DOJ's $822K scanner maintenance contract awarded to Crowley Micrographics, Inc. for 3 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $82,242 ($82.2K)

Contractor: Crowley Micrographics, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2024-09-01

End Date: 2027-08-31

Contract Duration: 1,094 days

Daily Burn Rate: $75/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ZEUTSCHEL SCANNER MAINTENANCE (OST/ITSMD)

Place of Performance

Location: FREDERICK, FREDERICK County, MARYLAND, 21704

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $82,242.12 to CROWLEY MICROGRAPHICS, INC. for work described as: ZEUTSCHEL SCANNER MAINTENANCE (OST/ITSMD) Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the specialized nature of equipment maintenance. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a potentially limited market for this specific service. 3. Risk indicators are low due to a firm-fixed-price contract type. 4. Performance context is within the standard range for equipment maintenance services. 5. Sector positioning is within the broader IT and equipment repair services category.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $822,421.12 over three years for Zeutschel scanner maintenance appears reasonable for specialized equipment. Benchmarking against similar contracts is challenging without more specific data on scanner models and service scope. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the government has negotiated a set cost, which aids in budget predictability. The price per year is approximately $274,140, which needs to be evaluated against the criticality and complexity of the Zeutschel scanners used by the ATF.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting it was likely a small to medium-sized purchase. The data indicates only one bid was received, which is a common outcome for highly specialized maintenance services where only a few vendors possess the necessary expertise and certifications. This limited competition may impact price discovery, potentially leading to higher prices than a more robustly competed contract.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition means taxpayers may not have benefited from the lowest possible price that could have been achieved through broader bidding. However, if Crowley Micrographics is one of the few qualified providers, the price might still be competitive within that niche market.

Public Impact

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) benefits from continued operational capability of its Zeutschel scanners. Essential services for maintaining critical document imaging and archival equipment are delivered. The geographic impact is primarily within Maryland, where the contractor is located, but supports ATF operations nationwide. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving specialized technicians for maintenance and repair.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases in future renewals due to limited competition.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical equipment maintenance could pose a risk if the vendor's performance declines or they exit the market.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty.
Contract duration of three years offers stability for service provision.
Specialized nature of the service suggests a vendor with unique expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance sector (NAICS 811210). This sector includes services for a wide range of electronic equipment. The market for specialized scanner maintenance, like that for Zeutschel equipment, is often niche, with a limited number of qualified providers. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend heavily on the specific type and volume of equipment being serviced.

Small Business Impact

The contract was competed under SAP, which often favors small businesses, but the data does not indicate if this specific contract was set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Crowley Micrographics, Inc. is the sole awardee. There is no explicit information on subcontracting requirements or their impact on the small business ecosystem for this particular award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Acquisition and Property Management Division within the Department of Justice. As a purchase order, it is subject to standard procurement regulations and agency oversight. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal IT Equipment Maintenance
Government Document Management Systems
Specialized Equipment Repair Services
Department of Justice Procurement

Risk Flags

Limited competition may impact price.
Specialized equipment maintenance can be costly.
Dependence on a single vendor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $82,242.12 to CROWLEY MICROGRAPHICS, INC.. ZEUTSCHEL SCANNER MAINTENANCE (OST/ITSMD)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CROWLEY MICROGRAPHICS, INC..

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 $82,242.12.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-01. End: 2027-08-31.

What is the track record of Crowley Micrographics, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly for scanner maintenance?

Crowley Micrographics, Inc. has a history of performing various services for the federal government, including micrographics, scanning, and related equipment maintenance. Reviewing their contract history in the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) would reveal the number and value of previous awards, the agencies they have served, and the types of services rendered. While specific details on Zeutschel scanner maintenance performance would require deeper analysis of past contract performance reports (e.g., CPARS), their continued awards suggest a satisfactory performance history. However, it's crucial to verify if past performance directly relates to the specific Zeutschel models and maintenance requirements of this current ATF contract.

How does the annual cost of this contract compare to industry benchmarks for specialized scanner maintenance?

Benchmarking the annual cost of approximately $274,140 for Zeutschel scanner maintenance against industry standards is challenging without detailed specifications of the equipment and the scope of services. Zeutschel scanners are high-end, specialized archival and scanning devices, and their maintenance often requires specific certifications, proprietary knowledge, and access to unique parts. Therefore, costs can be significantly higher than for standard office equipment. A thorough benchmark would involve comparing this price to quotes from other authorized Zeutschel service providers, if available, or to contracts for similar high-volume, specialized scanning equipment maintenance across federal agencies. The limited competition suggests a potentially higher, but possibly justified, cost.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential vendor lock-in due to the specialized nature of Zeutschel equipment, reliance on a single provider for critical maintenance, and the possibility of price escalation in future contract renewals given the limited competition. Mitigation strategies include the firm-fixed-price contract type, which locks in costs for the current term and reduces financial risk. The three-year duration provides stability. For future contracts, the agency could explore options like developing in-house expertise, seeking alternative maintenance providers if the market evolves, or negotiating longer-term agreements with built-in price adjustment clauses if justified by market conditions. Regular performance monitoring is also key.

How effective is the competition level in ensuring fair pricing for taxpayers?

The competition level for this contract is a significant factor in assessing fair pricing. With only one bid received under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), the government may not have achieved the most competitive price possible. While SAP is designed for efficiency in smaller procurements, the lack of multiple bids suggests a constrained market for Zeutschel scanner maintenance. This could mean that Crowley Micrographics, Inc. is one of the few entities capable of providing this specialized service, potentially allowing them to command a higher price than if there were several competing vendors. Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to this limited market dynamic.

What is the historical spending pattern for Zeutschel scanner maintenance by the Department of Justice or ATF?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for Zeutschel scanner maintenance by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and specifically the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is crucial for context. Accessing historical data from FPDS would reveal if this is a recurring need, the typical contract values, durations, and awardees over previous years. Understanding this history can indicate whether spending has been consistent, increasing, or decreasing, and whether Crowley Micrographics has been a long-term provider. Significant deviations from historical spending could warrant further investigation into the reasons behind the change, such as increased equipment usage, new technology adoption, or shifts in maintenance strategies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance › Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - END USER

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: DJA-24-AOST-PR-0583

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5111 PEGASUS CT, FREDERICK, MD, 21704

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $137,070

Exercised Options: $82,242

Current Obligation: $82,242

Actual Outlays: $54,828

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline