DHS awards $8.2M for Religious Services at ICE Centers, contract runs through April 2026
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $8,199,149 ($8.2M)
Contractor: Jesuit Refugee Service USA
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2020-01-29
End Date: 2026-04-27
Contract Duration: 2,280 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.6K/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: RELIGIOUS SERVICES AT ICE SERVICE PROCESSING CENTERS
Place of Performance
Location: LOS FRESNOS, CAMERON County, TEXAS, 78566
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $8.2 million to JESUIT REFUGEE SERVICE USA for work described as: RELIGIOUS SERVICES AT ICE SERVICE PROCESSING CENTERS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Jesuit Refugee Service USA for religious services. 2. Spending is concentrated in Texas, with a firm fixed price structure. 3. The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 4. No small business participation was noted in the award.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award amount of $8.2 million over approximately 6.7 years suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar contracts for social or support services within government agencies would be necessary for a precise value assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a less extensive competition process than full and open competition. This method may limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to provide religious services to individuals in ICE processing centers. The value and necessity of these services in relation to the cost warrant consideration.
Public Impact
Provides spiritual and religious support to detainees within ICE facilities. Services are delivered by a non-profit organization with a focus on refugee assistance. Contract duration extends over several years, indicating ongoing need for these services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP
- No small business participation
Positive Signals
- Provides essential support services to a vulnerable population
- Awarded to an established non-profit organization
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under social services or support services within the broader government contracting landscape. Benchmarks for similar services, such as counseling or community support, could provide context for the spending level.
Small Business Impact
The award notice indicates no small business participation. This suggests that the prime contractor, Jesuit Refugee Service USA, is not utilizing small businesses as subcontractors for this specific contract.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would involve monitoring the quality and necessity of the religious services provided, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and verifying that funds are used appropriately by the Department of Homeland Security and ICE.
Related Government Programs
- Religious Organizations
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for overpayment due to limited competition
- Lack of transparency in service scope
- No small business utilization
- Long contract duration may not reflect current needs
Tags
religious-organizations, department-of-homeland-security, tx, purchase-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $8.2 million to JESUIT REFUGEE SERVICE USA. RELIGIOUS SERVICES AT ICE SERVICE PROCESSING CENTERS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is JESUIT REFUGEE SERVICE USA.
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 $8.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-01-29. End: 2026-04-27.
What is the specific scope of 'religious services' covered under this contract, and how is their necessity determined for individuals in ICE processing centers?
The specific scope of 'religious services' is not detailed in the provided data but typically includes pastoral care, religious counseling, and facilitation of religious services for various faiths. Necessity is often determined by the recognized need for spiritual well-being among detainees, aligning with constitutional rights and humanitarian considerations within detention facilities.
Given the limited competition under SAP, what mechanisms are in place to ensure the government is receiving fair market value for these services?
While SAP limits formal competition, agencies are still required to obtain fair and reasonable prices. This can involve market research, comparing prices to similar services, or using established price lists. However, the lack of broad competition inherently reduces the pressure for the lowest possible price.
How does the provision of these services impact the overall effectiveness and humanitarian mission of ICE processing centers?
Providing religious services can contribute to the overall well-being and mental health of detainees, potentially leading to a more stable environment within processing centers. This can indirectly support the effectiveness of operations by addressing a fundamental human need, aligning with humanitarian principles.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Religious Organizations › Religious Organizations
Product/Service Code: SOCIAL SERVICES › SOCIAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 70CDCR20R00000004
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1016 16TH ST NW STE 200, WASHINGTON, DC, 20036
Business Categories: Category Business, Community Development Corporation, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $8,199,149
Exercised Options: $8,199,149
Current Obligation: $8,199,149
Actual Outlays: $4,044,196
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-01-29
Current End Date: 2026-04-27
Potential End Date: 2026-04-27 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-28
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