DOJ awards $6.8M for legal services to Forfeiture Support Associates LLC, covering one year

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,804,864 ($6.8M)

Contractor: Forfeiture Support Associates LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2024-10-01

End Date: 2025-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: TITLE: FSA 2025 HEADQUARTERS OMA DEA-01 REQUESTOR: JACQUELINE P BOLDEN AFT#: AFT24-OM-004130 REF AWARD/BPA: 15JPSS20D00000271 POP DATES: 10/01/2024 TO 09/30/2025 DELIVERY DATE: 10/01/2024

Place of Performance

Location: HERNDON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20171

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $6.8 million to FORFEITURE SUPPORT ASSOCIATES LLC for work described as: TITLE: FSA 2025 HEADQUARTERS OMA DEA-01 REQUESTOR: JACQUELINE P BOLDEN AFT#: AFT24-OM-004130 REF AWARD/BPA: 15JPSS20D00000271 POP DATES: 10/01/2024 TO 09/30/2025 DELIVERY DATE: 10/01/2024 Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the specialized nature of forfeiture support services. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a single-year term and established contractor. 4. Performance context is a single delivery order under a larger BPA, indicating task-based execution. 5. Sector positioning is within legal services, a critical support function for law enforcement agencies.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $6.8 million for one year of legal support services is within a reasonable range for specialized services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for forfeiture support is challenging due to the niche nature of the work. However, the pricing structure (Time and Materials) allows for flexibility but requires careful monitoring to ensure cost-effectiveness. The award amount represents a significant investment in supporting the agency's forfeiture operations.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competitive environment. This approach is generally expected to yield fair market prices and encourage innovation among potential offerors.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition provides taxpayers with assurance that the government sought the best value, potentially leading to more competitive pricing and efficient use of public funds.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Justice and its component agencies, particularly the Drug Enforcement Administration, who receive essential legal support for asset forfeiture. Services delivered include all other legal services, likely encompassing research, analysis, documentation, and potentially litigation support related to forfeiture cases. The geographic impact is national, supporting federal law enforcement efforts across the United States. Workforce implications include the provision of specialized legal expertise, potentially augmenting government staff and ensuring efficient processing of forfeiture cases.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns with Time and Materials pricing if not closely managed.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical support function could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive selection process.
Contractor has an existing relationship with the government, indicated by the award being a Delivery Order under a BPA.
Services are for a defined one-year period, limiting long-term commitment and allowing for re-evaluation.

Sector Analysis

The legal services sector is a vital component of government operations, providing essential support for a wide range of agency functions. Within this sector, specialized services like forfeiture support are critical for law enforcement agencies to manage and process assets seized through legal proceedings. The market for these services is competitive, with various firms offering expertise in complex legal and administrative processes. This contract fits within the broader category of professional services procured by federal agencies.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this contract. As it was awarded under full and open competition, it is unlikely to have been exclusively set aside for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Justice's contracting and program management offices. The Drug Enforcement Administration, as the receiving agency, would monitor performance and ensure compliance with contract terms. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Justice - Asset Forfeiture Program
Drug Enforcement Administration - Legal Counsel
Federal Bureau of Investigation - Legal Support Services
U.S. Marshals Service - Asset Management

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing.
Contractor performance risk if specialized expertise is not consistently maintained.
Dependence on a single awardee for a critical support function.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $6.8 million to FORFEITURE SUPPORT ASSOCIATES LLC. TITLE: FSA 2025 HEADQUARTERS OMA DEA-01 REQUESTOR: JACQUELINE P BOLDEN AFT#: AFT24-OM-004130 REF AWARD/BPA: 15JPSS20D00000271 POP DATES: 10/01/2024 TO 09/30/2025 DELIVERY DATE: 10/01/2024

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FORFEITURE SUPPORT ASSOCIATES LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-01. End: 2025-09-30.

What is the track record of Forfeiture Support Associates LLC with the federal government?

Forfeiture Support Associates LLC has a history of contracting with the federal government, as evidenced by this Delivery Order being issued under a larger Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) or Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract (REF AWARD/BPA: 15JPSS20D00000271). This suggests prior vetting and performance evaluation by government agencies. To fully assess their track record, a review of past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or awards on other federal contracts would be necessary. The existence of a BPA implies a pre-established relationship and likely a demonstrated capability to provide the required services.

How does the value of this contract compare to similar legal services contracts within the DOJ?

Direct comparison of this $6.8 million contract value to similar legal services contracts within the DOJ is difficult without access to a comprehensive database of all DOJ legal service procurements, including those not publicly detailed. However, the contract's focus on 'All Other Legal Services' related to forfeiture suggests a specialized niche. The value appears substantial for a one-year period, indicating the complexity and volume of work involved in supporting forfeiture operations. Benchmarking would ideally involve comparing the per-hour rates or total contract values for similar specialized legal support services procured by law enforcement agencies, considering factors like geographic scope and specific expertise required.

What are the primary risks associated with this Time and Materials contract?

The primary risk with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract is the potential for cost overruns if not managed diligently. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M agreements reimburse the contractor for direct labor hours at specified rates and for the actual cost of materials. This structure can incentivize longer task durations or increased material usage if oversight is insufficient. For this contract, risks include the contractor not efficiently completing tasks, leading to higher-than-anticipated labor costs, or unnecessary material expenses. Robust monitoring of labor hours, material receipts, and task progress by the Drug Enforcement Administration is crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure value for money.

How effective is the full and open competition process in ensuring competitive pricing for specialized legal services?

The full and open competition process is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring competitive pricing, as it allows all responsible sources to submit offers. For specialized legal services like those related to forfeiture, this process theoretically encourages multiple firms to compete, driving down prices and improving the quality of services offered. However, the effectiveness can be influenced by the number of qualified bidders and the complexity of the service requirements. If only a few firms possess the unique expertise needed, the competition might be less robust than in broader service categories. Nevertheless, it provides a structured framework for price discovery and selection of the best value offer.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar legal support services by the DEA or DOJ?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for similar legal support services by the DEA or DOJ requires access to detailed procurement data over multiple fiscal years. Without that specific data, it's challenging to establish a precise trend. However, federal law enforcement agencies consistently require legal support for complex operations, including investigations, prosecutions, and asset forfeiture. Spending in this area is often driven by the volume of cases, legislative changes impacting forfeiture laws, and the need for specialized legal expertise. It's reasonable to assume that such services represent a recurring and significant expenditure category for agencies like the DEA, reflecting the ongoing demands of their mission.

What are the implications of this contract award for the broader legal services market?

This contract award signifies a continued demand for specialized legal support services within the federal government, particularly for law enforcement functions like asset forfeiture. For Forfeiture Support Associates LLC, it represents a significant revenue stream and an opportunity to further solidify its position as a key provider in this niche market. For the broader legal services market, it highlights the ongoing need for firms with expertise in government contracting and specialized areas of law. It may also signal opportunities for other firms to compete on future procurements if they can demonstrate comparable capabilities and competitive pricing, especially if the current contract is part of a larger strategic sourcing effort.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Legal Services › All Other Legal Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Science Applications International Corporation

Address: 20110 ASHBROOK PL STE 220, ASHBURN, VA, 20147

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,804,864

Exercised Options: $6,804,864

Current Obligation: $6,804,864

Actual Outlays: $6,804,864

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $6,267,587

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15JPSS20D00000271

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline