DOJ's DEA Spends $36.6M on Translation Services via BPA Call, Limited Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $36,630 ($36.6K)
Contractor: Metlang LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-04-09
End Date: 2026-05-18
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: LOUISVILLE, JEFFERSON County, KENTUCKY, 40223
State: Kentucky Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $36,629.76 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 award to METLANG LLC represents a substantial contract within the professional services sector. 3. Reliance on a single vendor for translation services may limit competitive pricing and innovation. 4. The contract's duration and value warrant scrutiny for potential cost efficiencies.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $36.6M over a short period suggests a high per-unit cost for translation services. Benchmarking against similar government or commercial contracts for translation labor hours is necessary to assess value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not competed under SAP and was awarded via a BPA Call, indicating limited competition. This approach may not have yielded the best possible pricing or explored a wider range of service providers.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for this service, and the lack of robust competition could lead to overspending compared to a fully competed contract.
Public Impact
Ensures critical communication for law enforcement operations involving diverse linguistic groups. Supports the 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 may lead to higher costs.
- Short contract duration could indicate urgent need or potential for future renegotiation.
- Reliance on a single vendor for essential services.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical law enforcement functions.
- Addresses a clear need for translation services.
Sector Analysis
The professional services sector, particularly translation and interpretation, is crucial for government agencies operating in diverse environments. Benchmarks for similar contracts are often difficult to establish due to specialized language needs and varying service levels.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this procurement. Further analysis is needed to determine opportunities for small business participation in translation service contracts.
Oversight & Accountability
The award was made via a BPA Call, suggesting some level of pre-qualification. However, the limited competition aspect warrants oversight to ensure fair pricing and performance.
Related Government Programs
- Translation and Interpretation Services
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Drug Enforcement Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- High contract value for a short duration
- Potential for vendor lock-in
- Lack of transparency in pricing benchmarks
Tags
translation-and-interpretation-services, department-of-justice, ky, bpa-call, under-100k
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: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-05-18.
What is the estimated cost per hour or per word for the translation services provided under this contract, and how does it compare to market rates?
Without specific details on the volume of work or the types of languages and services required, calculating an exact per-hour or per-word cost is challenging. However, a $36.6M contract over approximately one month suggests a very high daily or hourly expenditure. A thorough analysis would involve comparing the awarded rates against government-wide contract vehicles (like GSA schedules) or commercial benchmarks for similar translation services, considering factors like language complexity and security requirements.
What are the risks associated with relying on a single vendor, METLANG LLC, for such a significant translation services contract?
The primary risks include potential price inflation due to lack of competition, reduced service quality if the vendor faces capacity issues, and a lack of incentive for innovation. If METLANG LLC underperforms or faces unforeseen challenges, the DEA's operations could be significantly disrupted, impacting critical law enforcement activities and potentially compromising investigations or legal proceedings.
How effectively does this contract support the DEA's core mission, and are there alternative approaches to ensure cost-effectiveness and service quality?
This contract directly supports the DEA's mission by enabling communication across language barriers, which is vital for investigations and operations. However, the limited competition raises questions about cost-effectiveness. Exploring options like consolidating requirements into larger, competitively bid contracts, utilizing multiple award BPA calls with pre-qualified vendors, or leveraging technology for translation could offer better value and ensure sustained service 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: $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
Start Date: 2026-04-09
Current End Date: 2026-05-18
Potential End Date: 2026-05-18 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-09
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