Department of Justice Awarded a Contract to NUGENT APPRAISAL LLC for $24,900.00

Summary of Award

In 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice, through the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Miami Division Office, awarded a purchase order contract to Nugent Appraisal LLC. The contract, identified by the award ID "15DDM124P00000064," involves the provision of jewelry appraisal services for fiscal year 2025. The contract spans from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, with a total financial obligation of $5,500.

The awarding and funding agency for this contract is the Department of Justice, specifically the Drug Enforcement Administration. The DEA, established to enforce controlled substance regulations, frequently collaborates with organizations for services that complement its mandate. This particular contract aligns with administrative needs related to asset management and appraisal.

Nugent Appraisal LLC, based in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, and classified as a Woman Owned Small Business, specializes in appraisals. Their expertise extends to fields requiring rigorous asset valuation, which includes appraising jewelry—a service that complements the DEA's requirement for properly managed asset disposal or valuation. The contract was signed on July 16, 2024, signifying the formal agreement between the DEA and Nugent Appraisal LLC. This purchase order was designated under category "B" (Purchase Order), highlighting a streamlined process associated with smaller acquisitions often executed within simplified acquisition procedures. The Project Scope: Jewelry Appraisal in Miami Nugent Appraisal LLC's contract is specific to performing jewelry appraisal services, as requested by Margaret R. Moss, a representative from the Miami Field Division, DEA. The contract, described officially as "VALUPRO - JEWELRY APPRAISAL - FY2025 - MIAMI FD," suggests a focus on thorough appraisal processes within this locale. The service ensures that the value of jewelry—likely seized or under evaluation for disposal—is accurately determined, contributing to transparent and fair handling of assets, a critical aspect of DEA operations. Financial Structure and Transactions Analyzing the financial execution, the contract witnessed multiple transaction points: 1. **Initial Issuance (July 16, 2024):** The contract was initiated without any immediate fund disbursement (Transaction Amount: $0). This setup is common to allow preparatory formalities before funds are expended. 2. **First Transaction (November 19, 2024):** A critical stage where $2,500 was transferred as part of the award execution (Mod: P00001). This transaction likely disbursed funds following initial deliverable benchmarks. 3. **Subsequent Transaction (April 10, 2025):** The follow-up involved an additional $2,000 (Mod: P00003) to cover ongoing or further executed appraisal activities, indicating sustained progress in service delivery. These transactions reflect a carefully structured financial implementation schedule, aligning payments with service milestones—a practice that supports fiscal responsibility and ensures continuity in service delivery. Recipient Overview: Nugent Appraisal LLC Nugent Appraisal LLC combines professionalism and industry expertise within the jewelry appraisal niche. It is designated under NAICS Code 541611 for Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services, emphasizing their aptitude for structured asset evaluation processes. A self-certified small disadvantaged business and partnership, it distinguishes itself with various business categorizations, including being woman-owned, further showcasing diversity and inclusivity in federal contracting. Incorporated in North Carolina, their principal office sits in Maggie Valley, a location relevant for substantial expertise identification beyond metropolitan business hubs. Their role in supporting federal agencies like the DEA underscores the critical nature of appraisal services within federal asset management strategies. Contextual and Strategic Importance Operating within frameworks like the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12.102, which emphasizes commercial item acquisition, the contractual engagement with Nugent Appraisal LLC mirrors strategic policies aimed at efficiency and efficacy in federal procurement. Applying simplified acquisition procedures (SAP) underlines federal intentions to streamline operations and limit administrative burdens associated with smaller value contracts. Given that assets under DEA custody need precise valuation for legal, regulatory, and operational purposes, the ability to appraise efficiently impacts the agency's financial and legal responsibilities. The discarded or earned proceeds from these assets must be accurately reported and managed, reflecting governmental commitments to accountability. Concluding Perspective This contractual arrangement, while financially not monumental, plays an essential role in the DEA’s operational strategy. By utilizing specialized services from Nugent Appraisal LLC, the DEA ensures that their asset management aligns with federal guidelines and auditing standards. In sectors like law enforcement, where asset forfeiture and management are frequent, having reliable partners is crucial for compliance and operational integrity. Nugent's involvement symbolizes the ongoing collaboration between governmental operations and specialized private entities, forming a collaborative network that enhances federal efficiency and accountability.