DOJ awards $812K contract for outpatient mental health services in Texas

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $81,200 ($81.2K)

Contractor: Lime Creek Associates Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-06-01

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $223/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: CTS SERVICES IN BROWNSVILLE, TX. OY#4: 6/01/256 - 5/31/26

Place of Performance

Location: KATY, FORT BEND County, TEXAS, 77450

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $81,200 to LIME CREEK ASSOCIATES INC for work described as: CTS SERVICES IN BROWNSVILLE, TX. OY#4: 6/01/256 - 5/31/26 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Lime Creek Associates Inc. for services in Brownsville, TX. 2. Service period runs from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026. 3. NAICS code 621420 indicates a focus on outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers. 4. Contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating predictable costs. 5. Awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a streamlined process for smaller procurements. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized for this award.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $812,000 for a 12-month period appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized outpatient mental health services. Benchmarking against similar contracts would require more detailed service scope and geographic data. However, given the specific nature of the services and the location, the price is not immediately indicative of overspending. Further analysis would involve comparing per-unit costs for specific services if available.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which generally allows for full and open competition but may have streamlined processes. The number of bidders is not specified, but SAP is typically used for procurements under the micro-purchase threshold or for smaller dollar amounts, where competition can still be robust. The use of SAP suggests the agency sought competitive bids within established procurement regulations for this contract size.

Taxpayer Impact: Competing under SAP aims to ensure fair pricing for taxpayers by soliciting offers from multiple sources, even for smaller contracts, thereby preventing inflated costs.

Public Impact

Individuals in Brownsville, Texas, requiring outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment will benefit from these services. The contract delivers essential healthcare services to a specific geographic area. The services are expected to support the well-being and recovery of community members. Potential workforce implications include employment opportunities for mental health professionals and support staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess service quality and effectiveness.
Geographic concentration of services in Brownsville may not address broader regional needs.
Limited information on the specific types of mental health and substance abuse services offered.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Awarded under a competitive process (SAP), suggesting potential for value.
Contract duration of one year allows for flexibility and re-evaluation of needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the healthcare sector, specifically outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment centers. The market for these services is driven by demand for behavioral health support, influenced by public health initiatives and insurance coverage. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within federal healthcare procurements for similar services, often managed by agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Veterans Affairs, though the Department of Justice also procures such services for specific populations.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans or requirements for small businesses. The absence of a small business set-aside means that larger businesses were eligible to compete and potentially win this contract, which could impact opportunities for smaller, specialized providers in the region.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's Bureau of Prisons, given the agency and sub-agency. Accountability measures would be tied to the terms of the Firm Fixed Price contract and the delivery of specified services. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of contract awards, though detailed performance data may not be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Justice Healthcare Contracts
Bureau of Prisons Services
Outpatient Mental Health Services
Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
Federal Prison System Support

Risk Flags

Potential for service gaps if contractor performance is suboptimal.
Limited geographic scope may not address wider regional mental health needs.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $81,200 to LIME CREEK ASSOCIATES INC. CTS SERVICES IN BROWNSVILLE, TX. OY#4: 6/01/256 - 5/31/26

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LIME CREEK ASSOCIATES INC.

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 $81,200.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-06-01. End: 2026-05-31.

What is the track record of Lime Creek Associates Inc. with federal contracts, particularly for mental health services?

Information regarding the specific track record of Lime Creek Associates Inc. with federal contracts, especially for mental health services, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive review would involve searching federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS for past awards, performance reviews, and any documented issues. Understanding their history with similar service delivery, contract values, and adherence to timelines and quality standards would be crucial for assessing their reliability and capability in fulfilling this current contract with the Department of Justice.

How does the awarded amount of $812,000 compare to similar outpatient mental health service contracts awarded by the federal government?

The awarded amount of $812,000 for a 12-month period for outpatient mental health and substance abuse services is a moderate figure. To benchmark effectively, one would need to compare it against contracts with similar scopes of work, patient populations, and geographic locations. For instance, contracts awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for comparable services could provide a useful comparison. Without specific details on the volume of services or the acuity of patient needs, a precise comparison is difficult, but the amount suggests a focused service delivery rather than a large-scale program.

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

Key risks for this contract include potential service quality issues, contractor performance failures, and challenges in meeting the specific mental health needs of the target population. Mitigation strategies are likely embedded in the contract terms, such as the Firm Fixed Price structure which incentivizes cost control. The competitive award process under SAP aims to select a capable provider. However, ongoing government oversight, performance monitoring, and clear communication channels are essential for proactive risk management. The relatively short duration of one year also allows for reassessment and potential adjustments if performance is unsatisfactory.

How effective is the Bureau of Prisons in procuring and overseeing mental health services to meet inmate or community needs?

The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) procures and oversees a wide range of services, including mental health, to support its mission. Their effectiveness can be evaluated through various lenses, including the adequacy of services provided, patient outcomes, and the efficiency of their procurement processes. Historically, the BOP has faced scrutiny regarding the capacity and quality of its mental healthcare system, with challenges often linked to staffing levels, funding, and the complexity of inmate needs. This specific contract, awarded under SAP, suggests a targeted procurement for a defined need, likely in a community setting or for specific populations, rather than a broad inmate care contract. The effectiveness of this particular award hinges on the contractor's performance and the BOP's oversight.

What has been the historical spending trend for outpatient mental health services by the Department of Justice?

Historical spending trends for outpatient mental health services by the Department of Justice (DOJ) would require a detailed analysis of past contract awards. The DOJ, through its various components like the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, procures mental health services for different populations, including inmates, probationers, and potentially individuals involved in specific programs. Analyzing spending patterns over several fiscal years would reveal fluctuations based on programmatic needs, budget allocations, and policy changes. This specific $812,000 award represents a small portion of the DOJ's overall budget, but tracking such awards cumulatively can indicate the agency's commitment and investment in mental healthcare.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Outpatient Care Centers › Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers

Product/Service Code: SOCIAL SERVICES › SOCIAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 15BCTS21Q00000040

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 300 S JOHN Q HAMMONS PKWY STE 105, SPRINGFIELD, MO, 65806

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, 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: $317,144

Exercised Options: $317,144

Current Obligation: $81,200

Actual Outlays: $47,651

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15BCTS21D00000628

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline