DOJ awards $1.7M parking contract to The Car Park Group, LLC for DEA agents in Pennsylvania

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,965 ($17.0K)

Contractor: THE CAR Park Group, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-10-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $47/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PARKING SPACES FOR AGENTS AND TFOS

Place of Performance

Location: SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA County, PENNSYLVANIA, 18503

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $16,965 to THE CAR PARK GROUP, LLC for work described as: PARKING SPACES FOR AGENTS AND TFOS Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, raising questions about potential cost savings through competition. 2. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty but may limit flexibility for unforeseen needs. 3. Duration of 364 days suggests a need for ongoing services rather than a one-time requirement. 4. The contract's value of $1.7M for parking services warrants benchmarking against similar government or commercial contracts. 5. Lack of competition could lead to higher prices than if multiple vendors had bid. 6. The specific location in Pennsylvania (PA) may influence local market rates for parking.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.7 million for parking services over one year appears substantial. Without comparable contract data or detailed service level agreements, it is difficult to definitively assess value for money. The firm fixed-price nature provides budget predictability for the agency. However, the absence of competition means there's no direct market validation of the pricing against other potential providers.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor was solicited. This significantly limits price discovery and the potential for achieving cost savings that often arise from competitive bidding processes. The justification for a sole-source award is not provided, but typically it would involve unique capabilities or circumstances where only one vendor can meet the requirement.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards mean taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for these parking services, as competitive pressure to lower costs was absent.

Public Impact

Provides essential parking facilities for Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents and Task Force Officers (TFOs). Ensures operational readiness and accessibility for law enforcement personnel in Pennsylvania. Supports the DEA's mission by facilitating the daily work of its agents. The contract's geographic impact is localized to the specific area in Pennsylvania where the parking is provided.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and potential taxpayer savings.
Lack of transparency regarding the justification for sole-source procurement.
Firm fixed-price contract may not account for potential fluctuations in parking demand or costs.
No indication of small business subcontracting opportunities.

Positive Signals

Ensures dedicated parking for critical law enforcement personnel.
Provides a stable, predictable cost for a necessary service.
Contract duration suggests a reliable, ongoing service provision.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the broader facilities support services sector, specifically focusing on parking management. This sector is characterized by a mix of large facility management companies and smaller, specialized parking operators. Government contracts for parking are common, often awarded to meet the needs of federal agencies in various locations. Benchmarking would involve comparing this contract's value and terms to other government parking contracts or large commercial parking leases.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not competed and there is no indication of a small business set-aside or subcontracting plan. The sole-source nature of the award means that opportunities for small businesses to participate as prime contractors or subcontractors were likely not explored or offered.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the contracting officer and program managers within the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). As a purchase order, it may be subject to standard procurement regulations and internal agency oversight. Transparency regarding the sole-source justification and performance metrics would be key to assessing accountability.

Related Government Programs

Federal Law Enforcement Support Services
Government Facilities Management
DEA Operational Support Contracts
Parking and Transportation Services

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Potential for overpayment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $16,965 to THE CAR PARK GROUP, LLC. PARKING SPACES FOR AGENTS AND TFOS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE CAR PARK GROUP, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $16,965.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the specific justification for awarding this parking contract on a sole-source basis?

The provided data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED' and awarded as a 'SOLE SOURCE'. Without further documentation or justification from the Department of Justice or the Drug Enforcement Administration, the specific reasons for this sole-source award remain unclear. Typically, sole-source justifications are required when only one responsible source is available or capable of meeting the agency's needs, or in cases of urgent and compelling need. The absence of a competitive process means taxpayers may not have benefited from potential cost savings that could have been achieved through bidding.

How does the $1.7 million contract value compare to market rates for similar parking services in Pennsylvania?

Benchmarking the $1.7 million contract value against market rates for similar parking services in Pennsylvania is challenging without more specific details about the location, number of spaces, duration of use, and included amenities. However, for a 364-day period, this equates to approximately $4,670 per parking space per year. This figure needs to be compared against local commercial parking rates and other government contracts for similar services in the same geographic region to determine if it represents good value for money. The sole-source nature of the award raises concerns that this price may not be as competitive as it could be.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source contract for essential services like agent parking?

The primary risk of a sole-source contract for essential services is the lack of competitive pressure, which can lead to inflated prices and reduced service quality. Taxpayers may overpay for the service compared to what could be achieved through a competitive bidding process. Additionally, sole-source awards can sometimes indicate a lack of strategic planning or market research by the agency, or potentially favor incumbent contractors without a thorough evaluation of alternatives. This can also limit opportunities for new or smaller businesses to enter the market.

What is the track record of The Car Park Group, LLC in providing services to the federal government?

Information regarding The Car Park Group, LLC's specific track record with the federal government is not detailed in the provided data. As this is a sole-source award, it might suggest a pre-existing relationship or a unique capability that the agency identified. A deeper dive into federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) would be necessary to ascertain the company's history with government contracts, past performance ratings, and any previous awards or issues.

How does the duration of the contract (364 days) inform its purpose and potential for renewal?

A contract duration of 364 days, just shy of a full year, typically indicates a need for ongoing, recurring services rather than a one-time project. This duration allows the agency to secure parking for a defined period without exceeding certain procurement thresholds that might require more extensive competitive processes. It also suggests that the agency anticipates the need for these parking services to continue beyond the current contract term, potentially leading to future solicitations or renewals, depending on the agency's long-term requirements and procurement strategy.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Other Personal Services › Parking Lots and Garages

Product/Service Code: LEASE/RENT FACILITIES › LEASE/RENTAL OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 421 FAYETTEVILLE ST STE 1000, RALEIGH, NC, 27601

Business Categories: Category Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,965

Exercised Options: $16,965

Current Obligation: $16,965

Actual Outlays: $6,990

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline