DOJ's $1.9M expert witness contract for firearms analysis awarded to WD Forensic Inc. without competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,055 ($19.1K)

Contractor: WD Forensic Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2029-02-28

Contract Duration: 1,057 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES - FIREARMS

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 $19,055 to WD FORENSIC INC for work described as: EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES - FIREARMS Key points: 1. The contract's value appears reasonable for specialized expert witness services, though direct comparisons are difficult without more detailed scope. 2. Lack of competition raises concerns about potential overpayment and limited market exploration for these critical services. 3. The contract duration extends over three years, indicating a need for ongoing or long-term support in firearms analysis. 4. Performance will be assessed based on the quality and timeliness of expert testimony and reports. 5. This contract falls within the broader legal services sector, supporting the Department of Justice's litigation needs. 6. The sole-source award limits opportunities for other qualified firms to demonstrate their capabilities and potentially offer competitive pricing.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of specialized expert witness services is challenging due to the unique nature of each case and the expertise required. However, the $1.9 million total value over nearly three years suggests a significant investment. Without competitive bids, it's difficult to ascertain if this represents optimal value for money compared to what other firms might offer. The 'time and materials' pricing structure necessitates careful monitoring to ensure efficient use of resources and prevent cost overruns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning the Department of Justice did not solicit bids from multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when only one vendor possesses the unique qualifications or capabilities required for the service. The lack of competition means that taxpayers did not benefit from a price discovery process that could have emerged from a bidding war among qualified firms.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition means taxpayers may not have received the lowest possible price for these essential expert witness services. It also limits the government's ability to explore a wider range of expertise and potentially innovative approaches from the market.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Justice's legal teams who will receive specialized expertise in firearms analysis for litigation. Services delivered include expert testimony, forensic analysis of firearms evidence, and consultation on related legal matters. The geographic impact is primarily national, supporting federal court cases across the United States. Workforce implications are minimal, as this contract focuses on external expert support rather than direct government hiring.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits price competition and potential for better value.
Time and materials contract type requires diligent oversight to control costs.
Lack of transparency in the selection process for a sole-source award.

Positive Signals

WD Forensic Inc. likely possesses specialized expertise critical for firearms analysis.
Contract duration suggests a recognized need for ongoing support.
Awarding to a single expert can ensure consistency in analysis and testimony.

Sector Analysis

The legal services sector encompasses a wide range of support functions for government agencies. Expert witness services, particularly in specialized fields like forensic firearms analysis, represent a niche but critical component. The market for such services is often fragmented, with a few highly specialized firms and individual experts. Government contracts in this area are essential for ensuring the integrity of legal proceedings, especially in criminal and civil litigation involving complex scientific evidence. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the case-specific nature of expert witness engagements.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not competed under the Small Business Administration's programs, nor does it appear to have specific set-aside provisions for small businesses. As a sole-source award to WD Forensic Inc., there are no direct subcontracting opportunities mandated for small businesses within this specific contract. The impact on the small business ecosystem is neutral, as it does not leverage or displace small business capabilities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily fall under the Department of Justice's contracting and legal divisions. Accountability measures will be tied to the quality and timeliness of the expert services provided, as stipulated in the purchase order. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature of the award, with fewer public details available compared to competitively bid contracts. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Forensic Services
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Forensic Services
Department of Defense Forensic Services
National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Research Grants

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Time and materials pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $19,055 to WD FORENSIC INC. EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES - FIREARMS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WD FORENSIC 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 $19,055.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2029-02-28.

What is the specific expertise of WD Forensic Inc. in firearms analysis?

While the provided data does not detail WD Forensic Inc.'s specific qualifications, their selection for expert witness services in firearms analysis by the Department of Justice implies they possess recognized expertise in this specialized field. This typically includes knowledge of firearm mechanics, ballistics, trajectory analysis, gunshot residue, tool mark identification, and firearm function testing. Their role would involve analyzing evidence, providing expert reports, and testifying in court regarding findings. The government likely conducted due diligence to ensure the firm meets the necessary standards for forensic science and legal testimony, although the specifics of this vetting process are not publicly detailed for sole-source awards.

How does the $1.9 million contract value compare to similar expert witness services?

Directly comparing the $1.9 million value to similar contracts is challenging because expert witness services are highly specialized and case-dependent. The cost is influenced by the complexity of the case, the required expertise, the duration of the engagement, and the specific tasks (e.g., report writing, depositions, trial testimony). For complex federal litigation, particularly involving scientific or technical matters like firearms analysis, such figures can be within a reasonable range. However, without knowing the exact scope of work, the number of cases supported, and the hourly rates, it's difficult to definitively benchmark this against market rates or other government contracts. The lack of competition further complicates a value-for-money assessment.

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

The primary risk of a sole-source award is the potential lack of competitive pricing, meaning the government might pay more than necessary. It also limits the opportunity to explore a broader range of expertise or potentially more innovative approaches from the market. Furthermore, it can raise concerns about fairness and transparency in the procurement process. For specialized services like expert witnesses, there's also a risk that the government becomes overly reliant on a single provider, potentially reducing leverage in future negotiations. Ensuring the selected vendor's qualifications are rigorously vetted is crucial to mitigate risks related to the quality of service.

What is the historical spending pattern for expert witness services by the Department of Justice?

Historical spending data for expert witness services by the Department of Justice (DOJ) is extensive and varied, reflecting the vast number of legal cases the agency handles. The DOJ frequently procures expert services across numerous disciplines, including forensic science, economics, engineering, and medical fields, often through competitive solicitations but also via sole-source awards when specific expertise is required. Annual spending can fluctuate significantly based on litigation volume and complexity. While this specific $1.9 million contract for firearms analysis is a notable allocation, it represents a fraction of the DOJ's overall budget for legal support services. Analyzing past spending trends would require a detailed review of DOJ's contract databases to identify patterns in service types, contractor awards, and average costs.

How will the performance of WD Forensic Inc. be monitored under this contract?

Performance monitoring for WD Forensic Inc. will likely be managed by the contracting officer's representative (COR) or a designated technical point of contact within the relevant DOJ office. Key performance indicators would include the quality and accuracy of forensic analysis and expert reports, the timeliness of deliverables and testimony, adherence to legal standards, and overall responsiveness to requests. The 'time and materials' nature of the contract necessitates close tracking of hours and costs to ensure they align with the anticipated scope and budget. Feedback from the legal teams utilizing the expert services will also be a critical component of performance assessment. Failure to meet performance standards could result in contract modifications or termination.

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: 13303 68TH AVE SE, SNOHOMISH, WA, 98296

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,055

Exercised Options: $19,055

Current Obligation: $19,055

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline