DOJ awards $698K contract for substance use and mental health services in Flagstaff, AZ

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $69,800 ($69.8K)

Contractor: Western Alternative Corrections, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-10-01

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 211 days

Daily Burn Rate: $331/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: SUBSTANCE USE, MENTAL HEALTH, AND SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT SERVICES IN FLAGSTAFF, AZ.

Place of Performance

Location: FLAGSTAFF, COCONINO County, ARIZONA, 86001

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $69,800 to WESTERN ALTERNATIVE CORRECTIONS, INC. for work described as: SUBSTANCE USE, MENTAL HEALTH, AND SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT SERVICES IN FLAGSTAFF, AZ. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Western Alternative Corrections, Inc. for outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers. 2. Services are for the Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons. 3. The contract has a duration of 211 days. 4. The award is a Delivery Order under a previously competed contract. 5. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $698,000 for 211 days of service appears reasonable for specialized treatment services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for mental health and substance abuse treatment in correctional settings would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a limited competition approach. This method is typically used for smaller dollar value procurements and may not achieve the best possible price discovery compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to provide essential treatment services, which can lead to reduced recidivism and improved public safety, representing a positive impact.

Public Impact

Provides critical mental health and substance abuse treatment to individuals within the federal prison system. Aims to improve rehabilitation outcomes and support successful reintegration into society. Addresses a key component of the criminal justice system's focus on rehabilitation and public safety.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may result in higher costs.
SAP competition might not yield the most cost-effective solution.
Contract duration is relatively short, potentially leading to continuity of care concerns.

Positive Signals

Addresses essential public health needs within a correctional setting.
Supports rehabilitation efforts for inmates.
Services are targeted to a specific, high-need population.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare sector, particularly specialized services like mental health and substance abuse treatment, is a significant area of government spending. Benchmarks for similar services within correctional facilities vary widely based on scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be managed by the Department of Justice, Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons. The effectiveness of oversight will depend on the agency's diligence in monitoring service delivery and contractor performance.

Related Government Programs

Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers
Department of Justice Contracting
Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition.
Potential for higher costs due to SAP.
Short contract duration may impact continuity of care.
Lack of detail on performance metrics in provided data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $69,800 to WESTERN ALTERNATIVE CORRECTIONS, INC.. SUBSTANCE USE, MENTAL HEALTH, AND SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT SERVICES IN FLAGSTAFF, AZ.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WESTERN ALTERNATIVE CORRECTIONS, 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 $69,800.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the specific scope of services included in this contract, and how does it align with the needs of the inmate population?

The contract covers outpatient substance use and mental health treatment services. This aligns with the recognized need for such care within correctional facilities to address inmate well-being, reduce recidivism, and support successful reentry. The specific modalities and intensity of treatment would be detailed in the contract's statement of work.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding this contract under SAP, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risk of using SAP is potentially higher costs due to limited competition. Mitigation strategies could include thorough price analysis of the offer received, leveraging existing contract vehicles if applicable, and ensuring a clear statement of work to prevent scope creep. The agency should justify the use of SAP for this specific procurement.

How will the effectiveness of these treatment services be measured to ensure positive outcomes for the inmates and taxpayers?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through performance metrics outlined in the contract, such as client progress reports, reduction in specific behavioral incidents, successful completion rates of treatment plans, and potentially recidivism rates post-release. Regular performance reviews by the Bureau of Prisons will be crucial.

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: 15BCTS22Q00000005

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 101 S HASTINGS AVE, HASTINGS, NE, 68901

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $185,528

Exercised Options: $185,528

Current Obligation: $69,800

Actual Outlays: $35,114

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15BCTS22D00000644

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline