DOJ Awards $350K for Substance Use, Mental Health, and Sex Offender Treatment in Columbus, OH

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $35,000 ($35.0K)

Contractor: Western Alternative Corrections, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-10-01

End Date: 2026-08-31

Contract Duration: 334 days

Daily Burn Rate: $105/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 COLUMBUS, OH.

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBUS, FRANKLIN County, OHIO, 43222

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $35,000 to WESTERN ALTERNATIVE CORRECTIONS, INC. for work described as: SUBSTANCE USE, MENTAL HEALTH, AND SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT SERVICES IN COLUMBUS, OH. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Western Alternative Corrections, Inc. for essential treatment services. 2. Services are critical for rehabilitation within the Federal Prison System. 3. The contract is Firm Fixed Price, providing cost certainty. 4. Competition method was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP', suggesting a streamlined process.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award amount of $350,000 for a 334-day period appears reasonable for specialized treatment services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for correctional facility support services 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), indicating it was likely a smaller value procurement. This method may limit the pool of potential offerors and impact price discovery compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to provide necessary rehabilitation services, aiming to reduce recidivism and improve public safety.

Public Impact

Ensures access to vital mental health and substance abuse treatment for individuals within the correctional system. Supports rehabilitation efforts, potentially leading to lower reoffending rates. Addresses the specific needs of sex offenders through specialized treatment programs. Provides services in Columbus, Ohio, impacting the local community and federal correctional facilities in the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition due to SAP.
Potential for higher costs with simplified procedures.

Positive Signals

Addresses critical rehabilitation needs.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides budget predictability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the 'Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers' category, aligning with the broader healthcare services sector. Spending in this area is crucial for correctional systems to manage inmate well-being and facilitate reintegration.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to assess small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Justice, through the Bureau of Prisons, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms should be in place to ensure service quality and adherence to contract terms.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition impacting price.
Need for robust performance monitoring.
Reliance on specialized treatment providers.
Ensuring continuity of care post-contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $35,000 to WESTERN ALTERNATIVE CORRECTIONS, INC.. SUBSTANCE USE, MENTAL HEALTH, AND SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT SERVICES IN COLUMBUS, OH.

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 $35,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-08-31.

What is the expected impact of these services on recidivism rates for the target population?

The expected impact is a reduction in recidivism rates by providing essential mental health, substance use, and sex offender treatment. These programs aim to address the underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior, equipping individuals with coping mechanisms and support systems necessary for successful reintegration into society and reducing the likelihood of reoffending.

How does the pricing compare to similar contracts awarded by the Bureau of Prisons for comparable services?

A direct comparison of pricing requires access to a database of similar contracts. However, the $350,000 award for a 334-day period suggests a daily rate of approximately $1,048 per day. This rate needs to be benchmarked against other contracts for similar specialized treatment services within correctional settings to determine if it represents good value.

What measures are in place to ensure the effectiveness and quality of the treatment services provided by Western Alternative Corrections, Inc.?

Effectiveness and quality are typically ensured through performance metrics outlined in the contract, regular reporting requirements, site visits, and client feedback mechanisms. The Bureau of Prisons should have quality assurance personnel monitoring the contractor's adherence to treatment protocols and the overall efficacy of the services delivered.

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: 15BCTS25R00000008

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, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,070,097

Exercised Options: $1,070,097

Current Obligation: $35,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15BCTS25D00000020

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline