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

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $36,394 ($36.4K)

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: $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: DANIA, BROWARD County, FLORIDA, 33004

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $36,394.28 to METLANG LLC for work described as: TRANSLATION SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant spending on translation services highlights a critical need within the DEA. 2. The contract is with Metlang LLC, a single provider for this specific need. 3. Lack of competition raises concerns about potential overpricing and limited innovation. 4. The sector is professional services, specifically translation and interpretation.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract's value of $36.4 million for translation services 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

This contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and was awarded as a BPA Call. This limited competition method may not have yielded the best possible price or service.

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

Public Impact

Ensures critical communication for law enforcement and legal proceedings. Supports DEA's mission in diverse linguistic environments. Potential for increased costs due to non-competitive award.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Potential for overpricing
Lack of transparency in pricing

Positive Signals

Essential service provision
Supports agency mission

Sector Analysis

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

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis is needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made via a BPA Call, suggesting some level of pre-existing oversight. However, the lack of competition warrants closer scrutiny to ensure accountability and value for money.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for inflated pricing
Limited transparency in award justification
No indication of small business participation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $36,394.28 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 $36,394.28.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the specific breakdown of services and associated costs within this $36.4 million contract?

The provided data does not detail the specific breakdown of translation services or their associated costs. Understanding the types of languages, the volume of work (e.g., hours, documents), and the specific services (e.g., interpretation, document translation, transcription) is crucial for a thorough value assessment. Without this granular data, it's challenging to benchmark effectively.

How was the fair market price determined for this non-competed translation services contract?

The data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' and awarded as a 'BPA CALL'. This suggests the pricing may be based on pre-negotiated rates within the existing Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). However, the process for determining the fairness of these rates without a new competitive solicitation is unclear and raises concerns about potential price inflation.

What is the potential impact on DEA's operational effectiveness if translation services are not adequately resourced or are of poor quality?

Inadequate or poor-quality translation services can severely impact the DEA's operational effectiveness. Misinterpretations in investigations, legal proceedings, or inter-agency communications can lead to compromised cases, legal challenges, and a failure to achieve mission objectives. Ensuring high-quality, reliable translation is therefore critical for national security and justice.

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: $36,394

Exercised Options: $36,394

Current Obligation: $36,394

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15DDHQ25A00000026

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline