DOJ's DEA awards $41.1M contract for financial investigator support services to Ruchman and Associates

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $41,129,376 ($41.1M)

Contractor: Ruchman and Associates, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2023-03-31

End Date: 2028-03-30

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $22.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE DIVERSION CONTROL DIVISION REQUEST TO FUND THE TASK ORDER, FINANCIAL INVESTIGATOR SUPPORT SERVICES CONTRACT, BASE YEAR. THE CONTRACT WILL HAVE A 12-MONTH BASE YEAR WITH FOUR (4) 12-MONTH OPTION YEARS. (03/31/2023 - 03/30/2028)

Place of Performance

Location: NOTTINGHAM, BALTIMORE County, MARYLAND, 21236

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $41.1 million to RUCHMAN AND ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: THE DIVERSION CONTROL DIVISION REQUEST TO FUND THE TASK ORDER, FINANCIAL INVESTIGATOR SUPPORT SERVICES CONTRACT, BASE YEAR. THE CONTRACT WILL HAVE A 12-MONTH BASE YEAR WITH FOUR (4) 12-MONTH OPTION YEARS. (03/31/2023 - 03/30/2028) Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting market availability of services. 2. The contract has a 5-year period of performance, indicating a long-term need. 3. Services fall under Administrative Management and General Management Consulting, a broad category. 4. The base year cost is approximately $8.2M, with significant potential for growth through option years.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a delivery order under an existing contract. Without knowing the terms of the base contract, it's difficult to assess pricing against similar contracts. The provided data does not offer enough detail for a robust value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were likely considered. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is positive for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best possible price through market forces.

Public Impact

Supports the DEA's mission to combat drug trafficking and related crimes. Provides essential consulting services that may enhance operational efficiency. Long-term contract could indicate sustained demand for these specialized services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed pricing information for comparison.
Potential for cost escalation over the 5-year period.
Broad service category may obscure specific performance metrics.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Supports a critical law enforcement agency.
Clear period of performance with defined option years.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. Spending in this sector can vary widely depending on agency needs, but typically involves support for operational efficiency and strategic planning.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business set-asides were considered or if subcontracting opportunities exist.

Oversight & Accountability

As a delivery order, oversight may be tied to the parent contract's existing framework. The Drug Enforcement Administration's oversight mechanisms will be crucial in ensuring performance and value throughout the contract's duration.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Department of Justice Contracting
Drug Enforcement Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of detailed service scope.
Absence of option year cost breakdown.
No clear performance metrics provided.
Potential for long-term cost escalation.
Not awarded to a small business.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $41.1 million to RUCHMAN AND ASSOCIATES, INC.. THE DIVERSION CONTROL DIVISION REQUEST TO FUND THE TASK ORDER, FINANCIAL INVESTIGATOR SUPPORT SERVICES CONTRACT, BASE YEAR. THE CONTRACT WILL HAVE A 12-MONTH BASE YEAR WITH FOUR (4) 12-MONTH OPTION YEARS. (03/31/2023 - 03/30/2028)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RUCHMAN AND ASSOCIATES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Drug Enforcement Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $41.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-03-31. End: 2028-03-30.

What specific consulting services are included under 'Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services' for the DEA, and how do they directly support the agency's mission?

The provided data categorizes the services broadly. To understand the specific value, a detailed breakdown of tasks is needed. These services likely involve strategic planning, operational analysis, process improvement, and administrative support tailored to the DEA's unique challenges in combating illicit drug activities and related financial crimes.

What is the projected cost per option year, and how does it compare to the base year cost to assess potential price creep?

The data provides the total value for the base year ($41,129,376) and indicates four 12-month option years. However, it does not specify the cost for each option year or the total potential value including options. Without this breakdown, it's impossible to assess potential price creep or the full financial commitment over the contract's potential 5-year term.

How will the effectiveness of Ruchman and Associates' support services be measured to ensure optimal taxpayer value?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through performance metrics defined in the contract's statement of work, which is not provided. Key performance indicators could include timely delivery of reports, quality of analysis, impact on DEA investigations, and adherence to budget. Regular performance reviews and feedback mechanisms are essential for ensuring accountability and value.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4425 FITCH AVE STE 114, NOTTINGHAM, MD, 21236

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $47,147,171

Exercised Options: $45,955,907

Current Obligation: $41,129,376

Actual Outlays: $25,617,586

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00F356CA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline