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

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $36,399 ($36.4K)

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: $933/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: TAMPA, HILLSBOROUGH County, FLORIDA, 33609

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $36,399.12 to METLANG LLC for work described as: TRANSLATION SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant expenditure on translation services highlights the need for multilingual support in law enforcement. 2. The contract is with METLANG LLC, a single provider for this specific requirement. 3. Lack of competition raises questions about potential overspending and limited market engagement. 4. The sector is professional services, specifically translation and interpretation.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $36.4 million for translation services over a short period is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price reflects fair market value compared to similar contracts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and was awarded as a BPA Call. This limited competition method may not have explored the full range of available providers, potentially impacting price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competitive bidding could lead to higher costs for taxpayers, as the government may not be securing the most cost-effective solution.

Public Impact

Ensures critical communication for law enforcement operations, particularly in diverse communities. Supports DEA's mission by facilitating understanding in investigations and legal proceedings. Potential for improved access to justice for individuals with limited English proficiency.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
High contract value
Short performance period

Positive Signals

Essential service provision
Supports agency mission

Sector Analysis

The professional services sector, particularly translation and interpretation, is crucial for government agencies operating in diverse environments. Benchmarks for such services vary widely based on language, complexity, and volume.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this procurement, as it was a limited competition BPA Call. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business set-asides were considered or applicable.

Oversight & Accountability

The award as a BPA Call suggests some level of pre-existing framework, but the lack of competition for this specific task order warrants scrutiny. Oversight should focus on the justification for limited competition and price reasonableness.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Lack of competition
High dollar value
Potential for price inflation
Limited transparency
Short performance period

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $36,399.12 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 $36,399.12.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the justification for awarding this significant contract without full and open competition?

The data indicates the contract was a 'BPA CALL' and 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP'. This suggests it might have been awarded under an existing Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) that itself was competed, or there was a specific justification for limited competition. Further documentation is needed to understand the rationale and ensure it aligns with federal procurement regulations.

How does the per-unit cost of these translation services compare to industry benchmarks?

Without specific details on the services rendered (e.g., per word, per hour, language pairs), a direct per-unit cost comparison is not possible. However, the overall contract value of $36.4 million for a short duration raises concerns about potential inefficiencies or premium pricing due to the lack of competitive pressure.

What is the potential impact on DEA's operational effectiveness if translation services are not procured at the best possible value?

Suboptimal procurement of translation services could lead to budget overruns, diverting funds from other critical DEA operations. It might also result in delays or inaccuracies in critical information exchange, potentially hindering investigations, legal proceedings, and overall mission effectiveness.

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: $36,399

Exercised Options: $36,399

Current Obligation: $36,399

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15DDHQ25A00000027

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline