DOJ Awards $28.7M for Interpreter Services to SOS International LLC Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $28,752,697 ($28.8M)
Contractor: SOS International LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-02-01
End Date: 2027-01-31
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $79.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: IN-PERSON, SCHEDULED TELEPHONIC, AND VRI INTERPRETER SERVICES FOR DOJ.
Place of Performance
Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20191
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $28.8 million to SOS INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: IN-PERSON, SCHEDULED TELEPHONIC, AND VRI INTERPRETER SERVICES FOR DOJ. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential interpreter services to the Department of Justice. 2. SOS International LLC, a large business, secured the contract. 3. The contract runs for one year, with a total value of $28.7 million. 4. Services include in-person, scheduled telephonic, and VRI interpretation.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $28.7 million for a one-year period appears reasonable for comprehensive interpreter services. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for translation and interpretation services would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to competitive pricing as multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition suggests that taxpayers are likely receiving a fair price for these critical services.
Public Impact
Ensures access to justice for individuals with limited English proficiency. Supports diverse communication needs within the Department of Justice. Facilitates effective legal proceedings and administrative processes.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 78 / 10
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Clear service requirements
- Adequate contract duration
Sector Analysis
The Translation and Interpretation Services sector (NAICS 541930) is competitive, with many providers offering specialized language support. Government contracts in this area often range from thousands to millions of dollars depending on scope and duration.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to SOS International LLC, which is not identified as a small business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Justice is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard government oversight mechanisms should be in place to ensure service quality and compliance.
Related Government Programs
- Translation and Interpretation Services
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Offices, Boards and Divisions Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in despite initial competition
- Need for ongoing performance monitoring
- Reliance on a single large business prime contractor
Tags
translation-and-interpretation-services, department-of-justice, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $28.8 million to SOS INTERNATIONAL LLC. IN-PERSON, SCHEDULED TELEPHONIC, AND VRI INTERPRETER SERVICES FOR DOJ.
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 $28.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-02-01. End: 2027-01-31.
What is the typical cost per hour or per minute for these interpreter services, and how does it compare to market rates?
Without specific hourly or per-minute rates, a direct cost comparison is difficult. However, the total contract value of $28.7 million over 364 days suggests a significant volume of service. Market rates for professional interpreters vary widely based on language, modality (in-person, VRI, phone), and urgency. A detailed analysis of the contract's pricing structure against industry benchmarks would be necessary to assess cost-effectiveness.
What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single vendor for such a critical service, even under full and open competition?
Even with initial full and open competition, risks include potential vendor performance issues, unforeseen cost increases, or a lack of surge capacity if demand unexpectedly spikes. Dependency on one vendor could also limit flexibility if the DOJ's needs evolve. Mitigation strategies might involve robust performance monitoring, clear contract clauses for escalation, and maintaining awareness of alternative providers.
How will the effectiveness of the interpreter services be measured to ensure quality and impact on DOJ's mission?
Effectiveness is likely measured through performance metrics outlined in the contract, such as interpreter availability, accuracy, timeliness, and client satisfaction surveys from DOJ personnel and potentially end-users. Regular performance reviews and feedback mechanisms are crucial to ensure the services meet the DOJ's operational needs and contribute to its mission of upholding the law and administering 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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
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
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $100,000,000
Exercised Options: $100,000,000
Current Obligation: $28,752,697
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NOT OBTAINED - WAIVED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 15JPSS26D00000142
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-02-01
Current End Date: 2027-01-31
Potential End Date: 2027-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-28
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