DoD Spends $229M on Linguist Services for Operation Freedom Sentinel via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $229,463,553 ($229.5M)
Contractor: THE Mission Essential Group, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2017-03-06
End Date: 2019-04-27
Contract Duration: 782 days
Daily Burn Rate: $293.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 9
Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT
Sector: Defense
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF FORCE PROJECTION MISSION AREA - LINGUIST SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION FREEDOM SENTINEL
Place of Performance
Location: FORT BELVOIR, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22060
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $229.5 million to THE MISSION ESSENTIAL GROUP, LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF FORCE PROJECTION MISSION AREA - LINGUIST SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION FREEDOM SENTINEL Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical linguistic support for a major military operation. 2. Competition was robust, indicating potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk is moderate, tied to operational tempo and evolving mission needs. 4. Sector is professional services, specifically translation and interpretation.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $229.5M over approximately 2.6 years suggests a substantial but potentially reasonable cost for specialized linguist services in a high-demand operational environment. Benchmarking against similar large-scale language support contracts would provide further clarity.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically drives competitive pricing and ensures access to a broad range of qualified vendors. The use of a Delivery Order under a larger contract structure suggests a streamlined procurement process.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more cost-effective solutions.
Public Impact
Ensures critical intelligence and communication capabilities for US forces in a complex theater. Supports ongoing military operations and diplomatic efforts. Provides employment opportunities for skilled linguists and translation professionals.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if mission requirements change significantly.
- Dependence on a limited pool of highly specialized linguists.
- Geopolitical instability impacting operational tempo and service needs.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports a critical national security mission.
- Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically translation and interpretation. Spending in this area is often driven by national security requirements and global engagement, with significant government outlays for specialized linguistic support.
Small Business Impact
While the prime contractor is The Mission Essential Group, LLC, the data does not specify the extent of small business participation in subcontracting. Large contracts for specialized services like this often involve a mix of prime and sub-contractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency, indicating established oversight. The fixed-price contract type provides a degree of financial accountability, but ongoing monitoring of performance and deliverables is crucial.
Related Government Programs
- Translation and Interpretation Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Operational tempo fluctuations
- Geopolitical instability
- Availability of specialized linguists
- Scope creep potential
Tags
translation-and-interpretation-services, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $229.5 million to THE MISSION ESSENTIAL GROUP, LLC. IGF::OT::IGF FORCE PROJECTION MISSION AREA - LINGUIST SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION FREEDOM SENTINEL
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 $229.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-03-06. End: 2019-04-27.
What was the average annual cost per linguist or linguist team supported under this contract?
The provided data does not break down the cost per linguist. The total award of $229.5 million over 782 days (approximately 2.14 years) averages to about $107.2 million per year. Without knowing the number of linguists or teams, a precise per-unit cost cannot be determined, making direct comparison difficult.
How did the final negotiated price compare to initial estimates or bids received during the full and open competition?
The data indicates the contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, specific details on the comparison between initial estimates and the final negotiated price are not provided. Full and open competition generally aims to achieve prices at or below market rates.
What mechanisms were in place to ensure the quality and accuracy of the translation and interpretation services provided?
While the contract type is Fixed Price Level of Effort, the specific quality assurance surveillance plans (QASP) or performance metrics are not detailed. Agencies typically employ QASPs, performance evaluations, and potentially independent verification to ensure the accuracy and reliability of critical linguistic services.
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: W911W415R0021
Offers Received: 9
Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT (B)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 6525 WEST CAMPUS OVAL SUITE 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: $706,682,064
Exercised Options: $290,549,486
Current Obligation: $229,463,553
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $967,887
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W911W417D0006
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-03-06
Current End Date: 2019-04-27
Potential End Date: 2022-04-27 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-31
More Contracts from THE Mission Essential Group, LLC
- This Actionis for Contract Linguist Interpretation and Translation Services for the Force Protection Mission — $1.1B (Department of Defense)
- Labor — $548.4M (Department of Defense)
- Translation and Interpretation Services — $538.9M (Department of Defense)
- Labor Base — $321.5M (Department of Defense)
- Translation and Interpretation Services — $264.9M (Department of Defense)
View all THE Mission Essential Group, LLC federal contracts →
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)