DOJ awards $28K purchase order for expert witness services to DNA Labs International Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,263 ($28.3K)

Contractor: DNA Labs International Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2027-04-01

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $78/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 $28,262.5 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. The contract is for expert witness services, a critical component of legal proceedings. 3. The duration of the contract is one year, suggesting a need for ongoing support. 4. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored. 5. The small value of the contract may indicate a specific, limited need for services. 6. The contractor, DNA Labs International Inc., is likely being selected for specialized expertise.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $28,262.50 is relatively small, making direct comparison to larger contracts difficult. However, the Time and Materials pricing structure warrants careful monitoring to ensure value for money. Without benchmark data for similar expert witness services from this specific contractor or comparable firms, assessing the overall value is challenging. The award is a purchase order, which typically signifies a less complex procurement.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This approach is often used when a specific contractor possesses unique qualifications or capabilities essential for the service. The lack of competition means that the government did not explore alternative providers, potentially missing out on more competitive pricing or innovative solutions. The justification for a sole-source award would typically involve demonstrating that only DNA Labs International Inc. could provide the required expert witness services.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not be receiving the most cost-effective solution due to the absence of competitive bidding. The government's ability to negotiate favorable terms is also limited in a sole-source scenario.

Public Impact

The Department of Justice benefits from specialized expert witness testimony for legal cases. This contract supports the administration of justice by providing necessary scientific or technical expertise. The services are likely utilized in federal court proceedings, impacting legal outcomes. The contract does not appear to have significant geographic or workforce implications beyond the immediate legal case.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition raises concerns about potential overpayment and lack of innovation.
Time and Materials contract type can lead to unpredictable costs if not managed diligently.
Sole-source awards require strong justification to ensure taxpayer funds are used appropriately.

Positive Signals

Award to a specialized firm suggests access to critical expertise for legal proceedings.
The contract duration indicates a potential for sustained, necessary support.
The specific nature of the service (expert witness) implies a targeted and essential requirement.

Sector Analysis

The legal services sector, particularly specialized areas like expert witness testimony, is crucial for the functioning of the justice system. This contract falls under the broader category of professional services, where expertise and specialized knowledge command premium pricing. While the overall market for expert witness services is substantial, individual contracts can vary significantly in size and scope depending on the specific needs of a case. Benchmarking this contract is difficult without knowing the exact nature of the expertise required.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides or significant subcontracting opportunities. The award is to a specific entity, DNA Labs International Inc., and the value is modest, suggesting it is unlikely to be structured to benefit small businesses through subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's internal procurement and legal review processes. As a purchase order, it may have less formal oversight than a larger, more complex contract. Transparency would depend on the public availability of the sole-source justification and the contract's terms. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of Justice Legal Services Contracts
Federal Expert Witness Services
Procurement for Litigation Support

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing pressure.
Time and Materials contract type poses cost overrun risk.
Limited data available on contractor's federal performance history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $28,262.5 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 $28,262.5.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2027-04-01.

What is the specific area of expertise DNA Labs International Inc. provides as an expert witness?

The provided data indicates the contractor is 'DNA LABS INTERNATIONAL INC' and the service is 'EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES'. While the specific scientific or technical domain is not detailed, the company name strongly suggests expertise in DNA analysis, forensics, and related biological sciences. This type of expertise is critical in criminal and civil litigation for establishing facts related to identity, paternity, or biological evidence. The Department of Justice likely requires this specialized knowledge for cases involving forensic evidence where scientific interpretation is paramount to the legal proceedings.

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

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts, like this one, pay the contractor for the direct labor hours at specified hourly rates and for the actual cost of materials consumed. For expert witness services, T&M can be advantageous when the scope of work is uncertain or difficult to estimate upfront, such as the unpredictable nature of legal proceedings. However, it carries a higher risk for the government, as costs can escalate beyond initial projections if not carefully managed and monitored. Fixed-price contracts, in contrast, offer greater cost certainty but require a well-defined scope. For expert services where the duration and complexity of testimony or analysis are variable, T&M is common, but it necessitates robust oversight to control spending and ensure fair pricing.

What is the typical cost range for expert witness services procured by the federal government?

The cost range for expert witness services procured by the federal government can vary dramatically based on the complexity of the subject matter, the reputation and experience of the expert, and the duration of their involvement. Hourly rates for expert witnesses can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars per hour. Smaller contracts, like this $28,262.50 purchase order, might cover a limited number of hours for a specific task or consultation. Larger contracts could extend into millions of dollars for extensive testimony, analysis, and case support over long periods. Without knowing the specific expertise and the scope of work, it's difficult to benchmark this particular award precisely, but its small size suggests a focused, short-term need.

What are the risks associated with sole-source procurements for specialized services like expert witnesses?

Sole-source procurements, like this one awarded to DNA Labs International Inc., carry inherent risks. The primary risk is the potential for inflated pricing, as the absence of competition removes the downward pressure that multiple bidders would typically exert. This can lead to the government paying more than necessary for the services. Another risk is the lack of innovation; without competitive pressure, there's less incentive for the sole-source provider to offer novel approaches or efficiencies. Furthermore, it limits the government's ability to explore alternative providers who might offer better value, different expertise, or more robust capabilities. Ensuring the necessity and justification for a sole-source award is critical to mitigate these risks and protect taxpayer interests.

What is the track record of DNA Labs International Inc. in providing services to the federal government?

The provided data does not include information on the track record of DNA Labs International Inc. specifically with the federal government. To assess their performance history, one would need to consult federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for past awards, contract performance evaluations (e.g., CPARS), and any reported issues or disputes. Given this is a sole-source award for expert witness services, it implies the agency believes the contractor has the necessary specialized qualifications and potentially a history of satisfactory performance, or that the need is so specific that only they can meet it. Further research would be required to confirm their federal contracting history and performance.

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: $28,263

Exercised Options: $28,263

Current Obligation: $28,263

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline