Division of Parole

Contract with the Center for Employment Opportunities: Neighborhood Work Project Program

In the Neighborhood Work Project Program, newly released parolees receive job training and temporary employment at government agency work sites. Program services are provided by contractors that are overseen by the Division of Parole. We examined selected aspects of the Division’s contract with the Center for Employment Opportunities, which provided program services in New York City. We reviewed a sample of reimbursements claimed by the contractor and found they were accurate, authorized and documented. However, about $420,000 in reimbursable expenses were not claimed by the contractor (to avoid exceeding the contract budget) and about $707,000 in program revenue was not offset against program expenses, as required by the contract. We also determined that goals which could be used in evaluating the effectiveness of the contractor (e.g., the percentage of participating parolees to be placed in permanent jobs) were not included in the contract. We recommended that such goals be included in the contract, and steps be taken to ensure a full and accurate reporting of program expenses and revenue.

For a complete copy of Report 2003-R-5 click here.
For a copy of the 90-day response click here.
For a copy of the associated follow-up report click here.