DOJ awards $15.3K for trauma-informed leadership training; contract was not competed under SAP

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,315 ($15.3K)

Contractor: THE Halen Group Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-02-03

End Date: 2026-02-06

Contract Duration: 3 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TITLE: TTM TRAUMA INFORMED LEADERSHIP TRAINING (TILT) GS REQUESTOR: DARLENE A FLOWERS REF AWARD/BPA: 15DDHQ18A00000008 POP DATES: 02/03/2026 TO 02/06/2026

Place of Performance

Location: ANNAPOLIS, ANNE ARUNDEL County, MARYLAND, 21401

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $15,314.53 to THE HALEN GROUP INC for work described as: TITLE: TTM TRAUMA INFORMED LEADERSHIP TRAINING (TILT) GS REQUESTOR: DARLENE A FLOWERS REF AWARD/BPA: 15DDHQ18A00000008 POP DATES: 02/03/2026 TO 02/06/2026 Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the short duration and specialized nature of the training. 2. The contract was awarded via a BPA Call, indicating a pre-negotiated agreement. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the small dollar value and short performance period. 4. Performance context is limited to a specific training event for leadership development. 5. Sector positioning is within professional development and management training services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award of $15,314.53 for a 3-day training program appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized leadership development. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for professional training suggests that per-participant costs can vary widely, but this total amount for a small group is not excessive. The firm-fixed-price structure helps control costs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was awarded under a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call, which is a method of fulfilling orders placed against existing indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts. While not a full and open competition for this specific call, the underlying BPA likely underwent a competitive process. The limited information suggests this specific task order was not competed broadly, potentially due to urgency or existing relationship under the BPA.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, a limited competition under a BPA call can sometimes lead to slightly higher prices than a full and open competition, but it also offers efficiency and potentially faster delivery of services.

Public Impact

Federal employees within the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are the primary beneficiaries of this leadership training. The training aims to enhance leadership skills with a focus on trauma-informed approaches. The geographic impact is localized to the personnel receiving the training, likely within the DEA's Maryland operations. Workforce implications include improved leadership capabilities and potentially better management of teams dealing with sensitive issues.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of full and open competition for this specific BPA call limits price discovery.
Limited public information on the specific curriculum and expected outcomes of the training.

Positive Signals

Awarded under an existing BPA, suggesting a streamlined procurement process.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty.
Training addresses a relevant and important leadership development area (trauma-informed approaches).

Sector Analysis

The professional and management development training sector is a significant part of government spending, supporting various agencies in enhancing their workforce's skills. This contract falls under NAICS code 611430, which covers professional and management development training. Spending in this area is driven by the need for continuous learning, compliance, and specialized skill acquisition within federal agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without knowing the exact number of participants and the specific curriculum, but the total award is relatively small.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). There is no information available regarding subcontracting plans. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific award is likely minimal, as it was not specifically targeted towards small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's internal procurement and program management controls. As a BPA Call, the underlying BPA likely has its own oversight mechanisms. Transparency is moderate, as the award is publicly reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of Justice Training Programs
Drug Enforcement Administration Professional Development
Leadership Training Contracts
Trauma-Informed Care Initiatives

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Lack of Detailed Performance Metrics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $15,314.53 to THE HALEN GROUP INC. TITLE: TTM TRAUMA INFORMED LEADERSHIP TRAINING (TILT) GS REQUESTOR: DARLENE A FLOWERS REF AWARD/BPA: 15DDHQ18A00000008 POP DATES: 02/03/2026 TO 02/06/2026

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE HALEN GROUP INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Drug Enforcement Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15,314.53.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-02-03. End: 2026-02-06.

What is the specific curriculum and expected learning outcomes for the TILT training?

The provided data does not detail the specific curriculum or expected learning outcomes for the TILT (Trauma Informed Leadership Training). The NAICS code 611430 covers 'Professional and Management Development Training,' which is broad. To assess the value and effectiveness, further details on the training modules, instructor qualifications, and measurable objectives would be necessary. Without this, it's difficult to ascertain the precise impact on leadership capabilities or the specific application of trauma-informed principles within the DEA.

How does the cost of this training compare to similar leadership development programs within the federal government?

Comparing the cost of this $15,314.53 training program is challenging without knowing the number of participants and the specific duration beyond the award dates (Feb 3-6, 2026). However, the total award for a short, specialized leadership training is relatively modest. Government-wide, leadership training costs can range significantly, from a few hundred dollars per person for online modules to several thousand for intensive, in-person executive programs. Given the 'firm fixed price' and the likely small group size for specialized training, this award appears reasonable, though a precise per-participant benchmark is unavailable.

What is the track record of The Halen Group Inc. in providing similar training services to federal agencies?

Information regarding The Halen Group Inc.'s specific track record in providing trauma-informed leadership training to federal agencies is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance on similar contracts, client feedback, and any performance evaluations. The award being made via a BPA Call suggests some level of pre-qualification or existing relationship, but does not inherently guarantee a strong track record for this specific service.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding this contract via a BPA Call instead of full and open competition?

Awarding this contract via a BPA Call, rather than full and open competition, carries potential risks primarily related to price discovery and broader market engagement. While BPAs streamline procurement, they may limit the number of potential offerors compared to a full solicitation, potentially leading to less competitive pricing. There's also a risk that alternative, potentially more innovative or cost-effective solutions from vendors not on the BPA might be overlooked. However, for specialized, short-duration needs like this training, the efficiency gains of using a BPA can outweigh these risks if the underlying BPA was competitively sourced.

How does this spending align with broader federal initiatives related to employee well-being and leadership development?

This contract aligns with broader federal initiatives focused on enhancing employee well-being and leadership development. The emphasis on 'trauma-informed' approaches reflects a growing recognition within government and other sectors of the importance of understanding and addressing the impact of trauma on individuals and teams. Such training can contribute to a more supportive work environment, improved employee retention, and more effective management, which are key goals in federal workforce development strategies. It supports the goal of building resilient and effective leadership across agencies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Business Schools and Computer and Management Training › Professional and Management Development Training

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2001 TUNDRA CT, ANNAPOLIS, MD, 21401

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,315

Exercised Options: $15,315

Current Obligation: $15,315

Actual Outlays: $15,315

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15DDHQ23A00000048

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline