DOJ's DEA Awards $366K Translation Services Contract to Metlang LLC via BPA Call

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $36,620 ($36.6K)

Contractor: Metlang LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-05-19

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 $36,620.08 to METLANG LLC for work described as: TRANSLATION SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Metlang LLC for translation services. 2. Total award value is $366,200.08. 3. The contract is for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). 4. Services are for translation and interpretation. 5. Contract duration is 39 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award value of $366,200.08 for a 39-day period seems high for translation services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized language support is needed to 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 impact price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for this contract. Without full and open competition, there's a risk of overpayment, impacting the efficient use of public funds.

Public Impact

Ensures critical communication for law enforcement operations. Supports DEA's mission in combating drug trafficking. Potential for language barriers to be overcome in investigations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Short contract duration
Lack of detailed performance metrics

Positive Signals

Supports critical law enforcement agency
Specific service requirement

Sector Analysis

The federal spending on translation and interpretation services (NAICS 541930) is substantial, driven by the diverse needs of agencies operating globally and domestically. Benchmarks vary widely based on language complexity and service type.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not competed under SAP and awarded via a BPA Call, suggesting it may not have provided significant opportunities for small businesses. Further analysis is needed to confirm if small businesses were considered.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is crucial to ensure the quality and necessity of translation services. The DEA should have internal controls to monitor performance and cost-effectiveness, especially given the limited competition.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for overpricing due to limited competition.
Short contract duration may indicate urgency or lack of long-term planning.
Lack of transparency in the procurement process.
No clear indication of small business participation.
High cost per day for translation services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $36,620.08 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 $36,620.08.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-05-19.

What is the specific need for such a high value for a short-duration translation contract?

The high value for a 39-day contract suggests either a highly specialized or urgent need for translation services, potentially involving sensitive or complex legal/investigative materials. Without further details on the scope of work, it's difficult to ascertain the precise justification. The DEA may require interpretation for high-stakes operations or translation of extensive case files within a compressed timeframe.

What are the risks associated with awarding translation services through a limited competition BPA Call?

Limited competition via a BPA Call carries risks of inflated pricing and reduced service quality, as vendors face less pressure to offer competitive rates. It can also limit the government's access to the full spectrum of available expertise. This approach may not yield the best value for taxpayer dollars compared to a fully competed contract.

How will the effectiveness of these translation services be measured to ensure mission support?

Effectiveness should be measured through accuracy rates, timeliness of delivery, and client satisfaction from DEA personnel. Establishing clear performance metrics and conducting post-award reviews are essential. Feedback mechanisms should be in place to identify any shortcomings and ensure the services adequately support the DEA's operational objectives.

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: $36,620

Exercised Options: $36,620

Current Obligation: $36,620

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15DDHQ25A00000029

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline