RFI-DEA Independent Financial and Information Technology Management Assessment.pdf

Request for Information (RFI) Independent Audit of DEA Financial Management, Acquisition (Contracts), Budget Execution and Information Technology Organizations.

(Professional Services)

1. Overview

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), is conducting market research to identify sources capable of performing an independent, outcomes-based assessment of DEA’s financial management processes, contract administration processes, budget formulation and execution, and information technology (IT). This Request for Information (RFI) is issued pursuant to FAR 15.201(e) for information and planning purposes only. This is not a solicitation and will not result in a contract award.

This RFI seeks to better understand industry capabilities to deliver independent, data-driven, and actionable assessments of DEA’s internal financial and IT practices supporting the agency’s commitment to transparency, good governance, and continuous improvement. DEA intends to structure any resulting acquisition using performance-based under an open market approach. The Government reserves the right to utilize other acquisition strategies other than defined within this notice.

The DEA encourages small and large businesses, including 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, and SDVOSB firms, to respond with capability statements, feedback on the draft Statement of Objectives (SOO), and input on teaming approaches and expected performance timelines.

2. Background and Mission Need

DEA’s mission requires the sound, strategic management of complex congressionally-appropriated and reimbursable resources. Over time, practices evolve beyond original design or business intent, making it essential for the agency to conduct periodic reviews to ensure its financial management and information technology operations remain efficient, compliant, and aligned with statutory and mission objectives.

This independent assessment will evaluate whether processes are effective, accurate, compliant and aligned with applicable policies and procedures within the Financial Management and Information Technology organizations. It will examine core areas such as resource alignment to stated priorities, resource planning, and execution procedures to include fund transfers, contract lifecycle oversight/administration, performance reporting, and internal controls.

This assessment is intended to inform leadership decision-making, enhance institutional learning, and support real time improvements in DEA’s financial management and governance.

With the appointment of a new Senate-confirmed Administrator and a new Presidential Administration focused on improving overall government efficiency and providing value to taxpayers, DEA leadership will prioritize a comprehensive assessment of its internal financial, operational, and business practices. This assessment will support agency-wide modernization efforts and ensure transparency, compliance, efficiency, and accountability in the stewardship of public funds.

Key areas of assessment include:

• Payroll management and forecast methods, payroll expenditure tracking and reporting, and decision-points/timeline for strategic funding shifts to meet the goals of the Administration.

• Methodology, oversight procedures, and compliance regarding Diversion Control Fee Account (DCFA).

• Cost-effectiveness, and performance of existing contracts, including acquisition strategy and opportunity for consolidation or enterprise solutions.

• Identification of unused or underused software licenses.

• A high-level snapshot of DEA’s financial health and enterprise business operations.

• IT governance, organizational structure, and operating model.

• Data management and IT policies, standards and procedures.

The DEA seeks to better understand current practices, identify inefficiencies, and ensure alignment with federal guidelines and mission-critical objectives.

3. SCOPE OF INTEREST

DEA is exploring the engagement of an independent entity to conduct a comprehensive, enterprise-wide financial and IT assessment. Respondents should be prepared to assess the agency’s practices using industry-standard frameworks such as Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) circulars including A-11 (budget formulation), A-123 (internal controls), and A-136 (financial reporting).

A. Payroll Management

• Evaluate the policies and practices governing the use of unobligated personnel funds.

• Assess alignment with DOJ financial policy and OMB guidance.

B. Diversion Control Fee Account (DCFA) Resource Methodology, Oversight and Compliance

• Conduct a full assessment of DCFA funding flows, allocations, and expenditures.

• Assess statutory and regulatory compliance with DEA’s use of fee funds.

• Evaluate internal oversight, tracking, and programmatic alignment of DCFA-supported initiatives.

C. Contract Assessment and Procurement Analysis

• Identify contracts competed and non-competed and recommend opportunities to expand competition of contracted requirements over $1 million.

• Evaluate the return on investment (ROI) and cost-effectiveness of current services contracts over $1 million.

• Assess contract performance tracking, burn rates, and unused funding, recommending improvements.

• Recommend opportunities for recompete, strategic consolidation, or cost savings.

D. IT Structure & Utilization

• Information Security and Cybersecurity controls.

• Assess large scale IT initiatives that did not achieve their intended objective (2020-

2024) o Assess governance, risk management, project controls, vendor oversight, and decision-making processes and resulted practical recommendations.

• Application and Infrastructure Management.

• Vendor Management (COR functionalities).

• Inventory all agency-licensed software and determine utilization rates.

• Identify underused, duplicative, or redundant IT licenses and applications.

• Recommend procurement and licensing strategies to optimize cost and operational efficiency.

E. Internal Controls and Financial Risk Management

• Conduct a risk-based assessment of DEA’s internal control OMB A-123 charter, mandate and alignment with organizational objectives.

• Assess execution, documentation and quality control process.

• Assess methodology, standards and application of data analytics and audit technology.

F. Business Practices and Enterprise Health Snapshot

• Provide an independent assessment of DEA’s enterprise business practices.

• Analyze administrative and operational expenditures relative to mission outcomes.

• Identify redundancies, inefficiencies, and opportunities for reinvestment or realignment.

G. Systems, Data Integration, and Reporting

• Evaluate the effectiveness and integration of DEA’s financial and administrative systems (e.g., UFMS, FIRST, E2, etc.).

• Assess the quality, timeliness, and utility of internal reporting for executive decision-making.

• Recommend improvements for automation, data analytics, dashboarding and AI integration.

H. Benchmarking and Best Practices

• Compare DEA’s practices with peer law enforcement and regulatory agencies (e.g., FBI, ATF, CBP).

• Identify and recommend applicable best practices from across the federal enterprise.

• Provide benchmarking metrics (e.g., overhead rates, contract-to-mission alignment, staff-to-budget ratios).

4. DRAFT STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES (SOO)

A draft SOO is attached (Attachment A). DEA welcomes input on the scope, clarity, and feasibility of the objectives outlined. These include:

• Assessment of fund transfers and internal controls

• Contract performance and ROI analysis

• Review of budget execution and strategic alignment

• Evaluation of IT data, technology integration, and infrastructure

• Recommendations for integrating performance-based metrics into oversight

The agency intends to structure the effort under Outcomes-Based Contracting (OBC) principles with a focus on achieving strategic, long-term results as an advanced form of performance based contracting procedures.

5. DESIRED ENGAGEMENT MODEL

• Anticipated Contract Type: Performance-based structure preferred

• Anticipated Acquisition Approach: Open market – Full and Open Competition

• Team Composition: Respondents should respond identifying the ideal team makeup to meet the defined requirement (e.g., federal audit professionals, forensic accountants, appropriations law experts, etc.)

• Work Location: Hybrid (virtual with some on-site engagement encouraged)

• Expected Duration: Interim findings 90 days, final report NLT 180 days preferred;

respondents may propose alternative timelines with justification

• Security and Clearance: All personnel must be eligible for DOJ public trust or higher, with appropriate handling of sensitive but unclassified materials

6. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Responses due by: January 26, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET Submit to: Kathrine.r.leach@dea.gov and Laura.e.over@dea.gov Subject line: RFI – DEA Independent Financial and Information Technology Management Assessment

Page limit: 10 pages total (excluding optional attachments) Format: PDF or Word (.docx), 10MB max

Include:

• Corporate and contact information

• Capabilities and relevant past performance

• Approach to achieving outcomes (audit methodology, reporting framework)

• Team structure and qualifications

• Estimated timeline and labor categories

• ROM pricing (optional)

• Feedback on the SOO scope and acquisition strategy

• Applicable contract vehicles, if any

Please clearly mark any proprietary or confidential material.

7. QUESTIONS FOR INDUSTRY

DEA requests feedback on the following:

A. Technical Capability & Experience

1. Describe your experience conducting independent audits, forensic reviews, or programmatic evaluations for federal agencies, particularly in law enforcement, national security, or appropriated fund environments.

2. How has your work informed leadership decision-making or systemic reform in other agencies?

3. Describe experience evaluating the return on investment (ROI) or lifecycle outcomes of federal contracts.

B. Outcomes-Based Execution

4. How would your firm structure this engagement to support measurable outcomes tied to agency goals?

5. What performance metrics or success indicators would you recommend for a review of this scope?

6. How do you ensure independence, analytical rigor, and objectivity throughout the audit process?

C. Teaming and Delivery Strategy

7. What team structure would you recommend for an engagement of this scope and complexity?

8. Do you foresee any specific risks or dependencies in completing this engagement in

180 days or less?

9. Are you able to support a hybrid work model, including on-site coordination?

D. Contracting & Acquisition Feedback

10. Would your firm recommend a performance-based contract or another structure for a requirement of this type?

11. Do you hold any BPAs or IDIQs under which these services could be acquired, even though this is open market?

12. Please provide feedback on the draft SOO. Are there areas where additional specificity or flexibility would help industry respond more effectively?

8. DISCLAIMER

This RFI is issued solely for market research and planning purposes. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), a Request for Quote (RFQ), or an obligation to issue a future solicitation. Responses will be used to inform DEA’s acquisition strategy, but no award will result from this notice.

The Government will not reimburse respondents for any costs incurred in preparing or submitting a response. Responses will not be shared outside the government. DEA reserves the right to contact respondents for additional information or clarification. The Government reserves the right to conduct further market research with any, some, or all of the respondents as well as other capable vendors.