DOJ's DEA Spends $36.6M on Translation Services via BPA Call with METLANG LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $36,630 ($36.6K)

Contractor: Metlang LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-05-17

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: DANIA, BROWARD County, FLORIDA, 33004

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $36,629.76 to METLANG LLC for work described as: TRANSLATION SERVICES Key points: 1. High contract value suggests significant demand for translation services. 2. Sole-source nature raises questions about price discovery and competition. 3. Potential risk of inflated costs due to limited competition. 4. Sector context: Government-wide need for language services, especially in law enforcement.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The total award of $36.6M over a short period (39 days) is substantial. Without a competitive benchmark or detailed cost breakdown, it's difficult to assess value for money. The pricing mechanism (labor hours) can be prone to cost overruns if not tightly managed.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed under SAP and awarded via a BPA call, indicating a limited competition approach. This method may not yield the best possible pricing or service quality compared to a fully competed solicitation.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of robust competition could lead to taxpayers paying more than necessary for these essential translation services.

Public Impact

Ensures critical communication for law enforcement operations, potentially aiding investigations. Supports DEA's mission by overcoming language barriers with individuals involved in cases. Availability of these services is crucial for due process and effective legal proceedings.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Lack of price transparency
Potential for cost creep

Positive Signals

Essential service provision
Supports critical agency mission

Sector Analysis

The government frequently procures translation and interpretation services across various agencies, particularly those with international operations or diverse domestic populations. Benchmarks vary widely based on language, complexity, and service type.

Small Business Impact

No information is available regarding small business participation in this specific contract award. The nature of the award (BPA call) might limit direct small business subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would focus on the justification for limited competition and the monitoring of labor hours and rates to ensure fair pricing and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.

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 transparency in pricing justification.
Potential for scope creep with labor hour contracts.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $36,629.76 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 $36,629.76.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-05-17.

What was the justification for not competing this substantial translation services contract more broadly?

The justification for limited competition is crucial. Agencies typically cite reasons like urgency, unique capabilities of the awardee, or existing contract vehicles (like a BPA) that offer best value. Without this justification, it's hard to assess if a better price or service could have been obtained through broader competition.

How does METLANG LLC's pricing compare to industry benchmarks for similar translation services?

A thorough price analysis against industry benchmarks is needed. Factors like the specific languages, turnaround times, and required expertise influence pricing. Comparing rates for similar labor hours and service types from other providers would reveal if the $36.6M award represents fair market value.

What mechanisms are in place to ensure the quality and accuracy of the translation services provided?

Quality assurance is paramount. The contract should outline specific metrics, review processes, and performance standards for translation accuracy and timeliness. Mechanisms might include independent quality checks, client feedback loops, and penalties for substandard work.

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: $36,630

Exercised Options: $36,630

Current Obligation: $36,630

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15DDHQ25A00000027

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline