DOJ's ATF Spends $41.8M on Investigative Support Services with Sullivan Cove Consultants
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $41,837,140 ($41.8M)
Contractor: Sullivan Cove Consultants, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2016-09-10
End Date: 2023-06-30
Contract Duration: 2,484 days
Daily Burn Rate: $16.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF FOR OTHER FUNCTIONS ASSET FORFEITURE INVESTIGATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES (AFISS)
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20226
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $41.8 million to SULLIVAN COVE CONSULTANTS, LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF FOR OTHER FUNCTIONS ASSET FORFEITURE INVESTIGATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES (AFISS) Key points: 1. Spending on investigative support services totals $41.8M over 7 years. 2. Contract awarded via full and open competition. 3. Potential risk associated with long contract duration and fixed-price structure. 4. Services fall under investigation and personal background check NAICS code.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's fixed-price structure may limit flexibility and potentially lead to cost overruns if scope changes. Benchmarking against similar contracts for investigative support is difficult without more granular data on service specifics.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the long duration (2484 days) could have impacted the competitiveness of bids received over time.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential investigative support services. The competitive award aims to ensure reasonable pricing, but the long-term nature warrants ongoing scrutiny.
Public Impact
Supports ATF investigations, potentially impacting law enforcement effectiveness. Services include background checks, crucial for personnel and operational security. Long-term contract raises questions about sustained value and adaptability to evolving needs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 70 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration (2484 days)
- Fixed-price contract type
- Potential for scope creep without clear controls
Positive Signals
- Awarded via full and open competition
- Supports critical law enforcement functions
- Established vendor relationship over multiple years
Sector Analysis
The spending falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on investigative and background check services. Benchmarks for this niche are highly variable based on service complexity and duration.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved as subcontractors. The primary awardee is Sullivan Cove Consultants, LLC.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Acquisition and Property Management Division. Oversight would typically involve contract performance monitoring and financial reviews by the agency.
Related Government Programs
- Investigation and Personal Background Check Services
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Acquisition and Property Management Division Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration may reduce competition over time.
- Fixed-price contract may not be optimal for evolving service needs.
- Lack of detail on specific services provided.
- Potential for vendor lock-in due to long-term relationship.
Tags
investigation-and-personal-background-ch, department-of-justice, dc, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $41.8 million to SULLIVAN COVE CONSULTANTS, LLC. IGF::OT::IGF FOR OTHER FUNCTIONS ASSET FORFEITURE INVESTIGATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES (AFISS)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SULLIVAN COVE CONSULTANTS, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Acquisition and Property Management Division).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $41.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2016-09-10. End: 2023-06-30.
What specific investigative support services are provided, and how do they align with ATF's evolving mission needs?
The contract covers 'Investigation and Personal Background Check Services' (NAICS 561611). While essential, the broad description necessitates understanding the specific tasks performed. Alignment with ATF's mission requires assessing if these services directly contribute to current enforcement priorities and if the scope remains relevant over the contract's seven-year span.
Does the fixed-price contract structure adequately account for potential changes in investigative needs or unforeseen complexities?
A fixed-price contract can lead to cost savings if the scope is well-defined and stable. However, for investigative services, needs can evolve. Without clear mechanisms for scope adjustments or contingency planning, the government risks paying for services that become less relevant or incurring additional costs if the vendor must absorb unexpected complexities.
How does the $41.8M expenditure compare to similar investigative support contracts awarded by other federal agencies?
Direct comparison is challenging without detailed service breakdowns and contract terms. However, $41.8M over nearly seven years for specialized investigative support suggests a significant investment. Benchmarking would require analyzing contracts with similar NAICS codes, durations, and service complexities across agencies like FBI, DEA, or DHS.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Investigation and Security Services › Investigation and Personal Background Check Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 815 RITCHIE HIGHWAY, SUITE 120, SEVERNA PARK, MD, 21146
Business Categories: Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Hispanic American Owned Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $41,837,140
Exercised Options: $41,837,140
Current Obligation: $41,837,140
Actual Outlays: $23,973,754
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: PRODUCTS OR SERVICES PURSUANT TO FAR 12.102(F)
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: DJJ16PSSV2672
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2016-09-10
Current End Date: 2023-06-30
Potential End Date: 2023-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-08-29
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