DOJ awards $2.4M for Expert Witness Services to FTI Consulting, Inc. through a sole-source purchase order
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,447,399 ($2.4M)
Contractor: FTI Consulting, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2022-05-01
End Date: 2027-04-30
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.3K/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: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20004
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $2.4 million to FTI CONSULTING, INC. for work described as: EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract is for expert witness services, a critical support function for legal proceedings. 2. FTI Consulting, Inc. is a well-established firm in the professional services sector. 3. The sole-source award raises questions about competition and potential price discovery. 4. The IT sector is not directly involved, but legal services are essential across government functions.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract's value of $2.4 million over five years is difficult to assess without benchmarks for similar expert witness services. The 'time and materials' pricing structure can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating a lack of competition. This method limits the government's ability to secure the best possible price through competitive bidding.
Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition may result in taxpayers paying a premium for these essential legal services.
Public Impact
Citizens rely on the Department of Justice for effective legal representation and prosecution. The use of expert witnesses is crucial for complex legal cases, impacting case outcomes. Government spending on professional services directly affects the efficiency and fairness of the justice system.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Time and materials pricing can inflate costs.
- Long contract duration (5 years) without competition.
Positive Signals
- Procurement supports critical legal functions.
- FTI Consulting is a reputable provider.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under 'All Other Legal Services' (NAICS 541199), which is a broad category. Benchmarks for specialized expert witness services are often proprietary or case-specific, making direct comparison challenging.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small businesses, as it was awarded to a single, likely large, entity. Opportunities for small businesses in specialized legal support services are not evident here.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the services are necessary, performed efficiently, and priced reasonably. Robust justification for the sole-source award should be readily available.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Legal Services
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Offices, Boards and Divisions Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited transparency in pricing
- Long-term sole-source commitment
Tags
all-other-legal-services, department-of-justice, dc, purchase-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $2.4 million to FTI CONSULTING, INC.. EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FTI CONSULTING, 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 $2.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-05-01. End: 2027-04-30.
What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and were alternative competitive approaches considered?
The justification for a sole-source award typically stems from unique capabilities, urgent needs, or lack of market availability. Without specific details, it's presumed the Department of Justice identified FTI Consulting as the only viable provider for these specific expert witness services. A thorough review of the justification document is necessary to assess the validity of this determination and whether any competitive avenues were overlooked.
How is the 'time and materials' pricing structure being monitored to prevent cost overruns and ensure value for money?
Monitoring 'time and materials' contracts requires diligent oversight of labor hours, rates, and material costs. The agency should have established clear ceiling prices, regular reporting requirements, and performance metrics to track expenditures against the contract value. Independent audits or reviews of billing records can further ensure that costs are reasonable and directly related to the services provided.
What specific expert witness services are being procured, and how do they contribute to the Department of Justice's mission effectiveness?
Expert witness services are typically engaged in complex litigation requiring specialized knowledge beyond that of regular legal counsel. These services can range from forensic accounting and economic analysis to scientific or technical expertise. Their contribution to mission effectiveness lies in providing crucial evidence and testimony that supports case preparation, strengthens arguments, and ultimately aids in achieving just legal outcomes.
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: 555 12TH ST NW STE 700, WASHINGTON, DC, 20004
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,447,399
Exercised Options: $2,447,399
Current Obligation: $2,447,399
Actual Outlays: $2,194,463
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-05-01
Current End Date: 2027-04-30
Potential End Date: 2027-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-10
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