DOJ's FBI Awards $482K Contract for Ballistics Research Assistant to Straitsys Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $482,466 ($482.5K)

Contractor: Straitsys Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-05-22

End Date: 2027-05-21

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $662/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: BALLISTICS RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35808

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $482,466.26 to STRAITSYS INC for work described as: BALLISTICS RESEARCH ASSISTANT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Straitsys Inc. for specialized ballistics research. 2. The contract value is $482,466.26 over a 729-day period. 3. Competition method was 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources'. 4. The sector is Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services. 5. This award represents a small portion of federal spending in this category.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $482,466.26 for a 729-day period suggests a moderate per-year cost. Without specific details on the 'Ballistics Research Assistant' capabilities, direct pricing comparison is difficult. However, it appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized technical services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The competition method 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' indicates that while the competition was intended to be broad, specific sources were excluded, potentially limiting the competitive landscape and price discovery. This method requires justification for excluding certain sources.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is the direct cost of the contract, $482,466.26, which funds specialized research services. The effectiveness of this spending in achieving the FBI's research goals will determine the ultimate value for taxpayers.

Public Impact

Enhances FBI's forensic capabilities in ballistics analysis. Supports law enforcement investigations through advanced research tools. Potential for improved accuracy and efficiency in ballistics evidence processing.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition justification unclear
Potential for higher costs due to source exclusion

Positive Signals

Supports critical law enforcement function
Utilizes specialized technical expertise

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, specifically NAICS code 541990. Federal spending in this sector is substantial, covering a wide range of expert services. This award represents a niche application within that broad category.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false, sb: false). There is no indication of small business subcontracting goals or participation in this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

The FBI, as part of the Department of Justice, is subject to standard federal procurement regulations and oversight. The justification for the 'Exclusion of Sources' in the competition method would be a key area for oversight review.

Related Government Programs

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Department of Justice Contracting
Federal Bureau of Investigation Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition raises cost concerns
Lack of small business participation
Need for clear performance metrics
Justification for source exclusion requires scrutiny

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $482,466.26 to STRAITSYS INC. BALLISTICS RESEARCH ASSISTANT

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 $482,466.26.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-05-22. End: 2027-05-21.

What specific capabilities does the 'Ballistics Research Assistant' provide, and how do they align with the FBI's strategic research objectives?

The 'Ballistics Research Assistant' likely refers to a system or service that aids in the analysis, comparison, and database management of ballistic evidence. Its alignment with FBI objectives would involve enhancing the speed and accuracy of identifying firearms used in crimes, supporting investigations, and potentially contributing to the development of new forensic techniques. Understanding its specific functions is crucial for assessing its value.

What was the justification for excluding specific sources in the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method, and did this exclusion impact the final price?

The justification for excluding sources is critical for understanding the competitive landscape. If only a few sources were eligible, it could limit price competition, potentially leading to a higher cost than a truly open competition. A thorough review would examine the rationale for exclusion (e.g., unique capabilities, proprietary technology) and compare the awarded price against benchmarks for similar services obtained through broader competition.

How will the effectiveness of the 'Ballistics Research Assistant' be measured to ensure optimal value for taxpayer investment?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) related to the speed and accuracy of ballistic analysis, the number of cases supported, and the successful identification of firearms. Regular performance reviews and post-award assessments by the FBI will be essential to track these metrics and ensure the technology or service is delivering the intended benefits and justifying the $482,466.26 investment.

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

Solicitation ID: 15F06725Q0000192

Offers Received: 1

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: $1,395,561

Exercised Options: $482,466

Current Obligation: $482,466

Actual Outlays: $158,509

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