DOJ awards $1.29M for computer replacements, highlighting need for updated IT infrastructure

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,890 ($12.9K)

Contractor: CDW Government LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-05-04

Contract Duration: 31 days

Daily Burn Rate: $416/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: REPLACEMENT PC FOR THE CIVIL DIVISION'S ADAM LAB.

Place of Performance

Location: VERNON HILLS, LAKE County, ILLINOIS, 60061

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $12,890 to CDW GOVERNMENT LLC for work described as: REPLACEMENT PC FOR THE CIVIL DIVISION'S ADAM LAB. Key points: 1. Value for money assessed through competitive bidding process. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a healthy market for IT hardware. 3. Risk indicators are low due to firm fixed-price contract. 4. Performance context is a short-term delivery order for essential equipment. 5. Sector positioning within IT hardware procurement for government agencies.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.29 million for computer replacements appears reasonable given the quantity and type of equipment likely needed for a division's lab. Benchmarking against similar federal IT hardware procurements would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm fixed-price structure helps control costs and provides predictability for the agency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of a single delivery order under this contract implies that CDW Government LLC was the selected awardee from a potentially larger pool of bidders. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically leads to better pricing for taxpayers by encouraging multiple vendors to offer their best terms.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the personnel within the Department of Justice's Civil Division's Adam Lab, who will receive updated computing resources. The service delivered is the provision of replacement computers, crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and productivity. The geographic impact is localized to the specific lab within the Department of Justice, likely in Illinois given the awardee's state. Workforce implications include enabling staff to perform their duties with reliable and modern technology.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if future upgrades or support are tied to this specific hardware model.
Ensuring compatibility with existing network infrastructure and software is critical for seamless integration.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Award to a known government contractor suggests familiarity with procurement processes.
Short duration of the delivery order minimizes long-term commitment risks.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically the procurement of computer hardware. The market for government IT hardware is substantial, with agencies regularly refreshing equipment to maintain cybersecurity and operational effectiveness. This procurement aligns with typical refresh cycles for federal IT assets.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to involve significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses based on the information provided. The primary awardee, CDW Government LLC, is a large business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any small business subcontracting plans were part of the bid.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Justice's contracting officers and program managers responsible for the Civil Division's IT assets. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules
IT Equipment Procurement
Department of Justice IT Modernization Efforts

Risk Flags

Potential for outdated technology if procurement cycle is too long.
Risk of compatibility issues with existing infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $12,890 to CDW GOVERNMENT LLC. REPLACEMENT PC FOR THE CIVIL DIVISION'S ADAM LAB.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CDW GOVERNMENT 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 $12,890.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-05-04.

What is the track record of CDW Government LLC in fulfilling federal IT hardware contracts?

CDW Government LLC is a well-established vendor with extensive experience in providing IT solutions to the federal government. They frequently win contracts through various procurement vehicles, including GSA Schedules and other competitive solicitations. Their track record generally indicates reliability in delivering hardware and related services. However, specific performance metrics for individual contracts, such as on-time delivery rates and product quality, would require a deeper dive into contract performance reports and user feedback, which are not detailed in the provided data. Their consistent presence in federal contracting suggests a strong understanding of government requirements and procurement processes.

How does the awarded price compare to similar federal IT hardware procurements?

Without specific details on the exact models, configurations, and quantities of computers procured, a precise price comparison is challenging. However, the total award of $1.29 million for a single delivery order suggests a significant number of units or high-end configurations. Federal IT hardware procurement prices can vary widely based on volume discounts, negotiated rates through GSA schedules, and the specific technical requirements. To benchmark effectively, one would need to compare this award against other recent delivery orders or contracts for similar quantities and specifications of desktop or laptop computers awarded to different agencies or through different contract vehicles. The 'full and open competition' aspect suggests the price should be competitive within the market.

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

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential delays in delivery, receiving hardware that does not meet specifications, or issues with compatibility with existing systems. Mitigation strategies are embedded within the contract structure. The 'firm fixed price' nature of the contract shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, CDW Government LLC. The short duration (31 days) of the delivery order minimizes the period of exposure. Furthermore, the Department of Justice's contracting officers are responsible for monitoring performance and ensuring compliance with the contract terms. Acceptance testing upon delivery would verify that the hardware meets the required specifications before final payment.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' approach in ensuring value for this specific IT hardware purchase?

The 'full and open competition' approach is generally considered highly effective in ensuring value for IT hardware purchases. It allows a broad range of qualified vendors to submit bids, fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation. For this specific contract, it means that the Department of Justice likely received multiple proposals, allowing them to select the offer that provided the best combination of price, technical capability, and delivery terms. This process helps prevent single-source pricing and ensures that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by leveraging market forces to obtain favorable terms.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar computer replacement contracts within the Department of Justice?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for computer replacement contracts within the Department of Justice (DOJ) would reveal trends in IT modernization, budget allocation for hardware, and the frequency of such procurements. Agencies like the DOJ typically have recurring needs for hardware refreshes due to technological obsolescence and increasing performance demands. Understanding past spending can help contextualize the current $1.29 million award. For instance, if the DOJ typically spends several million dollars annually on computer replacements across its various divisions, this award might represent a standard procurement. Conversely, if this amount is significantly higher or lower than historical averages for similar scope, it could warrant further investigation into the reasons behind the deviation, such as changes in technology requirements or acquisition strategies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing › Electronic Computer Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - END USER

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 230 N MILWAUKEE AVE, VERNON HILLS, IL, 60061

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,890

Exercised Options: $12,890

Current Obligation: $12,890

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SC04B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline