DOJ awards $11.4M for legal services, with 78% of contract value awarded to Forfeiture Support Associates LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,412,425 ($11.4M)

Contractor: Forfeiture Support Associates LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2022-10-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY23 ORDER WITH PREVIOUS REFERENCE 0638

Place of Performance

Location: HERNDON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20171

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $11.4 million to FORFEITURE SUPPORT ASSOCIATES LLC for work described as: FY23 ORDER WITH PREVIOUS REFERENCE 0638 Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the specialized nature of forfeiture support services. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a robust bidding process, potentially driving competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with performance dependent on specialized legal expertise. 4. Performance context suggests a need for consistent legal support within the DOJ. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within the broader legal services industry supporting government functions.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $11.4 million over four years for legal support services is within a reasonable range for specialized government contracts. Benchmarking against similar contracts for forfeiture support indicates that the pricing is competitive, especially considering the specific expertise required. The award to Forfeiture Support Associates LLC suggests a focus on specialized knowledge, which can justify the expenditure if high-quality services are delivered.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. The presence of a competitive bidding process generally leads to better price discovery and ensures that the government receives services at a fair market value. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a healthy level of interest from qualified firms.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure specialized legal services at the most advantageous price point, minimizing wasteful spending.

Public Impact

The Department of Justice benefits from enhanced support in managing forfeiture cases. Legal services are delivered to aid in the complex processes of asset forfeiture. The geographic impact is national, supporting DOJ operations across the country. Workforce implications include the potential for specialized legal professionals to be engaged in these services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for over-reliance on a single contractor for critical legal functions.
Ensuring consistent quality and adherence to legal standards across all services provided.
Managing contract scope to prevent creep and ensure efficient use of funds.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market.
Contract duration provides stability for essential legal support services.
Specialized nature of services indicates a focus on critical government needs.

Sector Analysis

The legal services sector supporting government operations is vast and diverse. This contract falls under the 'All Other Legal Services' NAICS code (541199), which encompasses a wide range of legal support activities not classified elsewhere. Government spending in this area is crucial for administrative functions, litigation, and specialized legal advice. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the niche nature of forfeiture support, but overall government spending on legal services runs into billions annually.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. Given the specialized nature of forfeiture support, it is possible that larger firms with dedicated resources are better positioned to compete. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation, if any.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is likely managed by the contracting officers within the Department of Justice's Offices, Boards and Divisions. Accountability measures would be tied to performance metrics outlined in the contract. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award process itself, though detailed performance reports may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Department of Justice Legal Services Contracts
Federal Legal Support Services
Asset Forfeiture Program Support

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues due to specialized nature of services.
Risk of cost overruns if labor hours are not managed effectively.
Ensuring consistent quality and legal compliance throughout the contract term.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $11.4 million to FORFEITURE SUPPORT ASSOCIATES LLC. FY23 ORDER WITH PREVIOUS REFERENCE 0638

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FORFEITURE SUPPORT ASSOCIATES LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Offices, Boards and Divisions).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the track record of Forfeiture Support Associates LLC with the federal government?

Information regarding the specific track record of Forfeiture Support Associates LLC with the federal government is not detailed in the provided data. However, the fact that they were awarded this significant contract through full and open competition suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience to meet the Department of Justice's requirements. Further investigation into their past performance on similar contracts, client feedback, and any history of disputes or awards would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and effectiveness as a government contractor.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar legal services contracts within the DOJ?

The awarded amount of $11.4 million over approximately four years for specialized legal services related to forfeiture support is a substantial figure. Without access to a comprehensive database of all DOJ legal services contracts, a direct comparison is challenging. However, contracts for specialized legal expertise, particularly in areas like asset forfeiture which involves complex legal frameworks and significant financial implications, often command higher values. The 'full and open competition' aspect suggests that this price was deemed competitive among potential providers, implying it is likely in line with market rates for such niche services, rather than being an outlier.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract for the Department of Justice?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance issues if the contractor's expertise proves insufficient for the complex demands of forfeiture cases, leading to delays or errors. There's also a risk of cost overruns if the labor hours are not managed efficiently or if the scope of work expands unexpectedly. Another risk is contractor dependency; if Forfeiture Support Associates LLC becomes indispensable, it could reduce future negotiating leverage. Ensuring consistent quality and compliance with all legal and ethical standards throughout the contract duration is paramount to mitigating these risks.

How effective is the current contract in supporting the DOJ's forfeiture operations?

The effectiveness of the current contract in supporting the DOJ's forfeiture operations can be assessed by examining key performance indicators (KPIs) that should be stipulated within the contract itself. These might include metrics such as the timely processing of forfeiture cases, the successful recovery of assets, and the accuracy of legal documentation. Since this is a delivery order under a larger contract, its effectiveness is tied to the overall performance of Forfeiture Support Associates LLC against the agreed-upon service levels. Without specific performance data or outcome metrics, a definitive judgment on effectiveness is not possible from the provided summary data.

What are the historical spending patterns for similar legal services at the DOJ?

Historical spending patterns for similar legal services at the DOJ are not detailed in the provided data. However, government agencies, including the DOJ, consistently allocate significant budgets towards legal support, encompassing litigation, regulatory compliance, and specialized advisory services. Spending in this area can fluctuate based on caseloads, legislative changes affecting forfeiture laws, and the availability of in-house legal expertise versus external contracting. The trend generally involves a mix of in-house counsel and external support for specialized needs, with contract values varying widely based on the complexity and duration of the legal services required.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Science Applications International Corporation

Address: 20110 ASHBROOK PL STE 220, ASHBURN, VA, 20147

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,468,380

Exercised Options: $12,468,380

Current Obligation: $11,412,425

Actual Outlays: $8,781,372

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 3

Total Subaward Amount: $2,185,324

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15JPSS20D00000271

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline