DOJ awards $14.3M for El Centro detention services, highlighting facilities support needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,256,841 ($14.3M)

Contractor: GEO Secure Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-11-01

End Date: 2027-10-31

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: DETENTION SERVICES CONTRACT FOR GOVERNMENT OWNED CONTRACTOR OPERATED FACILITY IN EL CENTRO, CA. PROVIDE FUNDING AS INDICATED FOR THE SPECIFIED PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE 11/01/2025 - 10/31/2027

Place of Performance

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

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $14.3 million to GEO SECURE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: DETENTION SERVICES CONTRACT FOR GOVERNMENT OWNED CONTRACTOR OPERATED FACILITY IN EL CENTRO, CA. PROVIDE FUNDING AS INDICATED FOR THE SPECIFIED PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE 11/01/2025 - 10/31/2027 Key points: 1. Contract addresses essential detention services, indicating ongoing demand for secure facility operations. 2. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs for the specified performance period. 3. Competition dynamics for this contract will be crucial in assessing value for taxpayer funds. 4. Performance context is tied to the operational requirements of the U.S. Marshals Service. 5. Sector positioning is within facilities support services, a critical component of government operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $14.3 million over two years for detention services in El Centro, CA, requires careful benchmarking against similar facilities support contracts. Without specific per-unit cost data or comparisons to other government-owned, contractor-operated facilities, assessing the precise value for money is challenging. However, the firm-fixed-price contract type suggests an attempt to establish predictable costs for the U.S. Marshals Service.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This competitive process is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers. The number of bidders and the specifics of the solicitation would provide further insight into the intensity of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition suggests that taxpayers benefit from a more rigorous process that aims to secure the best possible price and service quality through market forces.

Public Impact

Benefits federal law enforcement agencies by providing necessary detention capacity. Delivers essential services for the secure housing of individuals in federal custody. Geographic impact is concentrated in El Centro, California, supporting regional operational needs. Workforce implications include job creation for facility management, security, and support staff in the local area.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if operational demands exceed initial projections under a fixed-price contract.
Ensuring consistent service quality and adherence to detention standards throughout the contract period.
Monitoring contractor performance to mitigate risks associated with facility management and security.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Contract duration aligns with anticipated operational needs for detention services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Facilities Support Services sector, a broad category encompassing a range of services necessary for the operation and maintenance of government facilities. The market for detention services is specialized, often involving significant security and logistical considerations. Benchmarking would involve comparing this contract's value to other detention facility contracts managed by federal agencies, considering factors like capacity, location, and service scope.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and does not explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if opportunities exist for small businesses to participate in subcontracting roles within this larger facilities support contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the U.S. Marshals Service, with potential involvement from the Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General. Accountability measures would be defined in the contract terms, focusing on performance standards, reporting requirements, and adherence to operational protocols. Transparency is facilitated through contract award data, though detailed operational oversight mechanisms are typically internal.

Related Government Programs

Federal Detention Center Operations
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Facilities
Bureau of Prisons Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Detention Services

Risk Flags

Potential for service quality degradation if contractor faces cost pressures.
Need for rigorous oversight to ensure compliance with security and welfare standards.
Dependence on contractor performance for critical government function.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $14.3 million to GEO SECURE SERVICES, LLC. DETENTION SERVICES CONTRACT FOR GOVERNMENT OWNED CONTRACTOR OPERATED FACILITY IN EL CENTRO, CA. PROVIDE FUNDING AS INDICATED FOR THE SPECIFIED PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE 11/01/2025 - 10/31/2027

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 $14.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-11-01. End: 2027-10-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for detention services in El Centro, CA, by the U.S. Marshals Service?

Historical spending data for detention services in El Centro, CA, by the U.S. Marshals Service is not directly available in the provided data. This contract represents a new award for a specific period (11/01/2025 - 10/31/2027). To understand historical patterns, one would need to access past contract awards for similar services in the same geographic region, potentially from the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or agency-specific databases. Analyzing prior contracts would reveal trends in contract duration, value, and the number of competitors, offering insights into the sustained need and cost evolution of these services.

How does the per-day cost of this detention contract compare to national averages for similar facilities?

Calculating the per-day cost requires dividing the total contract value by the number of days in the performance period. For this contract, the total value is $14,256,841.08 over 729 days (November 1, 2025, to October 31, 2027). This results in a per-day cost of approximately $19,557. To compare this to national averages, data on per-day costs for similar government-owned, contractor-operated detention facilities would be needed. Such data often varies significantly based on location, security levels, inmate population, and services provided. Without specific benchmark data for comparable facilities, it is difficult to definitively state whether this per-day cost is high or low.

What are the specific performance metrics and service level agreements (SLAs) outlined in this contract?

The provided data snippet does not detail the specific performance metrics or service level agreements (SLAs) for this detention services contract. Typically, such contracts include rigorous standards for facility security, inmate welfare, staffing levels, food services, medical care, and emergency response. The U.S. Marshals Service would have established these metrics to ensure the contractor, GEO Secure Services, LLC, meets operational requirements and maintains safety and security. Failure to meet these SLAs would likely result in penalties or corrective actions as stipulated in the full contract document.

What is the track record of GEO Secure Services, LLC in managing similar federal detention facilities?

GEO Secure Services, LLC is a known entity in the corrections and detention services industry. As a subsidiary of The GEO Group, Inc., it has a significant track record in managing government-owned, contractor-operated (GOCO) facilities across the United States. Their experience typically includes providing secure housing, inmate management, and related support services for various federal agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. A thorough assessment of their track record would involve reviewing past performance evaluations, any documented instances of contract non-compliance, and their history of meeting security and operational standards in similar GOCO facilities.

What are the potential risks associated with a firm-fixed-price contract for detention services?

A firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract for detention services, while offering cost certainty to the government, carries potential risks. If unforeseen operational challenges arise, such as unexpected increases in inmate population, security incidents requiring extensive resources, or escalating labor and supply costs, the contractor may face financial strain. This could potentially lead to a decline in service quality if the contractor seeks to cut costs to maintain profitability. Conversely, if the contractor is highly efficient and manages costs effectively, the government might be paying a premium compared to a cost-reimbursable contract where savings could be shared. Robust oversight is crucial to ensure the contractor fulfills all obligations despite cost pressures.

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: $47,607,584

Exercised Options: $47,607,584

Current Obligation: $14,256,841

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