DOJ's $3.8M Digital Evidence Lab contract awarded to Infotrend Inc. for cyber support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,804,355 ($3.8M)

Contractor: Infotrend Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2024-08-01

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: THE DIGITAL EVIDENCE LABORATORY CYBER SUPPORT CONTRACT PROVIDES CRITICAL OPERATIONAL SUPPORT TO SFL9.

Place of Performance

Location: LORTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22079

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $3.8 million to INFOTREND INCORPORATED for work described as: THE DIGITAL EVIDENCE LABORATORY CYBER SUPPORT CONTRACT PROVIDES CRITICAL OPERATIONAL SUPPORT TO SFL9. Key points: 1. Contract provides essential cyber support for the Digital Evidence Laboratory. 2. Infotrend Inc. secured the contract through full and open competition. 3. The contract duration is approximately two years, ending July 2026. 4. This award is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle. 5. The services are classified under Custom Computer Programming Services. 6. The contract type is Time and Materials, indicating potential for cost variability. 7. The award value is $3,804,354.62.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.8 million over two years for specialized cyber support appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar custom computer programming services contracts for federal agencies suggests this pricing is within expected ranges. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, while common for evolving technical needs, warrants close monitoring to ensure efficient resource utilization and prevent cost overruns. Without specific performance metrics or detailed cost breakdowns, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the competitive award process provides a positive signal.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 9 bidders suggests a healthy level of market interest and competition for these specialized cyber support services. This competitive environment is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition process is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down prices through market forces and encourages a wider pool of qualified contractors to vie for the work, potentially leading to better value.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which will receive critical operational support for its Digital Evidence Laboratory. The services delivered will enhance the DEA's capabilities in handling and analyzing digital evidence. This support is crucial for ongoing investigations and law enforcement operations. The contract is expected to indirectly support law enforcement personnel by providing them with advanced technological assistance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type could lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess efficiency and effectiveness.
Reliance on a single delivery order under a larger contract vehicle may limit flexibility if needs change significantly.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process.
Multiple bidders (9) suggest a robust market and potential for good pricing.
Contract supports critical cyber operations for a key law enforcement agency.

Sector Analysis

The federal IT services sector is vast, with significant spending on custom computer programming and specialized support. Contracts like this, focusing on cyber capabilities, are increasingly important as agencies grapple with digital evidence and cybersecurity threats. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous firms offering expertise in areas such as digital forensics, data analysis, and cybersecurity. This contract fits within the broader trend of agencies outsourcing specialized IT functions to leverage external expertise and maintain cutting-edge capabilities.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. The award to Infotrend Incorporated, a single entity, suggests that the primary focus was on securing the necessary expertise through the most competitive means available. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are indirectly involved through subcontracting opportunities or if this contract represents a missed opportunity for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely fall under the Department of Justice's internal procurement and program management offices, as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration's contracting and technical points of contact. The Inspector General's office for the Department of Justice may also conduct audits or investigations into contract performance and spending. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of contract awards, but detailed performance reporting and cost justifications are typically managed internally.

Related Government Programs

Digital Forensics Services
Cybersecurity Support Contracts
IT Professional Services
Custom Computer Programming
Law Enforcement Technology

Risk Flags

Time and Materials contract type requires close monitoring to control costs.
Scope creep could increase costs beyond the initial award value.
Performance metrics are not detailed in the provided summary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $3.8 million to INFOTREND INCORPORATED. THE DIGITAL EVIDENCE LABORATORY CYBER SUPPORT CONTRACT PROVIDES CRITICAL OPERATIONAL SUPPORT TO SFL9.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INFOTREND INCORPORATED.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-08-01. End: 2026-07-31.

What is the track record of Infotrend Incorporated with federal contracts, particularly in cyber support?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that Infotrend Incorporated has a history of receiving federal contracts, primarily within the IT services domain. While specific details on their cyber support performance are not immediately available from this summary, their past awards suggest experience in delivering technical solutions to government agencies. Further investigation into their past performance evaluations, any reported issues, and the types of agencies they have served would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and reliability in fulfilling cyber support requirements. It is important to examine if they have successfully completed similar Time and Materials contracts and met performance expectations in previous engagements.

How does the awarded value compare to similar cyber support contracts for the DEA or other law enforcement agencies?

The awarded value of $3.8 million over two years for specialized cyber support to the DEA's Digital Evidence Laboratory is within a reasonable range when compared to similar contracts. Federal agencies often procure custom computer programming and specialized IT support services for sensitive operations, with costs varying based on scope, duration, and required expertise. Contracts for digital forensics, cyber analysis, and evidence management can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars annually. The Time and Materials (T&M) nature of this contract means the final cost could fluctuate, but the initial award provides a benchmark. Benchmarking against contracts with similar NAICS codes (e.g., 541511) and service descriptions for agencies like the FBI or DHS would offer a more precise comparison.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for cyber support?

The primary risk associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for cyber support is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts reimburse the contractor for the actual labor hours and materials used, plus a profit margin. If the scope of work is not clearly defined, or if project requirements evolve significantly, the contractor may incur more hours or use more resources than initially anticipated, leading to a higher final cost than budgeted. Effective oversight, detailed task orders, and vigilant monitoring of labor hours and material usage are crucial to mitigate this risk and ensure the government receives good value. Poorly managed T&M contracts can become significantly more expensive than initially projected.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' process in ensuring value for money for this type of specialized IT service?

The 'full and open competition' process is generally considered highly effective in ensuring value for money for specialized IT services like cyber support. By allowing all responsible sources to submit bids, it fosters a competitive environment where contractors are incentivized to offer their best pricing and technical solutions to win the contract. The presence of 9 bidders in this specific case indicates a healthy market and suggests that the government received competitive offers. This process helps prevent price gouging and encourages innovation as contractors strive to differentiate themselves. While effective, the ultimate value for money also depends on the clarity of the statement of work and the agency's ability to manage the contract effectively post-award.

What are the historical spending patterns for cyber support services within the Department of Justice or DEA?

Historical spending patterns for cyber support services within the Department of Justice (DOJ) and its components like the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have shown a consistent and increasing trend. As digital evidence becomes more critical in investigations, agencies like the DEA allocate significant resources to enhance their capabilities in digital forensics, data analysis, and cybercrime investigation support. This includes spending on specialized software, hardware, and expert personnel, often through contracts for custom programming, IT support, and professional services. The $3.8 million awarded for this specific contract aligns with the general upward trajectory of federal spending in this critical area, reflecting the growing demand for advanced cyber capabilities to combat complex criminal activities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: RFQ1666968

Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7761 DIAMONDBACK DRIVE, SUITE 02-113, COLLEGE PARK, MD, 20742

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $22,115,584

Exercised Options: $5,877,444

Current Obligation: $3,804,355

Actual Outlays: $2,714,805

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F495DA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline