DoD Awards $34.5M for SAFE HELPLINE Support Services to RAINN, Raising Oversight Questions
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $34,524,108 ($34.5M)
Contractor: Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network Rainn
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-05-27
End Date: 2026-05-26
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $31.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: SAFE HELPLINE SUPPORT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20005
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $34.5 million to RAPE, ABUSE AND INCEST NATIONAL NETWORK RAINN for work described as: SAFE HELPLINE SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $34.5 million awarded. 2. Sole-source award to RAINN raises questions about competition and price discovery. 3. Contract duration of 1095 days (3 years) indicates long-term need. 4. Focus on sensitive support services highlights potential for high impact.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $34.5 million for three years of support services is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price represents fair market value compared to similar services.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to RAINN. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these essential support services.
Public Impact
Provides critical support services to victims of sexual assault. Ensures continuity of care for a vulnerable population. Potential for improved access to resources and counseling.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Sole-source award
- Potential for overpricing
Positive Signals
- Essential service provision
- Experienced provider (RAINN)
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under individual and family services, a sector that often requires specialized and sensitive support. Benchmarking is difficult without comparable sole-source contracts.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses could have provided these services.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the services are delivered effectively and at a reasonable cost.
Related Government Programs
- Other Individual and Family Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Human Resources Activity Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competitive bidding
- Potential for inflated costs
- Limited transparency in award process
- No clear small business participation
Tags
other-individual-and-family-services, department-of-defense, dc, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $34.5 million to RAPE, ABUSE AND INCEST NATIONAL NETWORK RAINN. SAFE HELPLINE SUPPORT SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RAPE, ABUSE AND INCEST NATIONAL NETWORK RAINN.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Human Resources Activity).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $34.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-05-27. End: 2026-05-26.
What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps were taken to ensure fair pricing?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities or circumstances where only one provider can meet the requirement. Without detailed documentation, it's impossible to confirm the specific reasons. To ensure fair pricing, agencies should conduct market research and potentially negotiate pricing with the sole provider, referencing industry benchmarks or historical data where available.
What are the risks associated with providing sensitive support services through a sole-source contract, particularly regarding accountability and quality assurance?
Sole-source contracts can pose risks to accountability and quality assurance because there's no competitive pressure to drive performance. For sensitive services like those provided by SAFE HELPLINE, this could mean less incentive for the contractor to innovate or improve service delivery. Robust performance metrics, regular reviews, and clear communication channels are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure high-quality support.
How does the $34.5 million investment in SAFE HELPLINE support services align with the Department of Defense's broader goals for victim support and readiness?
This significant investment underscores the DoD's commitment to supporting service members and their families affected by sexual assault. By ensuring the continuity of essential services like the SAFE HELPLINE, the DoD aims to provide critical resources, promote healing, and maintain personnel readiness. The effectiveness of this investment will be measured by the accessibility and quality of support provided to those in need.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Individual and Family Services › Other Individual and Family Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: H9821023R0010
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1220 L ST NW SUITE 505, WASHINGTON, DC, 20005
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $60,355,653
Exercised Options: $34,524,108
Current Obligation: $34,524,108
Actual Outlays: $2,680,410
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-05-27
Current End Date: 2026-05-26
Potential End Date: 2028-05-26 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-26
More Contracts from Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network Rainn
- Safe Helpline Support Services — $24.4M (Department of Defense)
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