DOJ's DEA awards $462K for Dataminr licenses, highlighting reliance on specialized data analytics

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $46,200 ($46.2K)

Contractor: World Wide Technology LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-05-02

End Date: 2027-05-01

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $127/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: TITLE: DATAMINR LICENSES REQUESTOR: AKEHA K GREENE AFT#: 2026-IG-0013 ITJA#: ITJA0017180 POP DATES: 05/02/2026 TO 05/01/2027

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT LOUIS, SAINT LOUIS County, MISSOURI, 63146

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $46,200 to WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY LLC for work described as: TITLE: DATAMINR LICENSES REQUESTOR: AKEHA K GREENE AFT#: 2026-IG-0013 ITJA#: ITJA0017180 POP DATES: 05/02/2026 TO 05/01/2027 Key points: 1. The contract value of $462,000 for a single year of Dataminr licenses suggests a significant investment in real-time data. 2. The 'NOT COMPETED' award raises questions about the availability of alternative solutions and potential cost savings through competition. 3. The reliance on a single vendor for critical data analytics could pose a risk if the vendor's service is interrupted or pricing increases. 4. This award falls under 'Other Computer Related Services,' indicating a broad category that may encompass various data intelligence platforms. 5. The contract duration of one year with a firm fixed price provides budget certainty but limits flexibility for renegotiation or exploring new technologies. 6. The geographic scope is listed as 'MISSOURI,' which may indicate a specific regional focus for the DEA's use of this data.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award of $462,000 for one year of Dataminr licenses appears to be a standard rate for such specialized data services. However, without competitive bidding, it's difficult to benchmark against other potential providers or determine if this represents the best value for the government. The firm fixed price offers predictability, but the lack of competition prevents an assessment of whether market forces have driven the price down.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed. This suggests that either Dataminr is the only provider of this specific type of real-time data analytics, or the agency determined that only this vendor could meet its unique requirements. The lack of competition limits the government's ability to leverage market dynamics to secure the most favorable pricing and terms.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the absence of competitive pressure. Without exploring alternative vendors, it's impossible to ascertain if a more cost-effective solution exists.

Public Impact

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is the primary beneficiary, gaining access to real-time data for its law enforcement and intelligence operations. The service delivered is data analytics, likely used for threat detection, situational awareness, and operational planning. The geographic impact is noted as 'MISSOURI,' suggesting the data's application may be focused on specific operations or investigations within that state. This contract supports federal law enforcement personnel by providing them with advanced analytical tools.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits price discovery and potential cost savings.
Reliance on a single vendor could create dependency and risk of service disruption.
Lack of competition may lead to higher-than-market prices for specialized data services.

Positive Signals

Provides critical real-time data analytics to support DEA's mission.
Firm fixed price offers budget certainty for the agency.
Contract duration aligns with a typical annual operational cycle.

Sector Analysis

The market for data analytics and intelligence platforms is rapidly growing, with numerous companies offering solutions for real-time data processing and analysis. This contract falls within the broader IT services sector, specifically 'Other Computer Related Services.' While Dataminr is a prominent player in the real-time event data space, the government's reliance on a sole-source award for such services warrants scrutiny to ensure it's not missing out on competitive offerings or innovative solutions from other market participants.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve any small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements. The award is made directly to World Wide Technology LLC, a large business. Therefore, there is no direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific award, nor are there explicit mechanisms to ensure small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's internal procurement and program management offices, as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration. The contract is a Purchase Order, which is a standard procurement instrument. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature of the award. There is no specific mention of Inspector General jurisdiction for this particular award, though the DOJ IG generally oversees agency operations.

Related Government Programs

Dataminr Services
Law Enforcement Data Analytics
Real-time Intelligence Platforms
Federal IT Services
Drug Enforcement Administration Technology Procurement

Risk Flags

Sole-source award may limit competition and increase costs.
Potential vendor lock-in for critical data analytics capabilities.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in provided data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $46,200 to WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY LLC. TITLE: DATAMINR LICENSES REQUESTOR: AKEHA K GREENE AFT#: 2026-IG-0013 ITJA#: ITJA0017180 POP DATES: 05/02/2026 TO 05/01/2027

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Drug Enforcement Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $46,200.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-05-02. End: 2027-05-01.

What is the specific nature of the 'Dataminr Licenses' being procured, and how do they support the DEA's mission?

The 'Dataminr Licenses' procured by the DEA are for access to Dataminr's real-time event detection and analytics platform. This platform aggregates and analyzes vast amounts of publicly available data from sources like social media, news feeds, and other digital signals to identify breaking events, emerging risks, and critical incidents as they happen. For the DEA, these licenses likely support a range of activities, including monitoring potential threats, tracking illicit activities, gaining situational awareness during operations, and informing strategic decision-making. The specific functionalities utilized would depend on the DEA's operational needs, but the core value lies in providing timely, actionable intelligence derived from diverse data streams.

Why was this contract awarded on a sole-source basis, and what are the implications for cost-effectiveness?

The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis ('NOT COMPETED') because the agency likely determined that Dataminr's platform offers unique capabilities that cannot be met by other vendors, or that the time constraints of a competitive process were prohibitive. This could be due to proprietary technology, specific integration requirements, or established reliance on the platform. The implication for cost-effectiveness is a potential negative. Without competition, the government cannot be assured it is receiving the best possible price. While World Wide Technology LLC is a large reseller, the underlying technology is Dataminr's. The absence of competitive bidding means the DEA may be paying a premium compared to what could be achieved through a more open procurement process, potentially missing out on cost savings or more innovative, lower-cost alternatives.

How does the $462,000 contract value compare to typical spending on similar data analytics services by federal agencies?

The $462,000 contract value for one year of Dataminr licenses appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized, real-time data analytics platforms used by federal agencies. Dataminr is known for its sophisticated capabilities, and its pricing reflects the complexity and value of its service. However, direct comparisons are challenging without knowing the exact scope of licenses and features procured. Other agencies may spend similar amounts or significantly more on comprehensive intelligence and data analytics solutions. The key concern here is not necessarily the absolute dollar amount, but the lack of competitive benchmarking to ensure this specific award represents optimal value for the taxpayer, especially given its sole-source nature.

What are the potential risks associated with the DEA's reliance on a single vendor for critical data analytics capabilities?

The primary risk associated with relying on a single vendor like Dataminr for critical data analytics is vendor lock-in and dependency. If Dataminr were to experience service disruptions, significantly increase prices in future contract renewals, or discontinue certain features, the DEA would have limited immediate alternatives. This dependency could impact the agency's operational effectiveness and intelligence gathering capabilities. Furthermore, a sole-source award means the DEA may not be exposed to potentially superior or more cost-effective solutions that emerge from a competitive market. This lack of market pressure can also reduce incentives for the vendor to innovate or maintain competitive pricing over the long term.

What is the track record of World Wide Technology LLC in providing IT services to the federal government, particularly for data analytics?

World Wide Technology LLC (WWT) is a major IT solutions provider and systems integrator that has a significant track record of contracting with the U.S. federal government across various agencies. They are known for their expertise in areas such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, networking, and data center solutions. While WWT primarily acts as a reseller and integrator for technologies from various manufacturers, including data analytics platforms like Dataminr, their experience in delivering complex IT solutions to government entities is extensive. Their ability to manage large-scale procurements and provide technical support is generally well-regarded. However, for this specific award, the focus is on the Dataminr technology itself, which WWT is facilitating.

Are there any specific performance metrics or oversight mechanisms mentioned in the contract documentation that ensure the effectiveness of the Dataminr licenses?

The provided data snippet for this award is limited and does not include details on specific performance metrics or detailed oversight mechanisms beyond the standard contract terms. As a Purchase Order for software licenses, the primary expectation is the delivery and availability of the service. Effectiveness would likely be measured by the DEA's internal assessment of how well the data and analytics provided by Dataminr contribute to their operational goals. Formal oversight would typically involve contract officers monitoring delivery, payment, and adherence to terms. Without access to the full contract details or performance work statement, it's difficult to ascertain the extent of specific, measurable performance indicators tied directly to the value derived from the Dataminr platform.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - DATA CENTER

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 WORLD WIDE WAY, SAINT LOUIS, MO, 63146

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $46,200

Exercised Options: $46,200

Current Obligation: $46,200

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline