Labor Department awards $4.4M contract for arbitration services to The Chris Bourgeacq Law Firm, PC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,400 ($4.4K)

Contractor: THE Chris Bourgeacq LAW Firm, PC

Awarding Agency: Department of Labor

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 182 days

Daily Burn Rate: $24/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ARBITRATION SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: DRIFTWOOD, HAYS County, TEXAS, 78619

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Labor obligated $4,400 to THE CHRIS BOURGEACQ LAW FIRM, PC for work described as: ARBITRATION SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a firm fixed-price basis, indicating predictable costs. 2. The contract duration is 182 days, suggesting a short-term need for services. 3. Awarded as a purchase order, which is typically used for smaller value acquisitions. 4. The contract was not competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), raising questions about competition. 5. The contractor is a single law firm, potentially limiting the scope of expertise available. 6. Services are for arbitration, a form of alternative dispute resolution.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $4.4 million for a 182-day period appears high for arbitration services, especially when considering the lack of competition. Without benchmark data for similar arbitration contracts or a clear breakdown of services, it is difficult to definitively assess value for money. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty, but the overall price point warrants further scrutiny given the limited competitive landscape.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract was awarded as 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP,' which is an unusual designation. It implies that the contract was not openly competed through standard simplified acquisition procedures. The specific reasons for this approach are not detailed, making it difficult to assess the level of competition. Typically, a lack of open competition can lead to higher prices and reduced innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not have received the best possible price or service due to the absence of a competitive bidding process. This could mean that the government paid more than necessary for these arbitration services.

Public Impact

Employees and the Department of Labor will benefit from dispute resolution services. The services provided are arbitration, aimed at resolving legal disputes outside of court. The geographic impact is focused on Texas, where the contractor is located. The contract supports legal professionals and administrative staff involved in dispute resolution.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competitive bidding raises concerns about potential overpayment and limited service options.
The high value for a short-term service contract requires justification.
Unclear justification for not competing under SAP.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
The contractor is a law firm, implying specialized legal expertise.
The contract is for arbitration services, a recognized method for dispute resolution.

Sector Analysis

The legal services sector is characterized by a wide range of specialized firms. Arbitration services fall under the broader category of legal support and dispute resolution. Government spending in this area typically involves procurement through competitive processes to ensure fair pricing and access to a broad pool of qualified providers. The market size for legal services is substantial, with government contracts forming a significant portion.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. There is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award to a single firm suggests that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific contract are limited.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Labor's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management. As a purchase order, it is subject to internal agency controls and potentially the Government Accountability Office (GAO) if a protest were filed. Transparency is limited due to the non-competitive nature of the award.

Related Government Programs

Department of Labor Legal Services
Alternative Dispute Resolution Services
Federal Arbitration Contracts

Risk Flags

Lack of competition
High value for short duration
Unclear justification for non-competitive award

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Labor awarded $4,400 to THE CHRIS BOURGEACQ LAW FIRM, PC. ARBITRATION SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE CHRIS BOURGEACQ LAW FIRM, PC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Labor (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4,400.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the typical cost for arbitration services of this nature and duration within the federal government?

Determining the typical cost for arbitration services requires detailed comparison based on the complexity of cases, the number of arbitrators, administrative support, and the specific legal issues involved. For a 182-day contract valued at $4.4 million, this averages to approximately $24,175 per day. Without specific details on the caseload or the nature of the disputes to be arbitrated, it's challenging to benchmark against industry standards. However, given the lack of competition and the significant daily rate, further investigation into the necessity and justification of this cost is warranted. Federal agencies often use competitive bidding to secure these services at market-driven rates, which typically results in more favorable pricing than a sole-source or non-competed award.

What are the specific services included in this $4.4 million arbitration contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'ARBITRATION SERVICES' but does not detail the specific scope of work. Arbitration typically involves a neutral third party (the arbitrator) who hears evidence and makes a binding decision on a dispute. This can include case management, conducting hearings, reviewing evidence, and issuing awards. For a contract of this value and duration, it could encompass a significant caseload or highly complex, high-stakes disputes. However, without a detailed statement of work, it is impossible to ascertain the precise services rendered or the volume of cases to be handled, making a thorough value assessment difficult.

Why was this contract not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP)?

The designation 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' suggests that the contract was not awarded through the standard competitive processes typically used for acquisitions below the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), which is currently $250,000. Reasons for not competing under SAP can include specific statutory exceptions, urgent needs, or if the procurement was conducted under other authorities that do not require open competition. However, for a contract valued at $4.4 million, which significantly exceeds the SAT, the term 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' is unusual and likely indicates a non-competitive award made outside of standard competitive procedures. The specific justification for this approach is not provided in the data and would require further inquiry into the agency's procurement file.

What is the track record of The Chris Bourgeacq Law Firm, PC with federal contracts?

Information regarding The Chris Bourgeacq Law Firm, PC's track record with federal contracts is not readily available in the provided data. This specific award is the only contract listed. To assess their track record, one would need to search federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS for previous awards, performance history, and any reported issues or commendations. Without this historical data, it is difficult to evaluate their past performance, reliability, and experience in fulfilling federal government requirements, especially for large-value contracts.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding a large arbitration contract without open competition?

Awarding a $4.4 million arbitration contract without open competition presents several risks. Firstly, there is a significant risk of paying a non-competitive price, meaning the government may not be achieving the best value for its money. Secondly, the lack of competition can limit the range of expertise and innovative approaches that might be available from a broader pool of providers. Thirdly, it raises concerns about fairness and transparency in the procurement process. Without a competitive environment, there is less incentive for the contractor to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. Finally, it could set a precedent for future non-competitive awards, potentially undermining the principles of federal procurement.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Legal Services › Offices of Lawyers

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 1605C5-26-Q-00005

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 750 DRIFTWOOD VALLEY TRAIL, DRIFTWOOD, TX, 78619

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,400

Exercised Options: $4,400

Current Obligation: $4,400

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline