DOJ awards $4.6M for Spiritual Guide services to J. Sims, a 36-day contract
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $4,563 ($4.6K)
Contractor: Jacqueline R Sims
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-03-01
End Date: 2026-04-06
Contract Duration: 36 days
Daily Burn Rate: $127/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: FY26 J2 JRS STAFFING V&R SPIRITUAL GUIDE MAR26
Place of Performance
Location: AUBURN, GWINNETT County, GEORGIA, 30011
State: Georgia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $4,562.5 to JACQUELINE R SIMS for work described as: FY26 J2 JRS STAFFING V&R SPIRITUAL GUIDE MAR26 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single individual, raising questions about competition. 2. Short duration (36 days) suggests a specific, immediate need. 3. High per-day cost for spiritual guidance services. 4. Sector is Religious Organizations, a niche area for federal spending.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $4,562.50 for 36 days equates to approximately $127 per day. This appears high for spiritual guidance services when compared to typical freelance or contract rates for similar roles.
Cost Per Unit: $127
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting an expectation of a lower dollar value. However, it was awarded to a single individual, indicating limited competition or a specific qualification requirement.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for specialized services. The limited competition and potentially high per-diem rate warrant scrutiny to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Provides essential spiritual support to individuals within the Federal Prison System. Ensures religious and spiritual needs are met for inmates. Supports rehabilitation and well-being through spiritual guidance.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition for a service that might have broader availability.
- High daily rate for the service provided.
- Short contract duration could indicate a lack of long-term planning or a specific, urgent need.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical need for spiritual well-being within the correctional system.
- Contract awarded to an individual, potentially supporting sole proprietors.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Religious Organizations sector, specifically providing spiritual guidance within a correctional facility. Federal spending in this niche area is typically focused on meeting the diverse religious needs of the population served.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to an individual, not a registered small business. While sole proprietors can be a form of small business, the lack of explicit small business designation or set-aside is noted.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by the Federal Prison System/Bureau of Prisons. The use of SAP suggests a streamlined process, but accountability for the service quality and cost-effectiveness remains crucial.
Related Government Programs
- Religious Organizations
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potentially high per-unit cost
- Short contract duration
- Awarded to an individual, not a formal small business entity
Tags
religious-organizations, department-of-justice, ga, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $4,562.5 to JACQUELINE R SIMS. FY26 J2 JRS STAFFING V&R SPIRITUAL GUIDE MAR26
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is JACQUELINE R SIMS.
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 $4,562.5.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-03-01. End: 2026-04-06.
What is the justification for awarding this contract to a single individual under SAP, and were other qualified individuals or organizations considered?
The justification for awarding to a single individual under SAP likely stems from the specific qualifications or unique needs of the Federal Prison System. SAP is designed for simplified acquisitions, often implying smaller dollar values or specific circumstances. However, without further documentation, it's unclear if a broader search for qualified spiritual guides was conducted or if this individual was uniquely suited, potentially limiting price discovery and competition.
How does the $127 per day rate for a spiritual guide compare to market rates for similar services in similar correctional environments?
The $127 per day rate for a spiritual guide appears to be on the higher end when benchmarked against typical freelance or contract rates for similar services, especially considering the short duration. While specialized skills or specific security clearances might justify a premium, a detailed market analysis would be needed to confirm if this rate represents fair value for money or if it indicates potential overpricing given the limited competition.
What is the expected impact of this 36-day contract on the spiritual well-being and rehabilitation efforts within the Federal Prison System?
This short-term contract is expected to provide immediate, albeit temporary, spiritual support to inmates. While crucial for addressing immediate needs, its limited duration suggests it may not contribute significantly to long-term rehabilitation efforts unless it's part of a larger, ongoing program. The effectiveness will depend on the quality of guidance provided and how well it integrates with existing inmate support services.
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
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3559 TUPELO TRL, AUBURN, GA, 30011
Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $4,563
Exercised Options: $4,563
Current Obligation: $4,563
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-03-01
Current End Date: 2026-04-06
Potential End Date: 2026-04-06 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
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