DOJ's $819M Career Assessment Program contract awarded to Kuder Inc. for 4 option years
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $8,189,155 ($8.2M)
Contractor: Kuder Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2022-09-22
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,469 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: FY23 CAREER ASSESSMENT PROGRAM BASE + 4 OY REQUEST
Place of Performance
Location: ADEL, DALLAS County, IOWA, 50003
State: Iowa Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $8.2 million to KUDER INC for work described as: FY23 CAREER ASSESSMENT PROGRAM BASE + 4 OY REQUEST Key points: 1. The contract value is substantial at $818,915.50, covering a significant period. 2. Kuder Inc. is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The 'Other Computer Related Services' NAICS code suggests a broad scope. 4. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs, but scope creep is a risk.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $818,915.50 over four years suggests a significant investment. Benchmarking against similar IT service contracts for large-scale assessment programs is difficult without more specific service details.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bids were likely considered. However, the award being a delivery order suggests it might be part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, where the initial competition was broad but subsequent orders could be more focused.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for a program aimed at career development within the Federal Prison System. The effectiveness and efficiency of this program will determine the ultimate value for taxpayers.
Public Impact
Impacts inmates by providing career assessment tools for rehabilitation and post-release employment. Supports the Federal Prison System's mission to reduce recidivism. Potential for improved inmate outcomes and reduced long-term correctional costs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics.
- Potential for scope creep in 'Other Computer Related Services'.
- Limited information on vendor past performance in correctional settings.
Positive Signals
- Aims to improve inmate career readiness.
- Fixed-price contract helps manage cost certainty.
- Full and open competition was utilized for the initial award.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under 'Other Computer Related Services', a broad category. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on the specific services procured, from basic IT support to complex software development and data analysis.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in the subcontracting or prime contracting process. Further investigation would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to ensure the program meets its objectives and that the vendor delivers services effectively within the agreed-upon scope and budget. The Department of Justice's Bureau of Prisons is responsible for monitoring contract performance.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics.
- Broad 'Other Computer Related Services' NAICS code.
- Limited public information on vendor's specific experience in correctional settings.
- Potential for vendor lock-in if services are highly integrated.
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-justice, ia, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $8.2 million to KUDER INC. FY23 CAREER ASSESSMENT PROGRAM BASE + 4 OY REQUEST
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is KUDER 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 $8.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-09-22. End: 2026-09-30.
What specific career assessment tools and services are being provided under this contract, and how do they align with the needs of the inmate population?
The contract specifies 'Other Computer Related Services' for the Career Assessment Program. Without detailed service descriptions, it's unclear if the tools are tailored to correctional environments or if they are generic assessments. Understanding the specific functionalities, reporting capabilities, and integration with existing inmate management systems is key to evaluating their suitability and effectiveness in supporting rehabilitation goals.
What is the demonstrated effectiveness of Kuder Inc.'s career assessment tools in reducing recidivism rates or improving post-release employment for similar populations?
Assessing Kuder Inc.'s past performance with correctional facilities or similar at-risk populations is vital. Evidence of successful outcomes, such as measurable reductions in recidivism or increases in successful employment post-release, would justify the significant investment. A lack of such data raises concerns about the program's potential impact and return on investment for taxpayer dollars.
How will the success of the Career Assessment Program be measured, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) are in place to ensure accountability?
The contract details do not specify the KPIs or metrics for measuring the success of the Career Assessment Program. Establishing clear, measurable objectives related to inmate engagement, skill identification, and post-release outcomes is essential for effective oversight. Without defined KPIs, it is difficult to hold the vendor accountable for performance and to determine if the program is achieving its intended value.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - END USER
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 302 VISIONS PKWY, ADEL, IA, 50003
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $9,503,534
Exercised Options: $8,189,155
Current Obligation: $8,189,155
Actual Outlays: $7,021,882
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS35F294AA
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-09-22
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2027-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-19
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