DOJ's Bureau of Prisons awards $4.7M for substance use and mental health services in El Paso, TX

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $47,300 ($47.3K)

Contractor: Fondren, Gloria Dean

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-01-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 180 days

Daily Burn Rate: $263/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: SUBSTANCE USE, MENTAL HEALTH, SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT, AND MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT SERVICES IN EL PASO, TEXAS.

Place of Performance

Location: WINDCREST, BEXAR County, TEXAS, 78239

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $47,300 to FONDREN, GLORIA DEAN for work described as: SUBSTANCE USE, MENTAL HEALTH, SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT, AND MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT SERVICES IN EL PASO, TEXAS. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on critical mental health and substance abuse treatment for federal inmates. 2. Competition method 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' suggests a potentially limited but structured bidding process. 3. Risk of service disruption exists if provider performance falters, impacting inmate rehabilitation. 4. The IT sector is not directly involved, focusing on healthcare services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a firm-fixed-price delivery order for 180 days. Without specific performance metrics or historical cost data, it's difficult to definitively assess value. The award amount of $4.73M for six months suggests a significant investment in specialized services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating it was likely awarded to a small business or through a limited competition. This method can expedite procurement but may limit price discovery compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated for essential inmate rehabilitation services, aiming to reduce recidivism and improve public safety.

Public Impact

Provides crucial mental health and substance abuse treatment to federal inmates in El Paso. Aims to improve inmate well-being and support successful reintegration into society. Ensures continuity of care for a vulnerable population within the federal prison system.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for service gaps if provider fails to meet demand.
Limited competition may not yield the best possible price.
Short contract duration (180 days) may lead to frequent re-procurement efforts.

Positive Signals

Addresses critical need for mental health and substance abuse services.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Services are geographically located in El Paso, Texas.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the healthcare services sector, specifically focusing on outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment. Benchmarks for similar services can vary widely based on patient population, service intensity, and geographic location.

Small Business Impact

The use of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) suggests a potential focus on awarding this contract to small businesses, aligning with federal procurement goals. Further analysis would be needed to confirm if a small business was indeed the awardee.

Oversight & Accountability

The Bureau of Prisons is responsible for overseeing this contract to ensure the quality and timeliness of services provided. Performance metrics and regular reviews are essential for accountability and effective service delivery.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Service continuity risk
Potential for higher costs due to limited competition
Dependence on provider performance
Short contract duration may lead to instability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $47,300 to FONDREN, GLORIA DEAN. SUBSTANCE USE, MENTAL HEALTH, SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT, AND MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT SERVICES IN EL PASO, TEXAS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FONDREN, GLORIA DEAN.

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 $47,300.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-01. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the expected impact of these services on inmate recidivism rates?

The primary goal of substance use and mental health treatment is to reduce recidivism by addressing underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior. Effective treatment can equip inmates with coping mechanisms and support systems necessary for successful reintegration, thereby lowering the likelihood of reoffending. Quantifying this impact requires tracking post-release outcomes of program participants.

What are the specific risks associated with a limited competition procurement for these critical services?

A limited competition, such as one under SAP, might restrict the pool of potential providers, potentially leading to higher prices than if a broader competition were held. It could also limit the government's ability to secure the most innovative or cost-effective solutions. Ensuring adequate oversight is crucial to mitigate risks related to provider capacity and service quality.

How does the firm-fixed-price contract structure ensure the effectiveness of the treatment services provided?

A firm-fixed-price contract establishes a set price for the services, providing cost certainty for the government. While it incentivizes the contractor to control costs, the effectiveness of the treatment itself relies heavily on the contractor's adherence to quality standards and performance metrics outlined in the contract. Regular performance monitoring by the Bureau of Prisons is key to ensuring treatment efficacy.

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: 15BCTS21Q00000008

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8930 FOURWINDS DR STE 255, SAN ANTONIO, TX, 78239

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $199,800

Exercised Options: $199,800

Current Obligation: $47,300

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15BCTS21D00000619

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline