DHS awards $14.3M janitorial contract to Training, Rehabilitation, & Development Institute, Inc. for RGV Sector

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,302,870 ($14.3M)

Contractor: Training, Rehabilitation, & Development Institute, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-05-01

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.6K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: BASE YEAR JANITORIAL & GROUNDS KEEPING SERVICES RGV SECTOR.

Place of Performance

Location: EDINBURG, HIDALGO County, TEXAS, 78542

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $14.3 million to TRAINING, REHABILITATION, & DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE, INC. for work described as: BASE YEAR JANITORIAL & GROUNDS KEEPING SERVICES RGV SECTOR. Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a firm-fixed-price basis, indicating clear cost expectations. 2. The contract duration is 729 days, suggesting a medium-term service requirement. 3. The award was not competed, raising questions about potential cost savings through competition. 4. The contractor, Training, Rehabilitation, & Development Institute, Inc., has a track record with federal agencies. 5. This contract falls under Facilities Support Services, a common category for government operations. 6. The base year value is $14.3 million, providing a significant financial commitment.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this janitorial and groundskeeping contract is challenging without comparable bids or detailed service scope. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, but the absence of competition means potential savings from a competitive bidding process are foregone. The contractor's ability to deliver services at this price point will be a key indicator of value over the contract term. Further analysis would require understanding the specific service levels and performance metrics tied to this award.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not open to competition from other potential vendors. While sole-source awards can be justified for specific reasons, such as unique capabilities or urgent needs, they limit the government's ability to leverage market competition to secure the best possible pricing and service. The lack of multiple bids means there is no direct comparison to assess if this price is competitive.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not be receiving the most cost-effective solution due to the absence of competitive bidding, which typically drives down prices and encourages innovation.

Public Impact

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will benefit from maintained facilities in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) sector. Services include janitorial and groundskeeping, ensuring a clean and safe operational environment. The geographic impact is concentrated in Texas, supporting border security operations. The contract supports the operational needs of federal law enforcement agencies. This contract likely supports local employment through the contractor's workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to higher costs than a competed contract.
Sole-source award requires strong justification to ensure taxpayer value.
Performance monitoring is crucial to ensure service quality meets expectations.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Contract duration allows for stable service provision.
Contractor is established and has prior federal experience.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Facilities Support Services sector, which encompasses a wide range of services necessary for the operation and maintenance of government facilities. This sector is characterized by numerous providers, from large corporations to specialized small businesses. Government spending in this area is consistent, supporting the day-to-day functioning of agencies. Benchmarking against similar janitorial and groundskeeping contracts for federal agencies of comparable size and scope would provide further context on pricing and service delivery.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears limited unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting. Further investigation into the contractor's subcontracting plan would be necessary to fully assess its impact on small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily reside with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection contracting officers and program managers. They are responsible for monitoring performance, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and approving payments. The contract's firm-fixed-price nature simplifies some aspects of financial oversight, but performance quality remains a key area for scrutiny. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases, but detailed performance reports are typically internal.

Related Government Programs

Federal Facilities Maintenance Contracts
Government Janitorial Services
Groundskeeping Services Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Operations Support

Risk Flags

Sole-source award may limit cost-effectiveness.
Performance monitoring is critical due to lack of competition.
Contract value is substantial, requiring diligent oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $14.3 million to TRAINING, REHABILITATION, & DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE, INC.. BASE YEAR JANITORIAL & GROUNDS KEEPING SERVICES RGV SECTOR.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRAINING, REHABILITATION, & DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-05-01. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the track record of Training, Rehabilitation, & Development Institute, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly in facilities support?

Training, Rehabilitation, & Development Institute, Inc. has a history of receiving federal contracts. While specific details on their performance across all contracts require deeper investigation, their ability to secure this sole-source award from the Department of Homeland Security suggests a level of established capability or a specific niche that met the agency's requirements. Further analysis would involve examining past performance reviews, any reported issues or successes, and the types of services they have previously provided to federal entities. Understanding their experience with similar-sized contracts and their performance in facilities support specifically would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and effectiveness.

How does the $14.3 million base year cost compare to similar janitorial and groundskeeping contracts?

Directly comparing the $14.3 million base year cost without detailed service scope, performance metrics, and geographic specifics is difficult. However, for a contract covering janitorial and groundskeeping services for a significant sector like the RGV Sector of U.S. Customs and Border Protection over approximately two years, this figure represents a substantial investment. To benchmark effectively, one would need to identify contracts with similar service levels, square footage, frequency of service, and labor costs in comparable regions. The absence of competition makes a direct price-to-price comparison impossible, but the scale of the award suggests a comprehensive service requirement.

What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source award for essential services like janitorial and groundskeeping?

The primary risks associated with a sole-source award for essential services are the potential for inflated costs due to the lack of competitive pressure, and a reduced incentive for the contractor to innovate or exceed basic service requirements. Without competing bids, the government cannot be certain it is receiving the best value for its money. Furthermore, if the sole-source contractor underperforms, the process of finding and transitioning to a new provider can be lengthy and disruptive, especially for critical operational support. Robust performance monitoring and clear contract terms are essential to mitigate these risks.

What is the expected effectiveness of these services in supporting CBP operations in the RGV Sector?

The effectiveness of these janitorial and groundskeeping services is expected to be high in supporting CBP operations in the RGV Sector by ensuring a clean, safe, and functional working environment. Well-maintained facilities contribute to the morale and productivity of personnel, reduce health and safety hazards, and project a professional image. For border operations, this includes maintaining border stations, offices, and surrounding grounds, which are critical for personnel engaged in demanding duties. The effectiveness will ultimately depend on the contractor's adherence to the service level agreements and the government's diligent oversight.

What are the historical spending patterns for janitorial and groundskeeping services by DHS or CBP in similar sectors?

Historical spending patterns for janitorial and groundskeeping services by DHS or CBP in similar sectors would provide valuable context for this $14.3 million award. Analyzing past contracts for facilities support in other border sectors or large operational hubs could reveal average contract values, durations, and pricing structures. This analysis would help determine if the current award is consistent with historical investments, or if it represents an increase or decrease in spending. Such a review is crucial for understanding budget trends and ensuring fiscal responsibility in ongoing procurement decisions.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 425 SOLEDAD ST STE 800, SAN ANTONIO, TX, 78205

Business Categories: AbilityOne Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $35,578,861

Exercised Options: $14,302,870

Current Obligation: $14,302,870

Actual Outlays: $9,408,907

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline