DOJ's DEA Spends $37.6M on Translation Services via BPA Call, Lacking Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $37,587 ($37.6K)
Contractor: Metlang LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-04-02
End Date: 2026-05-11
Contract Duration: 39 days
Daily Burn Rate: $964/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 $37,586.92 to METLANG LLC for work described as: TRANSLATION SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant spending on translation services highlights a critical need within the DEA. 2. The contract was not competed under SAP, raising questions about price discovery. 3. Reliance on a single award without competition presents a potential risk for future cost increases. 4. The 'Translation and Interpretation Services' sector is essential for law enforcement operations.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The award amount of $37.6M for translation services is substantial. Without competitive bidding or a clear benchmark, it's difficult to assess if this pricing is optimal. Further analysis of per-unit costs against market rates is needed.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded via a BPA Call and explicitly stated as 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP'. This suggests a limited competition approach, potentially missing opportunities for better pricing and service through a broader solicitation.
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 investigations and operations. Supports diverse linguistic needs within the Drug Enforcement Administration. Potential for increased costs due to limited competition impacts taxpayer funds.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for overpricing
- Limited transparency in award process
Positive Signals
- Essential service provision
- Supports critical agency mission
Sector Analysis
The 'Translation and Interpretation Services' sector (NAICS 541930) is vital for government agencies interacting with diverse populations. Spending benchmarks vary widely based on language complexity and volume, but $37.6M indicates a significant operational requirement.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this BPA Call or if opportunities were specifically offered to them. Further investigation is needed to assess small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The award being a BPA Call not competed under SAP warrants further oversight to ensure fair pricing and effective service delivery. Accountability for the procurement strategy should be reviewed.
Related Government Programs
- Translation and Interpretation Services
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Drug Enforcement Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competitive bidding
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited vendor pool
- Absence of clear justification for sole-source/limited competition
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 $37,586.92 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 $37,586.92.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-05-11.
What was the rationale for not competing this significant translation services contract under SAP?
The rationale for not competing this contract under SAP is not explicitly stated in the provided data. Typically, agencies might use existing BPA calls for expediency or if they believe the current vendor offers the best value. However, without a competitive process, it's difficult to independently verify this claim and ensure optimal use of taxpayer funds.
What are the specific risks associated with awarding a $37.6M contract without competition?
The primary risk is the potential for inflated pricing, as there was no market pressure to offer the most competitive rates. Additionally, a lack of competition can lead to complacency in service quality and innovation. It also limits the government's ability to discover new, potentially more cost-effective solutions or vendors in the future.
How does this spending align with the DEA's mission effectiveness?
This spending directly supports the DEA's mission by enabling effective communication across language barriers, which is crucial for investigations, intelligence gathering, and operational success. While the cost is high, the effectiveness hinges on the quality and timeliness of the translation services provided, ensuring no critical information is lost or misinterpreted.
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: $37,587
Exercised Options: $37,587
Current Obligation: $37,587
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 15DDHQ25A00000023
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-02
Current End Date: 2026-05-11
Potential End Date: 2026-05-11 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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