DOJ Awards $804K for Expert Witness Services to Engineering Systems Inc. via Sole Source Contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $804,040 ($804.0K)

Contractor: Engineering Systems Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-02-06

End Date: 2029-01-31

Contract Duration: 1,455 days

Daily Burn Rate: $553/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: AURORA, DUPAGE County, ILLINOIS, 60504

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $804,040 to ENGINEERING SYSTEMS INC for work described as: EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant contract value for specialized legal support. 2. Sole source award raises questions about competition and potential cost savings. 3. Long contract duration (nearly 5 years) requires ongoing scrutiny. 4. Focus on legal services within the Department of Justice.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract is for expert witness services, a niche area. Without comparable contract data or a competitive bidding process, it's difficult to assess if the $804,040 price is reasonable. The time and materials pricing model can also lead to cost overruns if not carefully managed.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

The contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may prevent the government from securing the best possible price. The justification for a sole-source award needs to be robust to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could result in higher costs for taxpayers compared to a scenario where multiple vendors vied for the contract.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the absence of competitive bidding. The long-term nature of the contract means sustained financial commitment. Ensuring the quality and necessity of expert witness services is crucial for effective legal proceedings.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Time and materials pricing
Long contract duration

Positive Signals

Essential service for legal proceedings
Established vendor (assumed)

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under legal services, specifically expert witness support for the Department of Justice. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on litigation needs. Benchmarks are difficult without specific case types.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were considered or if opportunities were missed.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the services are necessary, performed effectively, and priced appropriately throughout the contract's duration.

Related Government Programs

All Other Legal Services
Department of Justice Contracting
Offices, Boards and Divisions Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for cost overruns (T&M)
Long contract duration
Limited transparency on vendor qualifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $804,040 to ENGINEERING SYSTEMS INC. EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ENGINEERING SYSTEMS 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 $804,040.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-02-06. End: 2029-01-31.

What is the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and were alternative solutions explored?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or a lack of other qualified sources. Without this specific justification, it's impossible to fully assess the necessity of bypassing competition. Exploring alternatives, even if ultimately deemed unsuitable, is a key aspect of responsible procurement to ensure the government obtains the best value.

How will the Department of Justice ensure cost control and value for money with a time and materials contract awarded sole-source?

Effective cost control for a sole-source, time and materials contract relies heavily on robust oversight, clear performance metrics, and defined ceilings. The DOJ must actively monitor hours billed, rates charged, and the necessity of each task. Regular reviews and audits are essential to prevent scope creep and ensure that the final cost aligns with the value derived from the expert witness services.

What is the anticipated impact of these expert witness services on the efficiency and outcomes of the Department of Justice's legal cases?

High-quality expert witness services can significantly enhance the clarity and persuasiveness of legal arguments, potentially leading to more favorable outcomes and efficient case resolution. Conversely, subpar services could prolong litigation, increase costs, and negatively impact case results. The specific impact depends on the expertise provided and its relevance to the legal matters at hand.

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: 4215 CAMPUS DR, AURORA, IL, 60504

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $804,040

Exercised Options: $804,040

Current Obligation: $804,040

Actual Outlays: $26,717

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: PRODUCTS OR SERVICES PURSUANT TO FAR 12.102(F)

Timeline