DHS/ICE intends to procure comprehensive detention services (housing, guards, meals, medical care, transportation) on a sole source basis.
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 Homeland Security (DHS), specifically US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), intends to procure comprehensive detention services on a sole source basis from Core Civic for the Prairie detention facility in Appleton, MN. This Special Notice aims to increase bed capacity to meet interior enforcement and border decompression goals, supporting the ICE ERO Saint Paul Minnesota Field Office. Responses regarding this sole source intent are due by June 19, 2026.
Scope of Work
This requirement is for comprehensive detention services, including housing, guards, meals, medical care, and transportation for up to 1,600 detainees. The facility must be fully operational within a reasonable timeframe post-award. The contractor will provide all personnel, detention management, equipment, facilities, supplies, and onsite hearings. Services must comply with ICE 2026 National Detention Standards (NDS), American Correctional Association (ACA) Standards for Adult Local Detention Facilities (ALDF), and National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC).
Key services detailed in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) include:
- Operating a federal detention facility 24/7/365 for males and females of all security levels.
- Providing wraparound services: food, clothing, hygiene, medical (medical, dental, mental health), legal access, and religious spaces.
- Assisting ICE with processing, housing, and staging aliens for removal.
- Maintaining the facility and grounds, including necessary renovations to meet ICE standards.
- Furnishing cleared, trained staff.
- Implementing robust video surveillance, mail processing, and a detention management system.
- Providing armed transportation and on-call stationary guard services.
- Managing food service, commissary, and alien assets.
- Establishing prevention programs for sexual abuse/assault and suicide.
- Providing health and medical care services meeting ICE Health Services Corps Level III standards.
- Facilitating language assistance, disability accommodations, religious services, and legal access.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Special Notice (Sole Source Intent)
- Duration: Five years (anticipated)
- Set-Aside: Not Applicable (Sole Source)
- Place of Performance: Appleton, MN, United States
- Response Due: June 19, 2026, 1:00 PM EDT
- Published: June 4, 2026, 5:36 PM EDT
- Transition: 90-day transition-in period post-award, with facility intake beginning within 91 days.
Special Requirements & Justification
ICE intends to procure these services under FAR Subpart 6.103-1, citing only one responsible source. Core Civic is identified as the sole owner and operator of the Prairie detention facility that meets ICE's requirements within the necessary timeframe. The facility must achieve ACA accreditation within 18 months of contract award. The contractor is responsible for all costs unless specified as government-furnished, and staff must undergo background checks and meet specific qualification standards. Strict adherence to security, privacy, and data management protocols is required, along with comprehensive Quality Control Plans (QCP) and Risk Management Plans (RMP).
Contact Information
- Primary Contact: Jason Boudreaux
- Email: jason.boudreaux@ice.dhs.gov