DOJ's ATF awards $15M contract to C Livingstone LLC for personal services, raising value-for-money questions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,000 ($15.0K)

Contractor: C Livingstone LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-09-09

End Date: 2026-09-08

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $41/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: INSTRUCTOR

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35898

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $15,000 to C LIVINGSTONE LLC for work described as: INSTRUCTOR Key points: 1. The contract's value-for-money is unclear without detailed performance metrics and cost breakdowns. 2. Competition dynamics appear limited, as the contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures). 3. Risk indicators include the lack of specific performance benchmarks and the potential for cost overruns in a fixed-price contract. 4. Performance context is minimal, with no clear indication of past performance or success metrics for this specific service. 5. Sector positioning is within the 'Other Services' category, making direct comparisons to specialized IT or defense contracts difficult. 6. The contract duration of 364 days suggests a need for ongoing services rather than a one-time project.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging due to the broad 'All Other Personal Services' NAICS code and limited competition. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty, but the absence of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess if the $15 million represents a fair price for the services rendered. Without comparable contracts for similar personal services within the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) or the wider Department of Justice (DOJ), a definitive value assessment is not possible.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a less extensive competition process than full and open competition. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAP is generally used for procurements valued below certain thresholds, suggesting a potentially smaller pool of interested parties. This limited competition could impact price discovery, potentially leading to higher prices than if a broader range of vendors had been solicited.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, limited competition under SAP may mean that the government does not secure the absolute best price possible. While efficiency is a goal of SAP, it can sometimes trade off against maximum cost savings.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely internal DOJ/ATF personnel who will receive the personal services provided under this contract. The services delivered are broadly categorized as 'All Other Personal Services,' indicating support functions rather than direct law enforcement or public-facing programs. The geographic impact is concentrated in Alabama (ST: AL, SN: ALABAMA), where the contractor, C Livingstone LLC, is located or where the services will be performed. Workforce implications are indirect, potentially supporting the operational capacity of the ATF by providing necessary administrative or specialized personnel services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed service descriptions makes it difficult to assess the true need and scope.
Potential for scope creep in a fixed-price contract if not managed tightly.
Reliance on a single awardee under SAP could limit future competitive opportunities.
The broad NAICS code 'All Other Personal Services' lacks specificity, hindering detailed analysis.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Contract duration of nearly a full year suggests a sustained need for these services.
Award to a single contractor (no) implies a focused selection process.

Sector Analysis

The 'All Other Personal Services' category (NAICS 812990) is a broad classification encompassing a wide array of non-professional services. Within the federal contracting landscape, this sector often includes support functions for government operations. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the heterogeneity of services falling under this NAICS code. The $15 million award is a significant sum for this category, suggesting a substantial service requirement for the ATF.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from a set-aside provision. The award to C Livingstone LLC, whose size status is not provided, means that opportunities for small business subcontractors are not mandated by this specific contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Acquisition and Property Management Division within the Department of Justice. Accountability measures are typically embedded in the contract's terms and conditions, including performance standards and payment schedules. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, where this award is recorded. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of Justice Administrative Support Contracts
ATF Operational Support Services
Federal Personal Services Contracts
Simplified Acquisition Procedures Procurements

Risk Flags

Lack of specific service definition
Limited competition under SAP
Absence of performance metrics
Broad NAICS code hinders comparability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $15,000 to C LIVINGSTONE LLC. INSTRUCTOR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is C LIVINGSTONE LLC.

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 $15,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-09. End: 2026-09-08.

What is the specific nature of the 'All Other Personal Services' being procured by the ATF?

The provided data classifies the service under NAICS code 812990, 'All Other Personal Services.' This is a very broad category that can encompass a wide range of non-professional services not elsewhere classified. Without further details from the contract's statement of work or performance work statement, it is impossible to determine the exact nature of these services. They could range from administrative support, specialized non-technical assistance, or other operational support functions deemed necessary by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The lack of specificity here hinders a thorough analysis of the contract's purpose and value.

How does the $15 million award compare to historical spending on similar personal services by the ATF or DOJ?

Direct historical spending comparisons for this specific contract are challenging without knowing the precise nature of the 'All Other Personal Services.' The $15 million figure represents a substantial investment. However, if these services are routine operational support, the amount might be in line with previous expenditures. If they are for a new or expanded initiative, it could represent a significant increase. Analyzing historical data within the broad NAICS 812990 for the ATF or DOJ would be necessary to establish a baseline. Without access to that granular historical data, it's difficult to definitively state whether this award is higher or lower than previous spending patterns for comparable services.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and deliverables associated with this $15 million contract?

The provided data does not include specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or deliverables for this contract. This is a critical omission for assessing value for money and contractor performance. A firm fixed-price contract relies on clearly defined outcomes and measurable standards to ensure the government receives the intended value. Without knowing what C Livingstone LLC is expected to achieve and how success will be measured, it is impossible to evaluate the effectiveness of the services rendered or the contractor's adherence to the contract's objectives. This lack of transparency regarding performance metrics is a significant gap in the available information.

What is the track record of C Livingstone LLC in performing similar federal contracts, particularly under Simplified Acquisition Procedures?

Information regarding the specific track record of C Livingstone LLC in performing similar federal contracts is not provided in the summary data. To assess this, one would typically review the contractor's past performance evaluations in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) or other contract databases. Understanding their history with similar 'All Other Personal Services,' contract values, and competition types (like SAP) would provide insight into their reliability and capability. Without this information, it's difficult to gauge the risk associated with awarding this $15 million contract to them based on past performance.

What is the potential risk associated with a firm fixed-price contract for 'All Other Personal Services' valued at $15 million?

The primary risk associated with a firm fixed-price contract for broad 'All Other Personal Services' is the potential for the contractor to deliver substandard services if the scope is not meticulously defined and monitored. While the fixed price offers cost certainty to the government, it places the burden of cost overruns on the contractor. If the services are more complex or require more effort than anticipated, the contractor might be incentivized to cut corners to maintain profitability, potentially impacting quality. Conversely, if the scope is underestimated by the government, the contractor may realize significant profit. Effective oversight and clear performance standards are crucial to mitigate these risks.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Other Personal Services › All Other Personal 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: 426 E MCLELLAN BLVD, PHOENIX, AZ, 85012

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,000

Exercised Options: $15,000

Current Obligation: $15,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15A00025AAQA00251

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline