DHS Coast Guard awards $49K for expert witness services, highlighting specialized behavioral analysis needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $49,088 ($49.1K)

Contractor: University of Virginia Physicians Group

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-04-11

End Date: 2025-11-10

Contract Duration: 213 days

Daily Burn Rate: $230/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: EXPERT WITNESS CONSULTATION FOR BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS AND FORENSIC PSYCHIATRY TRIAL CONSULTATION.

Place of Performance

Location: NORFOLK, NORFOLK CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23510

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $49,087.5 to UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA PHYSICIANS GROUP for work described as: EXPERT WITNESS CONSULTATION FOR BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS AND FORENSIC PSYCHIATRY TRIAL CONSULTATION. Key points: 1. Contract value is modest, suggesting a focused scope for specialized consultation. 2. Competition dynamics for this niche service require further examination. 3. Performance period is relatively short, indicating a project-specific engagement. 4. The award falls within the healthcare services sector, specifically mental health consultation. 5. Geographic location of the contractor is Virginia, potentially impacting local economic benefits.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $49,087.50 appears reasonable for specialized expert witness consultation in behavioral analysis and forensic psychiatry. Benchmarking against similar niche consulting services is challenging without more granular data on the specific expertise required. However, the fixed-price nature of the purchase order suggests a defined scope, which can aid in cost control. The duration of the contract (approximately 7 months) also supports a contained cost.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a competitive process for awards below certain thresholds. With three bidders participating, there was a degree of competition, which is generally positive for price discovery. The specific details of the bidding process and the number of proposals received would offer further insight into the intensity of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award, even under SAP, suggests that taxpayer funds were likely used efficiently by allowing multiple firms to bid on providing these specialized services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Coast Guard, which will receive expert consultation for a trial. The service delivered is specialized behavioral analysis and forensic psychiatry expertise. The geographic impact is primarily within the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security's operations. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving a small team of highly specialized consultants.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited public information on the specific qualifications of the winning bidder for this niche expertise.
Potential for scope creep if the trial's needs evolve beyond initial expectations.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a competitive process, suggesting a fair market price was sought.
Fixed-price contract helps manage costs and provides budget certainty.
Short performance period limits long-term financial commitment.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on specialized consulting for legal and forensic applications. The market for expert witness services is fragmented, with many niche providers. The U.S. Coast Guard's need for behavioral analysis and forensic psychiatry expertise is likely driven by specific legal cases or investigations, a common requirement across various government agencies.

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 the service, it is possible that larger firms or academic institutions with specialized departments were among the bidders.

Oversight & Accountability

As a purchase order awarded under SAP, oversight is likely managed through the U.S. Coast Guard's contracting and financial management systems. Transparency is provided through contract databases like FPDS. Accountability rests with the contracting officer and the University of Virginia Physicians Group to deliver the contracted services as specified.

Related Government Programs

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Expert Witness Services
Department of Justice (DOJ) Forensic Consulting
Department of Defense (DOD) Behavioral Science Support

Risk Flags

Niche Service Expertise
Potential Availability Constraints
Forensic Qualification Verification

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $49,087.5 to UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA PHYSICIANS GROUP. EXPERT WITNESS CONSULTATION FOR BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS AND FORENSIC PSYCHIATRY TRIAL CONSULTATION.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA PHYSICIANS GROUP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $49,087.5.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-11. End: 2025-11-10.

What is the specific nature of the behavioral analysis and forensic psychiatry consultation required for this trial?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'EXPERT WITNESS CONSULTATION FOR BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS AND FORENSIC PSYCHIATRY TRIAL CONSULTATION.' While the exact nature of the trial is not specified, this suggests the need for a qualified professional to provide expert testimony, analysis, or reports related to psychological or psychiatric aspects relevant to a legal proceeding. This could involve assessing mental states, competency, risk, or providing insights into behavioral patterns pertinent to the case.

How does the awarded amount of $49,087.50 compare to typical expert witness fees in similar cases?

Benchmarking this specific award is challenging without knowing the exact qualifications of the expert, the complexity of the case, and the duration of their involvement (e.g., report writing, deposition, trial testimony). However, expert witness fees can range significantly, from a few hundred dollars per hour for less specialized consultants to several thousand dollars per hour for highly sought-after forensic psychiatrists or psychologists. Given the total contract value and the approximate 7-month period, this award suggests a moderate level of engagement, potentially covering initial consultations, report preparation, and limited testimony, rather than extensive, long-term involvement.

What are the key qualifications and track record of the University of Virginia Physicians Group in providing such specialized consultation?

The University of Virginia Physicians Group is a large academic medical group affiliated with the University of Virginia School of Medicine. They offer a wide range of medical services, including psychiatry and behavioral medicine. While specific details on their track record as expert witnesses in forensic psychiatry are not provided in the contract data, their affiliation with a major university medical center suggests a strong foundation in medical expertise and research. Government agencies often contract with such institutions for specialized knowledge due to their established reputation and access to leading professionals.

What is the historical spending pattern of the U.S. Coast Guard for expert witness and forensic consultation services?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) on expert witness and forensic consultation would require accessing comprehensive federal procurement data over several fiscal years. Without that specific data, it's difficult to provide a precise comparison. However, agencies like the USCG, involved in law enforcement, maritime security, and regulatory functions, may require such specialized services periodically for investigations, trials, or policy development. The frequency and value of these contracts would depend on the volume and nature of legal cases and complex operational issues they encounter.

What are the potential risks associated with engaging a university physician group for forensic psychiatric consultation?

Potential risks include conflicts of interest if the physician group has existing relationships with parties involved in a case, though this is less likely with a large, diversified group. Another risk could be the availability of specific physicians, as academic schedules can be demanding. Delays in reporting or testimony could arise if key personnel are occupied with other clinical or academic duties. Ensuring the selected expert possesses the precise forensic qualifications and courtroom experience needed, beyond general clinical expertise, is also crucial. The fixed-price nature mitigates some financial risk, but the risk of suboptimal expert contribution remains if not carefully managed.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Outpatient Care Centers › Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND SURGICAL SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4105 LEWIS AND CLARK DR, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, 22911

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $49,088

Exercised Options: $49,088

Current Obligation: $49,088

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline