Judicial support services contract awarded to The Smart Effect, LLC for an estimated $204,610, with a fixed hourly rate of $103.13

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $137,255 ($137.3K)

Contractor: THE Smart Effect, LLC

Awarding Agency: District of Columbia Courts

Start Date: 2025-07-03

End Date: 2026-07-02

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $377/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CONTRACT NO. DCSC-25-SAS-87 -JUDICIAL SUPPORT SERVICES FOR 12 MONTHS FOR AN ESTIMATED 1,984 HOURS AT A FIXED HOURLY RATE OF $103.13 FOR THE TOTAL ESTIMATED CONTRACT VALUE OF $204,609.924. THIS PO IS PARTIALLY FUNDED IN THE AMOUNT $107,255.2

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20001

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

District of Columbia Courts obligated $137,255.2 to THE SMART EFFECT, LLC for work described as: CONTRACT NO. DCSC-25-SAS-87 -JUDICIAL SUPPORT SERVICES FOR 12 MONTHS FOR AN ESTIMATED 1,984 HOURS AT A FIXED HOURLY RATE OF $103.13 FOR THE TOTAL ESTIMATED CONTRACT VALUE OF $204,609.924. THIS PO IS PARTIALLY FUNDED IN THE AMOUNT $107,255.2 Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the fixed hourly rate and estimated hours, but a detailed benchmark is needed. 2. Competition dynamics indicate full and open competition, suggesting a potentially competitive pricing environment. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with the primary risk being the accuracy of the estimated hours and total value. 4. Performance context is for administrative management and general management consulting services, a common need for government agencies. 5. Sector positioning is within administrative support services for the judicial branch.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's estimated value of $204,610 for 12 months of judicial support services at a fixed hourly rate of $103.13 warrants further benchmarking. While the hourly rate is not excessively high for specialized consulting services, its value proposition depends heavily on the specific tasks performed and the efficiency of the contractor. Comparing this rate to similar contracts for administrative and management consulting within the judicial system or other government branches would provide a clearer picture of its competitiveness. The partial funding of $107,255.2 suggests a phased approach to expenditure, which is a common practice.

Cost Per Unit: $103.13 per hour

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which is the preferred method for government procurement. This suggests that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid on the requirement. The number of bidders is not specified, but the competitive nature of the process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government. The agency sought to ensure it received the best value by allowing all qualified sources to participate.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically drives down costs through market forces, ensuring that the government is not overpaying for services. It also promotes a wider pool of potential contractors, increasing the likelihood of finding a provider that offers both quality and affordability.

Public Impact

The District of Columbia Courts are the primary beneficiary, receiving essential judicial support services. Services delivered include administrative management and general management consulting, aimed at improving operational efficiency. The geographic impact is localized to the District of Columbia. Workforce implications are indirect, potentially supporting court staff by offloading administrative tasks to the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if the definition of 'judicial support services' is not tightly managed.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical administrative functions could pose a risk if performance falters.
The accuracy of the estimated hours ($1,984) needs to be monitored to ensure efficient use of funds.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive process.
Fixed hourly rate provides cost predictability for the services rendered.
The contract is for a defined period (12 months), allowing for periodic reassessment of needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically administrative management and general management consulting. This is a broad category encompassing a wide range of support functions for government agencies. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous firms offering expertise in operational efficiency, process improvement, and administrative support. The total estimated value of approximately $204,610 is relatively modest for a federal contract, suggesting a focused scope of work or a smaller agency requirement.

Small Business Impact

The contract details indicate that small business set-aside was not utilized (ss: false, sb: false). This means the procurement was open to all responsible sources, including large businesses. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data. The impact on the small business ecosystem is neutral in this instance, as it was not specifically targeted for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the contracting officer and the program manager within the District of Columbia Courts. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price structure, which obligates the contractor to deliver services within the agreed-upon terms. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though detailed performance metrics are not publicly disclosed. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Judicial Administration Support Services
Management Consulting Services
Administrative Support Contracts
District of Columbia Government Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overrun if estimated hours are exceeded.
Performance risk if contractor fails to meet service level expectations.
Need for robust oversight to ensure efficient use of funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

District of Columbia Courts awarded $137,255.2 to THE SMART EFFECT, LLC. CONTRACT NO. DCSC-25-SAS-87 -JUDICIAL SUPPORT SERVICES FOR 12 MONTHS FOR AN ESTIMATED 1,984 HOURS AT A FIXED HOURLY RATE OF $103.13 FOR THE TOTAL ESTIMATED CONTRACT VALUE OF $204,609.924. THIS PO IS PARTIALLY FUNDED IN THE AMOUNT $107,255.2

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE SMART EFFECT, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: District of Columbia Courts (District of Columbia Courts).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $137,255.2.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-07-03. End: 2026-07-02.

What is the track record of The Smart Effect, LLC with federal contracts, particularly in providing judicial support services?

Information regarding the specific track record of The Smart Effect, LLC with federal contracts, especially in judicial support services, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require searching federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for past performance history, contract awards, and any reported issues or commendations. Understanding their experience with similar agencies and service types is crucial for evaluating their capability and reliability in fulfilling this contract's requirements. Without this historical data, it's difficult to definitively assess their past performance and predict future success.

How does the $103.13 hourly rate compare to market rates for similar judicial support services in the Washington D.C. area?

The hourly rate of $103.13 for judicial support services needs to be benchmarked against prevailing market rates for similar professional services in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Factors influencing this comparison include the specific expertise required (e.g., legal administration, process management, IT support for courts), the contractor's overhead, and the level of experience of the personnel providing the services. Industry surveys, competitor pricing for comparable government contracts, and private sector consulting rates can serve as benchmarks. If this rate is significantly higher than comparable services, it could indicate a potential overpayment or a lack of competitive pressure in the bidding process.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential cost overruns if the estimated 1,984 hours are exceeded, performance deficiencies by the contractor, and the possibility of the services not fully meeting the District of Columbia Courts' evolving needs. Mitigation strategies typically involve clear performance work statements, regular progress reviews, defined deliverables, and robust oversight by the contracting officer. The fixed hourly rate provides some cost control, but careful monitoring of hours utilized is essential. Ensuring the contract has well-defined service level agreements and termination clauses can also mitigate performance risks.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' strategy in ensuring value for money for this specific judicial support contract?

The 'full and open competition' strategy is generally effective in ensuring value for money by fostering a competitive environment where multiple vendors vie for the contract. This process encourages bidders to offer their best pricing and service offerings to win the award. For this judicial support contract, the effectiveness hinges on whether a sufficient number of qualified vendors participated and submitted competitive bids. If the competition was robust, it increases the likelihood that the awarded rate of $103.13 per hour represents a fair market price. However, without knowing the number of bidders and their respective proposals, the degree of value achieved through competition remains an assumption.

What is the historical spending pattern for judicial support services by the District of Columbia Courts, and how does this contract fit?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for judicial support services by the District of Columbia Courts is crucial to contextualize this $204,610 contract. This would involve examining previous contract awards for similar services, their values, durations, and the contractors involved. Understanding past spending can reveal trends, identify potential cost efficiencies or inefficiencies, and highlight any significant shifts in procurement strategies. This current contract's value and scope should be compared against these historical data points to determine if it represents a typical expenditure, an increase, or a decrease in investment for such services.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2104 GREEN GINGER CIR, ACCOKEEK, MD, 20607

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $137,255

Exercised Options: $137,255

Current Obligation: $137,255

Actual Outlays: $66,880

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline