DOE awards $2.1M for Westlaw Government services, ensuring access to legal resources for FERC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,094,147 ($2.1M)
Contractor: West Publishing Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2017-09-01
End Date: 2019-08-31
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: WEST LAW FOR GOVERNMENT
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20426
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $2.1 million to WEST PUBLISHING CORPORATION for work described as: WEST LAW FOR GOVERNMENT Key points: 1. Contract value of $2.1M for legal information services. 2. Sole provider is West Publishing Corporation, a known entity. 3. Risk is moderate due to reliance on a single vendor for critical legal data. 4. Sector is Information Services, supporting regulatory functions.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $2.1M for two years of Westlaw access appears reasonable given the specialized nature of legal research services. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for comprehensive legal databases is difficult without more specific service level data.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. However, the specific nature of comprehensive legal databases often leads to a de facto sole source situation once a vendor is selected.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from access to essential legal information for regulatory compliance and operations, though the cost is significant for specialized services.
Public Impact
Ensures Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) staff have access to vital legal research tools. Supports informed decision-making in energy regulation and policy development. Provides a centralized and reliable source for legal statutes, regulations, and case law.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for price increases in future contract renewals.
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical legal information.
Positive Signals
- Ensures continuity of essential legal research services.
- Supports regulatory agency operations with necessary data.
Sector Analysis
The Information Services sector encompasses a wide range of data and technology providers. Government spending in this area is crucial for operational efficiency and informed decision-making, with costs varying significantly based on the scope and exclusivity of the data.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to West Publishing Corporation, a large established company. There is no indication of specific efforts to include small businesses in this particular award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a degree of oversight in the procurement process. Ongoing monitoring of service delivery and cost-effectiveness would be key for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Information Services
- Department of Energy Contracting
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in
- Reliance on a single provider for critical data
- Limited transparency in per-unit cost benchmarking
- Possibility of future price increases
Tags
all-other-information-services, department-of-energy, dc, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $2.1 million to WEST PUBLISHING CORPORATION. WEST LAW FOR GOVERNMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is WEST PUBLISHING CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-09-01. End: 2019-08-31.
What is the specific scope of 'All Other Information Services' covered by this contract, and how does it compare to market alternatives?
The 'All Other Information Services' category is broad. For Westlaw, it typically includes access to a comprehensive database of federal and state statutes, regulations, case law, legal analysis, and secondary sources. Benchmarking requires comparing subscription costs for similar exhaustive legal research platforms, considering user numbers and specific content modules.
What is the risk associated with relying on a single vendor for such critical legal information, especially concerning future price escalations?
The primary risk is vendor lock-in and potential price gouging in subsequent contract periods, as switching providers for comprehensive legal research is disruptive and costly. Agencies should periodically assess market alternatives and negotiate terms aggressively to mitigate future cost increases and ensure competitive pricing.
How effectively does this contract support the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's mission and operational needs?
This contract is likely highly effective, as Westlaw is a standard tool for legal professionals. It provides FERC staff with immediate access to the legal framework governing energy, ensuring compliance, informed regulatory actions, and efficient case processing. The continuity of this service is crucial for their mission.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Information › Other Information Services › All Other Information Services
Product/Service Code: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT (INCLD FIRMWARE) SOFTWARE,SUPPLIES& SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Thomson Company Inc, the
Address: 610 OPPERMAN DR, SAINT PAUL, MN, 55123
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,094,147
Exercised Options: $2,094,147
Current Obligation: $2,094,147
Actual Outlays: $1,039,063
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: LC14C7139
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-09-01
Current End Date: 2019-08-31
Potential End Date: 2022-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-10
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