DOJ awards $3.2M sole-source contract for expert witness services to Mark A. Cohen LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $32,010 ($32.0K)
Contractor: Mark a Cohen LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2025-02-12
End Date: 2027-02-11
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $44/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: NASHVILLE, DAVIDSON County, TENNESSEE, 37215
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $32,010 to MARK A COHEN LLC for work described as: EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single vendor, raising questions about competition. 2. Significant value of $3.2 million for specialized legal services. 3. Potential for higher costs due to sole-source procurement. 4. Services fall under 'All Other Legal Services' NAICS code.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $3.2 million for expert witness services is substantial. Without competitive bids, it's difficult to assess if this price is optimal compared to similar services procured through competitive means.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in a higher cost to the government than if multiple vendors had submitted bids.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for a $3.2 million contract could mean taxpayers are not receiving the best possible value for these essential legal services.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may be overpaying for expert witness services due to the absence of competition. The Department of Justice relies on this vendor for critical legal support. The duration of the contract (729 days) suggests ongoing need for these services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 44 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award
- Lack of competition
- Potential for overpayment
Positive Signals
- Essential legal services procured
- Vendor located in Tennessee
Sector Analysis
Legal services, particularly expert witness testimony, are crucial for litigation. Benchmarks for such services vary widely based on specialization and complexity, making direct comparison challenging without competitive data.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were considered or involved in this sole-source award, which limits opportunities for small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny to ensure the Department of Justice adequately justified the lack of competition and obtained fair pricing.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Legal Services
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Offices, Boards and Divisions Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award lacks transparency.
- Potential for price gouging.
- Limited opportunity for small businesses.
- No competitive benchmark for pricing.
Tags
all-other-legal-services, department-of-justice, tn, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $32,010 to MARK A COHEN LLC. EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MARK A COHEN LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Offices, Boards and Divisions).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $32,010.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-02-12. End: 2027-02-11.
What specific expertise does Mark A. Cohen LLC provide that necessitates a sole-source award, and how does this justify the $3.2 million price tag?
The justification for a sole-source award typically hinges on unique capabilities, specialized knowledge, or critical urgency that only one vendor can meet. For expert witness services, this could involve highly niche scientific, medical, or technical expertise directly relevant to the Department of Justice's cases. The $3.2 million price would need to be supported by detailed cost breakdowns, market research on comparable rates for similar specialized expertise, and a clear demonstration that no other vendor could fulfill the requirement effectively or within the necessary timeframe.
What are the risks associated with awarding a $3.2 million contract on a sole-source basis for expert witness services?
The primary risk is the potential for inflated pricing due to the absence of competitive pressure. Without competing bids, the government may pay more than necessary. Another risk is the lack of innovation or improved service delivery that competition often fosters. Furthermore, a sole-source award can raise concerns about fairness and equal opportunity for other qualified vendors who were not given a chance to compete for the contract.
How can the Department of Justice ensure effective oversight and accountability for this sole-source contract to guarantee value for taxpayer money?
Effective oversight can be achieved through rigorous contract management. This includes detailed monitoring of deliverables, performance metrics, and adherence to the time and materials basis. Regular reviews of invoices and cost justifications are essential. The Department should also conduct post-award market research to validate pricing and consider competitive strategies for future procurements of similar services to ensure long-term value and accountability.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Legal Services › All Other Legal Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 24 WYNSTONE, NASHVILLE, TN, 37215
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $32,010
Exercised Options: $32,010
Current Obligation: $32,010
Actual Outlays: $2,875
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-02-12
Current End Date: 2027-02-11
Potential End Date: 2027-02-11 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-10
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