DOJ's $3.66M translation services contract awarded to Metlang LLC raises questions on competition and value

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: CHICAGO, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60604

State: Illinois 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 via BPA Call, suggesting a pre-negotiated framework. 2. Limited competition due to sole-source nature of the BPA call. 3. Performance period is short, indicating potential for future re-competition. 4. Focus on translation and interpretation services for DEA operations. 5. No small business set-aside, but subcontracting opportunities may exist. 6. Geographic location of performance is Illinois.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $3.66 million for translation services over a short period appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. However, without a competitive bidding process for this specific call, it is difficult to benchmark the pricing against market rates or other similar contracts. The BPA call mechanism implies that some level of pre-negotiation and vetting of the contractor (Metlang LLC) has already occurred, which could lead to efficiencies but also potentially higher costs than a fully open competition.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded under a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call, which is a method of fulfilling needs when specific requirements arise under an existing agreement. While the BPA itself may have been competed, this specific call was not competed openly. This limits the number of potential bidders to those already on the BPA. The lack of open competition for this call means that price discovery is less robust, and the government may not be receiving the most competitive pricing available in the market.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the absence of a competitive bidding process for this specific task order. The limited competition means less pressure on the contractor to offer the lowest possible price.

Public Impact

Provides essential translation and interpretation services for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Supports DEA's law enforcement and investigative activities by bridging language barriers. Services are to be performed in Illinois. Facilitates communication with individuals who speak languages other than English, crucial for intelligence gathering and operations. Impacts the effectiveness of DEA agents and personnel by ensuring accurate information exchange.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of open competition for this specific BPA call limits price discovery.
Potential for higher costs compared to a fully competed contract.
Short performance period could indicate a need for services that may evolve or require re-evaluation.
No explicit small business set-aside mentioned for this BPA call.

Positive Signals

Awarded under an existing BPA, suggesting a streamlined process for known needs.
Metlang LLC is the contractor, implying prior vetting or established relationship.
Specialized translation services are critical for DEA's mission.
Clear performance period and end date provide defined scope.

Sector Analysis

The federal spending on translation and interpretation services falls under the broader professional services sector. This sector is characterized by a wide range of specialized skills and knowledge. Government agencies frequently require these services to conduct operations, communicate with diverse populations, and process information across language barriers. Spending in this area can fluctuate based on agency needs, geopolitical events, and the complexity of international operations. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without knowing the specific languages, volume, and security requirements, but agencies like the Department of State and intelligence agencies also have significant needs in this area.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. While the BPA call itself was not competed openly, it is possible that Metlang LLC is a small business, or that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may arise within the performance of this contract. However, without specific details on subcontracting plans or the size status of Metlang LLC, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear. Agencies are encouraged to maximize small business participation, and further inquiry may be needed to ascertain if this contract contributes to those goals.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) within the Department of Justice. The BPA call mechanism suggests that the terms and conditions were established under a prior BPA, which would have undergone its own oversight. Accountability for performance rests with Metlang LLC, monitored by the contracting officer's representative (COR) at the DEA. Transparency is limited by the non-competitive nature of this specific call, but contract award data is publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Justice - General Services
Drug Enforcement Administration - Operational Support
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Translation and Interpretation Services

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Potential for Non-Competitive Pricing
Lack of Publicly Available Performance Data

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 track record of Metlang LLC in providing translation services to the federal government?

Information regarding Metlang LLC's specific track record with the federal government is not detailed in the provided data. However, their selection for this BPA call suggests they have an existing relationship or have met certain criteria under a prior competitive process for the overarching BPA. To fully assess their track record, one would need to examine their past performance evaluations, contract history with various agencies, and any reported issues or successes on previous federal contracts. This would provide insight into their reliability, quality of service, and ability to meet deadlines and specifications, which are crucial for specialized services like translation.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar translation services procured by the government?

Direct comparison of pricing is challenging without knowing the specific languages, volume, and complexity of the translation required for this $3.66 million contract. Since this was awarded via a BPA call and not through open competition, it's difficult to benchmark against market rates or other competitively bid contracts. Generally, sole-source or limited-competition awards can result in higher prices than those achieved through robust competition. A thorough analysis would involve comparing the per-word or per-hour rates against government-wide schedules (like GSA MAS) or other agency contracts for similar services, considering factors like security clearances, subject matter expertise, and turnaround times.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract award?

The primary risks associated with this contract award stem from the limited competition. The lack of an open bidding process for this specific BPA call increases the risk of paying a non-competitive price, potentially leading to suboptimal value for taxpayer money. There's also a risk that the chosen contractor, Metlang LLC, may not be the absolute best fit or most cost-effective option available in the broader market. Furthermore, if the BPA itself was not recently competed or is nearing its expiration, there's a risk of continuity issues for the DEA's translation needs. Ensuring the quality and accuracy of translation services is also a constant risk, regardless of the procurement method.

How effective are translation services in supporting the DEA's mission?

Translation and interpretation services are critically effective and essential for the DEA's mission. The agency operates globally and deals with diverse linguistic communities, making accurate communication vital for intelligence gathering, investigations, witness interviews, and operational coordination. Without these services, the DEA's ability to understand foreign-language evidence, communicate with international partners, and interact with individuals within the U.S. who do not speak English would be severely hampered. The effectiveness is directly tied to the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of the translation provided, ensuring that critical information is not lost or misinterpreted.

What is the historical spending pattern for translation services by the DEA or DOJ?

The provided data does not include historical spending patterns for translation services by the DEA or the broader Department of Justice. To assess historical spending, one would need to analyze past contract awards for similar services over several fiscal years. This analysis would reveal trends in contract values, the number of contractors utilized, the prevalence of competitive versus non-competitive awards, and the average duration and cost of such contracts. Understanding these patterns is crucial for identifying potential cost savings, evaluating the efficiency of current procurement strategies, and forecasting future budget needs for these essential services.

What is the significance of the BPA Call award mechanism for this contract?

The significance of the BPA Call award mechanism lies in its efficiency for recurring or anticipated needs under an established agreement. A Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) is a simplified way to fill anticipated repetitive needs for supplies or services by establishing "charge accounts" with qualified sources. A BPA Call (or Order) is then issued against that BPA. This method streamlines the procurement process, reduces administrative burden, and can lead to faster delivery compared to starting a new contract from scratch. However, it also implies that the initial BPA was competed, but this specific call is not, limiting direct competition at this stage and potentially impacting price competitiveness.

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: 15DDHQ25A00000027

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline