Department of Energy awards $15,000 legal services order to Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP under full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,000 ($15.0K)
Contractor: Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2026-01-02
End Date: 2026-06-01
Contract Duration: 150 days
Daily Burn Rate: $100/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS
Sector: Other
Official Description: MICRO-PURCHASE ORDER UNDER THE MULTIPLE-AWARD IDIQ TO ACQUIRE PROFESSIONAL LEGAL AND ADVISORY SERVICES FOR THE OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL (GC)
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20585
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $15,000 to HUNTON ANDREWS KURTH LLP for work described as: MICRO-PURCHASE ORDER UNDER THE MULTIPLE-AWARD IDIQ TO ACQUIRE PROFESSIONAL LEGAL AND ADVISORY SERVICES FOR THE OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL (GC) Key points: 1. This micro-purchase order represents a small fraction of the Department of Energy's overall legal spending. 2. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The duration of the order is relatively short, indicating a need for specific, time-bound legal assistance. 4. The professional legal services are for the Office of the General Counsel, a core function of the agency. 5. The specific nature of the legal advisory services will determine the true value-for-money. 6. Benchmarking against similar legal service contracts is necessary to assess pricing effectiveness.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $15,000 is a micro-purchase, making direct comparison to larger contracts difficult. However, the hourly rate, if calculable, would be a key factor in assessing value. Without specific task details or hourly rates, it's challenging to benchmark against market rates for specialized legal advisory services. The Department of Energy's reliance on external legal counsel suggests a need for expertise not always available in-house, which can justify costs if the services are critical and effectively delivered.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This process is designed to foster price discovery and ensure the government receives competitive pricing. The number of bidders and the specific evaluation criteria used would provide further insight into the level of competition and its impact on the final award.
Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process for legal services helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces.
Public Impact
The Office of the General Counsel at the Department of Energy benefits from specialized legal expertise. Professional legal and advisory services are delivered to support the agency's mission. The geographic impact is primarily within the District of Columbia, where the agency is headquartered. The contract supports legal professionals and potentially paralegals within the selected law firm.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for high hourly rates in specialized legal fields.
- Lack of transparency on specific legal issues being addressed.
- Limited duration may indicate a need for ongoing, potentially recurring, services.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a fair process.
- Services are for a core government function (Office of General Counsel).
- Micro-purchase threshold may indicate efficient procurement for smaller needs.
Sector Analysis
The legal services sector for government contracts is diverse, ranging from general counsel support to highly specialized areas like environmental law or intellectual property. Government agencies often utilize external law firms to supplement in-house legal teams, particularly for complex litigation, policy advice, or when specific expertise is required. Spending in this category can vary significantly based on agency needs and the volume of legal challenges faced. Benchmarks for legal services are often based on hourly rates, which can range widely depending on the firm's reputation, the seniority of the attorneys, and the complexity of the legal matter.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Given the nature of specialized legal services, it is less common for large law firms to subcontract to small businesses unless for very specific support functions.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would fall under the Department of Energy's Office of the General Counsel, which is responsible for managing and overseeing legal services procured. Accountability measures are typically embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, though specific details of the legal advice provided are often protected by attorney-client privilege.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Justice Legal Services
- General Services Administration Professional Services Schedule
- Office of Management and Budget - Legal Counsel
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to labor hours contract type.
- Lack of specific service details limits value assessment.
- Hourly rate not disclosed, hindering direct cost comparison.
Tags
professional-services, legal-services, department-of-energy, delivery-order, full-and-open-competition, micro-purchase, office-of-the-general-counsel, district-of-columbia, labor-hours, law-firm
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $15,000 to HUNTON ANDREWS KURTH LLP. MICRO-PURCHASE ORDER UNDER THE MULTIPLE-AWARD IDIQ TO ACQUIRE PROFESSIONAL LEGAL AND ADVISORY SERVICES FOR THE OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL (GC)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is HUNTON ANDREWS KURTH LLP.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $15,000.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-01-02. End: 2026-06-01.
What specific legal and advisory services are being procured under this order?
The provided data indicates the order is for 'PROFESSIONAL LEGAL AND ADVISORY SERVICES FOR THE OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL (GC)'. However, the exact nature of these services is not detailed. This could range from advice on regulatory compliance, contract disputes, litigation support, policy development, or other legal matters pertinent to the Department of Energy's operations. Understanding the specific tasks is crucial for assessing the value and necessity of the procurement.
What is the hourly billing rate for the legal services provided by Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP?
The provided data does not specify the hourly billing rate for Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP. The contract is for a total amount of $15,000, and the contract type is 'LABOR HOURS'. To determine the hourly rate, one would need to know the total number of labor hours anticipated under this order. Without this information, a direct comparison to market rates or assessment of cost-effectiveness is not possible. Agencies typically negotiate these rates as part of the broader IDIQ contract or task order.
How does the $15,000 value of this micro-purchase compare to the Department of Energy's typical spending on legal services?
The $15,000 value falls within the micro-purchase threshold, which is designed for simplified acquisition of supplies or services. This amount is relatively small compared to the overall legal services budget of a large federal agency like the Department of Energy. Agencies often have multi-million dollar contracts for broader legal support or specific litigation. This micro-purchase likely addresses a very specific, short-term legal need rather than a sustained requirement. Analyzing historical spending data for the Department of Energy's Office of the General Counsel would provide context on the frequency and average value of such micro-purchases.
What is Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP's track record with federal government contracts, particularly with the Department of Energy?
Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP is a large, established law firm that has likely held numerous federal contracts over the years. To assess their track record specifically with the Department of Energy, one would need to consult federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) to identify past awards, contract performance history, and any reported issues. Their experience with similar agencies and types of legal services would be indicative of their capability to fulfill this order effectively.
What are the potential risks associated with procuring legal services through a labor hours contract?
Procuring legal services through a labor hours contract carries inherent risks, primarily related to cost control and scope creep. Without a fixed price, the total cost can escalate if the number of hours required exceeds initial estimates or if tasks expand beyond the original intent. Effective oversight, clear task definition, and diligent monitoring of hours expended are crucial to mitigate these risks. The Department of Energy's contracting officers must ensure that the firm is efficiently utilizing its time and that the work remains aligned with the stated objectives to prevent cost overruns.
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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 951 E BYRD ST, RICHMOND, VA, 23219
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $15,000
Exercised Options: $15,000
Current Obligation: $15,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 89303026DGC000007
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-01-02
Current End Date: 2026-06-01
Potential End Date: 2026-06-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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