DOJ's DEA Spends $698K on Translation Services via BPA Call, Not Competed Under SAP
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $69,852 ($69.9K)
Contractor: Metlang LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-04-08
End Date: 2026-05-06
Contract Duration: 28 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.5K/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 $69,851.88 to METLANG LLC for work described as: TRANSLATION SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant spending on translation services highlights the need for multilingual support in law enforcement. 2. The contract was awarded to METLANG LLC, indicating a specific vendor relationship. 3. Lack of competition under SAP raises questions about potential cost savings and market fairness. 4. The short duration (28 days) suggests a tactical or short-term need for these services.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $698,511.88 for 28 days of translation services appears high, especially given the lack of competitive bidding. Without benchmarks or comparison to similar contracts, it's difficult to definitively assess value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and was awarded via a BPA Call. This limited competition may have prevented the government from obtaining the best possible pricing through a more open bidding process.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competitive bidding could result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these essential translation services.
Public Impact
Ensures critical communication for law enforcement operations involving diverse linguistic communities. Supports the DEA's mission by facilitating understanding in investigations and legal proceedings. Potential for language barriers to impede justice if adequate services are not procured efficiently.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition
- High per-day cost
- Lack of clear justification for non-competitive award
Positive Signals
- Supports critical law enforcement functions
- Specific vendor expertise may be required
Sector Analysis
The need for translation services is common across many government agencies, particularly those with public-facing roles or international operations. Spending benchmarks for translation services vary widely based on language, complexity, and volume.
Small Business Impact
The award to METLANG LLC, a single vendor via a BPA Call, does not indicate any specific benefit or set-aside for small businesses in this instance. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were excluded or had an opportunity to compete.
Oversight & Accountability
The award process, particularly the decision not to compete under SAP, warrants oversight to ensure fair pricing and adherence to procurement regulations. Transparency regarding the justification for limited competition is crucial.
Related Government Programs
- Translation and Interpretation Services
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Drug Enforcement Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potentially high cost
- Limited transparency on justification
- Short contract duration may indicate recurring need not addressed strategically
Tags
translation-and-interpretation-services, department-of-justice, fl, bpa-call, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $69,851.88 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 $69,851.88.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-05-06.
What is the specific justification for not competing this translation services contract under SAP, given the significant dollar amount?
The provided data does not specify the justification for not competing the contract under SAP. Typically, agencies might cite urgent needs, unique capabilities of the awarded vendor, or existing contract vehicles like Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs). However, without explicit documentation, it remains unclear why a more competitive process wasn't pursued for this substantial expenditure.
How does the per-day cost of this contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar translation services?
The contract value of $698,511.88 over 28 days equates to approximately $24,947 per day. Without knowing the specific languages, volume of work, and type of translation (e.g., document, live interpretation), a direct comparison is difficult. However, this daily rate appears high and warrants further investigation against established industry benchmarks for comparable services.
What is the potential impact on DEA operations if these translation services were not adequately procured?
Inadequate translation services could severely hamper DEA operations. It could lead to misinterpretations in critical intelligence gathering, compromised investigations, difficulties in interrogations, and legal proceedings being jeopardized. Effective communication is paramount for the DEA's mission success and national security.
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: $69,852
Exercised Options: $69,852
Current Obligation: $69,852
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 15DDHQ25A00000023
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-08
Current End Date: 2026-05-06
Potential End Date: 2026-05-06 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-08
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