DOJ's ATF awards $4.1M for investigation services, with 1652 days duration

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $41,012 ($41.0K)

Contractor: Kremer, Christopher C

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2022-02-10

End Date: 2026-08-20

Contract Duration: 1,652 days

Daily Burn Rate: $25/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ADDING FUNDS TO CLIN 0001 FOR ADDITIONAL ORDERS

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT LOUIS, SAINT LOUIS County, MISSOURI, 63129

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $41,012 to KREMER, CHRISTOPHER C for work described as: ADDING FUNDS TO CLIN 0001 FOR ADDITIONAL ORDERS Key points: 1. Value for money assessed against similar investigation services contracts. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Risk indicators include contract duration and fixed-price nature. 4. Performance context is tied to ATF's investigative needs. 5. Sector positioning within government contracting for investigative services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $4.1 million over approximately 4.5 years appears reasonable for specialized investigation and background check services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for investigative services within federal agencies suggests this pricing is within an expected range, especially considering the fixed-price nature which shifts some risk to the contractor. The per-unit cost, while not explicitly detailed, would be a key factor in a more granular value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a competitive process for awards below certain thresholds. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation implies that multiple offers were solicited and considered. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award suggests that taxpayer funds are being used efficiently, as multiple vendors likely vied to offer the best value, potentially driving down costs compared to a sole-source procurement.

Public Impact

Benefits the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) by providing essential investigative and background check services. Supports the agency's mission to combat federal offenses involving firearms, explosives, arson, and alcohol. Services are delivered primarily within Missouri, impacting local and regional investigative capabilities. Workforce implications may include support for ATF agents and analysts conducting investigations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contract duration of over 4 years could lead to potential scope creep or evolving service needs not fully captured in initial pricing.
Reliance on a single delivery order mechanism might limit flexibility if multiple, distinct service needs arise unexpectedly.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the government.
Competition under SAP suggests a robust vetting of potential offerors.
Clear end date (August 2026) provides a defined period for service delivery.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on investigation and personal background check services (NAICS 561611). This market segment is characterized by specialized firms possessing the expertise and clearances required for sensitive government investigations. The total federal spending in this category can be substantial, with numerous agencies utilizing such services for law enforcement, security, and regulatory compliance.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was competed under SAP and does not specify small business set-asides or subcontracting goals. Without further information, it's difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem. However, larger prime contractors often have subcontracting plans that may include opportunities for small businesses, depending on the specific requirements and the prime's strategy.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Acquisition and Property Management Division. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, oversight focuses on ensuring timely and quality delivery of services as specified. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS, though detailed performance metrics may be internal to the agency.

Related Government Programs

Federal Law Enforcement Support Services
Background Investigation Services
Criminal Justice Support
Government Security Services

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may lead to outdated service requirements or pricing misalignment.
Potential for performance degradation over the extended contract period.
Need for clear definition of 'units' for effective per-unit cost analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $41,012 to KREMER, CHRISTOPHER C. ADDING FUNDS TO CLIN 0001 FOR ADDITIONAL ORDERS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KREMER, CHRISTOPHER C.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Acquisition and Property Management Division).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $41,012.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-02-10. End: 2026-08-20.

What is the historical spending pattern for investigation and personal background check services by the ATF?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for the ATF in the 'Investigation and Personal Background Check Services' category (NAICS 561611) would provide crucial context for this $4.1 million award. This involves examining previous contract values, durations, and the number of awards made over the past 5-10 fiscal years. Understanding trends, such as increasing or decreasing demand for these services, average contract values, and the prevalence of fixed-price versus cost-reimbursement contracts, can help determine if the current award is consistent with past practices or represents a significant shift. For instance, if historical data shows consistently smaller awards or a greater reliance on task orders under broader IDIQs, this specific delivery order might warrant closer scrutiny regarding its scope and value. Conversely, if similar large, fixed-price delivery orders have been common, it suggests a standard procurement approach.

How does the per-unit cost of this contract compare to industry benchmarks for background check services?

Determining the per-unit cost for this contract requires breaking down the total award amount ($4.1 million) by the estimated number of units (e.g., background checks, investigations) to be performed over the contract's duration (1652 days). Once a per-unit cost is derived, it can be benchmarked against industry standards for similar services. Factors influencing this comparison include the complexity and depth of the background checks (e.g., standard vs. enhanced), the geographic scope of the investigations, and the specific criteria required by the ATF. Industry reports from market research firms or data from comparable government contracts can provide benchmarks. If the per-unit cost is significantly higher than benchmarks, it could indicate potential overpricing or a need for renegotiation. Conversely, a cost below market rates might suggest exceptional value or potentially underestimated service requirements.

What is the contractor's track record with the ATF and other federal agencies for similar services?

Evaluating the contractor's track record is essential for assessing performance risk and reliability. This involves reviewing past performance evaluations (e.g., CPARS reports) for contracts held by KREMER, CHRISTOPHER C with the ATF and other federal agencies, particularly those involving investigation and background check services. Key areas to examine include on-time delivery, quality of service, responsiveness to issues, and overall customer satisfaction. A history of strong performance suggests a lower risk for this current contract. Conversely, documented performance issues, unresolved disputes, or a lack of relevant experience could signal potential problems. Understanding the contractor's experience with similar contract types (e.g., fixed-price delivery orders) and their capacity to handle the scale of this award is also critical.

What are the specific investigative services covered under this contract and their expected outcomes?

The contract specifies 'Investigation and Personal Background Check Services' (NAICS 561611). To fully assess its value and impact, a detailed understanding of the specific services is needed. This includes the types of investigations (e.g., pre-employment screening, suitability investigations, internal affairs inquiries), the depth of background checks (e.g., criminal history, credit checks, reference interviews), and the expected deliverables (e.g., detailed reports, risk assessments). The contract's effectiveness hinges on whether these services directly contribute to the ATF's mission objectives, such as ensuring personnel integrity or supporting law enforcement operations. Clarity on expected outcomes, such as reduced risk of internal misconduct or improved hiring decisions, allows for a more robust evaluation of the contract's success beyond just cost and timeliness.

Are there any potential risks associated with the 1652-day duration of this contract?

A contract duration of 1652 days (approximately 4.5 years) for investigation services presents several potential risks. Firstly, the landscape of investigative needs and technologies can evolve significantly over this period. Services required today might become outdated or insufficient by 2026, potentially necessitating contract modifications or leading to suboptimal performance. Secondly, fixed-price contracts over extended durations can become misaligned with market rates if inflation or changes in labor costs occur. The contractor might face challenges in maintaining profitability, or the government might end up paying above market value if rates increase substantially. Thirdly, long-term contracts can sometimes reduce the incentive for continuous improvement, as the contractor may rely on the established relationship rather than proactively seeking efficiencies. Finally, extended durations increase the risk of contractor performance degradation over time.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Investigation and Security Services › Investigation and Personal Background Check Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3259 RIDGETOP VIEW DR, SAINT LOUIS, MO, 63129

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $41,012

Exercised Options: $41,012

Current Obligation: $41,012

Actual Outlays: $13,714

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15A00022GAQA00040

IDV Type: BOA

Timeline