DoD's $20.2M Custodial Services Contract with Employment Horizons Inc. Faces Competition Concerns

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,235,557 ($20.2M)

Contractor: Employment Horizons Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2010-03-26

End Date: 2015-06-30

Contract Duration: 1,922 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CUSTODIAL SERVICES, ARSENAL-AT-LARGE

Place of Performance

Location: PICATINNY ARSENAL, MORRIS County, NEW JERSEY, 07806

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $20.2 million to EMPLOYMENT HORIZONS INC for work described as: CUSTODIAL SERVICES, ARSENAL-AT-LARGE Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Employment Horizons Inc. for custodial services at Arsenal-at-Large. 2. Significant spending of $20.2M over its duration. 3. Contracting method raises questions about competition and potential price discovery. 4. Sector context suggests potential for competitive bidding in janitorial services.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract's total value of $20.2M over approximately 5.3 years is substantial. Without a competitive bidding process, it's difficult to assess if this price represents fair market value compared to similar custodial service contracts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not available for competition, indicating a limited source selection. This lack of competition may have prevented the government from obtaining the best possible price through a robust bidding process.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition could lead to taxpayers potentially overpaying for custodial services compared to what could have been achieved through a competitive solicitation.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may be overpaying due to lack of competition. Limited transparency in the contract award process. Potential for improved service delivery through competitive pressure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Lack of competition
  • Limited price discovery
  • Potential for inflated costs

Positive Signals

  • Contract awarded to a single vendor
  • Long-term service provision

Sector Analysis

The janitorial services sector (NAICS 561720) is generally competitive, with many firms capable of providing these services. Benchmarks for custodial services vary widely based on scope, location, and specific requirements.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether Employment Horizons Inc. is a small business. The lack of competition limits opportunities for small businesses to bid on this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's award without full and open competition warrants further oversight to ensure the government received fair value and that the limited competition justification was sound.

Related Government Programs

  • Janitorial Services
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

  • Limited competition
  • Potential for overpricing
  • Lack of transparency in award
  • No clear small business participation noted

Tags

janitorial-services, department-of-defense, nj, definitive-contract, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $20.2 million to EMPLOYMENT HORIZONS INC. CUSTODIAL SERVICES, ARSENAL-AT-LARGE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EMPLOYMENT HORIZONS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $20.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-03-26. End: 2015-06-30.

What was the justification for awarding this contract on a limited competition basis, and was it adequately documented?

The provided data states the contract was 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION,' implying a limited source justification was used. A thorough review of the contract file would be necessary to determine the specific reasons cited (e.g., unique capabilities, urgent need) and assess if the justification was appropriate and met regulatory requirements for limited competition.

How does the per-unit cost of services under this contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar custodial services?

Without detailed service breakdowns and specific performance metrics, a direct per-unit cost comparison is challenging. However, given the lack of competition, it is reasonable to question whether the pricing reflects market rates. Benchmarking against publicly available data for similar government or commercial contracts would be a necessary step to identify potential cost discrepancies.

What mechanisms were in place to ensure service quality and accountability given the limited competition?

The contract type is 'FIRM FIXED PRICE,' which generally places the responsibility for cost control on the contractor. However, effective oversight by the Department of the Army would still be crucial to monitor performance standards, ensure service delivery meets requirements, and hold the contractor accountable for any deficiencies, regardless of the competition method.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation ServicesServices to Buildings and DwellingsJanitorial Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPINGHOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10 RIDGEDALE AVE, CEDAR KNOLLS, NJ, 07927

Business Categories: AbilityOne Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Domestic Shelter, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,333,873

Exercised Options: $20,333,873

Current Obligation: $20,235,557

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline

Start Date: 2010-03-26

Current End Date: 2015-06-30

Potential End Date: 2015-06-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2022-04-07

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