DOJ awards $30.27M sole-source contract for expert witness services to DNA Labs International Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,270 ($30.3K)

Contractor: DNA Labs International Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2029-02-28

Contract Duration: 1,063 days

Daily Burn Rate: $28/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20530

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $30,270 to DNA LABS INTERNATIONAL INC for work described as: EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, raising questions about competition and potential cost savings. 2. The contract duration of nearly three years suggests a sustained need for these specialized services. 3. The 'All Other Legal Services' NAICS code indicates a broad scope, potentially encompassing various forensic needs. 4. The use of a Time and Materials pricing structure can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed. 5. The award to a single vendor limits opportunities for market-driven innovation and competitive pricing. 6. The Department of Justice's reliance on a sole-source provider warrants scrutiny of the justification for this approach.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging due to its sole-source nature and the specialized 'expert witness services' category. Without competitive bids, it's difficult to ascertain if the $30.27 million price tag represents fair market value. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing model, while flexible, carries inherent risks of cost escalation if not meticulously monitored. Compared to potentially competed contracts for similar forensic or expert witness services, this award may not have achieved the most cost-effective outcome for taxpayers.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed. The justification for a sole-source award typically involves a determination that only one responsible source can provide the required services. Without a competitive process, the number of bidders is zero, and there is no direct price discovery through market forces. This approach limits the government's ability to explore a range of solutions and potentially secure more favorable pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards mean taxpayers do not benefit from the price reductions and service improvements that typically arise from a competitive bidding process. This can result in higher costs than might otherwise be achievable.

Public Impact

The Department of Justice (DOJ) will benefit from access to specialized expert witness services, crucial for legal proceedings. These services likely support various divisions within the DOJ, including those involved in criminal investigations and prosecutions. The contract's geographic impact is national, as DOJ operations span across the United States. The contract supports specialized scientific and legal expertise, potentially impacting the workforce in forensic science and legal support fields.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and potential cost savings.
Time and Materials pricing structure poses a risk of cost overruns.
Lack of transparency in the sole-source justification process.
Potential for vendor lock-in due to specialized nature of services.
Limited opportunities for small business participation if not subcontracted.

Positive Signals

Ensures access to critical expert witness services for DOJ.
Contract duration provides stability for service provision.
Specialized nature of services may require a specific, pre-qualified vendor.
Potential for high-quality, specialized expertise.

Sector Analysis

The market for expert witness services, particularly in specialized fields like DNA analysis, is fragmented and often requires highly specific expertise. While the overall legal services sector is vast, contracts for forensic expert witnesses are niche. The $30.27 million awarded to DNA Labs International Inc. represents a significant investment within this specialized segment. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the unique nature of sole-source awards and the specific scientific disciplines involved.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a sole-source award, there is no explicit requirement for subcontracting to small businesses unless stipulated by the contracting officer. This limits the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific contract, unless DNA Labs International Inc. voluntarily engages small businesses as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures would be defined within the contract's terms and conditions, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature of the award; the justification for not competing the contract would typically be made public, but the detailed evaluation process is not. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Forensic Science Services
Legal Support Services
Department of Justice Contracts
Expert Witness Services
DNA Analysis Services

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Time and Materials pricing
Lack of competition

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $30,270 to DNA LABS INTERNATIONAL INC. EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DNA LABS INTERNATIONAL INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Offices, Boards and Divisions).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $30,270.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2029-02-28.

What is the specific justification provided by the Department of Justice for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The justification for a sole-source award typically stems from circumstances where only one responsible source is available or capable of meeting the government's needs. For expert witness services, this could be due to highly specialized scientific knowledge, unique proprietary technology, or a critical need for continuity with a provider already deeply familiar with ongoing complex litigation. The Department of Justice would need to formally document this justification, often citing Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 6.302. Without access to that specific documentation, the precise reasons remain unknown, but common rationales include the unavailability of other qualified sources, the need for compatibility with existing systems or knowledge, or urgent and compelling circumstances that preclude full and open competition.

How does the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure compare to other contract types for similar expert witness services?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts are often used when the extent or duration of the work cannot be determined in advance. For expert witness services, this can be advantageous as the complexity and time required for analysis, testimony preparation, and court appearances can vary significantly. However, T&M contracts carry a higher risk for the government compared to fixed-price contracts, as the total cost is not predetermined. Competitively, fixed-price contracts often drive lower overall costs by incentivizing the contractor to be efficient. For specialized services like expert witnesses, a hybrid approach or a well-defined ceiling on T&M contracts is crucial to manage costs and ensure value for money. The absence of a competitive bid makes it harder to benchmark this specific T&M award against market rates.

What is the track record of DNA Labs International Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Justice?

Information regarding DNA Labs International Inc.'s specific track record with federal contracts, especially with the Department of Justice, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive analysis would require reviewing the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or similar databases for past awards, contract performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any history of disputes or terminations. Without this historical data, it's difficult to assess their past performance, reliability, and experience in fulfilling government requirements. The current award suggests they possess the necessary qualifications, but a deeper dive into their federal contracting history would provide a more robust understanding of their capabilities and past performance.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for critical expert witness services?

The primary risk of a sole-source award for critical expert witness services is the lack of competition, which can lead to inflated prices and reduced innovation. Taxpayers may end up paying more than necessary because there was no market pressure to offer the best possible value. Furthermore, reliance on a single provider can create vendor lock-in, making it difficult and costly to switch providers in the future, even if performance issues arise. There's also a potential risk if the sole-source provider experiences operational difficulties, financial instability, or a decline in the quality of its services, as there are no immediate alternative sources readily available. Transparency is also reduced, as the justification for not competing the award might not fully satisfy public scrutiny.

How does the duration of this contract (nearly three years) impact the overall value and risk assessment?

The contract duration of approximately three years (from award date to estimated completion) provides stability and continuity for the Department of Justice's need for expert witness services. This extended period allows the contractor, DNA Labs International Inc., to become deeply integrated with ongoing cases and potentially develop specialized knowledge relevant to the DOJ's specific requirements. From a risk perspective, a longer duration can mitigate the risk of frequent contract transitions and associated ramp-up times. However, it also increases the exposure to potential cost escalations, especially with a Time and Materials pricing structure. The longer timeframe necessitates robust ongoing oversight to ensure performance remains high and costs are controlled throughout the contract's life.

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: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 700 W HILLSBORO BLVD, DEERFIELD BEACH, FL, 33441

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $30,270

Exercised Options: $30,270

Current Obligation: $30,270

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline