DOJ's DEA Spends $36.4M on Translation Services via BPA Call with Metlang LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $36,409 ($36.4K)

Contractor: Metlang LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-05-15

Contract Duration: 39 days

Daily Burn Rate: $934/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 $36,408.8 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 sole-source nature of this contract raises questions about potential cost efficiencies. 3. Reliance on a single vendor may pose a risk if service quality or availability falters. 4. The "Translation and Interpretation Services" sector is vital for law enforcement operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $36.4 million for translation services is substantial. Without a competitive benchmark or detailed cost breakdown, it's difficult to assess if this represents fair pricing. The lack of competition is a primary driver for this rating.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and was awarded via a BPA Call, indicating a sole-source or limited competition approach. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for a contract of this magnitude means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for these essential translation services.

Public Impact

Ensures critical communication for law enforcement operations, particularly in drug investigations. Supports DEA's mission by bridging language barriers with individuals and organizations. Potential for increased costs due to non-competitive award impacts taxpayer funds.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
High contract value

Positive Signals

Essential service for agency operations
Clear contract duration

Sector Analysis

The "Translation and Interpretation Services" sector (NAICS 541930) is crucial for government agencies operating in diverse environments. Spending benchmarks vary widely based on language complexity and volume, but $36.4M is a significant investment.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further investigation is needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made via a BPA Call, suggesting it falls under an existing Blanket Purchase Agreement. Oversight should focus on the justification for the sole-source award and the ongoing performance monitoring of Metlang LLC.

Related Government Programs

Translation and Interpretation Services
Department of Justice Contracting
Drug Enforcement Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award for a significant amount
Lack of documented competition
Potential for overpayment
Risk of vendor performance issues without competitive pressure

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $36,408.8 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 $36,408.8.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-05-15.

What is the justification for awarding this translation services contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps were taken to ensure fair pricing?

The justification for a sole-source award is critical for understanding the procurement strategy. Agencies typically sole-source when only one vendor can meet specific, unique requirements. However, for translation services, which are often available from multiple providers, a sole-source award warrants scrutiny. Steps to ensure fair pricing in such cases might include historical pricing analysis, independent cost estimates, or negotiation based on market research, though these are less effective than full competition.

What are the potential risks associated with a $36.4 million sole-source contract for translation services, particularly regarding service quality and vendor lock-in?

A sole-source award of this magnitude carries risks of inflated pricing and potential complacency from the vendor, as there is no competitive pressure to maintain high quality or efficiency. Vendor lock-in is also a concern, making it difficult and costly to switch providers if performance issues arise or market prices decrease. This could lead to suboptimal service delivery and inefficient use of taxpayer funds over the contract's life.

How effectively does this contract support the DEA's core mission, and are there alternative, more competitive procurement methods that could have been employed?

This contract directly supports the DEA's mission by enabling communication across language barriers, which is vital for investigations and operations. However, the sole-source nature raises questions about its cost-effectiveness. Exploring options like a competitive BPA call, multiple-award IDIQ contracts, or even full and open competition for specific service needs could potentially yield better value and ensure robust service availability.

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: $36,409

Exercised Options: $36,409

Current Obligation: $36,409

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15DDHQ25A00000026

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline