DOJ awards $70K for inmate vocational training to Southern Careers Institute
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $70,000 ($70.0K)
Contractor: Southern Careers Institute, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-02-05
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 237 days
Daily Burn Rate: $295/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE ELECTRICAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING SERVCES FOR EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, INMATE TRAINING.
Place of Performance
Location: AUSTIN, TRAVIS County, TEXAS, 78704
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $70,000 to SOUTHERN CAREERS INSTITUTE, INC. for work described as: CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE ELECTRICAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING SERVCES FOR EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, INMATE TRAINING. Key points: 1. Vocational training for inmates is a key component of rehabilitation. 2. Competition under SAP suggests a streamlined process, potentially impacting price discovery. 3. Risk is moderate, given the specific nature of vocational training and inmate population. 4. The IT sector is not directly involved, but educational technology could be a factor.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $70,000 for 237 days of service appears reasonable for specialized vocational training. Benchmarking against similar inmate education programs is difficult without more data on curriculum scope and instructor qualifications.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
Competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), this likely involved a limited number of quotes. While efficient, this method may not yield the most competitive pricing compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is relatively small given the contract value, focused on rehabilitation and potential recidivism reduction.
Public Impact
Provides vocational skills to inmates, potentially aiding post-release employment. Supports the Federal Prison System's mission of inmate rehabilitation. Focuses on a specific need within the correctional education system.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may lead to suboptimal pricing.
- Scope of training and its direct impact on employment are not detailed.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical rehabilitation need.
- Utilizes a streamlined acquisition process.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under educational services, specifically vocational training within the correctional system. Spending benchmarks for inmate education vary widely based on program type and duration, but $70,000 for this scope is within a typical range for specialized training.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were solicited or had the capability to provide these specialized services.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would primarily fall to the Federal Prison System to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the training provided by Southern Careers Institute, Inc.
Related Government Programs
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for inflated pricing due to limited competition.
- Lack of detailed scope of work and measurable outcomes.
- Uncertainty regarding contractor's specific experience with correctional populations.
- No indication of small business participation.
Tags
colleges-universities-and-professional-s, department-of-justice, tx, delivery-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $70,000 to SOUTHERN CAREERS INSTITUTE, INC.. CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE ELECTRICAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING SERVCES FOR EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, INMATE TRAINING.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SOUTHERN CAREERS INSTITUTE, 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 $70,000.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-02-05. End: 2026-09-30.
What is the specific vocational skill being taught, and what is its market demand post-release?
The specific vocational skill is not detailed in the provided data. Understanding the skill is crucial for assessing the true value of the training. High market demand for the taught skill would significantly increase the program's effectiveness and justify the expenditure, while low demand would question the return on investment for taxpayer funds.
What are the qualifications and experience of Southern Careers Institute, Inc. in providing inmate vocational training?
The provided data does not detail the contractor's qualifications or experience specifically with inmate populations. Assessing their track record in similar correctional environments is essential for mitigating risks associated with program delivery and inmate engagement. A lack of relevant experience could lead to ineffective training or operational challenges.
How will the effectiveness of this vocational training program be measured and evaluated by the Federal Prison System?
The data does not specify any metrics for evaluating the training's effectiveness. Key performance indicators should include inmate completion rates, post-release employment statistics, and feedback from both inmates and correctional staff. Without clear evaluation criteria, it's difficult to determine the program's success in achieving its rehabilitation goals.
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
Solicitation ID: 15BFA024Q00000015
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1701 W BEN WHITE BLVD STE 100, AUSTIN, TX, 78704
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $198,653
Exercised Options: $198,653
Current Obligation: $70,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 15BFA024D00000030
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-02-05
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-08
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