DOJ's $2.6M printing contract with Suvi Global Services raises questions on competition and value

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,648,984 ($2.6M)

Contractor: Suvi Global Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2023-01-31

End Date: 2027-01-30

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.8K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: PUBLICATION AND PRINTING SERVICES OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY ON A TIMELY BASIS IN SUPPORT OF THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION.

Place of Performance

Location: QUANTICO, PRINCE WILLIAM County, VIRGINIA, 22134

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $2.6 million to SUVI GLOBAL SERVICES LLC for work described as: PUBLICATION AND PRINTING SERVICES OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY ON A TIMELY BASIS IN SUPPORT OF THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION. Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a non-competitive basis, limiting price discovery. 2. Limited competition may lead to suboptimal pricing for taxpayers. 3. Performance period extends over four years, indicating a long-term need. 4. The contract supports critical functions of the FBI. 5. Printing services are essential for agency operations and record-keeping. 6. The contract's value is moderate within the broader federal printing landscape.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of $2.65 million over four years for printing services appears reasonable on its face, but without competitive bidding, it's difficult to benchmark against market rates or similar government contracts. The pricing structure is based on labor hours, which can introduce variability. A comparison to other federal printing contracts of similar scope and duration would be necessary to definitively assess value for money. The absence of competition prevents a robust assessment of whether the government is receiving the best possible price.

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. The justification for this approach is not detailed in the provided data. Sole-source awards limit the number of potential bidders and can restrict price discovery, potentially leading to higher costs for the government. Without a competitive process, it's challenging to ascertain if alternative vendors could offer better pricing or services.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition means taxpayers may not be benefiting from the most cost-effective solution available in the market for these printing services.

Public Impact

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the primary beneficiary, receiving essential printing and publication services. Services include high-quality printing and timely delivery to support FBI operations. The contract ensures the availability of critical documents and materials for law enforcement and administrative functions. Geographic impact is primarily within the FBI's operational areas, likely supporting national security and criminal justice initiatives.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may result in inflated costs.
Sole-source award limits transparency in pricing.
Performance-based on labor hours could lead to cost overruns if not managed effectively.

Positive Signals

Contract supports a critical federal agency (FBI).
Long-term contract provides stability for service delivery.
Focus on 'highest quality' suggests a commitment to standards.

Sector Analysis

The federal printing and publication services market is mature, with a mix of large and small businesses offering a wide range of capabilities. Government agencies rely on these services for everything from official reports and forms to public outreach materials. While digital communication is prevalent, physical printing remains essential for many official documents and records. Spending in this sector is influenced by agency needs, security requirements, and procurement regulations. This contract fits within the broader category of administrative and support services procured by federal agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a sole-source award, it bypasses the typical competitive processes where small businesses might have opportunities to bid or subcontract. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal for this specific award, as it was not designed to foster small business participation through set-asides.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would fall under the Department of Justice's internal procurement and contract management processes, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation's program management. The contract's performance and adherence to terms would be monitored by the contracting officer and relevant program officials. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature, but standard reporting requirements for federal contracts would still apply. Inspector General oversight may be exercised if specific concerns or allegations of mismanagement arise.

Related Government Programs

Federal Printing Services
Department of Justice Administrative Support
FBI Operational Support Contracts
Government Publication Services

Risk Flags

Lack of Competition
Potential for Cost Overruns (Labor Hours)
Limited Transparency in Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $2.6 million to SUVI GLOBAL SERVICES LLC. PUBLICATION AND PRINTING SERVICES OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY ON A TIMELY BASIS IN SUPPORT OF THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SUVI GLOBAL SERVICES LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Bureau of Investigation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-01-31. End: 2027-01-30.

What is the track record of Suvi Global Services LLC in performing federal contracts, particularly for printing services?

Information regarding Suvi Global Services LLC's specific track record for federal printing contracts is not detailed in the provided data. As this is a sole-source award, it suggests the agency may have identified Suvi Global Services LLC as uniquely capable or the only responsible source. A deeper dive into the contractor's past performance, including any previous government contracts, client feedback, and any history of performance issues or successes, would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment. Without this information, it's difficult to gauge their reliability and expertise in delivering 'the highest quality on a timely basis' as stipulated.

How does the pricing structure (labor hours) compare to fixed-price printing contracts, and what are the potential risks?

Contracts based on labor hours, like this one, offer flexibility but can be less predictable in terms of final cost compared to fixed-price contracts. The risk for the government is that actual labor hours could exceed initial estimates, leading to a higher total cost than anticipated. Effective oversight, detailed work breakdown structures, and clear performance metrics are crucial to manage this risk. Fixed-price contracts, while potentially offering more cost certainty, might not be suitable if the scope of work is highly variable or difficult to define upfront. The 'highest quality on a timely basis' requirement suggests that the agency prioritized service delivery and flexibility over strict cost certainty.

What specific printing needs of the FBI justify a sole-source award for publication and printing services?

The justification for a sole-source award is not provided in the data. Typically, sole-source awards are granted when only one vendor can meet specific, unique requirements, such as highly specialized printing technology, urgent security needs, or when the existing contractor has unique knowledge of the agency's systems and processes that would be costly or time-consuming to transfer. For the FBI, these needs could relate to sensitive document reproduction, secure printing protocols, or specific formatting requirements for legal or investigative materials. Without the official justification, it remains speculative.

What are the potential implications of a four-year printing contract for the FBI's operational efficiency and budget?

A four-year contract provides the FBI with a stable and predictable source for essential printing services, which can enhance operational efficiency by ensuring timely access to necessary documents, reports, and forms. This long-term commitment allows the contractor to invest in resources and personnel dedicated to the FBI's needs. From a budgetary perspective, a multi-year contract can offer cost stability, although the labor-hour basis introduces some variability. It allows for better long-term financial planning compared to frequent, short-term procurements, provided the contract is well-managed and costs remain reasonable.

Are there any comparable federal spending benchmarks for similar printing and publication services that could contextualize this $2.65 million award?

Without specific details on the scope, volume, and complexity of the printing services required by the FBI, it is challenging to establish precise federal spending benchmarks. However, the General Services Administration (GSA) offers various printing and publishing schedules and contract vehicles that could serve as a reference point. Contracts for similar services can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars annually, depending on the agency's size and specific requirements. A $2.65 million award over four years averages around $662,500 per year, which is a moderate amount for a large federal agency like the FBI, especially if it encompasses a wide array of printing needs, including secure or specialized materials.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Printing and Related Support Activities › Support Activities for Printing

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2553 DULLES VIEW DR, HERNDON, VA, 20171

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,240,377

Exercised Options: $3,285,467

Current Obligation: $2,648,984

Actual Outlays: $1,799,774

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline