FBI awards $12.4M contract for laboratory support services to OLH Technical Services, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,387,214 ($12.4M)

Contractor: OLH Technical Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2024-09-01

End Date: 2030-02-28

Contract Duration: 2,006 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS REQUIREMENT IS A NON-PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO PROVIDE LABORATORY SUPPORT SERVICE (LSS) TO SUPPORT THE FBI'S LABORATORY DIVISION IN DAILY OPERATIONS AND ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE FBI'S LABORATORY POLICIES, PROTOCOLS, AND APPLICABLE STANDARD

Place of Performance

Location: ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE County, ALASKA, 99503

State: Alaska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $12.4 million to OLH TECHNICAL SERVICES, LLC for work described as: THIS REQUIREMENT IS A NON-PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO PROVIDE LABORATORY SUPPORT SERVICE (LSS) TO SUPPORT THE FBI'S LABORATORY DIVISION IN DAILY OPERATIONS AND ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE FBI'S LABORATORY POLICIES, PROTOCOLS, AND APPLICABLE STANDARD Key points: 1. The contract focuses on essential laboratory support services for the FBI's Laboratory Division. 2. It aims to ensure compliance with FBI policies, protocols, and standards. 3. The contract duration extends over five years, indicating a long-term need. 4. The award was made under full and open competition. 5. The primary service delivery location is Alaska. 6. The contract type is a Delivery Order, suggesting it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $12.4 million over approximately five years appears reasonable for specialized laboratory support services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for laboratory support within federal agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The pricing structure, based on 'LABOR HOURS', suggests a cost-reimbursement or time-and-materials approach, which can be efficient if managed well but requires diligent oversight to control costs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating that multiple sources were solicited and considered. The fact that it was competed suggests a healthy level of market interest and potential for competitive pricing. The specific details of the number of bidders are not provided, but the 'full and open' designation generally implies a robust competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically drives down prices through market forces and encourages a wider range of qualified contractors to bid, potentially leading to better value.

Public Impact

The FBI's Laboratory Division will benefit from enhanced operational support. Services will ensure continued compliance with critical forensic and laboratory standards. The primary geographic impact is in Alaska, where the services will be delivered. The contract supports specialized technical labor, potentially impacting the scientific and technical workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if labor hours are not managed efficiently.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical laboratory support functions.
Ensuring consistent quality of laboratory support services over the contract's duration.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Long-term contract duration provides stability for service delivery.
Focus on compliance with established FBI policies and protocols.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the 'Testing Laboratories and Services' sector, classified under NAICS code 541380. This sector is crucial for government operations, providing essential analytical and testing capabilities across various agencies. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise. The FBI's requirement for laboratory support is a significant component within this sector, ensuring the integrity and efficiency of its investigative functions.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary contractor, OLH TECHNICAL SERVICES, LLC, is likely a larger entity. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses, which could be a missed opportunity to engage the small business ecosystem. Future contracts of this nature should explore opportunities for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the FBI's contracting officers and program managers. The contract's focus on compliance with FBI policies and protocols suggests internal quality assurance measures. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases. The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General may have jurisdiction for audits and investigations if any irregularities arise.

Related Government Programs

FBI Laboratory Division Operations
Forensic Science Services Contracts
Federal Law Enforcement Support Services
Department of Justice IT and Technical Support

Risk Flags

Potential for cost creep in labor-hour based contracts.
Ensuring consistent quality and adherence to strict protocols.
Dependence on contractor performance for critical lab operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $12.4 million to OLH TECHNICAL SERVICES, LLC. THIS REQUIREMENT IS A NON-PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO PROVIDE LABORATORY SUPPORT SERVICE (LSS) TO SUPPORT THE FBI'S LABORATORY DIVISION IN DAILY OPERATIONS AND ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE FBI'S LABORATORY POLICIES, PROTOCOLS, AND APPLICABLE STANDARD

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is OLH TECHNICAL 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 $12.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-01. End: 2030-02-28.

What is the historical spending pattern for laboratory support services by the FBI?

Analyzing historical spending for FBI laboratory support services requires access to detailed procurement data over multiple fiscal years. While this specific contract award is for $12.4 million, understanding the FBI's broader investment in similar services provides context. Past spending trends can reveal whether this award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment. Factors such as changes in laboratory technology, evolving investigative needs, and shifts in contracting strategies (e.g., moving from in-house to outsourced services) influence these patterns. A comprehensive review would involve examining contract databases for similar service codes (NAICS 541380) awarded to the FBI or the Department of Justice over the last 5-10 years to identify trends in contract values, durations, and types of services procured.

How does the awarded price compare to similar laboratory support contracts?

To assess the value for money, the awarded price of $12.4 million for OLH TECHNICAL SERVICES, LLC needs to be benchmarked against comparable contracts. This involves identifying other federal contracts for laboratory support services with similar scope, duration, and complexity, particularly those awarded by agencies with comparable needs, such as other law enforcement or intelligence agencies. Key comparison points include the labor rates, overhead, and profit margins. If this contract is structured as labor hours, comparing the average hourly rates paid to different labor categories against market rates or rates in similar federal contracts is crucial. A significant deviation from established benchmarks, either higher or lower, would warrant further investigation into the underlying reasons, such as unique service requirements, specialized expertise, or market conditions.

What is OLH TECHNICAL SERVICES, LLC's track record with federal contracts, particularly with the FBI or DOJ?

OLH TECHNICAL SERVICES, LLC's performance history with federal agencies, especially the FBI and the Department of Justice (DOJ), is a critical indicator of reliability and capability. A review of past contract awards and performance evaluations (e.g., through the Federal Procurement Data System - Next Generation or Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) would reveal their experience. Key aspects to examine include the types of services previously provided, contract values, on-time delivery rates, quality of work, and any history of disputes or contract terminations. A strong track record with similar agencies suggests a lower risk for this new contract, while a history of performance issues would raise concerns about the contractor's ability to meet the FBI's requirements effectively.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Potential risks for this laboratory support services contract include performance deficiencies, cost overruns due to inefficient labor hour utilization, and potential disruptions to FBI operations if services are not delivered consistently. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust contract management by the FBI, including clear performance standards, regular progress reviews, and potentially performance-based incentives or penalties. The contractor's own quality control processes and experienced personnel are also key mitigation factors. Furthermore, the 'full and open competition' aspect helps mitigate the risk of selecting an unqualified vendor. The long duration also presents a risk of technological obsolescence or changing requirements, which may need to be addressed through contract modifications or future re-competition.

How does this contract contribute to the FBI's overall mission effectiveness?

This contract directly supports the FBI's mission by ensuring the operational readiness and compliance of its Laboratory Division. The Laboratory Division provides critical forensic science services, including DNA analysis, ballistics, digital forensics, and trace evidence examination, which are essential for criminal investigations and prosecutions. By outsourcing or augmenting laboratory support services, the FBI can ensure that its scientists and analysts can focus on core scientific tasks, rather than administrative or logistical support. This contract's aim to maintain compliance with FBI policies and protocols is vital for the integrity and admissibility of evidence in legal proceedings, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness and credibility of the FBI's investigative work.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Testing Laboratories and Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2702 DENALI ST STE 100, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99503

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $36,182,666

Exercised Options: $14,441,046

Current Obligation: $12,387,214

Actual Outlays: $6,407,991

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15F06723D0002316

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline