DOJ's DEA Spends $37.6M on Translation Services via BPA Call, Limited Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $37,587 ($37.6K)
Contractor: Metlang LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-04-07
End Date: 2026-05-16
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 the need for multilingual communication 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 substantial demand for these services within the DEA.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $37.6M 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 and was not competed under SAP. This suggests a limited competition approach, potentially impacting price discovery and the opportunity for other vendors to offer competitive bids.
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 information is accessible to non-English speakers involved in legal proceedings. Supports DEA's mission in diverse communities, potentially improving case outcomes. Facilitates communication with witnesses, victims, and defendants who do not speak English. May impact the efficiency of investigations and court proceedings.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition
- Lack of SAP competition
- High contract value without clear justification
Positive Signals
- Essential service for DEA operations
- Supports diverse communication needs
Sector Analysis
The translation and interpretation services sector is crucial for government agencies operating in diverse environments. Benchmarks for this sector vary widely based on language, complexity, and volume, but $37.6M represents a significant investment.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis is needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The award through a BPA Call without competition under SAP warrants oversight to ensure fair pricing and effective service delivery. Accountability rests with the DEA to justify the procurement method and cost.
Related Government Programs
- Translation and Interpretation Services
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Drug Enforcement Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competitive bidding
- Potential for overpricing
- Limited transparency in award process
- Risk of vendor lock-in
- Uncertainty of small business participation
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: 2026-04-07. End: 2026-05-16.
What is the specific breakdown of services and languages covered under this $37.6M contract, and how does this justify the high cost?
The contract value of $37.6M for translation services suggests a broad scope, likely encompassing various languages and service types (e.g., document translation, interpretation for interviews, court proceedings). A detailed breakdown of service requirements, language needs, and volume is essential to justify such a significant expenditure and ensure it aligns with operational necessities.
What risks are associated with awarding a large translation services contract with limited competition, particularly concerning quality and cost control?
Limited competition increases the risk of inflated prices and potentially lower quality if the sole provider faces no pressure to innovate or improve. Without competitive benchmarking, it's challenging to ensure cost-effectiveness. Quality control mechanisms must be robust to mitigate risks associated with language accuracy and cultural nuances, which are critical in legal contexts.
How effectively does this contract support the DEA's core mission, and are there alternative procurement strategies that could yield better value?
This contract is vital for the DEA's mission, enabling communication across language barriers in investigations and operations. However, exploring alternative strategies like consolidating needs, utilizing pre-qualified vendor pools with competitive call-orders, or even in-house capabilities for high-volume languages could potentially yield better value and ensure consistent 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: $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: 2026-04-07
Current End Date: 2026-05-16
Potential End Date: 2026-05-16 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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