DOJ awards $444.5K contract for expert witness services to DNA Labs International Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $44,450 ($44.5K)

Contractor: DNA Labs International Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-11-19

End Date: 2026-11-18

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $122/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: BURLINGTON, CHITTENDEN County, VERMONT, 05402

State: Vermont Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $44,450 to DNA LABS INTERNATIONAL INC for work described as: EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, limiting price competition. 2. Services are critical for legal proceedings, indicating a need for specialized expertise. 3. The contract duration of one year suggests a recurring need for these services. 4. The 'All Other Legal Services' NAICS code is broad, potentially encompassing various specialized functions. 5. The purchase order award type is typically used for smaller, less complex acquisitions. 6. The contractor, DNA Labs International Inc., is the sole provider in this instance.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of expert witness services is challenging without specific details on the scope of work and the expertise required. Given the sole-source nature of this award, it's difficult to assess if the $444.5K represents a competitive price. However, for a one-year contract of this type, the amount is within a plausible range for specialized legal support. Further analysis would require understanding the specific scientific or technical expertise being procured and comparing it to similar engagements within the Department of Justice or other federal agencies.

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 data indicates 'NOT COMPETED' as the contract type. This suggests that either only one source was capable of providing the required services, or the agency determined that competition was not practicable. Without a competitive process, there is no direct comparison of bids or market price discovery, which can lead to higher costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards mean taxpayers may not be getting the best possible price, as competition is a key driver for cost savings in government procurement.

Public Impact

The Department of Justice benefits from specialized expert witness services to support its legal cases. These services are crucial for providing scientific or technical testimony in court. The geographic impact is national, as the Department of Justice operates across the United States. The contract supports specialized scientific and legal professionals within the contractor's organization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may result in a higher price than if the contract were competed.
The broad NAICS code 'All Other Legal Services' could mask the specific, potentially high-value, expertise being procured.
Reliance on a single source for critical legal support services presents a potential risk if the contractor's performance falters.

Positive Signals

The contract is awarded to a specific company, DNA Labs International Inc., suggesting they possess the required specialized skills.
The contract duration of one year provides a defined period for service delivery, allowing for focused support.
The award is a purchase order, which is a common and efficient method for acquiring goods and services.

Sector Analysis

The legal services sector is a significant component of federal spending, encompassing a wide range of support functions for government agencies. Expert witness services fall under this umbrella, often requiring highly specialized scientific, technical, or medical knowledge to assist in litigation. The market for such services is driven by the complexity and nature of legal cases. Federal agencies, particularly those involved in law enforcement and litigation like the Department of Justice, frequently procure these services to bolster their cases. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without knowing the specific area of expertise, but the overall legal services market is substantial.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses mandated by this specific award. The focus is on the prime contractor, DNA Labs International Inc. Analysis of potential subcontracting opportunities would require further investigation into the contractor's practices and the nature of the services provided.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's Offices, Boards and Divisions. As a purchase order, it is subject to standard procurement regulations and internal agency oversight. Accountability measures would be tied to the terms and conditions of the purchase order, including performance standards and delivery schedules. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature of the award, but the contract details are expected to be reported in federal procurement databases.

Related Government Programs

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Forensic Services
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Forensic Support
Department of Justice Litigation Support
Legal Services Contracts
Expert Witness Services Procurement

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Broad NAICS code

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $44,450 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 $44,450.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-11-19. End: 2026-11-18.

What specific scientific or technical expertise does DNA Labs International Inc. provide under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES' under NAICS code '541199 - All Other Legal Services'. While the specific area of expertise is not detailed, DNA Labs International Inc. is known for providing forensic DNA analysis and related services. This suggests the expert witness services likely pertain to DNA evidence, its interpretation, and testimony in legal proceedings. The Department of Justice may require their expertise in criminal cases, civil litigation, or other matters where DNA evidence is critical to establishing facts or supporting arguments.

How does the $444.5K contract value compare to similar expert witness service contracts awarded by the DOJ?

Direct comparison of this $444.5K contract value to similar expert witness service contracts is challenging without more specific details on the scope of services and the duration. However, for a one-year contract for specialized forensic or scientific expertise, this amount is within a reasonable range for federal procurements. The Department of Justice often engages expert witnesses for complex cases, and costs can vary significantly based on the required credentials, time commitment, and the complexity of the testimony. Without knowing the exact nature of the expertise and the expected workload, a precise benchmark is difficult to establish. Further analysis would involve reviewing other DOJ contracts for similar forensic or scientific expert witness services.

What are the primary risks associated with awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The primary risk associated with awarding this contract on a sole-source basis is the potential for paying a higher price than would be achievable through a competitive bidding process. Without competition, there is less incentive for the contractor to offer the lowest possible price. Additionally, sole-source awards can limit the government's access to a broader range of potential providers, potentially missing out on innovative solutions or specialized capabilities that other firms might offer. There's also a risk if the sole-source provider experiences performance issues, as finding and onboarding a replacement could be time-consuming and costly.

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

Historical spending patterns for expert witness services by the Department of Justice (DOJ) indicate a consistent and significant reliance on external expertise to support its vast litigation portfolio. The DOJ frequently procures these services across various divisions, including the U.S. Attorney's Offices, the Civil Division, and the Criminal Division, for cases involving complex scientific, medical, financial, or technical matters. Annual spending can fluctuate based on caseload and the complexity of cases, but it typically runs into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars across the department. The use of sole-source or limited competition awards is not uncommon for highly specialized forensic or scientific expertise where only a few entities possess the necessary qualifications.

How does the 'All Other Legal Services' NAICS code impact the understanding of this contract's purpose?

The '541199 - All Other Legal Services' NAICS code is very broad and encompasses a wide array of legal support services that do not fit into more specific categories like 'Offices of Lawyers' (541110) or 'Legal Counsel Management Support' (541191). For this contract, it suggests that the expert witness services provided by DNA Labs International Inc. are specialized and fall outside the more common legal service classifications. While it correctly identifies the general domain, it lacks specificity regarding the exact nature of the expertise, such as forensic science, DNA analysis, or specific litigation support functions. This broadness can make it challenging to precisely categorize and benchmark the contract without additional context.

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

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

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, 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: $44,450

Exercised Options: $44,450

Current Obligation: $44,450

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline