DOJ's $26.7M Contract for Howard College VT Sessions in FY26

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,701 ($26.7K)

Contractor: Howard County Junior College District

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-02-01

End Date: 2026-02-28

Contract Duration: 27 days

Daily Burn Rate: $989/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: HOWARD COLLEGE VT SESSIONS FY26 FEB

Place of Performance

Location: BIG SPRING, HOWARD County, TEXAS, 79720

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $26,700.64 to HOWARD COUNTY JUNIOR COLLEGE DISTRICT for work described as: HOWARD COLLEGE VT SESSIONS FY26 FEB Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Howard County Junior College District for $26.7M. 2. Competition method was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP', suggesting a competitive but potentially limited process. 3. The contract is for a short duration (27 days) in February 2026. 4. The sector appears to be education/training services within the federal prison system. 5. The award type is a Purchase Order under a Firm Fixed Price contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $26.7M for a 27-day period seems high for educational sessions. Benchmarking against similar training contracts for correctional facilities or specialized educational services is needed to assess value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically applies to purchases below certain thresholds. This suggests competition may have been limited to a smaller pool of vendors, potentially impacting price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The significant cost of $26.7M for a short-term educational program raises questions about taxpayer efficiency and whether a more cost-effective solution could have been procured.

Public Impact

Federal inmates may receive specialized vocational training or educational services. The Bureau of Prisons is investing in inmate rehabilitation or skill development. Taxpayers are funding a substantial contract for educational services within the correctional system.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

High cost for a short duration.
Limited competition indicated by SAP.
Lack of detailed service description.

Positive Signals

Focus on inmate education/rehabilitation.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically educational services for correctional institutions. Benchmarks for similar vocational training or educational programs within federal or state prisons are scarce but typically focus on per-inmate costs or program effectiveness.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, as it was awarded to a junior college district. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business set-asides were considered or applicable.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would focus on the Bureau of Prisons' justification for the high cost and the effectiveness of the VT sessions in achieving their stated goals. Performance metrics and reporting requirements within the purchase order are key accountability measures.

Related Government Programs

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
Department of Justice Contracting
Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs

Risk Flags

High cost per day.
Potential for limited competition.
Lack of specific service details.
Unclear performance metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $26,700.64 to HOWARD COUNTY JUNIOR COLLEGE DISTRICT. HOWARD COLLEGE VT SESSIONS FY26 FEB

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HOWARD COUNTY JUNIOR COLLEGE DISTRICT.

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 $26,700.64.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-02-01. End: 2026-02-28.

What specific vocational training (VT) services are being provided, and how do they align with inmate rehabilitation goals?

The data does not specify the exact nature of the 'VT Sessions'. It is crucial to understand if these are job-skill training, educational courses, or therapeutic sessions. Alignment with recidivism reduction programs and post-release employment prospects would be key indicators of effectiveness and value for taxpayer investment.

What is the justification for the high cost of $26.7 million for a 27-day contract, and how was this price determined?

The high cost necessitates a thorough review of the contract's line items and the specific services rendered. The 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' method might limit the scope of price discovery. A detailed cost breakdown and comparison to industry standards for similar services are essential to ensure fair pricing and responsible use of funds.

What metrics will be used to measure the success and impact of these VT sessions on the participating inmates?

Measuring success requires defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). These could include completion rates, post-release employment rates, reduction in recidivism, or acquisition of specific certifications. Without clear metrics, assessing the true value and effectiveness of this significant expenditure for taxpayers is challenging.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING 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: 1001 BIRDWELL LN, BIG SPRING, TX, 79720

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, Higher Education (Minority Serving), U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, U.S. Regional/State Government

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $26,701

Exercised Options: $26,701

Current Obligation: $26,701

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline