DOJ's US Marshals Service awards $86.6K for Media Streaming Services, lacking competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $86,580 ($86.6K)
Contractor: Pima County
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2023-10-01
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $79/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: D08 AZ - PCWIN: PIMA COUNTY CF: APC-FY23-000098
Place of Performance
Location: TUCSON, PIMA County, ARIZONA, 85713
State: Arizona Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $86,580 to PIMA COUNTY for work described as: D08 AZ - PCWIN: PIMA COUNTY CF: APC-FY23-000098 Key points: 1. Spending is concentrated with Pima County, raising questions about broader market engagement. 2. The contract's value is relatively small, potentially limiting significant competitive interest. 3. Lack of competition is a key risk, potentially leading to suboptimal pricing. 4. The sector involves media streaming and social networks, a dynamic and evolving market.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award amount of $86,580 for a 3-year period is modest. Without competitive bids, it's difficult to assess if this price is optimal compared to similar media streaming services procured by other government agencies.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not competed, indicating a limited source selection. This approach bypasses the opportunity for price discovery through a competitive bidding process, potentially impacting the final price paid.
Taxpayer Impact: The direct taxpayer impact is limited due to the small contract value, but the lack of competition sets a precedent for potentially less efficient spending on similar future procurements.
Public Impact
Citizens may question the use of taxpayer funds when competition is bypassed. The contract supports essential services for the U.S. Marshals Service, aiding their operational needs. Transparency in procurement processes is crucial for public trust, especially when competition is limited.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Limited market research implied
- Potential for suboptimal pricing
Positive Signals
- Supports critical agency function
- Modest contract value limits financial risk
Sector Analysis
The procurement falls within the IT and professional services sector, specifically media streaming and social networks. Benchmarks for similar services vary widely based on scope and provider, but competitive bids typically ensure market-rate pricing.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were specifically considered or solicited for this procurement. The limited competition approach may have overlooked potential small business providers.
Oversight & Accountability
The limited competition approach warrants oversight to ensure it was justified and that taxpayer funds are being used efficiently. Future procurements should prioritize competitive processes where feasible.
Related Government Programs
- Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers
- Department of Justice Contracting
- U.S. Marshals Service Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for overpayment
- Limited transparency in source selection
- No clear justification for limited competition provided
Tags
media-streaming-distribution-services-so, department-of-justice, az, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $86,580 to PIMA COUNTY. D08 AZ - PCWIN: PIMA COUNTY CF: APC-FY23-000098
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is PIMA COUNTY.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Justice (U.S. Marshals Service).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $86,580.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.
What was the justification for not competing this contract, given the availability of multiple vendors in the media streaming market?
The justification for not competing this contract is not provided in the data. Typically, agencies may opt for limited competition due to urgent needs, unique capabilities, or specific existing relationships. However, for media streaming services, a competitive process is usually feasible and recommended to ensure best value and pricing for the government.
What is the risk associated with awarding a contract without competition in the media streaming sector?
The primary risk of awarding a contract without competition in the media streaming sector is paying a higher price than necessary. Without bids from other providers, the agency may not be getting the most cost-effective solution. Additionally, it limits the government's ability to discover innovative solutions or leverage market competition to drive down costs.
How effective is this contract likely to be in meeting the U.S. Marshals Service's needs for media streaming services?
The effectiveness of the contract in meeting the U.S. Marshals Service's needs is difficult to assess solely based on the procurement data. While the service provider was selected, the lack of competition means we cannot be certain if they offer the most effective or feature-rich solution available in the market at the best price. Effectiveness will depend on the vendor's performance and the alignment of their services with the agency's specific requirements.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Information › Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers › Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - NETWORK
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: 15M10223QA4700060
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3434 E 22ND ST, TUCSON, AZ, 85713
Business Categories: Category Business, Government, U.S. Local Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $162,060
Exercised Options: $97,236
Current Obligation: $86,580
Actual Outlays: $28,860
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-10-01
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2028-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-09
Other Department of Justice Contracts
- Contractor Owned and Operated Existing Correctional Facility for Approximately 3,500 LOW Security Male Inmates — $794.5M (Cornell Companies, Inc.)
- Detention Services - SAN Diego — $776.9M (THE GEO Group, Inc.)
- CO: Telly Renfroe Award of NEW Task Order Base Year Initial Funding — $616.4M (AT&T Enterprises, LLC)
- TAS 151060 - Services for the Management and Operation of a Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated, Correctional Facility for 2,567 Beds in Adams County, Mississippi — $574.3M (Corecivic, Inc.)
- Provide Services for the Management and Operation of a Correctional Facility in Accordance With Rfp-Pcc-0014 — $568.9M (Cornell Companies, Inc.)