could be a consideration in a dynamic environment like a correctional facility.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Employment Services › Temporary Help Services

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › GENERAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 13975 CONNECTICUT AVE STE 206, SILVER SPRING, MD, 20906

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,372

Exercised Options: $10,372

Current Obligation: $10,372

Actual Outlays: $10,372

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: V797D50497

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline