DoD's $10.45M contract for forensic scientists and DNA technicians awarded to American Registry of Pathology
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,452,227 ($10.5M)
Contractor: American Registry of Pathology
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2007-05-10
End Date: 2012-09-29
Contract Duration: 1,969 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: FORENSIC SCIENTISTS 1, DNA TECHNICIAN
Place of Performance
Location: ROCKVILLE, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20850
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $10.5 million to AMERICAN REGISTRY OF PATHOLOGY for work described as: FORENSIC SCIENTISTS 1, DNA TECHNICIAN Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the 5-year duration and fixed-price nature, though specific performance metrics are not detailed. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with a long contract duration and a single awardee. 4. Performance context is limited without specific deliverables or success metrics. 5. Sector positioning places this within professional, scientific, and technical services, a broad category. 6. The contract's value is relatively small compared to the overall DoD budget, but significant for specialized forensic services.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's total value of $10.45 million over approximately 5 years suggests an average annual value of around $2 million. Benchmarking this against similar contracts for specialized forensic services is challenging without more granular data on the specific services provided and the qualifications required. However, the firm fixed-price contract type generally indicates that the government has a clear understanding of the scope and cost, which can be advantageous. The absence of detailed performance metrics makes a definitive value assessment difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The data shows 2 bids were received. A full and open competition generally promotes price discovery and allows the government to select the best value offer. However, with only two bids, the level of competition might have been limited, potentially impacting the range of pricing and innovation received.
Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best possible pricing and quality through a broad selection process. However, the low number of bids received in this instance may suggest that the market for these specialized services is narrow or that other factors limited participation, potentially leading to less aggressive pricing than in a more robustly competed scenario.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are likely the Department of Defense and its personnel, who receive essential forensic and DNA analysis support. Services delivered include specialized scientific analysis crucial for investigations and evidence processing. The geographic impact is primarily within Maryland, where the contractor is located, but the services support DoD operations nationwide and potentially overseas. Workforce implications include the employment of skilled forensic scientists and technicians.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition with only two bids received could indicate potential for higher costs than if more bidders participated.
- The long contract duration (nearly 5 years) increases the risk of cost overruns if market conditions change significantly.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the contractor's effectiveness and value delivery over time.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a fair and transparent procurement process.
- Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
- The contractor, American Registry of Pathology, likely possesses specialized expertise in forensic sciences.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.' This broad category encompasses a wide range of specialized analytical and advisory services. The market for forensic science services is driven by demand from government agencies for investigative support, research, and specialized testing. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more specific service details, but the overall federal spending on scientific and technical services is substantial.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses arising from a small business set-aside. The primary contractor, American Registry of Pathology, is likely a larger entity, and its engagement with the small business ecosystem would depend on its own procurement practices rather than specific contract requirements.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program office within the Department of the Army. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon cost. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports may not be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.
Related Government Programs
- Forensic Science Services
- Medical and Health Services
- Scientific Research and Development
- Department of Defense Procurement
- Professional and Technical Services
Risk Flags
- Limited Competition
- Long Contract Duration
- Lack of Performance Metrics
Tags
defense, department-of-defense, department-of-the-army, full-and-open-competition, firm-fixed-price, professional-scientific-and-technical-services, forensic-scientists, dna-technician, maryland, medium-contract-value
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $10.5 million to AMERICAN REGISTRY OF PATHOLOGY. FORENSIC SCIENTISTS 1, DNA TECHNICIAN
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AMERICAN REGISTRY OF PATHOLOGY.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $10.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-05-10. End: 2012-09-29.
What is the track record of the American Registry of Pathology in performing similar forensic science contracts for the Department of Defense?
Information regarding the specific track record of the American Registry of Pathology (ARP) in performing similar forensic science contracts for the Department of Defense is not directly available within the provided data snippet. However, the ARP is a non-profit entity established by the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology and is affiliated with the National Museum of Health and Medicine. Its mission involves pathology services, research, and education. To assess their track record thoroughly, one would need to examine historical contract performance data, any past performance evaluations, and potentially reviews from agencies they have served. Without this external data, it's difficult to definitively state their specific success rate or expertise level in fulfilling contracts precisely like this one, beyond their general mission alignment.
How does the awarded price compare to market rates for forensic scientists and DNA technicians?
The provided data does not include specific details about the services rendered or the number of personnel assigned, making a direct comparison of the awarded price to market rates challenging. The total contract value is $10.45 million over approximately 1969 days (roughly 5.4 years), averaging about $2.02 million per year. This average annual value would need to be broken down by the specific roles (forensic scientists, DNA technicians), their required qualifications, hours worked, and geographic location to benchmark against industry salary surveys and typical billing rates for such specialized scientific personnel. Without this granular information, it's impossible to determine if the price is competitive or inflated relative to market standards for these highly skilled positions.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?
The primary risks associated with this contract include potential cost overruns if the scope of work is not precisely defined or if unforeseen scientific challenges arise, although the firm fixed-price structure aims to mitigate this. Another risk is the potential for a decline in service quality over the nearly five-year duration, especially if contractor performance is not rigorously monitored. The limited competition (two bids) also presents a risk, as it may have led to less competitive pricing than a more robustly contested procurement. Mitigation strategies would typically involve strong contract management by the government, including regular performance reviews, clear communication channels, and potentially incorporating performance incentives or penalties. The fixed-price nature itself is a primary risk mitigation tool for the government regarding cost certainty.
What is the expected effectiveness of the services provided under this contract in supporting DoD's mission?
The expected effectiveness of the forensic science and DNA technician services under this contract is crucial for supporting the Department of Defense's (DoD) mission, particularly in areas related to investigations, evidence analysis, and potentially personnel identification. High-quality forensic analysis can lead to accurate case resolutions, support military justice proceedings, and ensure the integrity of evidence. The effectiveness hinges on the contractor's ability to provide accurate, timely, and reliable scientific results. Without specific performance metrics or deliverables outlined in the contract details, it is difficult to quantitatively assess the expected effectiveness. However, the DoD's reliance on such specialized scientific support suggests a critical need for these services to maintain operational integrity and legal compliance.
How has federal spending on forensic science services evolved over the past decade, and where does this contract fit in?
Federal spending on forensic science services has generally seen a steady increase over the past decade, driven by evolving technological capabilities, increased demand from law enforcement and military branches, and a greater emphasis on scientific evidence in legal proceedings. While specific aggregate data for 'forensic science services' can be fragmented across various agencies and contract types, overall government investment in scientific and technical services, including specialized analytical support, has grown. This $10.45 million contract, awarded in 2007 and spanning over five years, represents a moderate-sized investment for specialized forensic support within the Department of Defense during that period. It fits within the broader trend of federal agencies procuring external scientific expertise to supplement internal capabilities, particularly for highly specialized or high-volume analytical needs.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › LABORATORY TESTING SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: W91QV107R0013
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 14TH ALASKA AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 98
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $10,452,227
Exercised Options: $10,452,227
Current Obligation: $10,452,227
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-05-10
Current End Date: 2012-09-29
Potential End Date: 2012-09-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2013-12-09
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