DOJ's DEA Awards $35.6M Translation Services Contract to Metlang LLC, Not Competed Under SAP

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $35,636 ($35.6K)

Contractor: Metlang LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-01-30

End Date: 2026-03-10

Contract Duration: 39 days

Daily Burn Rate: $914/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: TRANSLATION SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: DANIA, BROWARD County, FLORIDA, 33004

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $35,636.44 to METLANG LLC for work described as: TRANSLATION SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $35.6 million for translation services. 2. Sole-source award to Metlang LLC raises questions about competition. 3. Potential risk associated with a single vendor for critical services. 4. Spending falls within the broader professional services sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $35.6 million for translation services is substantial. Without a competitive bidding process, it's difficult to assess if this price represents fair market value compared to similar contracts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a potential limitation in the competitive process. This approach may not have fully explored market options or achieved optimal price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of robust competition could lead to taxpayers potentially overpaying for essential translation services.

Public Impact

Ensures critical translation needs for the Drug Enforcement Administration are met. Potential for limited vendor choice impacting service quality or innovation. Taxpayer funds are allocated for specialized language support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Sole-source award
Potential for price inflation

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical need for the agency
Established vendor relationship

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, specifically translation and interpretation. Benchmarks for similar services can vary widely based on language, complexity, and volume.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific provisions or considerations for small businesses in this award, suggesting a missed opportunity for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The award method, 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP,' warrants further scrutiny to ensure proper justification and adherence to procurement regulations for sole-source or limited competition contracts.

Related Government Programs

Translation and Interpretation Services
Department of Justice Contracting
Drug Enforcement Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competitive bidding
Potential for overpricing
Limited vendor options
No small business consideration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $35,636.44 to METLANG LLC. TRANSLATION SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is METLANG LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Drug Enforcement Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $35,636.44.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-30. End: 2026-03-10.

What is the justification for not competing this substantial translation services contract?

The justification for not competing this $35.6 million contract is not provided in the data. Typically, agencies must demonstrate specific circumstances, such as the existence of a unique capability or urgent need, to sole-source or limit competition. Without this justification, it raises concerns about adherence to fair procurement practices and potential missed savings.

What are the risks associated with a single vendor providing translation services to the DEA?

The primary risks include potential price escalation over time, reduced incentive for the vendor to innovate or improve service quality, and a lack of business continuity if the vendor faces operational issues. Over-reliance on one provider can also limit the agency's flexibility in adapting to changing needs or incorporating new technologies.

How does this contract's structure impact the DEA's operational effectiveness?

While a dedicated vendor can ensure consistent service, the lack of competition might mean the DEA is not benefiting from the most efficient or technologically advanced translation solutions available. This could indirectly impact operational effectiveness if translation bottlenecks or quality issues arise, potentially hindering investigations or case processing.

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: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1815 GRIFFIN RD, DANIA, FL, 33004

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $35,636

Exercised Options: $35,636

Current Obligation: $35,636

Actual Outlays: $9,637

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15DDHQ25A00000023

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline