DHS Awards $453M Contract for Texas Detention Center Services to Amentum Services, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $452,855,435 ($452.9M)
Contractor: Amentum Services, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2026-03-13
End Date: 2026-09-30
Sector: Other
Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE DETENTION, TRANSPORTATION AND MEDICAL SERVICES AT THE CAMP EAST MONTANA TEMPORARY DETENTION CENTER IN EL PASO, TX.
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $452.9 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC. for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE DETENTION, TRANSPORTATION AND MEDICAL SERVICES AT THE CAMP EAST MONTANA TEMPORARY DETENTION CENTER IN EL PASO, TX. Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $453M for detention, transportation, and medical services. 2. Amentum Services, Inc. is the sole contractor for this large-scale operation. 3. Potential risks include service quality, cost overruns, and contractor performance. 4. The contract falls within the 'Other' sector due to its specialized nature.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value is substantial, but without benchmarks for similar detention and medical service contracts, assessing its pricing reasonableness is difficult. The lack of competitive bidding raises concerns about potential overpricing.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This appears to be a sole-source award, which limits price discovery and competitive pressure. The justification for a sole-source award needs careful scrutiny to ensure fair pricing and value for taxpayer money.
Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this large contract may result in higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitively bid contract.
Public Impact
Impacts individuals requiring detention services in El Paso, TX. Ensures provision of essential medical care for detainees. Supports operational capacity for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award
- High contract value
- Potential for service quality issues
- Lack of transparency in pricing
Positive Signals
- Ensures critical services are provided
- Long-term contract provides stability
Sector Analysis
This contract is for detention, transportation, and medical services, which is a specialized area often managed by private contractors. Benchmarking is difficult without specific data on similar government detention facility operations.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication of small business participation in this contract award. Opportunities for small businesses to subcontract or provide ancillary services should be explored.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be critical to ensure Amentum Services, Inc. meets all contractual obligations, particularly regarding the quality of detention, transportation, and medical services. Regular performance reviews and audits are essential.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award lacks competition
- High contract value increases financial risk
- Potential for service delivery failures
- Ensuring adequate medical care is critical
- Contract duration extends beyond current fiscal year
Tags
department-of-homeland-security, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $452.9 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC.. THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE DETENTION, TRANSPORTATION AND MEDICAL SERVICES AT THE CAMP EAST MONTANA TEMPORARY DETENTION CENTER IN EL PASO, TX.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AMENTUM SERVICES, 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 $452.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-03-13. End: 2026-09-30.
What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps were taken to ensure fair and reasonable pricing?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or lack of market competition. Without specific details, it's difficult to assess the fairness of pricing. Agencies should provide detailed justifications and potentially conduct price analyses even in sole-source situations to protect taxpayer interests and ensure value.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will Amentum's performance be measured to ensure quality of services?
Key performance indicators should cover all aspects of the contract, including timely transportation, quality of medical care, facility safety, and detainee welfare. Performance will likely be measured through regular reporting, site visits, inspections, and potentially through a performance-based payment structure tied to meeting specific standards.
What is the potential long-term cost implication for taxpayers if this sole-source contract is extended or renewed without competitive bidding?
If this sole-source contract is extended or renewed without competition, taxpayers could face continued higher costs due to the absence of market-driven price reductions. A lack of competition can disincentivize efficiency and innovation, leading to sustained or increased spending over time compared to what might be achieved through a competitive process.
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