Justice Department awards $1,140 contract for spiritual services to Spiritual Services LLC, with sessions priced at $190

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,420 ($3.4K)

Contractor: Spiritual Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 90 days

Daily Burn Rate: $38/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: RELIGIOUS SERVICE CONTRACTOR-MURAD FY26 J1 SPIRITUAL SVCS MURAD MONTHLY QTR 3 $190 PER SESSION, 6 SESSIONS PER MONTH X 1 MONTH ($1,140.00)

Place of Performance

Location: MARION, WILLIAMSON County, ILLINOIS, 62959

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $3,420 to SPIRITUAL SERVICES LLC for work described as: RELIGIOUS SERVICE CONTRACTOR-MURAD FY26 J1 SPIRITUAL SVCS MURAD MONTHLY QTR 3 $190 PER SESSION, 6 SESSIONS PER MONTH X 1 MONTH ($1,140.00) Key points: 1. The contract value is relatively small, suggesting a localized or specific need. 2. Pricing at $190 per session appears to be a key data point for value assessment. 3. Competition dynamics are noted as 'COMPETED UNDER SAP', indicating a specific procurement pathway. 4. The contract duration is short (90 days), implying a limited-term requirement. 5. The service category is religious organizations, fitting within a niche sector. 6. The award is a delivery order, suggesting it's part of a larger contract vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The price of $190 per session for spiritual services is the primary metric for value assessment. Without comparable contract data for similar services within the Federal Prison System or other correctional facilities, it is difficult to definitively benchmark this rate. However, the overall contract value of $1,140 for one month suggests a limited scope, which may influence per-session pricing. Further analysis would require understanding the specific nature of the spiritual services provided and the qualifications of the provider.

Cost Per Unit: $190 per session

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which is typically used for purchases below a certain dollar threshold. While this indicates competition, the specific number of bidders is not provided. SAP procedures aim to streamline the acquisition process for smaller dollar amounts, but the level of competition can vary. The use of SAP suggests that the agency sought to obtain competitive pricing within the simplified acquisition framework.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, competing under SAP generally aims to ensure fair pricing for smaller purchases, preventing overspending on low-value contracts.

Public Impact

Inmates within the Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons will benefit from access to spiritual services. The services delivered are spiritual guidance and support, tailored to the needs of the incarcerated population. The geographic impact is limited to the specific facility in Illinois where the services are rendered. There are no direct workforce implications as this contract is for services, not for direct employment by the government.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited transparency on the specific qualifications and experience of 'Spiritual Services LLC'.
Potential for price variations if similar services are procured elsewhere at different rates.
Short contract duration may indicate a pilot program or an interim solution, raising questions about long-term service continuity.

Positive Signals

The contract was competed, suggesting an effort to secure competitive pricing.
The service directly addresses a recognized need for inmate well-being and rehabilitation.
The fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty for the government.

Sector Analysis

The religious organizations sector (NAICS 813110) encompasses a wide range of entities providing spiritual and pastoral care. Federal spending in this area often supports chaplaincy services, religious education, and counseling within institutions like prisons, hospitals, and military bases. While specific benchmarks for spiritual services in correctional facilities are not readily available, the overall market for religious organizations is diverse. This contract represents a small expenditure within the broader federal procurement landscape for social and support services.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to be a small business set-aside, as indicated by 'sb': false. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal given the contract's small value and specific service nature.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons, a component of the Department of Justice. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services for the agreed price. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award notice, but further details on performance monitoring and quality assurance would reside within the agency's internal processes.

Related Government Programs

Federal Inmate Welfare and Recreation Programs
Department of Justice Chaplaincy Services
Bureau of Prisons Support Services

Risk Flags

Limited data on contractor's past performance.
Lack of detailed service scope definition.
Potential for price benchmarking challenges due to niche service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $3,420 to SPIRITUAL SERVICES LLC. RELIGIOUS SERVICE CONTRACTOR-MURAD FY26 J1 SPIRITUAL SVCS MURAD MONTHLY QTR 3 $190 PER SESSION, 6 SESSIONS PER MONTH X 1 MONTH ($1,140.00)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SPIRITUAL 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 $3,420.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the track record of Spiritual Services LLC in providing services to federal agencies?

Information regarding the specific track record of 'Spiritual Services LLC' in providing services to federal agencies is not detailed in the provided data. The award notice indicates this is a contract with the Department of Justice for spiritual services. To assess their track record, one would need to search federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for past awards, performance reviews, and any reported issues or successes with this specific contractor. Without this external data, it's impossible to evaluate their past performance or reliability for federal contracts.

How does the $190 per session rate compare to market rates for similar spiritual services?

Benchmarking the $190 per session rate requires comparing it to similar services provided to comparable populations. Spiritual or chaplaincy services in correctional settings can vary significantly based on the provider's qualifications, the specific nature of the services (e.g., group counseling vs. individual therapy), and the geographic location. While $190 per session might seem reasonable for specialized therapeutic services, its appropriateness for general spiritual guidance in a prison setting needs further context. A comprehensive comparison would involve analyzing rates from other correctional facilities, non-profit organizations offering similar services, and independent practitioners in the relevant region.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential underperformance by the contractor, leading to inadequate spiritual support for inmates, and the risk of price creep if the scope of services expands beyond the initial agreement. Mitigation strategies would involve clear performance standards outlined in the contract, regular monitoring by the contracting officer's representative (COR) to ensure services are delivered as specified, and strict adherence to the firm-fixed-price structure to prevent cost overruns. The short duration also limits the exposure to long-term performance risks.

How effective are spiritual services in supporting inmate rehabilitation and well-being within federal prisons?

Spiritual services are widely recognized as a component that can contribute to inmate rehabilitation and well-being. Studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that religious and spiritual programs can foster a sense of community, provide coping mechanisms for stress and trauma, reduce recidivism rates, and promote positive behavioral changes. By offering guidance, counseling, and a connection to faith, these services can help inmates develop a stronger moral compass and prepare for reintegration into society. The effectiveness often depends on the quality of the services, the engagement of the inmates, and the integration of these programs with other rehabilitative efforts within the facility.

What is the historical spending pattern for spiritual services within the Federal Prison System?

Historical spending patterns for spiritual services within the Federal Prison System (FPS) are not detailed in the provided data. To ascertain this, one would need to analyze past contract awards for similar services over several fiscal years. This would involve querying databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) for contracts awarded by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) under relevant NAICS codes (e.g., 813110) or service descriptions. Analyzing trends in contract values, number of awards, and types of providers would reveal spending patterns and identify any significant increases or decreases in investment in these services over time.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Religious Organizations › Religious Organizations

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 15B40920Q20000006

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 410 W RANDLE, LEBANON, IL, 62254

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,420

Exercised Options: $3,420

Current Obligation: $3,420

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15B40920D00000002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline