DoD awards $1.11B for Linguist Services, highlighting full and open competition for Force Protection

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,109,510,734 ($1.1B)

Contractor: THE Mission Essential Group, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2012-03-26

End Date: 2013-06-30

Contract Duration: 461 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.4M/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS ACTIONIS FOR CONTRACT LINGUIST INTERPRETATION AND TRANSLATION SERVICES FOR THE FORCE PROTECTION MISSION.

Place of Performance

Location: FORT BELVOIR, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22060

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $1.11 billion to THE MISSION ESSENTIAL GROUP, LLC for work described as: THIS ACTIONIS FOR CONTRACT LINGUIST INTERPRETATION AND TRANSLATION SERVICES FOR THE FORCE PROTECTION MISSION. Key points: 1. Significant contract value of over $1.1 billion for critical linguistic support. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a robust market. 3. The contract supports the Force Protection mission, indicating national security relevance. 4. The fixed-price level-of-effort contract type aims to control costs for defined services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's fixed-price level-of-effort structure suggests an attempt to manage costs within defined parameters. Benchmarking against similar large-scale interpretation and translation contracts is difficult without more granular data, but the scale implies significant market value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to compete. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value offering.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is intended to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and improves service quality.

Public Impact

Ensures critical language support for military operations, enhancing mission effectiveness and safety. Supports national security by providing essential translation and interpretation services. The large contract value signifies substantial government investment in specialized linguistic capabilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 75 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if the 'level of effort' is underestimated or scope creep occurs.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical mission function could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, maximizing potential for competitive pricing.
Supports a vital national security mission (Force Protection).
Fixed-price contract type provides some cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically translation and interpretation. Spending in this area is often driven by defense and intelligence needs, with significant government outlays for specialized linguistic support.

Small Business Impact

While the contract was awarded through full and open competition, there is no explicit indication of small business participation or subcontracting goals. Larger prime contractors may engage small businesses, but this is not detailed in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), which is responsible for ensuring contractor performance and compliance. Oversight would focus on delivery schedules, quality of services, and adherence to the fixed-price level-of-effort terms.

Related Government Programs

Translation and Interpretation Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Defense Contract Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

High contract value.
Critical mission support (Force Protection).
Fixed Price Level of Effort contract type.
Managed by DCMA.
Awarded via Full and Open Competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $1.11 billion to THE MISSION ESSENTIAL GROUP, LLC. THIS ACTIONIS FOR CONTRACT LINGUIST INTERPRETATION AND TRANSLATION SERVICES FOR THE FORCE PROTECTION MISSION.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE MISSION ESSENTIAL GROUP, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $1.11 billion.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-03-26. End: 2013-06-30.

What was the specific pricing structure and how did it compare to initial estimates or benchmarks for similar services?

The contract utilized a Fixed Price Level of Effort (FPLE) structure, aiming to provide cost certainty for a defined scope of work. Without access to the specific pricing details and the government's initial estimates or market research, a direct comparison to benchmarks is challenging. However, the substantial award value suggests significant market demand and potentially competitive pricing achieved through the full and open competition process.

What are the primary risks associated with relying on a single contractor for such a critical and large-scale linguistic support contract?

The primary risks include potential performance degradation over time, contractor financial instability, or an inability to scale services rapidly if mission needs change unexpectedly. Dependence on one entity for critical interpretation and translation services for Force Protection could create vulnerabilities if the contractor fails to meet contractual obligations or if unforeseen geopolitical events increase demand beyond the contracted capacity.

How effectively does this contract ensure the quality and reliability of interpretation and translation services for the Force Protection mission?

The effectiveness hinges on the contractor's ability to recruit, train, and retain qualified linguists, and the DCMA's oversight. The full and open competition process likely selected a contractor with demonstrated capabilities. However, ongoing quality assurance, performance monitoring, and clear communication channels between the government and the contractor are crucial for maintaining service reliability throughout the contract period.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Translation and Interpretation Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: W911W411R0003

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT (B)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6525 W CAMPUS OVAL STE 101, NEW ALBANY, OH, 43054

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,316,218,075

Exercised Options: $1,316,218,075

Current Obligation: $1,109,510,734

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 5

Total Subaward Amount: $55,411,801

Contract Characteristics

Consolidated Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W911W411D0007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline