DHS/ICE contract for detention management services awarded to The GEO Group, Inc. for over $22.9 million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,991,033 ($23.0M)

Contractor: THE GEO Group, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2013-09-16

End Date: 2014-09-15

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $63.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF CRITICAL FUNCTION. DETENTION MANAGMENT, MEDICAL SERVICES, TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, FOOD SERVICES FOR DHS/ICE AUROROA, CO AT GEO GROUP COCA FACILITY.

Place of Performance

Location: AURORA, ADAMS County, COLORADO, 80010

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $23.0 million to THE GEO GROUP, INC. for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF CRITICAL FUNCTION. DETENTION MANAGMENT, MEDICAL SERVICES, TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, FOOD SERVICES FOR DHS/ICE AUROROA, CO AT GEO GROUP COCA FACILITY. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on essential support services for detention facilities, including medical, transportation, and food services. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a broad market search for qualified providers. 3. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs by establishing a set price for services. 4. The contract duration of one year with a potential for extension indicates a need for ongoing operational support. 5. The geographic focus is Aurora, Colorado, serving a specific regional requirement for ICE detention services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific contract is challenging without more detailed service level agreements and performance metrics. However, the total award of over $22.9 million for a one-year period for comprehensive detention support services, including medical and food, appears to be within a reasonable range for such operations. Comparisons to similar ICE detention contracts would provide a clearer picture of cost-effectiveness. The firm fixed-price structure suggests an attempt to manage cost overruns, but the ultimate value depends on the quality and efficiency of services delivered.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that the agency sought proposals from all responsible sources. The number of bidders is not specified, but this procurement method generally fosters price discovery and allows the government to select the best value offering. The open competition suggests that multiple companies were capable of providing these specialized services, potentially leading to competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition as it increases the likelihood of obtaining services at a fair market price and encourages a wider pool of contractors to compete, potentially driving down costs.

Public Impact

Immigrants in DHS/ICE detention facilities in Aurora, Colorado, benefit from the provision of essential services. Services delivered include critical functions such as detention management, medical care, transportation, and food services. The geographic impact is localized to the Aurora, Colorado area, supporting federal detention operations there. The contract supports the operational workforce required to manage and staff detention facilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost creep if scope of services expands beyond initial agreement.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical services like medical care necessitates robust oversight.
Contract performance is dependent on the contractor's ability to manage complex logistical and personnel requirements.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract type helps to establish cost certainty.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process was utilized.
Contract addresses essential support functions for a critical government mission.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Facilities Support Services sector, specifically catering to government-operated or contracted detention facilities. The market for these services is driven by government demand for secure and managed environments for individuals in federal custody. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for detention management, correctional facility operations, and related support services across federal agencies like DHS, DOJ, and DOD.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (sb: false) and does not specify any small business subcontracting requirements (ss: false). Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears minimal for this specific award. However, larger prime contractors like The GEO Group, Inc. may engage small businesses for specialized support services, though this is not explicitly detailed in the provided information.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a component of DHS. Accountability measures would be defined in the contract's statement of work and performance standards. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports may not always be publicly accessible. Inspector General jurisdiction would likely reside with the DHS Office of Inspector General.

Related Government Programs

DHS/ICE Detention Operations
Federal Law Enforcement Support Services
Correctional Facility Management Contracts
Government Medical Services Contracts
Government Food Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Contractor Performance History
Service Quality and Standards
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Workforce Management and Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $23.0 million to THE GEO GROUP, INC.. IGF::CT::IGF CRITICAL FUNCTION. DETENTION MANAGMENT, MEDICAL SERVICES, TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, FOOD SERVICES FOR DHS/ICE AUROROA, CO AT GEO GROUP COCA FACILITY.

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 $23.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-09-16. End: 2014-09-15.

What is the historical spending pattern for detention management and related services by DHS/ICE in the Aurora, Colorado region?

Analyzing historical spending for DHS/ICE detention management and related services in Aurora, Colorado, requires examining contract awards over several fiscal years. This specific contract, awarded in 2013 for a one-year term, represents a snapshot of spending during that period. To understand the broader pattern, one would need to aggregate data on all contracts issued by ICE for facility operations, medical services, food services, and transportation within that geographic area. This would reveal trends in contract values, durations, and the primary contractors utilized. For instance, if ICE has consistently relied on a few key providers for these services over many years, it might indicate a stable but potentially less competitive market. Conversely, a fluctuating landscape of contractors could suggest evolving market dynamics or changes in agency strategy. Without access to a comprehensive database of all ICE contracts in that region, a detailed historical spending pattern cannot be fully elucidated from this single data point.

How does the per-unit cost of services under this contract compare to similar ICE detention facilities?

Determining the per-unit cost for this contract requires breaking down the total award amount ($22.9 million) by the number of detainees served or the number of bed-days provided over the contract period. For example, if the facility housed an average of 500 detainees per day for 365 days, the cost per detainee per day would be approximately $125. Comparing this figure to per-unit costs at other ICE detention facilities, both government-operated and contractor-operated, is crucial for assessing value. Factors such as the level of medical care provided, the quality of food services, and the specific security requirements of the facility can significantly influence these costs. A higher per-unit cost might be justified by more comprehensive medical services or higher security standards. Conversely, a significantly lower per-unit cost could indicate greater efficiency or potentially lower service quality. Benchmarking against industry standards and similar contracts is essential for a thorough value assessment.

What are the specific performance metrics and quality assurance measures included in this contract?

The provided data does not detail the specific performance metrics or quality assurance measures for this contract. Typically, such contracts include a Performance Work Statement (PWS) that outlines required services, performance standards, and acceptable quality levels. For detention management, metrics might include response times for medical emergencies, food safety and sanitation compliance, transportation timeliness, and facility maintenance standards. Quality assurance would involve government monitoring, inspections, and potentially performance-based payments or penalties tied to meeting these metrics. Without the PWS and associated quality assurance surveillance plans, it is impossible to assess how contractor performance is measured and enforced, which is critical for ensuring the effective and humane operation of detention facilities.

What is the track record of The GEO Group, Inc. in managing similar ICE detention contracts?

The GEO Group, Inc. is a major private operator of correctional and detention facilities in the United States, and has a long history of contracting with federal agencies, including ICE and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Their track record in managing similar ICE detention contracts is extensive, encompassing numerous facilities across the country. Reviews of their performance often highlight both operational capacity and challenges. While they are experienced in providing a wide range of services, including detention management, healthcare, and food services, they have also faced scrutiny and criticism regarding conditions within their facilities, staffing levels, and instances of non-compliance with contract requirements or safety standards. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing specific contract performance reports, IG audits, and any litigation or enforcement actions related to their ICE contracts.

What is the potential impact of this contract on the local workforce in Aurora, Colorado?

This contract for detention management and support services likely creates or sustains a significant number of jobs in Aurora, Colorado. These positions would span various roles, including correctional officers, medical staff (nurses, doctors), food service workers, administrative personnel, maintenance staff, and transportation personnel. The total number of jobs would depend on the facility's capacity and the scope of services provided. The presence of such a contract can have a notable economic impact on the local community through direct employment and associated spending. Furthermore, the demand for these services may stimulate related local businesses, such as suppliers for food, medical equipment, and facility maintenance. The stability of these jobs would be tied to the contract's duration and renewal prospects.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: HSCEDM-11-R-00002

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 621 NW 53RD ST STE 700, BOCA RATON, FL, 23

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $22,991,033

Exercised Options: $22,991,033

Current Obligation: $22,991,033

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSCEDM11D00003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline