DOJ's DEA Awards $20M for Translation Services to Metlang LLC via BPA Call
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,025 ($20.0K)
Contractor: Metlang LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-02-11
End Date: 2026-02-26
Contract Duration: 15 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.3K/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: LOS ANGELES, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 90012
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $20,024.5 to METLANG LLC for work described as: TRANSLATION SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $20M for translation services. 2. Sole-source award to METLANG LLC raises competition concerns. 3. Contract duration is 15 days, suggesting a specific, short-term need. 4. The NAICS code 541930 indicates a specialized service sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value is substantial at $20M. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price is fair or if it represents good value for the taxpayer. Benchmarking against similar translation service contracts would be necessary.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not competed under SAP and was awarded via a BPA Call, indicating a limited competition approach. This method may not have explored the full market for translation services, potentially impacting price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of full and open competition raises concerns about whether taxpayers received the best possible price for these essential translation services.
Public Impact
Ensures critical translation support for law enforcement operations. Potential for language barriers to be overcome in investigations. Impacts the DEA's ability to communicate with diverse populations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition
- Lack of price transparency
- Short contract duration may indicate urgency or a specific need not fully detailed
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical operational need for translation services
- Utilizes an existing BPA Call, potentially streamlining the award process
Sector Analysis
The contract falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, specifically translation and interpretation. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on agency needs and global engagement.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific provisions or considerations for small businesses in this award, suggesting it may not have been a primary focus.
Oversight & Accountability
The award method (BPA Call, not competed under SAP) warrants further oversight to ensure fair pricing and adherence to procurement regulations. Accountability for the justification of limited competition is key.
Related Government Programs
- Translation and Interpretation Services
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Drug Enforcement Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential for overpricing
- Lack of transparency in award justification
- Short contract duration may indicate a rushed or poorly planned requirement
Tags
translation-and-interpretation-services, department-of-justice, ca, bpa-call, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $20,024.5 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 $20,024.5.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-02-11. End: 2026-02-26.
What is the justification for awarding this significant contract via a limited competition BPA Call instead of a more open process?
The justification for using a limited competition BPA Call for a $20M contract needs to be thoroughly reviewed. Typically, such methods are employed when specific circumstances, like urgent needs or pre-existing agreements, limit the ability to conduct full and open competition. Understanding the rationale behind this choice is crucial for assessing value and adherence to procurement principles.
How does the pricing of this contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar translation services, given the limited competition?
Without competitive bids, it is challenging to establish a precise benchmark. However, the $20M value necessitates a comparison against publicly available data for translation services procured by other federal agencies or large organizations. Any significant deviation from established rates should be scrutinized to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently and effectively.
What is the expected impact of these translation services on the effectiveness of DEA operations?
Effective translation services are vital for the DEA's mission, enabling clear communication in investigations, witness interviews, and intelligence gathering involving non-English speakers. This contract's successful execution should directly enhance operational effectiveness by bridging language divides, thereby supporting national security and law enforcement objectives.
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: $20,025
Exercised Options: $20,025
Current Obligation: $20,025
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 15DDHQ25A00000023
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-02-11
Current End Date: 2026-02-26
Potential End Date: 2026-02-26 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-10
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