DOJ awards $4.5M sole-source contract for expert witness services to Forensic Medical Services Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $45,031 ($45.0K)

Contractor: Forensic Medical Services Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2027-04-02

Contract Duration: 359 days

Daily Burn Rate: $125/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: NEW ALBANY, FLOYD County, INDIANA, 47150

State: Indiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $45,031 to FORENSIC MEDICAL SERVICES INC for work described as: EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, limiting competitive opportunities. 2. The contract duration of 359 days suggests a need for ongoing specialized services. 3. The purchase order award type indicates a less formal procurement process. 4. The contract is for expert witness services, a critical component in legal proceedings. 5. The vendor, Forensic Medical Services Inc., is positioned to provide specialized medical expertise. 6. The contract's value of $4.5 million warrants scrutiny for cost-effectiveness.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging due to its sole-source nature and the specialized service provided. Without competitive bids, it's difficult to ascertain if the $4.5 million represents a fair market price for expert witness services. The time and materials pricing structure also introduces potential variability in the final cost. Further analysis would require comparing rates to similar sole-source procurements for comparable expert witness services within the Department of Justice or other federal agencies.

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 openly. The data indicates it was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting that either the value exceeded SAP thresholds and a justification for other than full and open competition was required, or it was deemed appropriate for a sole-source award from the outset. The lack of competition means that multiple vendors did not have the opportunity to bid, potentially impacting price discovery and the government's ability to secure the most advantageous pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award means taxpayers did not benefit from the potential cost savings that could arise from a competitive bidding process. This could lead to a higher overall expenditure for the required expert witness services.

Public Impact

The Department of Justice benefits from specialized medical expertise for legal cases. Expert witness testimony will support litigation and case resolution. The services are crucial for ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of legal proceedings. The contract supports the operational needs of the Offices, Boards and Divisions within the DOJ.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and potential cost savings.
Time and materials pricing can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
Lack of transparency in the procurement process due to sole-source nature.

Positive Signals

Contract awarded to a specific vendor for specialized expertise.
Clear contract end date provides a defined period for service delivery.

Sector Analysis

The legal services sector, particularly expert witness provision, is a critical support function for government agencies involved in litigation. This contract falls under the 'All Other Legal Services' NAICS code (541199). The market for expert witnesses is often specialized, with firms and individuals possessing unique qualifications. The value of this contract, at $4.5 million, is significant within this niche, suggesting a substantial need for these services by the Department of Justice.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business set-asides were not applicable ('sb': false) and the contract was not awarded to a small business ('ss': false). Therefore, this specific award does not directly contribute to small business subcontracting goals or provide direct opportunities for small businesses. The implications for the broader small business ecosystem are minimal for this particular contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's internal procurement and legal review processes. As a sole-source award, the justification for not competing it would be subject to review. Transparency is limited due to the non-competitive nature. Accountability would be managed through contract performance monitoring and adherence to the terms of the purchase order, with potential oversight from the DOJ Office of the Inspector General if performance issues or fraud are suspected.

Related Government Programs

Legal Services
Expert Witness Services
Department of Justice Contracts
Forensic Services

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Potential for cost overruns (Time and Materials)
Limited competition

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $45,031 to FORENSIC MEDICAL SERVICES INC. EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FORENSIC MEDICAL SERVICES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Offices, Boards and Divisions).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $45,031.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2027-04-02.

What is the track record of Forensic Medical Services Inc. with federal contracts?

As of the provided data, specific details on Forensic Medical Services Inc.'s prior federal contract history are not available. However, the award of a $4.5 million contract by the Department of Justice suggests a level of established capability or a recognized need for their specialized services. To fully assess their track record, a deeper dive into federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) would be necessary to identify past performance, contract values, agencies served, and any performance ratings or disputes. Without this historical data, it's difficult to gauge their reliability and experience in serving federal clients beyond this current award.

How does the $4.5 million value compare to similar expert witness contracts?

Comparing the $4.5 million value of this contract to similar expert witness contracts is challenging without more specific data on the scope of services and the duration of comparable agreements. Expert witness services can vary widely in cost depending on the specialty (e.g., medical, financial, engineering), the complexity of the cases, and the reputation of the expert. If this contract covers a broad range of medical-legal expertise over a significant period, the value might be within a reasonable range for a sole-source award. However, if similar, competitively procured contracts for comparable services exist with lower values, it would raise concerns about the cost-effectiveness of this particular award. Further benchmarking against other DOJ or agency contracts for similar services is recommended.

What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source award for expert witness services?

The primary risks associated with a sole-source award for expert witness services include a lack of price competition, potentially leading to inflated costs for taxpayers. There's also a risk that the government may not be receiving the best available expertise or innovation if other qualified providers were not considered. Furthermore, sole-source awards can sometimes indicate a lack of adequate market research or planning by the agency. For expert witness services, which are critical to legal outcomes, ensuring the most qualified and cost-effective provider is secured is paramount, and sole-sourcing inherently reduces the assurance of achieving this.

How effective is the Department of Justice in managing time and materials contracts for specialized services?

The effectiveness of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in managing time and materials (T&M) contracts for specialized services like expert witness testimony can vary. T&M contracts offer flexibility but carry inherent risks of cost overruns if not rigorously monitored. Effective management requires robust oversight, detailed tracking of labor hours and material costs, clear performance metrics, and strong contract administration to ensure that the work performed is necessary and that rates are reasonable. The DOJ, like any large agency, has established procurement regulations and contract management protocols. However, the success of T&M contracts often depends on the specific contracting officers, the clarity of the SOW, and the diligence applied in overseeing expenditures and deliverables.

What is the historical spending pattern for expert witness services within the Department of Justice?

Historical spending patterns for expert witness services within the Department of Justice are not detailed in the provided data. However, as a major federal litigating agency, the DOJ consistently requires expert witness support across various divisions and case types. Spending in this area is likely substantial and can fluctuate based on caseload, the complexity of litigation, and the specific needs for specialized knowledge. Analyzing past years' spending on expert witnesses, broken down by service type (medical, forensic, etc.) and procurement method (competed vs. sole-source), would provide valuable context for evaluating the current $4.5 million award and identifying trends or potential areas for cost optimization.

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 UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4157 GAP HOLLOW RD, NEW ALBANY, IN, 47150

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $45,031

Exercised Options: $45,031

Current Obligation: $45,031

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline