561492: Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

The Social Security Administration and Department of Justice are the dominant buyers of court reporting services, with SSA accounting for roughly half of all federal spending in this category. The Securities and Exchange Commission, National Labor Relations Board, and Department of Justice also purchase these services regularly. Most awards go unrestricted, though roughly 8 percent are set aside for small businesses under SBA programs, with a smaller portion reserved for 8(a) firms, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, and women-owned small businesses. Vendors should expect to work with federal acquisition offices that handle grants and contracts rather than program offices directly.

The market is highly fragmented. Nearly 900 distinct vendors have won awards since 2001, but the median award is only $3,000, suggesting most work consists of small, task-based engagements rather than large blanket contracts. Total spending across all vendors reached $790 million over 26 years, or roughly $30 million annually. A firm considering entry should understand that volume matters more than individual deal size, and that competition is substantial given the number of active vendors.

Five active solicitations are currently open. More significantly, 322 contracts worth $35.18 million are ending within the next 12 months, creating recompete opportunities primarily with SSA and the Department of Justice. Firms should monitor these agencies' acquisition offices for upcoming task orders and contract renewals, particularly through the SSA's Office of Acquisition and Grants.