DOJ awards $2.16M for FBI lab support, with 2 bids received under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,164,032 ($2.2M)

Contractor: Straitsys Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2024-09-29

End Date: 2025-09-28

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS REQUIREMENT IS FOR LABORATORY SUPPORT SERVICES (LSS) TO SUPPORT THE FBI'S LABORATORY DIVISION IN DAILY OPERATIONS AND ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE FBI'S LABORATORY POLICIES, PROTOCOLS, AND APPLICABLE STANDARDS.

Place of Performance

Location: ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE County, ALASKA, 99503

State: Alaska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $2.2 million to STRAITSYS INC for work described as: THIS REQUIREMENT IS FOR LABORATORY SUPPORT SERVICES (LSS) TO SUPPORT THE FBI'S LABORATORY DIVISION IN DAILY OPERATIONS AND ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE FBI'S LABORATORY POLICIES, PROTOCOLS, AND APPLICABLE STANDARDS. Key points: 1. The contract aims to ensure FBI laboratory operations comply with established policies and standards. 2. A single delivery order was issued, indicating a focused scope for this specific award. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type suggests predictable costs for the government. 4. The duration of 364 days aligns with typical annual service contract needs. 5. The award was made under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, a standard procurement method. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541990 covers 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.16 million for one year of laboratory support services appears reasonable given the critical nature of FBI laboratory operations. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized scientific and technical services is challenging without more detailed scope information. However, the firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty. The award was made after exclusion of sources, which may imply specific technical requirements, but the presence of two bids suggests some level of market interest.

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.' This procurement method allows all responsible sources to submit a bid, but specific exclusions might have been applied based on pre-defined criteria. Two bids were received, which indicates a moderate level of competition. While more bidders would typically lead to better price discovery, two bids are sufficient to establish a competitive range.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition, even with two bidders, helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives reasonable pricing.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the FBI's Laboratory Division, which will receive essential support services. Services include daily operations support and ensuring compliance with FBI laboratory policies and standards. The geographic impact is primarily within the FBI's operational areas, likely concentrated where its laboratories are located. The contract supports a specialized workforce of professionals providing scientific and technical services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition if 'exclusion of sources' criteria were overly restrictive.
Reliance on a single delivery order might not reflect the full spectrum of potential long-term needs.
Firm-fixed-price contracts can sometimes lead to less flexibility if requirements evolve significantly.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition, even with two bidders, promotes a competitive environment.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability for the government.
The contract duration is aligned with typical service needs, allowing for focused support.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically under NAICS code 541990. This broad category encompasses a wide range of specialized services. The FBI's need for laboratory support is critical for its investigative functions, requiring highly skilled personnel and adherence to stringent protocols. Comparable spending in this sector often involves significant investment in research, analysis, and technical expertise, with contract values varying widely based on scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (sb) is false and there is no indication of a small business set-aside (ss). This suggests the contract was not specifically targeted towards small businesses. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, but it is common for prime contractors in such service areas to engage small businesses for specialized support roles.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the FBI's Laboratory Division. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics and detailed oversight reports may not always be publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

FBI Laboratory Services
Forensic Science Support Contracts
Scientific and Technical Services
Department of Justice IT and Professional Services

Risk Flags

Moderate Competition Level
Potential for Evolving Requirements
Specialized Personnel Needs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $2.2 million to STRAITSYS INC. THIS REQUIREMENT IS FOR LABORATORY SUPPORT SERVICES (LSS) TO SUPPORT THE FBI'S LABORATORY DIVISION IN DAILY OPERATIONS AND ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE FBI'S LABORATORY POLICIES, PROTOCOLS, AND APPLICABLE STANDARDS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is STRAITSYS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-29. End: 2025-09-28.

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

Analyzing historical spending for FBI laboratory support services requires access to detailed procurement data beyond this single award. Typically, agencies like the FBI maintain ongoing needs for laboratory analysis, equipment maintenance, and specialized scientific expertise. Spending patterns can fluctuate based on evolving technological needs, changes in investigative priorities, and the availability of internal resources versus external contracting. Without specific historical data for this NAICS code or similar service categories within the FBI, it's difficult to establish a precise pattern. However, it is reasonable to assume consistent, significant investment in these critical support functions over multiple fiscal years to maintain operational readiness and scientific integrity.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar laboratory support services contracts?

Benchmarking the pricing of this $2.16 million contract against similar laboratory support services requires access to a broader dataset of federal contracts with comparable scopes of work, durations, and required expertise. The provided data indicates a firm-fixed-price contract for a 364-day period with two bids received. Without knowing the specific technical requirements, labor categories, or overhead structures involved, a direct price comparison is challenging. However, the fact that it was competed under full and open competition suggests that the pricing is expected to be market-driven. Further analysis would involve comparing the estimated labor rates, overhead, and profit margins to industry standards and other government contracts for similar professional, scientific, and technical services.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate the contractor's performance?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for a contract like this, providing laboratory support services to the FBI, are crucial for ensuring quality and compliance. While not explicitly detailed in the provided data, typical KPIs would likely include metrics related to turnaround time for requested services, accuracy and reliability of results, adherence to laboratory protocols and safety standards, and overall responsiveness to FBI requests. Performance would also be assessed against the terms of the firm-fixed-price contract, ensuring all deliverables are met within the agreed-upon schedule and budget. The contracting officer's representative (COR) would be responsible for monitoring these KPIs and providing feedback on the contractor's performance throughout the contract period.

What is the track record of STRAITSYS INC in providing similar government services?

Assessing the track record of STRAITSYS INC requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving laboratory support, scientific services, or technical assistance. Information on their past performance, including client satisfaction, adherence to contract terms, and any history of disputes or corrective actions, would be available through federal procurement databases like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). A positive track record would indicate reliability and capability in delivering services that meet government standards. Conversely, any negative performance history could raise concerns about their ability to successfully execute this current contract effectively and efficiently.

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

Potential risks for this contract include the possibility of evolving FBI laboratory needs that may not be fully captured by the current scope, potential challenges in recruiting and retaining highly specialized personnel, and ensuring consistent quality and compliance with stringent FBI standards. Mitigation strategies typically involve clear contract language, robust oversight by the COR, regular communication between the contractor and the FBI, and performance-based incentives or penalties. The firm-fixed-price structure itself acts as a risk mitigation tool by capping the government's financial exposure. Furthermore, the competition process, even with two bidders, helps select a contractor with a demonstrated ability to manage such risks.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical 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: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8600 ADVANCED GATEWAY SW, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35808

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: $2,164,032

Exercised Options: $2,164,032

Current Obligation: $2,164,032

Actual Outlays: $2,164,032

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15F06724D0000014

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline