DOJ's DEA Spends $36.4M on Translation Services via BPA Call, Limited Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $36,399 ($36.4K)
Contractor: Metlang LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-04-01
End Date: 2026-05-10
Contract Duration: 39 days
Daily Burn Rate: $933/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 $36,399.12 to METLANG LLC for work described as: TRANSLATION SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant spending on translation services highlights the need for multilingual support in law enforcement. 2. The contract was not competed under SAP, raising questions about potential cost savings. 3. Reliance on a single awardee (METLANG LLC) may limit market competition and innovation. 4. The high value suggests a critical, ongoing need for these specialized services.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $36.4 million for translation services is substantial. Without a competitive bidding process, it's difficult to assess if this price is optimal compared to market rates for similar services.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded via a BPA Call but was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP'. This suggests a limited competition approach, potentially bypassing more open bidding processes and impacting price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of full and open competition may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these essential translation services.
Public Impact
Ensures critical communication for law enforcement operations, potentially impacting case outcomes. Supports diverse communities by providing access to information and services in multiple languages. Facilitates international cooperation and investigations requiring accurate translation of evidence and testimony.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for overpayment
- Single awardee risk
Positive Signals
- Essential service provision
- Supports critical agency mission
Sector Analysis
Spending on translation and interpretation services (NAICS 541930) is common across government agencies requiring multilingual support. Benchmarks vary widely based on language complexity and volume, but $36.4M is a significant allocation.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis is needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The award was made via a BPA Call, which typically has established oversight mechanisms. However, the lack of competition under SAP warrants closer scrutiny to ensure fair pricing and performance.
Related Government Programs
- Translation and Interpretation Services
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Drug Enforcement Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of transparency in procurement process
- Potential for inflated costs due to limited competition
- Over-reliance on a single vendor
- Absence of clear performance metrics in provided data
- Unknown small business participation
Tags
translation-and-interpretation-services, department-of-justice, fl, bpa-call, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $36,399.12 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 $36,399.12.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-05-10.
What was the justification for not competing this BPA Call under SAP, and what specific criteria were used to select METLANG LLC?
The justification for not competing under SAP is not provided in the data. Typically, agencies might cite urgency, unique capabilities, or existing contract vehicles. The selection criteria for METLANG LLC would likely involve their ability to meet specific language requirements, security clearances, and potentially past performance, but without further details, this remains speculative.
How does the per-hour rate for METLANG LLC compare to industry benchmarks for similar translation services, considering the languages and complexity involved?
A direct comparison of per-unit cost is not possible with the provided data. To assess value, one would need to obtain METLANG LLC's hourly rates and compare them against established benchmarks for translation services, factoring in the specific languages, technical jargon, and security requirements relevant to the DEA's needs.
What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single provider for such a critical and high-value service, particularly if performance issues arise?
Relying on a single provider like METLANG LLC for $36.4M in translation services carries risks of service disruption if the contractor faces financial instability, operational challenges, or fails to meet performance standards. It also limits the government's ability to leverage competitive pressures for better pricing or service improvements, potentially leading to sustained higher costs or suboptimal quality.
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: $36,399
Exercised Options: $36,399
Current Obligation: $36,399
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 15DDHQ25A00000027
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-01
Current End Date: 2026-05-10
Potential End Date: 2026-05-10 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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