After significant work, it seems there are two realistic options for management of the jail.

this includes the status quo, that is continued public management

this including maintaining contracts with private providers for food and medical services

Another option is to contract for management of the county jail

• the mostly common route is to contract with a private firm
• but, some municipalities structure the bid process to include and encourage submissions from current employees, in Allegheny county this could include a proposal from the jail employees union.
• some cities have non-profit organizations that manage juvenile detention facilities. there is only one county, hennepin county in minnesota that has a non-profit organization managing a small county lock-up facility. May not be any such parties in Allegheny county