DOJ's DEA awards $3.66M BPA Call for translation services to Metlang LLC, a sole-source contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $36,620 ($36.6K)

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: $939/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: CHICAGO, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60604

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $36,620.08 to METLANG LLC for work described as: TRANSLATION SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value of $3.66M for a short duration suggests a potentially high per-diem rate. 2. Sole-source award limits competitive pressure, potentially impacting price efficiency. 3. The contract's short duration and specific service need may justify a non-competitive award. 4. Performance is in Illinois, indicating a localized service delivery requirement. 5. The contract falls under the 'Translation and Interpretation Services' NAICS code, a niche but essential government function.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $3.66M for a period of approximately one month (April 3 to May 12, 2026) indicates a very high daily expenditure. Without specific details on the volume of translation required or the languages supported, it is difficult to benchmark the value effectively. However, the short duration and significant total value raise questions about the efficiency of the pricing. Compared to longer-term, competitively awarded contracts for similar services, this award's value proposition appears less favorable.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed. The data indicates it was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting it may have been awarded under specific exceptions to full and open competition. The lack of competition means there was no opportunity for multiple vendors to bid, which typically drives down prices and fosters innovation. This approach limits the government's ability to explore the full market for translation services.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition means taxpayers did not benefit from potential cost savings that could have arisen from a bidding process. The government may have paid a premium due to the lack of market price discovery.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely law enforcement agencies within the DEA requiring translation for investigations, operations, or legal proceedings. The service delivered is critical for bridging language barriers in sensitive law enforcement contexts. Geographic impact is focused on Illinois, where the contractor is located, but the services could support national operations. Workforce implications are minimal, as this contract is for specialized external services rather than direct hiring.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits price competition.
High daily expenditure for a short contract duration warrants scrutiny.
Lack of transparency in the justification for sole-source award.

Positive Signals

Contract addresses a specific, potentially urgent need for translation services.
Metlang LLC is the awardee, suggesting potential existing relationship or specialized capability.
Contract duration is clearly defined, limiting long-term financial commitment.

Sector Analysis

The federal spending on translation and interpretation services (NAICS 541930) is a critical component of government operations, particularly for agencies dealing with diverse populations or international affairs. While specific market size data for federal translation contracts is not readily available, the overall market is substantial. This contract fits within the broader professional, scientific, and technical services sector. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the sole-source nature and short duration of this specific award.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded to a small business, nor does it appear to have specific small business set-aside provisions. There is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data. Therefore, this award does not directly contribute to the small business ecosystem or provide opportunities for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) within the Department of Justice. Accountability measures would be tied to the delivery of accurate and timely translation services as per the contract's terms. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature of the award. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of Justice Contracts
Drug Enforcement Administration Operations
Translation and Interpretation Services
Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP)
Basic Ordering Agreements (BOA)

Risk Flags

High Cost Per Day
Sole Source Award
Lack of Competition
Limited Transparency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $36,620.08 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 $36,620.08.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-05-12.

What is the specific justification for awarding this translation services contract on a sole-source basis?

The provided data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP'. While this suggests it falls below certain dollar thresholds for full competition, the specific reason for a sole-source award is not detailed. Typically, sole-source justifications are based on factors such as urgency, unique capabilities of a single provider, or the need to maintain compatibility with existing systems. Without further documentation from the agency, the precise rationale remains unclear. This lack of transparency is a concern, as it prevents an assessment of whether competition was genuinely not feasible or if it was simply bypassed.

How does the per-diem cost of this contract compare to market rates for translation services?

The contract value is $3,662,020.08 for a period from April 3, 2026, to May 12, 2026, which is approximately 39 calendar days (or about 28 business days). This implies a daily rate of roughly $93,898. This figure is exceptionally high for translation services. Standard market rates for professional translation services, even for specialized fields and multiple languages, typically range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per day, depending on volume, complexity, and linguist rates. The calculated daily expenditure for this contract appears significantly out of line with typical market pricing, suggesting either an extremely high volume of work or a substantial overpayment.

What is Metlang LLC's track record with federal contracts, particularly with the DEA or DOJ?

The provided data does not include information on Metlang LLC's past performance or track record with federal agencies. To assess this, one would need to consult federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS-NG for historical contract awards to Metlang LLC. Understanding their previous performance, contract values, and types of services rendered would provide context for this current award. Without this information, it's difficult to gauge their reliability and experience relevant to the DEA's needs.

What specific translation needs does the DEA have that necessitate such a high-value, short-term contract?

The data does not specify the exact translation needs of the DEA for this contract. Given the agency's mission, potential requirements could include translation of intercepted communications, documents related to international drug trafficking investigations, witness statements, court documents, or operational support materials. The high value for a short duration might indicate a critical, time-sensitive operation or investigation requiring extensive linguistic support over a concentrated period. However, the lack of detail makes it impossible to confirm the necessity of the expenditure level.

Are there any performance metrics or deliverables outlined in the contract that can be used to evaluate Metlang LLC's service quality?

The provided data snippet does not include details on specific performance metrics, deliverables, or quality assurance standards for this contract. Standard government contracts typically outline key performance indicators (KPIs), service level agreements (SLAs), and methods for evaluating contractor performance. Without access to the full contract document, it is impossible to determine how the DEA will measure the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of Metlang LLC's translation services and whether these align with the significant expenditure.

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: $36,620

Exercised Options: $36,620

Current Obligation: $36,620

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15DDHQ25A00000027

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline