Department of Justice awards $48.3M interpreting services contract to SOS International, highlighting a competitive procurement

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $48,281,376 ($48.3M)

Contractor: SOS International LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2019-09-01

End Date: 2020-08-31

Contract Duration: 365 days

Daily Burn Rate: $132.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SOS INTERNATIONAL IN-PERSON AND SCHEDULED TELEPHONIC INTERPRETING SERVICES CONTRACT # DJJ-15-C-2610

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20191

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $48.3 million to SOS INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: SOS INTERNATIONAL IN-PERSON AND SCHEDULED TELEPHONIC INTERPRETING SERVICES CONTRACT # DJJ-15-C-2610 Key points: 1. The contract value of $48.3 million over one year represents a significant investment in language services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust market for these services, potentially driving competitive pricing. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor, SOS International. 4. This contract falls within the Translation and Interpretation Services sector, a critical support function for government agencies. 5. The single delivery order structure indicates a focused scope of work for the awarded period. 6. The contractor, SOS International, has secured a substantial portion of the available federal spending in this niche.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $48.3 million for a one-year period for interpreting services appears substantial. Benchmarking against similar contracts would be necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment. However, the firm-fixed-price structure generally indicates a predictable cost for the government, assuming the contractor can manage their expenses effectively. The absence of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes a detailed assessment of service quality challenging, but the competitive nature of the award suggests a baseline level of expected performance.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. This suggests a healthy market with multiple potential providers. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the competitive nature implies that the government received a range of proposals, allowing for selection of the best value. This approach is generally favored for ensuring fair pricing and access to a broad range of capabilities.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to lower prices and higher quality services. It ensures that the government is not locked into a single provider, allowing for better price discovery and potentially more innovative solutions.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are Department of Justice components requiring in-person and telephonic interpretation services to facilitate communication with individuals who do not speak English. Services delivered include real-time interpretation, enabling effective legal proceedings, interviews, and administrative processes. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, supporting DOJ operations across various jurisdictions. The contract supports a workforce of interpreters, contributing to employment within the language services industry.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if contractor's internal cost management is insufficient under the firm-fixed-price structure.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical service could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
Ensuring consistent interpreter quality across all engagements requires robust quality assurance by the government.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive market and potentially favorable pricing.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contractor, SOS International, is a known entity in the federal contracting space for language services.

Sector Analysis

The Translation and Interpretation Services sector is a vital support industry for government agencies, facilitating communication across diverse populations. Federal spending in this area is driven by the need to comply with legal mandates and ensure equitable access to services. The market includes numerous small and large businesses specializing in various languages and service modalities. This contract represents a significant award within this sector, underscoring the demand for comprehensive language support.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded under 'full and open competition' and the 'small business' flag is false. This suggests that small businesses were not specifically targeted for a set-aside. However, it does not preclude small businesses from subcontracting opportunities with the prime contractor, SOS International. The extent of small business participation would depend on SOS International's subcontracting plan and the availability of qualified small business providers in the interpreting services market.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Justice's contracting officers and program managers. They are responsible for monitoring contractor performance, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and approving payments. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract shifts some risk to the contractor, but the government must still actively manage the relationship and verify service delivery. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports are typically internal.

Related Government Programs

Federal Interpreting and Translation Services
Department of Justice Language Access Programs
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule Contracts for Language Services

Risk Flags

Potential for performance disruption due to single delivery order concentration.
Need for ongoing quality assurance to ensure interpreter competency.
Reliance on contractor's internal cost management under FFP.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $48.3 million to SOS INTERNATIONAL LLC. SOS INTERNATIONAL IN-PERSON AND SCHEDULED TELEPHONIC INTERPRETING SERVICES CONTRACT # DJJ-15-C-2610

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SOS INTERNATIONAL LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Offices, Boards and Divisions).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $48.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-01. End: 2020-08-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for interpreting services by the Department of Justice?

Historical spending data for interpreting services by the Department of Justice (DOJ) reveals a consistent and significant demand. While specific figures fluctuate year-to-year based on agency needs and program priorities, the DOJ consistently allocates substantial funds to ensure effective communication across its diverse operations. This includes support for law enforcement, court proceedings, immigration services, and administrative functions. The trend generally shows an increasing reliance on professional interpretation services, driven by growing diversity in the U.S. population and a commitment to language access mandates. Contracts in this area often range from task orders for specific events to larger, multi-year agreements similar to the SOS International award, reflecting the ongoing need for these critical services across various DOJ components.

How does the per-unit cost of this contract compare to other federal interpreting service contracts?

A direct per-unit cost comparison for this contract is challenging without specific details on the volume and types of services rendered (e.g., per hour, per word, per interpretation session). The provided data indicates a total contract value of $48,281,375.83 over a 365-day period. To benchmark, one would need to analyze similar firm-fixed-price contracts awarded by agencies like the DOJ, DHS, or HHS for in-person and telephonic interpretation. Factors such as language complexity, interpreter certification levels, geographic location (for in-person services), and urgency significantly influence per-unit rates. Generally, federal contracts awarded through full and open competition tend to yield competitive rates, but variations are expected due to these influencing factors. Without granular data on service delivery, a precise per-unit benchmark is not feasible from the information provided.

What is SOS International's track record with federal contracts, particularly in language services?

SOS International LLC has a notable track record as a federal contractor, with a significant presence in providing language and translation services. A review of federal procurement data indicates that SOS International has been awarded numerous contracts across various agencies, including the Department of Defense, Department of State, and other civilian agencies, in addition to the Department of Justice. Their portfolio often includes interpretation, translation, linguistic support, and cultural advisory services. The company has experience managing large-scale language support requirements, often in complex or high-risk environments. The $48.3 million DOJ contract is one of their larger awards, reflecting a demonstrated capability to handle substantial requirements. Past performance evaluations and any reported issues would be crucial for a complete assessment of their track record.

What are the potential risks associated with a single delivery order for such a large amount?

A single delivery order for a substantial amount like $48.3 million, while simplifying administration, carries specific risks. The primary risk is the concentration of effort and potential for vendor lock-in for the duration of the order. If SOS International experiences performance issues, financial instability, or faces unforeseen challenges, the Department of Justice could face significant disruption in accessing critical interpreting services. This could lead to delays in legal proceedings, administrative processes, and impact overall mission effectiveness. Furthermore, a single large order might reduce the incentive for the contractor to innovate or offer cost efficiencies beyond the initial bid, as competition is limited once the order is placed. Robust government oversight and clear performance standards are essential to mitigate these risks.

How does the firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type influence value for money in this context?

The Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract type for this $48.3 million interpreting services contract significantly influences value for money by providing cost certainty to the Department of Justice. Under an FFP agreement, SOS International is obligated to perform the specified services for a predetermined price, regardless of their actual costs. This shifts the financial risk of cost overruns to the contractor. For the government, this means the total expenditure is known upfront, simplifying budgeting and financial planning. Value for money is realized if SOS International can deliver the required quality and quantity of services within the agreed price, potentially achieving efficiencies that benefit them while meeting the government's needs. However, if the initial price was set too high due to inadequate market research or competitive pressure, the government might overpay relative to the actual cost of services.

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) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1881 CAMPUS COMMONS DRIVE, RESTON, VA, 20191

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $48,281,376

Exercised Options: $48,281,376

Current Obligation: $48,281,376

Actual Outlays: $48,281,376

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DJJ15C2610

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline