DOJ Awards $750K for Expert Witness Services to Bates White, LLC via Purchase Order
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $750,000 ($750.0K)
Contractor: Bates White, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-01-27
End Date: 2027-01-31
Contract Duration: 369 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.0K/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: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20006
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $750,000 to BATES WHITE, LLC for work described as: EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Bates White, LLC for expert witness services. 2. Total award amount is $750,000. 3. The contract falls under 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services'. 4. Services are for the Department of Justice, Offices, Boards and Divisions. 5. Contract duration is 369 days.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The $750,000 award for expert witness services appears to be a standard price for specialized consulting. Benchmarking against similar contracts for expert testimony in complex litigation would be necessary for a definitive assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source or limited competition award. This method may limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to a fully competed contract.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could result in taxpayers paying a premium for these specialized services.
Public Impact
Essential legal support for Department of Justice cases. Potential for significant impact on case outcomes. Services are critical for complex litigation requiring specialized expertise.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for cost overruns without competitive pressure
Positive Signals
- Award to a known entity (Bates White, LLC)
- Clear service description (Expert Witness Services)
Sector Analysis
The 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' sector is broad, encompassing specialized expertise often required in legal and regulatory contexts. Benchmarks for expert witness services can vary widely based on the complexity and duration of the case.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small businesses, as it was awarded to Bates White, LLC, a known consulting firm. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to ensure the necessity and effectiveness of the expert witness services provided, especially given the non-competitive nature of the award. Tracking performance against the contract's objectives is key.
Related Government Programs
- Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Offices, Boards and Divisions Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competitive bidding
- Potential for inflated pricing
- Limited transparency in selection process
- Risk of inadequate performance oversight
Tags
other-scientific-and-technical-consultin, department-of-justice, dc, purchase-order, 100k-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $750,000 to BATES WHITE, LLC. EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BATES WHITE, 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 $750,000.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-01-27. End: 2027-01-31.
What specific expertise does Bates White, LLC bring that justifies a sole-source award for these expert witness services?
The justification for a sole-source award typically rests on the unique qualifications, specialized knowledge, or proprietary methodologies possessed by the contractor. For expert witness services, this could include a specific attorney's track record, a firm's established reputation in a niche field, or unique data analysis capabilities essential for a particular case. The Department of Justice would need to document why no other firm could adequately fulfill these specific requirements.
How will the Department of Justice ensure cost-effectiveness and value for money in a non-competed contract for expert witness services?
To ensure cost-effectiveness in a non-competed contract, the Department of Justice should implement rigorous oversight. This includes establishing clear performance metrics, regularly reviewing invoices and billing practices, and potentially engaging an independent cost analyst. Negotiating favorable hourly rates or fixed fees based on market research and historical data, even without competition, is also crucial for maximizing value.
What is the potential impact on litigation outcomes if the selected expert witness services are not optimal or cost-efficient?
Suboptimal or inefficient expert witness services can significantly jeopardize litigation outcomes. Poorly delivered testimony, flawed analysis, or excessive costs can undermine a case's credibility, lead to unfavorable judgments, and result in substantial financial losses for the government. This underscores the importance of thorough vetting and continuous monitoring, even in sole-source awards.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting 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: 2001 K ST NW STE 500, WASHINGTON, DC, 20006
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $750,000
Exercised Options: $750,000
Current Obligation: $750,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-01-27
Current End Date: 2027-01-31
Potential End Date: 2027-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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