DOJ's $31.7M detention services contract awarded to Geo Secure Services, LLC for El Centro Service Processing Center

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,735,450 ($31.7M)

Contractor: GEO Secure Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2021-12-23

End Date: 2022-12-22

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $87.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: COMPREHENSIVE DETENTION SERVICES FOR THE EL CENTRO SERVICE PROCESSING CENTER LOCATED IN EL CENTRO, CA

Place of Performance

Location: BOCA RATON, PALM BEACH County, FLORIDA, 33431

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $31.7 million to GEO SECURE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: COMPREHENSIVE DETENTION SERVICES FOR THE EL CENTRO SERVICE PROCESSING CENTER LOCATED IN EL CENTRO, CA Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is for detention services, a critical function for the U.S. Marshals Service. 3. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide predictability. 4. The duration of the contract is one year, indicating a short-term need or a contract vehicle for ongoing services. 5. The contract value is substantial, reflecting the operational costs of detention facilities. 6. No small business set-aside was noted, which may impact small business participation.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $31.7 million for one year of detention services at the El Centro Service Processing Center appears to be within a reasonable range for such operations, though direct comparisons are difficult without more specific service level agreements and facility details. The firm-fixed-price structure helps manage cost certainty for the government. Benchmarking against similar contracts for detention services would provide a clearer picture of value for money, but the scale of this contract suggests significant operational requirements.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The open competition suggests that the U.S. Marshals Service sought the best value through a broad solicitation process.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages multiple companies to bid, potentially driving down costs and improving the quality of services offered, leading to more efficient use of public funds.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Marshals Service, which receives essential detention services for processing individuals. The contract ensures the provision of secure and humane detention facilities, contributing to public safety and the administration of justice. The geographic impact is localized to El Centro, California, where the Service Processing Center is located. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for security personnel, administrative staff, and support services at the facility.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of transparency on the number of bidders in the full and open competition limits assessment of the true competitive intensity.
Absence of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of the detention services provided.
The firm-fixed-price contract, while offering cost certainty, could incentivize cost-cutting that might impact service quality if not rigorously monitored.
No indication of small business subcontracting goals or achievements, potentially limiting opportunities for smaller enterprises.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust process to select the most capable and cost-effective provider.
The firm-fixed-price contract type provides budget certainty for the U.S. Marshals Service.
The contract addresses a critical government need for detention services, ensuring operational continuity.
The contractor, Geo Secure Services, LLC, is responsible for providing essential support to the justice system.

Sector Analysis

The detention services sector is a critical component of the public safety and justice system. This contract falls under Facilities Support Services, a broad category that includes the management and operation of various types of facilities. The market for detention services is often characterized by specialized providers who must meet stringent regulatory and security requirements. Spending in this sector is driven by law enforcement needs and judicial processes, with contracts often being significant due to the operational intensity and security demands.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. This means that larger, established companies were likely the primary bidders. The absence of a small business set-aside or specific subcontracting requirements could limit the direct participation of small businesses in fulfilling this contract, potentially impacting the small business ecosystem in this sector unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages them.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the U.S. Marshals Service, the contracting agency. They are responsible for monitoring contractor performance against the terms of the firm-fixed-price agreement and ensuring compliance with all federal regulations and facility standards. Accountability is established through contract clauses and performance reviews. Transparency is typically managed through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though detailed operational oversight information may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Federal Bureau of Prisons Contracts
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Detention Contracts
State and Local Law Enforcement Support Services
Corrections and Detention Facility Management

Risk Flags

Potential for service quality degradation under fixed-price contract if not adequately monitored.
Risk of contractor non-compliance with stringent detention facility standards.
Dependence on contractor performance for critical government function.
Limited visibility into specific performance metrics and outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $31.7 million to GEO SECURE SERVICES, LLC. COMPREHENSIVE DETENTION SERVICES FOR THE EL CENTRO SERVICE PROCESSING CENTER LOCATED IN EL CENTRO, CA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GEO SECURE SERVICES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (U.S. Marshals Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $31.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-12-23. End: 2022-12-22.

What is the track record of Geo Secure Services, LLC in providing detention services?

Information regarding the specific track record of Geo Secure Services, LLC in providing detention services is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, any documented disputes or contract terminations, and the duration and scope of their previous contracts with government agencies. Understanding their history with similar facilities and populations served would be crucial to evaluating their capability and reliability for this El Centro Service Processing Center contract. Further research into their contract history with the U.S. Marshals Service or other relevant agencies would be necessary.

How does the cost of this contract compare to similar detention service contracts?

Direct cost comparison for this $31.7 million contract is challenging without detailed service level agreements, facility capacity, and specific operational requirements (e.g., security levels, medical services, staffing ratios). However, the firm-fixed-price nature suggests a defined scope and budget. To benchmark effectively, one would need to analyze contracts for facilities of similar size and function, considering geographic location (which impacts labor and operational costs) and the specific services mandated by the U.S. Marshals Service. The annual cost per bed or per detainee would be a key metric for comparison if such data were available.

What are the primary risks associated with this detention services contract?

Key risks include potential issues with contractor performance in maintaining security and safety standards, ensuring humane treatment of detainees, and managing operational costs within the fixed-price structure. There's also a risk of unforeseen events (e.g., facility damage, security breaches, changes in detainee population) that could strain resources or require contract modifications. Compliance with evolving federal regulations and standards for detention facilities presents an ongoing risk. Furthermore, reliance on a single contractor for critical services introduces operational risk if the contractor fails to perform adequately.

How effective is the U.S. Marshals Service in overseeing contracts of this nature?

The effectiveness of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in overseeing detention contracts is generally assessed through their contract management processes, performance monitoring, and audit procedures. The USMS has established protocols for managing contracts, including site visits, performance reviews, and financial oversight. However, the effectiveness can vary based on resource allocation, the expertise of contract officers, and the transparency of reporting mechanisms. Publicly available Inspector General reports or GAO audits related to USMS detention contracts could offer insights into their oversight effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

What are historical spending patterns for detention services by the U.S. Marshals Service?

Historical spending patterns for detention services by the U.S. Marshals Service typically show a significant and often increasing trend due to fluctuating detainee populations and the costs associated with facility management and security. The USMS relies heavily on contracted services for detention, as it operates fewer government-owned facilities compared to agencies like the Bureau of Prisons. Annual spending can fluctuate based on policy changes, enforcement priorities, and judicial backlogs. Analyzing multi-year spending data from the USMS budget and contract databases would reveal trends in contract values, types of services procured, and the geographic distribution of spending.

What is the typical duration and value range for similar detention service contracts?

Detention service contracts can vary widely in duration and value. Contracts can range from short-term (one to two years) for immediate needs or specific operations, to longer-term (five years or more) for comprehensive facility management. Values are highly dependent on the size of the facility, the number of detainees housed, the level of security required, and the scope of services (e.g., including healthcare, food services, transportation). Annual values can range from a few million dollars for smaller facilities to tens or even hundreds of millions for large-scale operations. This $31.7 million contract for a one-year term appears to be within a moderate range for a service processing center.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Facilities Support Services › Facilities Support Services

Product/Service Code: OPERATION OF GOVT OWNED FACILITY › OPERATE GOVT OWNED BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: THE GEO Group, Inc.

Address: 4955 TECHNOLOGY WAY, BOCA RATON, FL, 33431

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $31,735,450

Exercised Options: $31,735,450

Current Obligation: $31,735,450

Actual Outlays: $14,564,220

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15M40020DA3500004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline