DOJ's $10,000 contract for consulting services awarded to Trunkline Consulting LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,000 ($10.0K)

Contractor: Trunkline Consulting LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-26

End Date: 2026-05-08

Contract Duration: 12 days

Daily Burn Rate: $833/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: PALMYRA, OTOE County, NEBRASKA, 68418

State: Nebraska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $10,000 to TRUNKLINE CONSULTING LLC for work described as: INSTRUCTOR Key points: 1. Contract awarded for specialized consulting services, indicating a need for external expertise. 2. The contract value is relatively small, suggesting a focused scope of work. 3. Awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), implying a streamlined procurement process for smaller dollar amounts. 4. The fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government. 5. The duration of 12 months allows for a defined period of service delivery. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541690 points to 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services'.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $10,000 is minimal, making direct comparison to larger contracts difficult. Given the small scale, assessing value-for-money requires understanding the specific deliverables. Without more context on the services provided, it's challenging to benchmark pricing effectively. However, the fixed-price nature provides some cost control.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of quotes or proposals. While not a full and open competition, SAP aims to ensure fair opportunity within its prescribed dollar thresholds. The exact number of bidders is not specified, but the process suggests a competitive environment among pre-qualified or readily available vendors.

Taxpayer Impact: For a contract of this size, limited competition under SAP is generally acceptable and aims to balance efficiency with fair pricing for taxpayers.

Public Impact

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is the primary beneficiary, likely receiving specialized advice. Services delivered are expected to be in the realm of 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services'. The geographic impact is likely localized to the ATF's operational needs, with no broad public reach. Workforce implications are minimal, as this is a consulting service rather than direct employment generation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed scope of work makes it difficult to assess the necessity and impact of the consulting services.
Limited competition under SAP could potentially lead to less aggressive pricing than a full and open competition.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Awarded to a specific firm, Trunkline Consulting LLC, suggesting they possess the required expertise.
The contract has a defined period, ensuring services are delivered within a set timeframe.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' (NAICS 541690). This sector is broad and encompasses a wide range of specialized advisory roles. The market size for such services is substantial, with government agencies frequently utilizing external consultants for specialized needs. This contract represents a very small expenditure within this vast sector.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting is not explicitly provided for this contract. As it was competed under SAP and is a relatively small dollar amount, it's possible it was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there an indication of mandatory subcontracting requirements. Further analysis would be needed to determine if Trunkline Consulting LLC is a small business itself or if subcontracting opportunities were pursued.

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. Standard contract administration procedures, including performance monitoring and invoice review, would be in place. Transparency is limited by the nature of SAP procurements, but contract award data is generally publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

Department of Justice Consulting Services
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Support Contracts
Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited competition due to SAP procedures.
Lack of detailed scope of work for specific services.
Potential for less aggressive pricing compared to full and open competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $10,000 to TRUNKLINE CONSULTING LLC. INSTRUCTOR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRUNKLINE CONSULTING 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 $10,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-26. End: 2026-05-08.

What specific technical or scientific consulting services will Trunkline Consulting LLC provide to the ATF?

The provided data indicates the contract falls under NAICS code 541690, 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services.' However, the specific nature of these services for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is not detailed. These services could range from policy analysis, operational efficiency studies, technical assessments, or specialized research relevant to the ATF's mission. Without a detailed statement of work or task order specifics, the precise deliverables remain unknown. Further inquiry would be needed to ascertain the exact nature of the consulting provided.

How does the $10,000 contract value compare to typical consulting engagements for the ATF?

A $10,000 contract value is considered very small for professional consulting services, especially within a federal agency like the ATF. Typical consulting engagements for federal agencies can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the scope, duration, and complexity of the services required. This $10,000 award likely represents a very specific, short-term, or narrowly focused task, possibly a single deliverable or a limited advisory period. It is significantly lower than the average contract value for comprehensive consulting projects.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding a consulting contract under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP)?

Awarding contracts under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), typically for amounts under the federal micro-purchase threshold (currently $10,000 for supplies/services) up to $250,000, can present certain risks. While SAP streamlines the procurement process for efficiency, it often involves a limited number of quotes or proposals, potentially reducing the level of competition compared to full and open competition. This can sometimes lead to less favorable pricing or a narrower selection of qualified vendors. Additionally, the documentation and justification requirements may be less rigorous, increasing the risk of inadequate vetting or scope definition if not managed carefully by the contracting officer.

What is the track record of Trunkline Consulting LLC in securing federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Justice?

Information on Trunkline Consulting LLC's track record with federal contracts, specifically with the Department of Justice, is not provided in the given data. To assess their experience and past performance, one would typically need to consult federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS. These databases would reveal the number of contracts awarded, their values, agencies involved, and potentially performance ratings. Without this external data, it's impossible to evaluate their history or suitability beyond this single award.

What does the 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' classification imply about the nature of the work?

The NAICS code 541690, 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services,' is a broad category that encompasses consulting services that are not elsewhere classified under scientific or technical consulting. This can include a wide array of specialized advisory roles. Examples might involve providing expert advice on emerging technologies, conducting feasibility studies for novel scientific applications, offering guidance on complex technical projects, or assisting with regulatory compliance in technical fields. The 'other' designation suggests the services are unique and do not fit neatly into more specific categories like engineering, environmental, or IT consulting.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting 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: 742 SPRUCE LN, PALMYRA, NE, 68418

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,000

Exercised Options: $10,000

Current Obligation: $10,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15A00025AAQA00105

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline