IRS Chief Counsel's $167K contract for expert real estate appraisal services awarded to Real Estate Valuation Advisors LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $167,758 ($167.8K)

Contractor: Real Estate Valuation Advisors LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Treasury

Start Date: 2025-10-09

End Date: 2030-10-08

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $92/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES - REAL ESTATE APPRAISER FOR INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE CHIEF COUNSEL. TRACS0006829/5000220305: APPROVED 10/07/2025

Place of Performance

Location: BIRMINGHAM, JEFFERSON County, ALABAMA, 35213

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Treasury obligated $167,758 to REAL ESTATE VALUATION ADVISORS LLC for work described as: EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES - REAL ESTATE APPRAISER FOR INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE CHIEF COUNSEL. TRACS0006829/5000220305: APPROVED 10/07/2025 Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the specialized nature of expert witness services. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a sole-source award, potentially limiting price discovery. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a clear service need and defined contract duration. 4. Performance context is for IRS Chief Counsel, suggesting a need for accurate valuations in legal proceedings. 5. Sector positioning is within professional services supporting government legal and financial operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $167,758 for expert witness services in real estate appraisal is difficult to benchmark without more specific details on the scope of work and the complexity of the cases. However, for specialized legal support, this amount seems within a reasonable range. The contract is for a 5-year period, which averages to approximately $33,551 per year. This annual cost should be compared against similar expert witness engagements for the IRS or other federal agencies to determine true value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating it was likely awarded on a sole-source basis. The absence of competition means that the IRS did not solicit bids from multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when only one vendor possesses the unique qualifications or capabilities required for the service, or in specific emergency situations. Without competition, it is harder to ascertain if the most cost-effective solution was secured.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, a sole-source award means there was no opportunity for competitive bidding to drive down costs, potentially leading to a higher price than if multiple firms had competed.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the IRS Chief Counsel's office, which will receive expert real estate appraisal services. These services are crucial for providing accurate property valuations in legal disputes and administrative proceedings. The geographic impact is likely national, as IRS legal matters can arise anywhere in the United States. Workforce implications are minimal, as this contract supports existing IRS legal staff rather than creating new positions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
Sole-source awards require strong justification to ensure necessity and fairness.
Performance monitoring will be critical to ensure quality of expert witness services.

Positive Signals

Contract addresses a specific, specialized need for expert legal support.
Longer contract duration (5 years) provides stability for ongoing legal needs.
Award to a specialized firm suggests expertise in real estate valuation.

Sector Analysis

The professional services sector, particularly those supporting government legal functions, is characterized by specialized expertise. Real estate appraisal for legal purposes requires specific knowledge of valuation methodologies, market analysis, and legal testimony standards. The market for such services can be fragmented, with many small to medium-sized firms offering specialized expertise. This contract fits within the broader category of professional support services procured by federal agencies to aid in litigation and administrative processes.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to Real Estate Valuation Advisors LLC and there is no indication of a small business set-aside. The contract details do not specify any subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific award is likely limited, unless the prime contractor has its own small business subcontracting goals.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the contracting officer and the IRS Chief Counsel's office. Accountability measures would be tied to the delivery of timely and accurate expert witness reports and testimony as stipulated in the contract. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though the specifics of the sole-source justification may not be fully public. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

IRS Legal Services
Federal Expert Witness Services
Real Estate Valuation Contracts
Department of the Treasury Professional Services

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing pressure.
Limited public information on contractor qualifications for sole-source justification.
Long contract duration may reduce flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Treasury awarded $167,758 to REAL ESTATE VALUATION ADVISORS LLC. EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES - REAL ESTATE APPRAISER FOR INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE CHIEF COUNSEL. TRACS0006829/5000220305: APPROVED 10/07/2025

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is REAL ESTATE VALUATION ADVISORS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Treasury (Internal Revenue Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $167,758.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-09. End: 2030-10-08.

What is the typical cost range for expert witness services in real estate appraisal for federal agencies?

The cost for expert witness services in real estate appraisal for federal agencies can vary significantly based on the complexity of the property, the jurisdiction, the reputation of the appraiser, and the duration of their involvement (report preparation, depositions, trial testimony). For routine appraisals, costs might range from a few thousand dollars per report. However, for complex commercial properties, high-profile litigation, or extensive expert testimony, costs can escalate into tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. The $167,758 awarded to Real Estate Valuation Advisors LLC over five years suggests an average annual expenditure of approximately $33,551, which appears reasonable for specialized legal support, but a direct comparison requires detailed scope of work and case complexity data.

What are the specific qualifications and track record of Real Estate Valuation Advisors LLC?

Detailed information regarding the specific qualifications and track record of Real Estate Valuation Advisors LLC is not publicly available within the provided data. As this was a sole-source award, the justification for selecting this specific firm would typically include an assessment of their expertise, experience with similar cases, and ability to meet the IRS Chief Counsel's requirements. Federal procurement regulations often require agencies to document why a sole-source award is necessary, which would implicitly involve evaluating the contractor's capabilities. Further investigation into the contract file or agency justifications would be needed to ascertain their full track record and specific expertise.

How does the 5-year duration of this contract impact the IRS's ability to adapt to changing market conditions or legal needs?

A 5-year contract duration provides the IRS Chief Counsel's office with stability and continuity in obtaining essential expert witness services. This allows for a consistent relationship with a qualified provider, potentially leading to greater efficiency and familiarity with the IRS's specific needs. However, it also means the IRS is committed to this provider for an extended period. If market conditions for real estate valuation change significantly, or if the IRS's legal strategies evolve, the agency might be locked into a contract that is no longer the most advantageous or suitable. Flexibility clauses or regular performance reviews within the contract could mitigate some of these risks, but a long-term commitment inherently reduces immediate adaptability.

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

The primary risk associated with a sole-source award for expert witness services is the potential for inflated pricing due to the lack of competitive pressure. Without multiple bids, the government may not be receiving the best possible value for its money. Additionally, sole-source awards can raise concerns about fairness and equal opportunity for other qualified firms that may not have been considered. There's also a risk that the chosen contractor, while qualified, might not be the absolute best fit or most innovative solution available in the market. Robust oversight and clear performance metrics are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives high-quality services at a fair price.

What is the historical spending pattern for expert witness services by the IRS Chief Counsel's office?

The provided data does not include historical spending patterns for expert witness services by the IRS Chief Counsel's office. To analyze historical spending, one would need access to past contract awards for similar services, including the number of contracts, their values, durations, and the types of services rendered. This would allow for an assessment of trends, average spending per case or per year, and whether this $167,758 award represents an increase, decrease, or continuation of previous spending levels. Understanding historical patterns is crucial for benchmarking and identifying potential anomalies or efficiencies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Real Estate and Rental and Leasing › Activities Related to Real Estate › Offices of Real Estate Appraisers

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: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 101 PINE RIDGE CIR, MOUNTAIN BRK, AL, 35213

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $167,758

Exercised Options: $167,758

Current Obligation: $167,758

Actual Outlays: $31,500

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline