Cascades Job Corps Center with OA/CTS
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Labor has issued a Notice of Exception to Fair Opportunity for the continued operation of the Cascades Job Corps Center in Sedro Woolley, WA. This notice, posted for transparency, indicates an approved justification for a sole-source, fixed-price task order to LifeSkills Connection, Inc. to ensure continuity of services while a competitive procurement for a new five-year contract is initiated.
Scope of Work
This requirement involves the comprehensive operation of the Cascades Job Corps Center. Services include providing essential 24/7 residential support (food and shelter), medical care, education, vocational training, and career transition assistance to students.
Contract & Timeline
- Contractor: LifeSkills Connection, Inc.
- Requirement: Operation of Cascades Job Corps Center
- Contract Type: Fixed-price task order against an existing IDIQ multiple award contract.
- Estimated Total Amount: $12,459,775.00
- Period of Performance: June 1, 2026 - May 31, 2027
- Set-Aside: None specified (sole-source award)
- Published: June 2, 2026
Rationale for Exception to Fair Opportunity
The justification for this exception is based on FAR 16.505(b)(2)(B), citing that only one awardee is capable of providing the required unique or highly specialized services. LifeSkills Connection, Inc. is the incumbent operator with established community linkages and partnerships, making them uniquely positioned to ensure uninterrupted services for students. Awarding to the incumbent prevents disruption to student training, avoids significant costs associated with student relocation or center closure, and leverages existing subcontracting arrangements for essential services.
Next Steps
The Job Corps Acquisition Services (JCAS) plans to competitively procure the successor contract. The solicitation is anticipated in the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2026, with an award expected prior to the expiration of this short-term task order (May 31, 2027). This notice is for transparency only and is not a request for competitive proposals.