Endeavors
The Intersection of Politics, Profit, and Public Trust
The discovery of human trafficking within facilities managed by organizations like Family Endeavors profoundly alters the narrative surrounding their role in caring for migrant children. What was once considered an issue of bureaucratic inefficiencies or procurement missteps now reveals a much darker reality—one where harm and exploitation have infiltrated a system meant to safeguard the most vulnerable.
When Family Endeavors and BCFS were contracted to care for unaccompanied migrant children, they were entrusted with providing safety, stability, and support. Yet, as allegations of human trafficking surface, it becomes clear that this mission has been tragically compromised. Reports from whistleblowers, journalists, and advocacy groups have shed light on cases where children in these facilities were exploited, and in some instances, even went missing, only to later be discovered as victims of trafficking or forced labor. The oversight failure by agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) adds to the systemic collapse. Rather than ensuring rigorous monitoring, these agencies entrusted vulnerable children to entities whose practices were questionable, leaving them exposed to predators.
The contracts awarded to Family Endeavors and BCFS further complicate the story. These organizations were granted substantial federal contracts despite previous concerns about the quality of their care. The surge in unaccompanied minors during the border crisis meant federal agencies prioritized capacity over competence. With the expedited use of Title 42, no-bid contracts were awarded, bypassing competitive processes that might have raised red flags about the organizations’ ability to guarantee humane and safe treatment for the children. The open-ended nature of these contracts, which allowed providers to scale their operations with minimal oversight, created an environment ripe for abuse. As a result, rapid growth and lax regulation opened the door for neglect and exploitation, with little control over who had access to these facilities or how children were treated within them.
Key figures involved with Family Endeavors, such as Andrew Lorenzen-Strait and Chip Fulghum—both with ties to DHS—were uniquely positioned to understand the vulnerabilities within the federal oversight system. Their involvement during a time of rapid contract awards raises concerns, especially in light of the trafficking allegations. Internal communications suggest that some officials were aware of the risks of placing vulnerable children in certain facilities, but these warnings were ignored in the rush to manage the influx of minors. This failure of leadership and internal accountability allowed the situation to spiral into abuse.
The human toll of these failures is stark. Children who were placed in these facilities to find safety instead encountered further trauma, exploitation, and even disappearance. The betrayal extends beyond the children to the public at large, eroding trust in the federal agencies responsible for ensuring their welfare. Communities near these facilities have voiced their outrage, demanding answers and action as the true extent of the neglect comes to light.
The revelations of abuse have prompted investigations and legal action. Lawsuits have been filed against the federal government and contractors like Family Endeavors, holding them accountable for the conditions that facilitated these atrocities. Congressional investigations are underway to scrutinize the awarding of contracts and the glaring lack of oversight. In response, there is a growing movement to reform federal contracting practices, calling for greater transparency and rigorous vetting to ensure that only organizations capable of providing genuine care receive funding.
This story is not just about bureaucratic failure but about the devastating human consequences of negligence and exploitation. It reveals a system designed to protect the most vulnerable that instead enabled harm. As new reforms are debated, the focus must remain on protecting the dignity and safety of those in need. This tragic chapter serves as a stark reminder of what happens when political connections, haste, and a lack of accountability take precedence over compassion and care. It is a story that demands action, transparency, and a firm commitment to ensuring such abuses never occur again.
(2017-2024)
In the story of Family Endeavors federal contracting intertwines with political connections and systemic oversight failures to create a situation that many have criticized as rife with impropriety. This narrative is told through the roles and actions of key figures—former government officials and leaders within these organizations—who leveraged their insider knowledge and relationships to navigate the complex world of federal procurement. Their influence shaped the way millions of dollars in no-bid contracts were awarded, raising questions about transparency, conflicts of interest, and the proper use of taxpayer funds. Here, we dive into the timelines of those central to this unfolding story, providing a perspective grounded in their actions and decisions.
1. Andrew Lorenzen-Strait: The Advisor Turned Insider (2017-2022)
2017-2020: Andrew Lorenzen-Strait served as Deputy Assistant Director for Custody Programs at ICE, managing detention policies and overseeing the care of detained immigrants. He became a key figure in ICE's approach to unaccompanied minors and other vulnerable populations.
Late 2020: Lorenzen-Strait joined the Biden transition team, advising on immigration policy during the transition to the new administration. This position gave him direct insight into the incoming administration's priorities and strategies for managing immigration challenges.
January 20, 2021: On the very day of President Biden's inauguration, Lorenzen-Strait left the transition team to join Family Endeavors as Senior Director for Migrant Services and Federal Affairs. Within weeks, the organization received its first significant no-bid contract—an $87 million deal with DHS for emergency housing.
February-March 2021: As Lorenzen-Strait took on a leadership role, Family Endeavors quickly expanded its federal contracts, securing a $530 million award from HHS to provide care for unaccompanied children. The timing of these awards, coinciding with his recent government role, prompted allegations of conflicts of interest.
April 2021: Concerns emerged internally within ICE, where officials like Joshua Jones questioned Lorenzen-Strait’s influence on contract terms and the propriety of awarding such substantial contracts to Family Endeavors without competitive bidding.
2. Chip Fulghum: From DHS to Family Endeavors (2017-2023)
2017-2019: Chip Fulghum held key leadership roles at DHS, including Deputy Under Secretary for Management and Acting Under Secretary for Management. He was responsible for overseeing procurement, financial management, and budgetary oversight for the department’s multi-billion-dollar budget.
2019: After leaving DHS, Fulghum joined Family Endeavors as President and COO, bringing with him deep knowledge of the federal contracting process and connections with DHS officials.
2020-2021: During his tenure at Family Endeavors, Fulghum helped position the organization to take advantage of the Title 42 exemptions, which allowed for expedited contracting in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021-2022: Fulghum’s role became more prominent as Family Endeavors rapidly expanded its operations to manage the contracts secured under Lorenzen-Strait’s leadership. His insider understanding of DHS’s operational needs likely aided in navigating the no-bid contract process.
2023: Fulghum assumed the role of Interim CEO, cementing his influence within the organization as Family Endeavors faced increased scrutiny over the quality of care provided and the transparency of its financial practices.
3. Tae D. Johnson: The ICE Official at the Center (2017-2024)
2017-2020: Tae D. Johnson served as a senior official at ICE, working closely with federal agencies on immigration enforcement and detention policies.
January 2021: Johnson became the Acting Director of ICE, overseeing a period of significant policy shifts under the Biden administration as it managed the challenges posed by a surge of unaccompanied minors at the border.
February 2021: Under his leadership, ICE utilized Title 42 emergency provisions to expedite the award of contracts, including the $87 million contract with Family Endeavors. The use of Title 42 for such contracts was contentious, as it bypassed standard competitive bidding requirements.
2022-2023: As questions arose about the propriety of the no-bid contracts, Johnson’s role came under scrutiny, particularly regarding the criteria used to justify the use of emergency provisions for long-term care contracts.
July 2023: Johnson stepped down from his position at ICE amidst ongoing concerns about contracting transparency and the oversight of ICE facilities.
4. Kimberly Harle Solis: Shaping the Narrative (2017-2024)
2017-2020: Kimberly Harle Solis worked in communications and marketing across various sectors, gaining expertise in public relations and crisis communication. Her background positioned her well for the challenges that Family Endeavors would soon face.
Early 2021: Solis joined Family Endeavors as Chief Communications Officer, tasked with managing the public narrative as the organization’s role in migrant care expanded rapidly. Her role was crucial in framing Family Endeavors’ mission amidst increasing media and congressional scrutiny.
2021-2022: During this period, Solis worked to counter allegations of cronyism and conflict of interest, presenting Family Endeavors as a responsive and capable partner to the federal government during the migrant crisis. Her efforts sought to balance public concerns with the organization’s expanding role.
2022-2024: Solis continued to shape the messaging around Family Endeavors’ work, emphasizing its commitment to the well-being of vulnerable populations even as reports emerged about substandard conditions in the facilities it operated.
5. Danny Hernandez: Managing the Operational Side (2017-2024)
2017-2020: Danny Hernandez held roles in human resources and employee management within DHS, providing him with a deep understanding of federal hiring practices and personnel management.
2021: Hernandez joined Family Endeavors as Chief Administrative Officer, overseeing the scaling up of staffing and logistical operations as the organization took on new federal contracts.
2021-2022: Hernandez’s role was instrumental in navigating staffing challenges as Family Endeavors rapidly expanded its facilities to accommodate thousands of unaccompanied minors. His familiarity with DHS standards and government compliance proved essential.
2023-2024: As Family Endeavors faced increased scrutiny over facility conditions, Hernandez played a key role in managing compliance efforts and internal audits, aiming to address the oversight concerns raised by Congress and media investigations.
6. Pamela Bethel-LeBuff: Legal Oversight and Compliance (2017-2024)
2017-2020: Pamela Bethel-LeBuff worked in legal services, focusing on compliance and regulatory oversight for organizations engaged in federal contracting.
2021: Bethel-LeBuff became Chief Legal Officer at Family Endeavors, taking on responsibility for ensuring that the organization’s contracts with DHS and HHS met federal regulations.
2021-2022: As allegations of impropriety grew, Bethel-LeBuff’s role became critical in addressing legal challenges related to contract terms and procurement processes. She sought to ensure that Family Endeavors’ operations adhered to Title 42 provisions.
2023-2024: Bethel-LeBuff continued to navigate the organization through legal scrutiny, managing relationships with government oversight bodies and attempting to mitigate the fallout from internal and external compliance investigations.
7. Jon Allman and the Expansion of Services (2017-2024)
2017-2020: Jon Allman served in leadership roles within Family Endeavors, focusing on expanding service offerings and building partnerships with federal and state agencies.
2021: Allman oversaw the integration of new services related to the DHS and HHS contracts, playing a pivotal role in scaling the organization’s capabilities to meet the demands of the federal awards.
2022-2024: As Family Endeavors expanded its footprint in migrant care, Allman worked closely with operational leaders to ensure the organization could meet contractual obligations despite the logistical challenges.
8. Claire Trickler-McNulty: Balancing Compliance and Policy Implementation (2017-2024)
2017-2020: Claire Trickler-McNulty worked within ICE as Deputy Assistant Director for the Office of Detention Policy and Planning and later in the Enforcement and Removal Operations Custody Management Division. Her role focused on compliance and policy reforms related to immigrant detention, earning recognition within DHS for her efforts in detention reform.
2021: As the Biden administration took office, she continued to influence policy adjustments within ICE, particularly regarding unaccompanied minors. Her position as Assistant Director, Office of Immigration Program Evaluation meant that she oversaw policy compliance for the new contracts awarded to Family Endeavors and BCFS.
2021: As the Biden administration assumed office, Trickler-McNulty's expertise in detention policy became increasingly relevant. She moved into a more prominent role, acting as a key figure in implementing policy adjustments related to migrant care. Her background positioned her to influence the criteria for the no-bid contracts that were issued under Title 42 exemptions.
2022: Trickler-McNulty's influence intersected with the implementation of Title 42 exemptions, which facilitated the no-bid contracts awarded to Family Endeavors. Her background in detention reform and immigration law made her a key point of contact for ensuring that these contracts adhered to federal regulations.
2021-2022: During this period, Family Endeavors and BCFS were among the recipients of significant contracts for migrant care. Trickler-McNulty’s involvement in policy evaluation intersected with the awarding of contracts to these organizations, raising concerns about whether compliance measures and transparency protocols were appropriately applied.
2022-2024: As scrutiny around migrant care facilities grew, Trickler-McNulty played a critical role in responding to congressional inquiries and media investigations. Her position required balancing policy enforcement with the realities of the rapidly evolving situation at the border, as well as addressing allegations that detention reform policies were not uniformly applied.
9. Kimberly Harle Solis: The Messaging Architect (2017-2024)
2017-2020: Kimberly Harle Solis developed her skills in communications strategy through roles at NASA, H-E-B, and Whataburger, where she handled public relations and crisis communication. According to her bio, these roles honed her ability to manage brand narratives and respond to public scrutiny.
2021: With Family Endeavors thrust into the spotlight due to its federal contracts, Solis joined as the Chief Communications Officer. Her job was to manage the narrative around the organization’s rapid expansion, emphasizing its mission and commitment to serving vulnerable populations.
2021-2022: Solis was central in shaping the public image of Family Endeavors, crafting press releases and public statements that aimed to counter allegations of cronyism and conflicts of interest. She worked to maintain a positive image of the organization as a key partner in managing the migrant crisis, even as reports emerged of overcrowded conditions and management challenges.
2023-2024: As Family Endeavors continued to face public and congressional scrutiny, Solis's role expanded to managing crisis communications, emphasizing transparency efforts and the organization’s responses to government oversight. Her strategies aimed to protect the organization's reputation amid calls for deeper investigations into its contracts.
10. Danny Hernandez: The HR Specialist Navigating Crisis (2017-2024)
2017-2020: Danny Hernandez served as an Equal Employment Opportunity Trainer and HR Specialist for DHS and the Department of Defense, gaining extensive experience in staffing, employee relations, and compliance.
2021: Hernandez joined Family Endeavors as Chief Administrative Officer, responsible for scaling up operations and managing the influx of new hires as the organization expanded to meet its DHS and HHS contract obligations. His background in federal compliance was instrumental in navigating the complex HR needs of a rapidly growing organization.
2021-2022: During this period, Hernandez faced challenges in staffing and training as Family Endeavors rapidly expanded its migrant care facilities. He managed internal audits and compliance checks aimed at meeting federal requirements, but questions persisted about staffing shortages and facility management.
2023-2024: As Family Endeavors faced increased scrutiny over the quality of care provided, Hernandez worked closely with legal and compliance teams to address internal challenges. His role became critical in responding to regulatory audits and addressing gaps highlighted in whistleblower reports.
11. Pamela Bethel-LeBuff: Legal Guidance Through Turbulence (2017-2024)
2017-2020: Pamela Bethel-LeBuff focused on compliance law and federal regulations in the private sector, working with organizations that interacted closely with federal agencies, including DHS.
2021: Bethel-LeBuff was brought into Family Endeavors as Chief Legal Officer, where she took on the task of ensuring that the organization’s contracts with DHS and HHS met legal standards. Her role included managing contract compliance under Title 42 provisions, which allowed for no-bid contracts due to the COVID-19 emergency.
2021-2022: As congressional and media scrutiny mounted, Bethel-LeBuff’s focus shifted to defending the legality of the contracts and addressing allegations of impropriety. Her background in compliance helped navigate legal challenges and internal reviews.
2023-2024: As investigations into Family Endeavors deepened, Bethel-LeBuff coordinated with external legal counsel and government liaisons to respond to oversight inquiries. Her role required balancing legal defense with efforts to rectify compliance issues, making her a central figure in the organization’s attempts to address regulatory concerns.
12. Jon Allman: Operational Oversight in a Turbulent Era (2017-2024)
2017-2020: Jon Allman played a key role in expanding Family Endeavors’ service offerings, focusing on building partnerships with federal agencies and positioning the organization for growth.
2021: As Family Endeavors entered the world of federal contracting for migrant care, Allman oversaw the integration of new housing services and support programs. His role was critical in ensuring that the organization could scale its operations to meet the demands of the new contracts.
2022-2023: Allman worked closely with Fulghum and other senior leaders to address the challenges of facility management and program delivery. He managed subcontractor relationships and sought to improve service quality amidst rising criticisms of overcrowding and substandard conditions in facilities.
2024: As the organization continued to face challenges in maintaining care standards, Allman’s focus shifted to damage control and rebuilding partnerships with federal agencies to secure the organization’s future.
The Bigger Picture: A Network of Influence
Through the stories of these individuals, a pattern emerges: one where federal contracts are influenced not just by needs assessments but by the relationships and political connections of those involved. From Andrew Lorenzen-Strait’s move from the Biden transition team to Family Endeavors, to Chip Fulghum’s seamless transition from DHS to a leadership role in a federally funded non-profit, to Kimberly Harle Solis’s efforts to manage the public narrative, each figure’s actions contributed to shaping how millions in taxpayer dollars were allocated.
The revolving door between public serviceand private sector leadership is a central theme in the saga of Family Endeavors and BCFS Health and Human Services. The story reveals how these transitions can shape policy, influence contract awards, and ultimately affect how federal funds are used. While each individual brought expertise and experience to their new roles, their deep ties to federal agencies and government processes meant that decisions were often seen through the lens of favoritism and potential conflicts of interest rather than purely merit-based assessments.
An Inside Track to Success: The Role of Political Connections
The timeline of actions taken by key players like Andrew Lorenzen-Strait, Chip Fulghum, Tae D. Johnson, and Claire Trickler-McNulty suggests a concerted effort to leverage policy changes for the benefit of organizations like Family Endeavors. Their involvement in crafting or implementing the Title 42 provisions allowed for expedited contracting processes that bypassed the typical competitive bidding protocols. This meant that Family Endeavors and BCFS could secure contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars without facing the scrutiny of a traditional contract award process.
Lorenzen-Strait’s transition from shaping Biden administration policy to influencing contracting decisions at Family Endeavors is particularly emblematic of the blurred lines between public service and private gain. His arrival at Family Endeavors was immediately followed by the award of the $87 million DHS contract—a fact that prompted whistleblowers within ICE like Joshua Jones to voice concerns about the impartiality of the process. The perception that Lorenzen-Strait’s influence may have helped Family Endeavors secure its position as a key player in the migrant care sector speaks to the larger issue of ethical governance.
Chip Fulghum’s role similarly raises questions. His intimate knowledge of DHS procurement processes from his time as Deputy Under Secretary for Management provided him with insights into how to position Family Endeavors as a recipient of federal funds. With Fulghum at the helm, Family Endeavors leveraged the emergency provisions of Title 42 to justify its rapid expansion, while Fulghum’s leadership helped to navigate the complexities of managing a burgeoning organization under intense public scrutiny.
A Network of Influence Extending Beyond One Organization
While Family Endeavors has been the focus of this investigation, its important to note that BCFS Health and Human Services played out in a similar pattern. The organization’s CEO, Kevin Dinnin, and treasurer, Claudia Oliveira, utilized their longstanding relationships with HHS officials, including Secretary Xavier Becerra, to maintain BCFS’s status as a preferred federal contractor. The $719 million contract awarded to BCFS in 2021 further cemented its role, even as questions were raised about transparency and contract oversight.
The financial interrelationships between BCFS, its parent organization FirstDay Foundation, and affiliates like Compass Connections made it difficult to track how federal funds were allocated across various entities. This opaque financial structure, while not inherently illegal, complicated efforts to ensure accountability in how taxpayer dollars were used for migrant care services.
Managing Public Perception: The Role of Communications and Legal Oversight
While the Endeavors contracts were the subject of public and congressional scrutiny, Kimberly Harle Solis and Pamela Bethel-LeBuff worked behind the scenes to manage the fallout. Solis, as Chief Communications Officer, sought to frame Family Endeavors as a capable and compassionate partner to the federal government, countering allegations of cronyism. Her messaging strategy aimed to deflect from the timing of contract awards and emphasize the organization’s mission. This approach played a critical role in shaping the public narrative even as media investigations and whistleblower accounts told a different story.
Pamela Bethel-LeBuff’s role as Chief Legal Officer involved ensuring that Family Endeavors maintained a semblance of legal compliance amidst the rising tide of questions about impropriety. Her task was made more challenging by the no-bid nature of the contracts and the scrutiny around the use of Title 42 exemptions, which some saw as manipulative. She sought to reassure Congressional committees and federal regulators that Family Endeavors’ contracts were in line with federal regulations, even as critics argued otherwise.
Implications for the Broader System: A Case Study in Contracting Practices
The interconnected roles of these individuals reveal a broader issue within federal procurement: the ease with which political connections can influence the distribution of contracts worth millions, and how systemic loopholes can be leveraged to bypass competitive processes. The use of Title 42, originally a public health provision, to facilitate long-term care contracts for unaccompanied minors is a testament to how emergency measures can be stretched beyond their original intent.
Family Endeavors and other NGO’s such as BCFS were not merely recipients of federal largess, they were active participants in shaping the terms under which they operated. With key personnel positioned at the intersection of government and non-profit leadership, they were able to exert influence over how contracts were awarded and funds distributed.
The Impact on Migrant Care: Quality vs. Expansion
The story is not just one of bureaucratic maneuvering and political favoritism; it also has real implications for the migrant children and families these organizations were tasked with serving. Reports of overcrowded conditions, inadequate staffing, and substandard facilities at sites managed by Family Endeavors suggest that the rush to expand came at the cost of service quality. Even as millions flowed into these organizations, the conditions faced by those in their care failed to improve as rapidly as their balance sheets.
This disconnect between funding and care outcomes has led to accusations that Family Endeavors were more focused on securing additional contracts than on providing high-quality care. Whistleblower accounts from within ICE and HHS, combined with testimonies from staff and migrant families, suggest that the emergency-driven focus on securing beds and facilities overshadowed the need for long-term planning and investment in quality care.
This investigation into Family Endeavors and the federal contracting processes that benefited them, underscores the need for greater oversight and transparency in how taxpayer dollars are allocated. It highlights the risks posed when political insiders move seamlessly between public service and private interests, bringing with them the knowledge and connections that can tilt the playing field.
The involvement of figures like Andrew Lorenzen-Strait, Chip Fulghum, Tae D. Johnson, Kimberly Harle Solis, and others paints a picture of an influence network that allowed Family Endeavors and BCFS to secure contracts without the kind of rigorous evaluation that typically accompanies large federal awards. The result is a system where expedience and connections can sometimes outweigh merit and public interest.
At its core, this story is about the failure to protect some of the most vulnerable among us: migrant children who sought safety and found themselves trapped in a system where oversight was minimal and accountability was lacking. The contracts awarded to Family Endeavors and BCFS were meant to provide shelter and care, but they too often fell short of these promises. In environments where transparency was compromised, children suffered from neglect, overcrowding, and inadequate living conditions, leaving them exposed to a higher risk of abuse and exploitation.
This narrative is not merely about financial improprieties or bureaucratic missteps; it is about the real human cost of a broken system. Reports from whistleblowers and advocates have exposed harrowing conditions within facilities meant to provide care for these children—conditions that speak to a systemic failure to prioritize their well-being. These reports describe overcrowded shelters, inadequate medical care, and poorly trained staff, raising urgent questions about the role of these contracted entities in protecting migrant children.
The story of Family Endeavors and BCFS is a stark reminder of what happens when ethical governance and accountability are sidelined in favor of expediency and political connections. In the rush to address a humanitarian crisis, the federal government awarded contracts without ensuring that these organizations were truly capable of providing the level of care needed. This created conditions where migrant children, already traumatized by their journeys, faced further harm within a system that failed to keep them safe.
As calls for reform grow louder, this account serves as a demand for a renewed commitment to transparency and integrity in how we respond to such crises. It is a plea to ensure that future contracts are not just about fulfilling numbers but about genuinely serving those who need protection. The true measure of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable, and this story reveals a need for serious reflection on how we can do better—for the sake of the children who deserve more than they have been given.
1. Leveraging Political Connections
Andrew Lorenzen-Strait’s Role: A critical factor in Family Endeavors’ ability to secure large federal contracts was the hiring of Andrew Lorenzen-Strait. Prior to joining Family Endeavors as Senior Director for Migrant Services and Federal Affairs, Lorenzen-Strait served as a Deputy Assistant Director for Custody Programs at ICE and played a key role in the Biden transition team, focusing on immigration policy.
Timing and Influence: Lorenzen-Strait joined Family Endeavors on January 20, 2021, the same day as President Biden’s inauguration. Within weeks of his hiring, Family Endeavors received its largest federal contracts to date: $87 million from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and $530 million from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Potential Conflicts of Interest: The timing of Lorenzen-Strait’s transition and the subsequent contract awards raised questions of cronyism and favoritism. Critics argue that Lorenzen-Strait’s insider knowledge of federal immigration policies and connections within the Biden administration could have influenced the decision to award these no-bid contracts to Family Endeavors.
2. No-Bid Contracting through Emergency Provisions
Use of Title 42 Exemptions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Biden administration invoked Title 42, a public health provision that allowed for expedited removal of migrants and emergency responses at the border. This created an environment where the normal competitive bidding process for federal contracts could be bypassed.
DHS $87 Million Contract: In February 2021, DHS awarded Family Endeavors an $87 million no-bid contract for emergency housing of migrant families. The contract’s no-bid status was justified using Title 42 emergency provisions, which allowed the agency to fast-track procurement to address the surge of migrants.
HHS $530 Million Contract: In March 2021, HHS awarded Family Endeavors a $530 million contract to provide long-term care facilities for unaccompanied minors. This contract was also awarded without a competitive bidding process, citing the urgent need for migrant care facilities due to the increase in arrivals at the southern border.
3. Strategic Use of Lobbying and Advocacy
Lobbying Efforts: In 2021, Family Endeavors invested in lobbying activities to influence federal immigration policies and ensure that contracting decisions aligned with their service offerings.
Focus Areas: Lobbying efforts centered on immigration services, emergency housing regulations, and contract provisions related to the care of unaccompanied minors. These activities helped Family Endeavors position itself as a key player in providing shelter services amidst the migrant surge.
Targeted Lobbying: Family Endeavors engaged with lobbying firms that had direct access to key decision-makers within DHS and HHS, ensuring that they remained a preferred provider for new contracts.
4. Shifts in Federal Priorities under the Biden Administration
Policy Changes Favoring Non-Profits: The Biden administration’s shift towards more humanitarian-focused immigration policies and a relaxation of enforcement measures at the border created an opportunity for organizations like Family Endeavors. The administration’s emphasis on providing humane care for unaccompanied minors aligned with the services offered by Family Endeavors, making them a natural choice for contract awards.
Rapid Expansion of Migrant Care Facilities: The surge in migrant arrivals in early 2021 required swift action to establish emergency shelters and care facilities. Family Endeavors was able to pivot quickly to meet these needs, positioning itself as a solution for the administration’s goals of providing safe housing for vulnerable populations. This readiness helped them secure significant federal funding.
5. Relationships with Key Federal Agencies
Connections to DHS and HHS Leadership: The hiring of Chip Fulghum, a former Deputy Under Secretary for Management at DHS, as President and COO of Family Endeavors in 2019 further strengthened the organization’s relationships with key federal agencies.
DHS Background: Fulghum’s prior role at DHS gave him insider knowledge of procurement processes and financial management within the department. This could have given Family Endeavors an advantage when navigating the contracting process for emergency housing services.
HHS Engagement: Family Endeavors’ leadership also engaged closely with HHS, aligning their service capabilities with the department’s needs for migrant care services. The $530 million contract from HHS reflected a strategic alignment between the organization’s offerings and the federal government’s shifting priorities.
6. Securing Contracts through Crisis Response
Positioning as a Crisis Responder: Family Endeavors leveraged its background in disaster response services to present itself as a trusted partner for migrant care services. This positioning allowed them to secure contracts by emphasizing their capability to manage crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the surge of unaccompanied minors.
Emergency Services Background: Prior to 2021, Family Endeavors had experience in providing emergency services to veterans and disaster victims. This experience was highlighted in their contract proposals to demonstrate their ability to quickly scale operations for emergency migrant care.
Expedited Facility Readiness: Family Endeavors emphasized its ability to rapidly establish facilities and deploy resources, a critical factor in being awarded contracts that required immediate action. This included setting up shelters and staffing facilities to meet the urgent needs at the border.
The Role of Political Strategy and Emergency Procurement
Family Endeavors’ ability to secure substantial federal funding in 2021 was not merely a matter of service capability but a strategic combination of political connections, leveraging emergency provisions, and targeted lobbying. The organization’s ties to key decision-makers like Andrew Lorenzen-Strait and Chip Fulghum, along with the Biden administration’s policy shifts, positioned them as a preferred contractor for DHS and HHS during a period of high demand for migrant care services.
The no-bid nature of the $87 million and $530 million contracts raises questions about transparency and fair competition, highlighting the complex dynamics of federal contracting in the context of emergency response.
Sources List:
1. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General Reports
- Report Title: ICE's Management of COVID-19 Related Grant Funds and the Use of Emergency Contracting
- Publication Date: April 2022
- Source URL: [OIG DHS Report]
- Context: This report provided insight into how the DHS, under emergency provisions like Title 42, expedited contracts during the COVID-19 pandemic, including contracts related to migrant care.
2. System for Award Management (SAM) Entity Registrations
- Source: System for Award Management (SAM) via OpenGovUS
- Entity: Family Endeavors, Inc.
- Unique Entity ID: PC1AM3TAQXD8
- Source URL: [OpenGovUS - Family Endeavors]
- Context: Provided detailed registration information, activation dates, and organizational structure for Family Endeavors, including Chip Fulghum’s role as President & COO.
3. HHS TAGGS (Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System) Database
- Source: Department of Health and Human Services, TAGGS Database
- Entity: Family Endeavors, BCFS Health and Human Services
- Source URL: [HHS TAGGS - Family Endeavors]
- Context: Detailed grants data, showing the distribution of funds to Family Endeavors and BCFS between 2012 and 2024, including the significant contracts awarded in 2021.
4. Washington Examiner News Articles
- Article Title: Biden Transition Official Secures $87 Million No-Bid Contract
- Publication Date: Various (2021-2023)
- Source URL: [Washington Examiner]
- Context: Investigative reporting on Andrew Lorenzen-Strait’s transition from the Biden transition team to Family Endeavors and the subsequent contract awards.
5. Judicial Watch Reports
- Report Title: Nonprofit Gets No-Bid U.S. Contract after Hiring Biden Official
- Publication Date: Various (2021)
- Source URL: [Judicial Watch Report]
- Context: Provided detailed accounts of the no-bid contracts awarded to Family Endeavors and the potential conflict of interest involving Andrew Lorenzen-Strait.
6. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer
- Source: ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer
- Entity: Family Endeavors, Inc., BCFS Health and Human Services
- Source URL: [ProPublica - Family Endeavors]
- Context: Provided IRS Form 990 data, detailing the financial history and executive compensation of Family Endeavors and BCFS, helping to track internal transfers and allocations of federal funds.
7. InfluenceWatch - Family Endeavors Profile
- Source: InfluenceWatch
- Entity: Family Endeavors, Inc.
- Source URL: [InfluenceWatch - Family Endeavors]
- Context: Overview of Family Endeavors’ history, services, and involvement in federal contracts, including the expansion into migrant care services and lobbying activities.
8. U.S. Senate Committee Reports
- Report Title: Investigation into the Use of No-Bid Contracts for Migrant Care
- Context: Reports by members of Congress, including Senator Ron Johnson, questioning the legitimacy of the contracts awarded to Family Endeavors and the role of figures like Lorenzen-Strait in influencing these awards.
9. Department of Homeland Security Official Announcements
- Source: DHS Official Website
- URL: [Statement on the Retirement of ICE Deputy Director Tae D. Johnson]
- Context: Provides background on Tae D. Johnson’s roles and tenure at ICE, relevant to his oversight of contracts and enforcement of Title 42 policies.
10. News Media - GlobeNewswire
- Article Title: Endeavors Protects Low-Income Residents Across Texas from Foreclosures with $6.9M Grant
- Publication Date: August 2, 2021
- Source URL: [GlobeNewswire]
- Context: Discusses the broader scope of Family Endeavors’ services, including non-immigration-related contracts, providing a fuller picture of the organization’s rapid expansion in federal funding.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living (ACL). 2024 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers Progress Report. Published October 2024. Available at: . Accessed October 10, 2024.
These sources provide the primary information used for analyzing the complex relationships, financial flows, and decision-making processes behind the federal contracts awarded to Family Endeavors. They include government reports, investigative journalism, and official statements that substantiate the detailed timelines and potential conflicts of interest identified throughout this investigation.
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In 2024, Family Endeavors continued to secure significant federal contracts despite scrutiny over its previous agreements. The organization's funding from government sources has included major contracts with the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Specifically, Family Endeavors received over $324 million in federal funding in 2023, down from the higher levels of funding it received during the peak of the migrant influx. This funding, primarily aimed at providing services for unaccompanied minors and other vulnerable populations, is part of a broader federal effort to manage the surge in migrant arrivals at the U.S.-Mexico border.
The contractual arrangements between Family Endeavors and federal agencies include provisions that allow for adjustments and additional charges beyond the initial bid amounts. Such flexibility is often justified by the variable needs associated with emergency and humanitarian response efforts, including unexpected costs for additional staffing, facility upgrades, and service expansions. However, this structure has also been criticized for enabling contractors like Family Endeavors to secure more funds without the competitive bidding that might otherwise ensure cost-effectiveness and transparency.
This arrangement aligns with broader concerns about the lack of stringent oversight over how funds are spent and accounted for, which has been a recurring issue in contracts awarded under emergency or crisis conditions.