Detention Management Resources
The Authoritative Resource for Federal Intergovernmental Detention Agreements
Drawing on our team's collective 50+ years of specialized expertise, JailGeek's Resource Center provides definitive guidance on maximizing federal detention reimbursement opportunities.
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Federal Intergovernmental Agreement Guidelines
Understanding Federal Detention Agreements
Understanding the purpose and structure of federal detention agreements is crucial for successful negotiations. These agreements, negotiated by the U.S. Marshals Service or Immigration and Customs Enforcement, establish the jail operating terms and compensation rates for housing federal detainees in local facilities. They are not federal procurement contracts nor are they federal grants. Instead, they are agreements between two governmental agencies which outline the terms of the parties’ relationship and specifications for the prisoners’ incarceration. While the agreements exist in perpetuity, the local government is afforded the opportunity to adjust the per diem rate and transportation / hospital guard service rate every 36 months. In some circumstances, the federal government may require the local government to wait 48 or 60 months for an adjustment. Further, the USMS might be inclined to adjust the per diem rate earlier if there has been change of circumstances that results in higher costs to the jurisdiction, i.e., increased utilization of the facility by the USMS or higher inflationary adjustments. Additionally, depending on the import of the facility to the USMS, the USMS may be inclined to agree to more frequent adjustments as part of the IGA.
Key Components of Federal Agreements
Negotiation Best Practices
Preparing for Successful Detention Rate Negotiations
Learning how to negotiate higher federal detention rates first requires comprehensive preparation and data-driven approaches. This guide outlines proven strategies for improving negotiation outcomes.
The quality and completeness of your documentation directly impact negotiation success. Learn what documentation federal agencies expect and how to present it effectively.
Common Negotiation Challenges
This section addresses frequent obstacles encountered during federal negotiations and provides strategies for overcoming them, including:
Cost Calculation Methodology
Beyond Basic Accounting
Calculating a federal per diem rate for federal agreements requires a comprehensive understanding of direct and indirect expenses. Per diem rates must comply with U.S. Office of Management & Budget Circular 200; Chapter XXVIII - Department of Justice (2 CFR 200); and Section 119 of the Department of Justice Appropriations Act of 2001 (Public Law 106-553). This guide outlines methodologies for accurate cost determination.
Often, local governments mistakenly believe that a standard cost allocation plan will identify the correct allocation methodology for determining a federal detention per diem rate. However, our allocation methodology is more complex. Learn how to properly account for indirect costs in your detention facility financial management, including:
Direct Cost Components
Indirect Cost Allocation
