DOT's $2.16M Legal Services Contract Awarded to Bowhead Professional and Technical Solutions LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,156,525 ($2.2M)

Contractor: Bowhead Professional and Technical Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2021-09-15

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,841 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: NEW IDIQ TIME AND MATERIALS CONTRACT 100 M STREET, SE WASHINGTON DC CONTACT: HEIDI THORPE PHONE: 571-236-9607 EMAIL: HEIDI.THORPE@SWIFTFORE.COM WWW.SWIFTFORE.COM ***SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS***

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20590

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $2.2 million to BOWHEAD PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: NEW IDIQ TIME AND MATERIALS CONTRACT 100 M STREET, SE WASHINGTON DC CONTACT: HEIDI THORPE PHONE: 571-236-9607 EMAIL: HEIDI.THORPE@SWIFTFORE.COM WWW.SWIFTFORE.COM ***SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS*** Key points: 1. Contract awarded for legal services, indicating a need for specialized expertise within the Department of Transportation. 2. The contract's value of $2.16 million over its period of performance suggests a moderate investment in legal support. 3. The 'Not Competed Under SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) designation implies a non-competitive award, raising questions about potential cost efficiencies. 4. The firm fixed-price contract type aims to control costs by establishing a set price for services. 5. The contract duration of approximately 5 years allows for sustained support but also necessitates careful performance monitoring. 6. The geographic focus is Washington D.C., aligning with the likely location of the Immediate Office of the Secretary of Transportation.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $2.16 million for legal services appears to be a moderate investment. However, without specific details on the scope of work or the nature of the legal services required, a direct comparison to similar contracts is difficult. The firm fixed-price structure is a positive indicator for cost control, but the lack of competition means there's no benchmark to assess if the pricing is competitive or represents good value for money. Further analysis would require understanding the specific legal challenges or needs addressed by this contract.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically applies to procurements below certain thresholds and can involve streamlined competition. The specific reason for this award method and the extent of any pre-award market research or consideration of other potential sources are not detailed. A non-competitive award, if not justified by unique circumstances, can limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of open competition means taxpayers may not be benefiting from the most cost-effective pricing that could have been achieved through a broader solicitation process.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Transportation's Immediate Office of the Secretary, who will receive essential legal counsel. Services delivered will likely encompass legal advice, representation, and support for the agency's operations and policy initiatives. The geographic impact is concentrated in Washington D.C., where the DOT headquarters is located. There are no immediate workforce implications for the public, as this contract is for professional services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition raises concerns about potential overpayment and missed opportunities for cost savings.
The specific nature of the legal services required is not detailed, making it difficult to assess the necessity and value.
The contract's duration could lead to vendor lock-in if not managed effectively.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract type helps to establish cost certainty.
The contract is awarded to a specific entity, suggesting a deliberate choice based on perceived capabilities.
The contract duration allows for continuity of essential legal support.

Sector Analysis

Legal services are a critical component of government operations, supporting regulatory compliance, litigation, contract review, and policy development. The market for legal services is diverse, ranging from large law firms to specialized boutique practices. Government contracts for legal services can vary significantly in scope and value, depending on the agency's needs. Benchmarking this contract's value would require comparing it to similar legal support contracts within the federal government, considering factors like the complexity of legal issues and the seniority of the legal professionals involved.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract includes small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements. The award to Bowhead Professional and Technical Solutions LLC does not appear to directly benefit small businesses through this specific contract vehicle. Further investigation into Bowhead's subcontracting plans would be necessary to determine any indirect impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Transportation's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures would be tied to the performance against the firm fixed-price contract terms and conditions. Transparency regarding the specific legal services rendered and their outcomes would depend on internal DOT policies and any public reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of Transportation - Office of the General Counsel
Federal Legal Services Contracts
Professional and Technical Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Non-competitive award
Lack of detailed scope of work
Potential for unbenchmarked pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $2.2 million to BOWHEAD PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS LLC. NEW IDIQ TIME AND MATERIALS CONTRACT 100 M STREET, SE WASHINGTON DC CONTACT: HEIDI THORPE PHONE: 571-236-9607 EMAIL: HEIDI.THORPE@SWIFTFORE.COM WWW.SWIFTFORE.COM ***SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS***

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BOWHEAD PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Immediate Office of the Secretary of Transportation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-15. End: 2026-09-30.

What specific legal services are being procured under this contract, and how do they align with the Immediate Office of the Secretary of Transportation's mission?

The provided data does not specify the exact legal services being procured. However, given the contract is with the Immediate Office of the Secretary of Transportation, it is likely to encompass a broad range of legal support critical to the agency's leadership. This could include advice on transportation policy, regulatory matters, legislative initiatives, internal investigations, contract disputes, and litigation support. The alignment with the agency's mission would be through enabling the Secretary and their immediate staff to make informed decisions, ensure legal compliance, and effectively manage the department's vast responsibilities in areas such as aviation, maritime, rail, and highway safety and infrastructure.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a non-competitive basis, especially given the 'Not Competed Under SAP' designation?

The designation 'Not Competed Under SAP' suggests that the contract was not awarded through the standard competitive processes for simplified acquisitions. The specific justification for this non-competitive award is not provided in the data. Typically, non-competitive awards require a formal justification, such as the existence of only one responsible source, an urgent need, or a specific statutory authority. Without this justification, it is difficult to assess whether the government received fair and reasonable pricing or if opportunities for better value were missed. Further inquiry into the contract file would be needed to understand the rationale.

How does the firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type mitigate risks for the government in the context of legal services?

A Firm Fixed-Price (FFP) contract type is generally advantageous for the government when the scope of work is well-defined and the risks of cost overruns are manageable. For legal services, an FFP contract establishes a ceiling on the total cost, providing budget certainty. This shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, Bowhead Professional and Technical Solutions LLC. If the contractor incurs higher costs than anticipated to deliver the agreed-upon services, their profit margin will be reduced, but the government's payment will not exceed the agreed-upon price. This structure incentivizes the contractor to manage their resources efficiently and deliver services within the set budget.

What is the typical cost range for similar legal services contracts awarded by federal agencies, and how does this contract compare?

The cost range for federal legal services contracts can vary dramatically based on the complexity, duration, and specialization required. Contracts can range from tens of thousands for specific advisory tasks to hundreds of millions for large-scale litigation or comprehensive counsel. This contract's value of $2.16 million over approximately five years, averaging around $432,000 annually, appears to be in the moderate range for ongoing legal support to a major federal agency's immediate office. However, without knowing the specific services, it's challenging to make a precise comparison. Agencies like the Department of Justice or other large cabinet-level departments often have significantly larger legal budgets.

What are the potential performance risks associated with a sole-source or limited-competition award for legal services?

The primary performance risk associated with a sole-source or limited-competition award for legal services is the potential for reduced quality or responsiveness due to a lack of competitive pressure. When a contractor knows they are the only or one of very few options, they may have less incentive to prioritize client satisfaction, timely delivery, or innovative solutions. Furthermore, the government may have less leverage to negotiate favorable terms or address performance issues. Without the benchmark of competing proposals, it can also be harder to assess if the contractor possesses the most suitable expertise or if their proposed approach is the most effective for the government's needs.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Legal Services › All Other Legal Services

Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 693JK421R500013

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6564 LOISDALE CT STE 900, SPRINGFIELD, VA, 22150

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,156,525

Exercised Options: $2,156,525

Current Obligation: $2,156,525

Actual Outlays: $1,798,300

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $885,546

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline