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 specialized services.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $37.6M for a 39-day duration is substantial. Without a clear benchmark or comparison to similar contracts, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing, but the high per-unit cost implied by the duration and value warrants scrutiny.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded via a BPA Call and was not competed under SAP, indicating a limited competition approach. This method may streamline acquisition but can restrict price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to a fully open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The significant expenditure on translation services, especially with limited competition, represents a considerable use of taxpayer funds that could potentially be optimized through more competitive bidding processes.
Public Impact
Ensures critical information is accessible to non-English speakers involved in DEA investigations. Supports DEA's mission to enforce U.S. drug laws and bring down criminal organizations. Facilitates communication with witnesses, informants, and individuals in diverse communities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition
- Lack of SAP competition
- High contract value for short duration
Positive Signals
- Essential service for agency operations
- Supports critical law enforcement functions
Sector Analysis
The federal spending on translation and interpretation services (NAICS 541930) is a growing sector, driven by increasing diversity and global engagement. Benchmarks for this specific type of service are often project-dependent, but large-scale contracts like this suggest significant agency needs.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The award was made via a BPA Call, which typically has established oversight mechanisms. However, the lack of competition under SAP warrants closer examination by oversight bodies to ensure fair pricing and efficient use of funds.
Related Government Programs
- Translation and Interpretation Services
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Drug Enforcement Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition may lead to higher costs.
- Lack of competition under SAP.
- Short duration with a high value requires justification.
- Potential for better pricing through open 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: 2026-04-07. End: 2026-05-16.
What is the average cost per labor hour for translation services under this BPA call, and how does it compare to industry benchmarks?
The provided data does not detail the cost per labor hour. To determine this, one would need to divide the total award amount ($37,586.92) by the total labor hours (39). A comparison to industry benchmarks would then require researching average rates for certified translators and interpreters in relevant languages and locations, considering factors like complexity and security clearance requirements.
What specific factors necessitated the limited competition approach for this translation services contract?
The limited competition approach may have been driven by the need for specialized linguistic skills, existing agency familiarity with METLANG LLC's capabilities through a prior Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), or urgent requirements where a full and open competition would have caused undue delay. The specific justification for limiting competition should be documented within the contract file.
How effectively does this contract support the DEA's core mission objectives, particularly in complex investigations involving diverse linguistic communities?
This contract is crucial for the DEA's mission, enabling effective communication with individuals who speak languages other than English. This is vital for gathering intelligence, interviewing witnesses, and building cases against drug trafficking organizations operating across different linguistic and cultural groups, thereby enhancing the agency's operational reach and success.
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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