NCJ Number
100721
Date Published
1985
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This 1985 audit of the Utah Division of Youth Corrections' (DYC) procedures for selecting private providers suggests changes to eliminate inconsistencies, reduce confusion, improve policy deliberations, and respond to perceptions of unfairness.
Abstract
DYC should review rating sheets for completeness and accuracy, specify how and when bonus points will be used, and ensure properly staffed rating committees to reduce inconsistencies. A staggered rebidding schedule will eliminate the confusion of bidding all contracts simultaneously, and scheduling committee assignments to facilitate raters' jobs can reduce existing confusion. Providing rating criteria guidelines can reduce confusion among raters about the meaning of criteria. Bid evaluation procedures should consider whether (1) all DYC contracts should be routinely rebid, (2) bonus points for experience should be used, (3) committee decisions should be based on total points, (4) the weighting of oral presentations should be reduced, and (5) the bid amount should be directly considered. Perceptions of fairness in selections would be promoted by publicizing reasons for contract award decisions. The DYC rating form is provided along with a DYC response to the audit.