State Dept Awards $6.4M for Translation Services to SOS International LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $6,389,408 ($6.4M)
Contractor: SOS International LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of State
Start Date: 2025-09-01
End Date: 2026-02-28
Contract Duration: 180 days
Daily Burn Rate: $35.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS
Sector: Other
Official Description: COMPENSATION AND FINANCIAL SYSTEM SERVICES INTERIM AWARD
Place of Performance
Location: NORTH CHARLESTON, CHARLESTON County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29405
Plain-Language Summary
Department of State obligated $6.4 million to SOS INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: COMPENSATION AND FINANCIAL SYSTEM SERVICES INTERIM AWARD Key points: 1. Contract awarded for translation and interpretation services. 2. SOS International LLC is the contractor. 3. The award is for a period of 180 days. 4. The contract type is labor hours. 5. The NAICS code is 541930 (Translation and Interpretation Services).
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value is $6,389,407.60 for 180 days, averaging approximately $35,500 per day. This appears high for translation services without further context on the scope and complexity.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the high daily rate warrants scrutiny to ensure price reasonableness.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are funding essential translation and interpretation services for the Department of State, with the cost effectiveness of this award needing further validation.
Public Impact
Ensures critical communication capabilities for diplomatic and operational needs. Supports international relations and foreign policy objectives. Potential for language barriers to be overcome in sensitive situations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- High daily rate for translation services.
- Short contract duration may indicate urgent need or interim solution.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports essential government functions.
Sector Analysis
The Department of State requires specialized translation and interpretation services to facilitate its global operations. Benchmarks for similar contracts in this sector are difficult to ascertain without specific details on language requirements and security clearances.
Small Business Impact
This award does not appear to have specific set-asides for small businesses, as the 'sb' field is false. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses had an opportunity to participate.
Oversight & Accountability
The award is a delivery order under a larger contract, implying some level of pre-qualification. Oversight will be crucial to ensure service delivery meets requirements and costs remain justified.
Related Government Programs
- Translation and Interpretation Services
- Department of State Contracting
- Department of State Programs
Risk Flags
- High daily labor rate.
- Short contract duration.
- Potential for sole-source follow-on if not managed.
- Lack of specific detail on service scope.
Tags
translation-and-interpretation-services, department-of-state, sc, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of State awarded $6.4 million to SOS INTERNATIONAL LLC. COMPENSATION AND FINANCIAL SYSTEM SERVICES INTERIM AWARD
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SOS INTERNATIONAL LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $6.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-01. End: 2026-02-28.
What is the specific scope of work and the languages/expertise required to justify the daily rate?
The daily rate of approximately $35,500 is substantial. A detailed breakdown of the services, including the number of linguists, hours, security clearances, and specialized subject matter expertise (e.g., legal, technical, diplomatic), is necessary to assess its reasonableness. Without this, it's difficult to benchmark against industry standards.
What are the risks associated with the short contract duration and potential for follow-on contracts?
The 180-day duration suggests an interim solution or urgent need. Risks include potential disruption if a long-term solution isn't secured promptly, and the possibility of cost escalation if follow-on contracts are not competitively procured. Ensuring continuity of essential services is paramount.
How effectively will these services support the Department of State's mission objectives?
Effective translation and interpretation are critical for diplomatic engagement, intelligence gathering, and operational support. If the services provided are high-quality and timely, they will directly enhance the Department's ability to conduct foreign policy and manage international affairs, thereby supporting mission 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) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)
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: $13,136,993
Exercised Options: $6,568,497
Current Obligation: $6,389,408
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS00F093CA
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-09-01
Current End Date: 2026-02-28
Potential End Date: 2026-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-05
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