DOJ awards $20.6M to Signature Science LLC for Expert Witness Services, a sole-source contract
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,609 ($20.6K)
Contractor: Signature Science LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-04-07
End Date: 2029-02-28
Contract Duration: 1,058 days
Daily Burn Rate: $19/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: AUSTIN, TRAVIS County, TEXAS, 78766
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $20,608.63 to SIGNATURE SCIENCE LLC for work described as: EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single vendor, raising questions about competition. 2. Significant value of $20.6 million for legal services. 3. Long performance period extending to February 2029. 4. Services fall under 'All Other Legal Services' NAICS code.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value is substantial at $20.6 million. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this pricing is optimal compared to market rates for similar expert witness services.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and was awarded sole-source. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for a $20.6 million contract may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these expert witness services.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may be overpaying due to the absence of competitive bidding. The Department of Justice relies on this vendor for critical legal support. The long contract duration suggests a sustained need for these specialized services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award
- Lack of competition
- High contract value
- Long performance period
Positive Signals
- Services are critical for legal operations
- Vendor has a long-term contract
Sector Analysis
Legal services, particularly expert witness support, are crucial for government agencies. Benchmarks for such services can vary widely based on specialization and duration, making direct comparisons challenging without competitive data.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to Signature Science LLC and does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses. The sole-source nature further suggests it was not aimed at small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source award warrants further oversight to ensure the pricing is fair and reasonable, and that the services provided are essential and effectively delivered. Documentation justifying the sole-source decision is critical.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Legal Services
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Offices, Boards and Divisions Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Lack of competitive bidding
- High contract value ($20.6M)
- Long contract duration (2026-2029)
- Potential for overpayment
Tags
all-other-legal-services, department-of-justice, tx, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $20,608.63 to SIGNATURE SCIENCE LLC. EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SIGNATURE SCIENCE LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Offices, Boards and Divisions).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $20,608.63.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2029-02-28.
What is the justification for awarding this contract sole-source, and what steps were taken to ensure the price is fair and reasonable?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves circumstances where only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services. For this contract, the Department of Justice would need to document why Signature Science LLC is the only viable option. To ensure fair and reasonable pricing, they would likely rely on historical pricing data, market research, or independent government cost estimates, though the absence of competition inherently limits robust price discovery.
What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award of this magnitude for expert witness services?
The primary risk of a sole-source award is the potential for inflated costs due to a lack of competitive pressure. Taxpayers may end up paying a premium. Additionally, there's a risk of vendor complacency or reduced innovation over the contract's long duration. Without competition, the government has less leverage to negotiate better terms or explore alternative, potentially more cost-effective solutions.
How does the long performance period (nearly 3 years) impact the effectiveness and value of these expert witness services?
A long performance period can ensure continuity and stability of essential expert witness services, allowing for deep integration and understanding of ongoing legal cases. However, it also increases the risk of cost escalation over time if pricing is not fixed or subject to review. The effectiveness hinges on the vendor's sustained performance and the government's ability to manage the contract and ensure continued value delivery.
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
Parent Company: Signature Science, LLC
Address: 8501 N MOPAC EXPY STE 100, AUSTIN, TX, 78759
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $20,609
Exercised Options: $20,609
Current Obligation: $20,609
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-07
Current End Date: 2029-02-28
Potential End Date: 2029-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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