DHS Spends $47.7M on Aurora, CO Detention Services via Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $47,687,273 ($47.7M)

Contractor: THE GEO Group, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2018-09-16

End Date: 2019-09-15

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $131.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: DETENTION SERVICES FOR AURORA, CO CDF

Place of Performance

Location: AURORA, ADAMS County, COLORADO, 80010

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $47.7 million to THE GEO GROUP, INC. for work described as: DETENTION SERVICES FOR AURORA, CO CDF Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $47.7 million for detention services. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk is moderate, tied to service delivery and potential cost overruns. 4. Sector is Facilities Support Services, a critical but often scrutinized area.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $47.7 million for a 364-day period appears high for detention services. Benchmarking against similar contracts is needed to assess if the pricing is competitive.

Cost Per Unit: $131,009 (per day)

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, which typically allows for the widest range of potential bidders and can drive competitive pricing. However, the final price is determined by the delivery order.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for detention services, with the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of this contract impacting overall spending.

Public Impact

Impacts individuals in immigration proceedings requiring detention. Affects local economy through service provision and employment. Raises questions about the cost and necessity of private detention facilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • High per-unit cost.
  • Potential for service quality issues in detention.
  • Reliance on private contractors for essential government functions.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded through full and open competition.
  • Clear contract duration and delivery order structure.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Facilities Support Services, specifically detention operations. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on demand, policy, and provider efficiency. Benchmarks are difficult without specific service level data.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further investigation would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is crucial for ensuring service quality, adherence to regulations, and proper financial management. The effectiveness of this oversight is key to taxpayer value.

Related Government Programs

  • Facilities Support Services
  • Department of Homeland Security Contracting
  • U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Programs

Risk Flags

  • High per-unit cost.
  • Potential for service quality issues.
  • Reliance on private sector for detention.
  • Lack of transparency on small business participation.

Tags

facilities-support-services, department-of-homeland-security, co, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $47.7 million to THE GEO GROUP, INC.. DETENTION SERVICES FOR AURORA, CO CDF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE GEO GROUP, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $47.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-09-16. End: 2019-09-15.

What is the benchmark per-unit cost for similar detention services contracts, and how does this contract compare?

Benchmarking per-unit costs for detention services is complex due to variations in facility type, location, security levels, and included services. However, a daily cost of $131,009 for a 364-day contract suggests a high price point. Further analysis comparing average daily rates for similar facilities and populations served by ICE would be necessary to definitively assess value.

What are the primary risks associated with this detention services contract, and how are they mitigated?

Key risks include potential deficiencies in service quality, inmate welfare concerns, and cost overruns. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust contract oversight by ICE, performance standards, site inspections, and grievance procedures. The effectiveness of these measures in practice is critical to managing risks and ensuring accountability for the contractor.

How effectively does this contract serve its intended purpose of providing detention services, considering the cost?

The effectiveness of this contract hinges on ICE's ability to ensure the provider meets all operational, safety, and humanitarian standards while managing costs. While the contract was competitively awarded, the high per-unit cost raises questions about efficiency. A comprehensive review of performance metrics, incident reports, and cost-benefit analysis would be needed to fully assess its effectiveness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation ServicesFacilities Support ServicesFacilities Support Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPINGHOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 621 NW 53RD ST STE 700, BOCA RATON, FL, 33487

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $47,687,273

Exercised Options: $47,687,273

Current Obligation: $47,687,273

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSCEDM11D00003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2018-09-16

Current End Date: 2019-09-15

Potential End Date: 2020-03-25 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2021-06-28

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