Justice Department awards $33,000 contract for spiritual guidance services to Spiritual Services LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,000 ($33.0K)

Contractor: Spiritual Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-02-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 241 days

Daily Burn Rate: $137/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY26 J2 MURAD ISLAMIC SPIRITUAL GUIDE FEB26-SEPT26

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, SAINT CLAIR County, ILLINOIS, 62208

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $33,000 to SPIRITUAL SERVICES LLC for work described as: FY26 J2 MURAD ISLAMIC SPIRITUAL GUIDE FEB26-SEPT26 Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential spiritual support within correctional facilities. 2. Limited competition due to specialized nature of religious services. 3. Performance period is short, indicating a focused need. 4. Pricing appears reasonable for specialized, short-term services. 5. Contract aligns with the Federal Prison System's mission to provide holistic inmate care.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $33,000 for a 7-month period appears reasonable for specialized spiritual guidance services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for religious support in federal correctional facilities suggests this is within the expected range. The firm-fixed-price structure helps control costs for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves limited competition. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, SAP is often used for smaller dollar value procurements where full and open competition may not be feasible or cost-effective. This suggests a targeted approach to finding a qualified provider.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition may result in slightly higher prices than a fully competed contract, but for specialized services like this, it ensures access to necessary expertise.

Public Impact

Inmates within the Federal Prison System will benefit from access to spiritual and religious guidance. Services aim to support the moral and ethical development of individuals in custody. The contract impacts facilities within Illinois, providing localized support. This contract supports the Bureau of Prisons' broader mission of rehabilitation and inmate well-being.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited provider options due to specialized religious services.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical need for inmate spiritual well-being.
Utilizes a firm-fixed-price contract to manage costs.
Short duration suggests a focused and manageable project scope.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Religious Organizations' sector, specifically serving the needs of federal correctional institutions. The market for such specialized services is often niche, with providers focusing on specific religious denominations or types of support. Spending in this area is generally consistent with the operational requirements of correctional systems nationwide, aiming to provide holistic care.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. Given the specialized nature of religious services, it's possible that a small number of qualified organizations, which may or may not be small businesses, are available to bid.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight. The Bureau of Prisons is responsible for monitoring performance and ensuring compliance with contract terms. As a delivery order under a larger agreement, oversight may be integrated into existing program management structures. Transparency is maintained through federal contract databases.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Chaplaincy Programs
Inmate Welfare and Recreation Services
Religious and Spiritual Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited competition may impact price discovery.
Contract performance monitoring is crucial for service quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $33,000 to SPIRITUAL SERVICES LLC. FY26 J2 MURAD ISLAMIC SPIRITUAL GUIDE FEB26-SEPT26

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 $33,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-02-01. End: 2026-09-30.

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

Information regarding the specific track record of Spiritual Services LLC in providing similar services to federal agencies is not detailed in the provided data. A thorough review would require accessing past performance evaluations, contract histories, and client references. However, the award of this contract suggests they met the minimum qualifications and requirements set forth by the Department of Justice for this specific procurement. Further investigation into their past performance with government entities, particularly within correctional settings, would be necessary to fully assess their reliability and effectiveness in delivering spiritual guidance.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar spiritual services procured by the Federal Prison System?

The provided data does not include specific pricing details for comparable contracts, making a direct quantitative comparison difficult. However, the contract value of $33,000 for a 7-month period (February 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026) suggests a monthly cost of approximately $4,714. This figure needs to be evaluated in the context of the specific services required, the number of inmates served, and the qualifications of the personnel providing the services. Without benchmark data on the cost per inmate or cost per service hour for similar contracts within the Bureau of Prisons, it is challenging to definitively assess if this pricing represents excellent value for money, though it appears reasonable for specialized, short-term support.

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 in delivering the required spiritual services, leading to dissatisfaction among inmates or staff. Another risk is the limited competition, which could potentially lead to less favorable pricing or a narrower selection of qualified providers. Mitigation strategies likely involve clear performance standards outlined in the contract, regular monitoring by the Bureau of Prisons, and the firm-fixed-price structure which incentivizes the contractor to meet obligations within budget. The short duration of the contract also mitigates long-term risk, allowing for reassessment or re-competition if performance is unsatisfactory.

How effective is the provision of spiritual services in supporting inmate rehabilitation and reducing recidivism within the Federal Prison System?

The effectiveness of spiritual services in supporting inmate rehabilitation and reducing recidivism is a complex area with ongoing research and varied outcomes. While specific data on this contract's impact is unavailable, studies generally suggest that participation in faith-based programs, including spiritual counseling and religious services, can have positive effects. These benefits may include improved behavior, reduced disciplinary infractions, enhanced coping mechanisms, and a greater sense of community and purpose among inmates. However, the extent to which these services directly translate to lower recidivism rates is influenced by numerous factors, including the quality of programming, individual inmate engagement, and post-release support systems. The Bureau of Prisons likely views these services as a component of a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy.

What has been the historical spending trend for spiritual guidance services within the Federal Prison System?

Historical spending trends for spiritual guidance services within the Federal Prison System are not detailed in the provided data. However, it is reasonable to assume that the Bureau of Prisons consistently allocates funds for chaplaincy and religious support services across its facilities, as these are considered essential components of inmate welfare and rehabilitation. Spending levels would likely fluctuate based on the number of institutions, inmate populations, and specific program initiatives. A comprehensive analysis would require examining the Bureau of Prisons' budget allocations and contract awards over several fiscal years to identify any significant trends or shifts in investment in this area.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SOCIAL SERVICES › SOCIAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 15BFA025Q00000051

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 9 IRMA LN, FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, IL, 62208

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,000

Exercised Options: $33,000

Current Obligation: $33,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15BFA025D00000019

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline