Department of Justice Awarded a Contract to VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA OF MINNESOTA for $3,818,483.50

Summary of Award

The federal contract detailed in this report involves a significant partnership between the United States federal government and the nonprofit organization, the Volunteers of America of Minnesota (VOAMN). This contract, identified by the award ID "15BRRC24F00000163," is categorized as a delivery order, which is part of a broader indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) umbrella contract held by the Federal Prison System/Bureau of Prisons, a division under the Department of Justice.

### Overview of the Contract

The agreement, signed on January 3, 2024, outlines a total obligation amounting to $3,818,483.50. This sum is designated for social rehabilitation services, specifically providing residential care facilities, as indicated by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code "623990" and Product or Service Code (PSC) "G004." The contract covers the period from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024, with the potential to extend until the same month and day in 2024. ### Government Agency Involvement The awarding and funding agencies for this contract are consistent, both falling under the Department of Justice. Within this department, the Federal Prison System/Bureau of Prisons handles the direct oversight and management, with specific involvement from the Residential Reentry - CO office. This office likely focuses on facilitating reentry services, aligning with the purpose and outcomes expected from this contract. ### Recipient Information The recipient, VOAMN, is a reputable nonprofit organization based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is characterized by its corporate entity tax-exempt status and expansive involvement in various social services across the United States. VOAMN is known for its work in residential care facilities, a direct match for the services required by this contract. Situated at 7625 Metro Blvd Ste 200, Minneapolis, the organization contributes significantly to Hennepin County's community and beyond, aligning with the contract's social rehabilitation focus. ### Transaction Analysis The contract's financial transactions are a critical part of its functioning and fulfill the government's obligation to dispense funds as per service delivery achievements and requirements: 1. **Initial Large Disbursement:** - The contract began with a significant transaction on January 3, 2024, amounting to $1,251,791. This transaction reflects the initial funding release necessary to kickstart the services under the contract. 2. **Subsequent Transactions:** - A progressive series of transactions follows, each marking distinct modifications or progress milestones of the contract: - On February 5, 2024, a modest additional sum of $14,742 was processed. - A further $5,000 was transacted on April 4, 2024. - A notable disbursement of $2,546,950.50 on June 12, 2024, reflects a likely milestone payment based on service delivery or contract assessment intervals. 3. **Administrative Adjustments:** - Several transactions reflect adjustments rather than direct service payments. Notably, on January 16 and 21, 2025, transactions were recorded for no amounts, which potentially indicates administrative revisions not affecting the financial bottom line within that period. - On April 10, 2025, a deduction of $23,104.11 indicates a possible adjustment for contract reconciliation or refunding due process correction. ### Contract Execution and Impact The structure of this delivery order emphasizes full and open competition, signifying that VOAMN likely secured the contract through a rigorous bid process. The procedures lean towards negotiated proposal methods, ensuring that the nonprofit's offerings and pricing were optimal and aligned with federal budgeting concerns. Despite this formality, specific details such as the number of bids received were not disclosed, implying complexity in competitive evaluation or specific confidentiality protocols. Moreover, with the absence of commercial procurement procedures, it is evident the services are highly specialized and tailored to meet unique governmental and social rehabilitative needs. ### Conclusion and Recommendations This federal agreement underscores the United States government's commitment to social rehabilitation initiatives, tailored through specialized nonprofit organizations like Volunteers of America of Minnesota. The contract's design and funding track reflect a concerted effort to enhance reentry services, which are vital in supporting former inmates' transition into society. However, to optimize transparency and efficiency, further illumination on bidding dynamics and evaluation metrics would benefit future open competition processes. Additionally, careful monitoring of transaction adjustments is advised to ensure fiscal integrity and performance alignment with contract stipulations. This contract stands as a testament to strategic governmental investment in critical social services, fostering partnership and collaboration across public and nonprofit sectors.