DOJ awards $299K contract for expert witness services to DNA Labs International Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,915 ($29.9K)

Contractor: DNA Labs International Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-07

End Date: 2029-02-28

Contract Duration: 1,058 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 - DNA

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 $29,915 to DNA LABS INTERNATIONAL INC for work described as: EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES - DNA Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, raising questions about potential cost savings from competition. 2. The contract duration of nearly three years suggests a sustained need for these specialized services. 3. The time and materials pricing structure may lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored. 4. The specific nature of expert witness services indicates a critical role in legal proceedings. 5. The award to a single vendor warrants scrutiny of the justification for limited competition.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $299,150 for expert witness services over approximately 35 months appears reasonable on the surface, averaging around $8,500 per month. However, without specific details on the scope of services, the number of hours required, or the specific expertise provided, a direct comparison to similar contracts is difficult. The time and materials (T&M) pricing model introduces a degree of uncertainty regarding the final cost, as it is dependent on actual hours worked and material usage. Benchmarking the per-hour rate against industry standards for DNA expert witnesses would be crucial for a more definitive value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded using a sole-source justification, meaning that only one vendor was considered. The data indicates it was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Small Acquisition Procedures), suggesting it may have fallen outside standard competitive thresholds or had specific justifications for sole-sourcing. The lack of competition means there was no opportunity for multiple bidders to offer their services, potentially limiting price discovery and the government's ability to secure the most cost-effective solution. The rationale for sole-sourcing, such as unique capabilities or urgent need, would need to be thoroughly reviewed.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers as the government does not benefit from the competitive pressure that typically drives down prices. This also limits the opportunity for other qualified small businesses to compete for this work.

Public Impact

The Department of Justice (DOJ) benefits from access to specialized DNA expert witness services, crucial for legal case support. These services are essential for the prosecution or defense in legal proceedings requiring forensic DNA analysis and testimony. The contract's impact is primarily within the legal and forensic science sectors, supporting federal law enforcement and judicial functions. The contract supports specialized scientific and legal professionals, contributing to the workforce in these fields.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and potentially increases costs for taxpayers.
Time and materials contract type can lead to cost uncertainty and potential overruns.
Lack of transparency regarding the specific justification for sole-sourcing.
Limited data available to benchmark the value for money effectively.

Positive Signals

Award to a specialized firm ensures access to critical expert witness capabilities.
Contract duration suggests a stable and predictable need for these services.
The vendor is likely providing essential support to the DOJ's mission.

Sector Analysis

The market for expert witness services, particularly in specialized fields like DNA analysis, is highly fragmented and often requires unique scientific and legal expertise. This contract falls within the broader legal services sector, specifically the sub-sector of forensic science support. The value of this specific contract is relatively small compared to the overall federal spending on legal and investigative services. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other contracts for similar forensic expert services across various federal agencies, considering factors like the complexity of cases and the specific scientific disciplines involved.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded to a small business, nor does it appear to have a small business set-aside. The data indicates 'sb': false. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific award is minimal, and there is no indication of opportunities being created for small businesses through this particular contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's internal procurement and program management offices. As a sole-source award, the justification and terms would be subject to review by contracting officers and potentially agency-level legal counsel. Transparency regarding the specific justification for sole-sourcing and detailed performance metrics would be key to assessing accountability. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Forensic Services
Department of Defense Forensic Services
National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Research Grants
Legal Services Contracts
Forensic Science Services

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Time and materials pricing
Lack of competitive bidding

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $29,915 to DNA LABS INTERNATIONAL INC. EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES - DNA

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 $29,915.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2029-02-28.

What is the specific expertise provided by DNA Labs International Inc. under this contract, and how does it compare to other providers in the market?

The contract specifies 'EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES - DNA,' indicating the provision of specialized forensic DNA analysis and expert testimony. DNA Labs International Inc. likely offers services such as DNA profile interpretation, comparison analysis, and courtroom testimony based on forensic evidence. Comparing their specific expertise to other market providers would require a detailed analysis of their accreditations, scientific methodologies, historical case involvement, and the specific niche they fill within the broader forensic DNA landscape. Factors like the types of DNA testing offered (e.g., STR analysis, mitochondrial DNA, Y-STR), their success rates in casework, and their reputation among legal professionals would be key differentiators. Without more granular data on the contractor's specific offerings and market positioning, a precise comparison remains challenging.

What was the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and were alternative competitive approaches considered?

The provided data states the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' and lists the contract type as 'NOT COMPETED'. This strongly suggests a sole-source award. The specific justification for this sole-sourcing is not detailed in the provided data. Typically, sole-source awards are justified under specific circumstances outlined in federal acquisition regulations, such as when only one responsible source is available, or when there is a compelling urgency that precludes competition. Without access to the official justification document (e.g., a Justification and Approval - J&A), it is impossible to definitively state the reasons. Alternative competitive approaches may have been considered and deemed unsuitable, or the circumstances may have been deemed to meet the criteria for sole-sourcing from the outset.

How does the time and materials (T&M) pricing structure for this contract potentially impact overall cost and value for the government?

A Time and Materials (T&M) contract, like the one awarded to DNA Labs International Inc., bases payment on the actual labor hours expended and the cost of materials used. While T&M contracts can offer flexibility and are often used when the scope of work is not clearly defined or is expected to change, they carry inherent risks for the government. The primary risk is cost uncertainty; the final price is not fixed and can exceed initial estimates if labor hours are higher than anticipated or if material costs escalate. This lack of a ceiling can potentially lead to higher overall costs compared to fixed-price contracts. Effective oversight, including detailed tracking of hours, rigorous review of invoices, and potentially establishing a contract ceiling, is crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure value for money.

What is the historical spending pattern for expert witness services, particularly DNA-related, within the Department of Justice?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for expert witness services within the Department of Justice (DOJ) would require accessing historical contract databases and procurement records. This specific contract for $299,150 is a single data point. To understand broader trends, one would need to examine spending over multiple fiscal years, identify the agencies or divisions within the DOJ that most frequently procure such services, and track the types of expert witnesses utilized (e.g., DNA, ballistics, digital forensics). It would also be beneficial to compare the volume and value of sole-source versus competitively awarded contracts for these services over time. Such an analysis could reveal whether spending is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable, and whether the DOJ relies heavily on sole-source procurements for specialized expertise.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single vendor for critical expert witness services, especially in a sole-source context?

Relying on a single vendor for critical expert witness services, particularly when awarded through a sole-source mechanism, presents several risks. Firstly, it eliminates the competitive pressure that typically drives down prices, potentially leading to higher costs for the government and taxpayers. Secondly, it can reduce the government's leverage in negotiations regarding service levels, turnaround times, and quality. Thirdly, if the sole-source vendor experiences performance issues, financial instability, or faces legal challenges, the government may face significant disruptions in critical legal support, potentially impacting case timelines and outcomes. Finally, it limits the government's ability to benefit from innovation or new capabilities that might be offered by other qualified vendors in the market.

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: $29,915

Exercised Options: $29,915

Current Obligation: $29,915

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline