DHS Spends $31.8M on Detention Services at Broward Transitional Center via Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,778,990 ($31.8M)

Contractor: THE GEO Group, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2017-06-29

End Date: 2018-06-30

Contract Duration: 366 days

Daily Burn Rate: $86.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF DETENTION SERVICES AT BROWARD TRANSITIONAL CENTER

Place of Performance

Location: BOCA RATON, PALM BEACH County, FLORIDA, 33487

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $31.8 million to THE GEO GROUP, INC. for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF DETENTION SERVICES AT BROWARD TRANSITIONAL CENTER Key points: 1. The contract awarded to THE GEO GROUP, INC. for detention services represents a significant expenditure. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of 366 days and a value of $31.8M indicate a substantial, medium-term service requirement. 4. The NAICS code 561210 points to Facilities Support Services, a broad category. 5. The absence of small business participation is noted.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $31.8M for a 366-day period averages approximately $86,828 per day. Benchmarking against similar detention facility contracts would be necessary to fully assess value, but this daily rate appears within a plausible range for such services.

Cost Per Unit: $86,828 per day

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically allows for the widest possible range of bidders. This method is intended to foster price discovery and ensure the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to maximize taxpayer value by encouraging multiple bids and potentially lowering costs compared to less competitive methods.

Public Impact

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) relies on these services for detention operations. The contract supports the management and operation of a transitional center for individuals in immigration proceedings. The location in Florida is relevant for regional immigration processing and detention capacity. The duration and cost indicate a significant operational commitment by the agency.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of small business participation.
Potential for cost overruns in long-term service contracts.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical detention services.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Clear contract duration and value.
Services align with agency mission.

Sector Analysis

Facilities Support Services (NAICS 561210) is a broad sector encompassing a wide range of operational support for government and commercial facilities. Spending in this sector can vary significantly based on the type and scale of services required, from building maintenance to specialized support like detention operations.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that no small business participation was reported for this contract. Agencies are encouraged to provide opportunities for small businesses, and the absence of such participation warrants further review to understand if such opportunities were overlooked or if the nature of the contract precluded small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight of this contract would involve monitoring the performance of THE GEO GROUP, INC. against the terms of the delivery order, ensuring compliance with detention standards, and verifying the accuracy of billing. The Department of Homeland Security, through ICE, is responsible for this oversight.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Lack of small business participation.
Potential for high per-unit costs in specialized service contracts.
Contract duration may not align with long-term strategic needs.
Dependence on a single provider for critical services.
Need for robust performance monitoring to ensure value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $31.8 million to THE GEO GROUP, INC.. IGF::CT::IGF DETENTION SERVICES AT BROWARD TRANSITIONAL CENTER

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 $31.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-06-29. End: 2018-06-30.

What specific services are included under 'Detention Services' for the Broward Transitional Center, and how do they align with ICE's operational needs?

Detention services typically encompass housing, food, security, transportation, and basic health services for individuals in ICE custody. For the Broward Transitional Center, these services are crucial for managing detainees awaiting immigration proceedings, ensuring their welfare and security while maintaining operational control. The specific scope would be detailed in the contract's statement of work, outlining requirements for staffing, facility maintenance, and adherence to detention standards.

Given the $31.8M contract value, what are the primary cost drivers, and are there mechanisms in place to control potential cost overruns?

Primary cost drivers likely include staffing (security personnel, administrative staff), facility operations and maintenance, food services, and potentially transportation and medical support. As a firm fixed-price contract, the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns. However, effective oversight by ICE is critical to ensure the contractor meets all requirements without compromising quality or safety, which could indirectly lead to additional costs or contract modifications.

How does the performance of THE GEO GROUP, INC. on this contract compare to industry benchmarks and previous contracts for similar services?

Assessing performance requires reviewing ICE's contract performance reports, any issued cure notices or show-cause letters, and comparing key metrics like incident rates, detainee satisfaction (if measured), and compliance with service level agreements. Benchmarking against other detention facility contracts, both government and private, would reveal if THE GEO GROUP, INC. is providing services at a competitive cost and quality level. Without access to performance data, a definitive comparison is not possible.

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

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: $31,778,990

Exercised Options: $31,778,990

Current Obligation: $31,778,990

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSCEDM15D00006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline