DOJ's DEA Spends $36.4M on Translation Services via BPA Call with Metlang LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $36,394 ($36.4K)
Contractor: Metlang LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-04-03
End Date: 2026-05-12
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 $36,394.28 to METLANG LLC for work described as: TRANSLATION SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant spending on translation services highlights the DEA's operational needs. 2. Sole-source nature of the contract raises questions about potential overspending. 3. Reliance on a single vendor may limit access to competitive pricing and innovation. 4. The contract's duration and value warrant scrutiny for taxpayer impact.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $36.4 million for translation services is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price is fair compared to market rates for similar services.
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 limited competition. This method may not have explored the full range of available vendors or secured the best possible pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition suggests taxpayers may not be receiving the most cost-effective solution for these essential translation services.
Public Impact
Ensures critical communication for law enforcement and legal proceedings. Supports diverse language needs within the Drug Enforcement Administration. Potential for increased costs due to limited vendor choice.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition
- Lack of price transparency
- Potential for vendor lock-in
Positive Signals
- Essential service provision
- Supports agency mission
Sector Analysis
The professional, scientific, and technical services sector, particularly translation and interpretation, is vital for government operations. Benchmarks for similar contracts are often driven by competition and service scope.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were considered or involved in this contract, suggesting a potential missed opportunity for small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The award via a BPA Call without further competition warrants oversight to ensure the agency is obtaining value for taxpayer money and adhering to procurement best practices.
Related Government Programs
- Translation and Interpretation Services
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Drug Enforcement Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Lack of price justification
- Potential for overspending
- No indication of 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 $36,394.28 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 $36,394.28.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-05-12.
What is the specific scope of services covered by this $36.4 million contract, and how does it compare to industry standards for translation and interpretation?
The provided data identifies the service as 'Translation and Interpretation Services' (NAICS 541930). However, the specific scope, including languages, volume, and types of translation (e.g., document, live interpretation), is not detailed. A comprehensive comparison to industry standards would require this granular information to assess if the $36.4 million price aligns with market rates for comparable service levels and volumes.
Given the limited competition, what steps has the DEA taken to ensure the quality and accuracy of the translation services provided by Metlang LLC?
The limited competition raises concerns about quality assurance. While the contract award itself doesn't detail quality control measures, the DEA is expected to have performance standards and monitoring processes in place. These should include mechanisms for evaluating the accuracy, timeliness, and appropriateness of translations to mitigate risks associated with language barriers in law enforcement and legal contexts.
How does the pricing structure for this contract, awarded via a BPA Call, compare to publicly available rates for similar translation services, and what is the projected taxpayer impact?
Without a competitive bidding process, direct price comparison is challenging. The $36.4 million award via a BPA Call suggests a pre-negotiated rate. The taxpayer impact is potentially higher due to the absence of competitive pressure to lower prices. Further analysis would require understanding the labor hours, rates, and specific services included to benchmark against market data and assess potential cost savings.
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: $36,394
Exercised Options: $36,394
Current Obligation: $36,394
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 15DDHQ25A00000026
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-03
Current End Date: 2026-05-12
Potential End Date: 2026-05-12 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-03
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