Interior Department Awards $56.4M for Missing and Murdered Unit Transcription Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $56,388 ($56.4K)
Contractor: Paula Kamen
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2023-08-11
End Date: 2026-08-13
Contract Duration: 1,098 days
Daily Burn Rate: $51/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 10
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: MISSING AND MURDERED UNIT (MMU) TRANSCRIPTION SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: EVANSTON, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60201
State: Illinois Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $56,388.4 to PAULA KAMEN for work described as: MISSING AND MURDERED UNIT (MMU) TRANSCRIPTION SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Paula Kamen for $56.4M. 2. Services are for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education. 3. The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 4. This falls under Document Preparation Services (NAICS 561410). 5. The contract duration is 1098 days.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $56.4M for transcription services over approximately three years appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized government support. Benchmarking against similar large-scale transcription contracts is difficult without more granular data on service complexity and volume.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a limited competition environment. While SAP aims for efficiency, it may not always yield the most competitive pricing compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential administrative support services. The pricing appears fair given the limited competition, but further scrutiny could ensure optimal value.
Public Impact
Supports the critical mission of addressing the Missing and Murdered Unit crisis. Provides essential administrative and documentation services for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Education. The contract duration ensures continuity of services for a significant period. Potential impact on data privacy and accuracy of transcribed information.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 51 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP
- Potential for cost overruns if scope expands
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical services
Positive Signals
- Supports a high-priority government initiative
- Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty
- Long-term contract ensures service continuity
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically document preparation. Government spending in this area is substantial, supporting various administrative and operational functions across agencies.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to assess small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to ensure the quality and timeliness of transcription services, as well as adherence to the firm fixed-price terms. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education will be responsible for contract management and performance monitoring.
Related Government Programs
- Document Preparation Services
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential for scope creep
- Vendor performance risk
- Data security and privacy concerns
- Dependence on a single vendor
Tags
document-preparation-services, department-of-the-interior, il, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $56,388.4 to PAULA KAMEN. MISSING AND MURDERED UNIT (MMU) TRANSCRIPTION SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is PAULA KAMEN.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $56,388.4.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-08-11. End: 2026-08-13.
What is the specific volume and complexity of transcription required to justify the $56.4M contract value?
The contract value of $56.4M for transcription services over 1098 days suggests a significant volume and potentially complex requirements. Without detailed service level agreements or task orders, it's difficult to precisely quantify the expected workload. However, the duration and cost imply a substantial, ongoing need for accurate and timely transcription to support the MMU initiative.
What are the risks associated with limited competition under SAP for this critical service?
Limited competition under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) can increase the risk of suboptimal pricing and reduced innovation. While SAP is designed for efficiency in procuring goods and services below certain thresholds, it may not attract a wide range of bidders. This could lead to higher costs for taxpayers and potentially less robust service delivery compared to a fully competed contract.
How will the effectiveness of the transcription services be measured to ensure they meet the needs of the MMU initiative?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) such as accuracy rates, turnaround times, and client satisfaction. The contracting officers at the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education will need to establish clear metrics and conduct regular performance reviews. Ensuring the transcribed data is reliable and timely is crucial for the success of the MMU initiative.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Business Support Services › Document Preparation Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 140A1623Q0077
Offers Received: 10
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2719 WALNUT AVE, EVANSTON, IL, 60201
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $124,988
Exercised Options: $62,588
Current Obligation: $56,388
Actual Outlays: $29,695
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-08-11
Current End Date: 2026-08-13
Potential End Date: 2028-08-13 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-08
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