DOJ's $48.7M Interpreting Services Contract with SOS International Awarded via Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $48,684,542 ($48.7M)

Contractor: SOS International LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2017-09-01

End Date: 2018-08-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $133.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF 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 $48.7 million to SOS INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF SOS INTERNATIONAL IN-PERSON AND SCHEDULED TELEPHONIC INTERPRETING SERVICES CONTRACT # DJJ-15-C-2610 Key points: 1. The contract value is substantial at $48.7 million, reflecting significant demand for translation and interpretation services. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process for these services. 3. The contract duration was one year, indicating a need for ongoing, but not necessarily long-term, service provision. 4. The sector is professional services, specifically translation and interpretation, a niche but critical government function.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract was awarded via a delivery order, which can sometimes lead to less price scrutiny than a standalone contract. Without specific line-item data, a precise pricing assessment is difficult, but the total value suggests significant service utilization.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, which typically allows for the widest range of potential bidders and encourages competitive pricing. The use of a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle may influence the price discovery process.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential services, though the total value indicates a significant expenditure.

Public Impact

Ensures access to justice for individuals who do not speak English by providing essential interpretation services. Supports the Department of Justice's mission in various legal proceedings and administrative functions. Facilitates communication across diverse linguistic backgrounds within federal agencies. Potential for cost savings through competitive bidding on a critical service.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed pricing breakdown for services rendered.
Potential for scope creep or unmanaged costs within a time and materials contract.
Limited contract duration may necessitate future re-competition and transition costs.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, maximizing potential for competitive pricing.
Addresses a critical need for language services within the DOJ.
Clear contract end date allows for future strategic planning.

Sector Analysis

The translation and interpretation services sector is vital for government operations, particularly for agencies interacting with diverse populations. Benchmarks for this specific niche can vary widely based on language, urgency, and modality (in-person vs. telephonic).

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as the 'sb' field is false. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought or achieved through subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded via a delivery order, suggesting it might be part of a larger indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. Oversight would focus on the proper use of the delivery order mechanism and adherence to the contract's terms and conditions.

Related Government Programs

Translation and Interpretation Services
Department of Justice Contracting
Offices, Boards and Divisions Programs

Risk Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Lack of specific performance metrics or quality assurance details in the provided data.
Potential for vendor lock-in if competition was limited in practice despite being 'full and open'.
No clear indication of small business subcontracting goals or achievements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $48.7 million to SOS INTERNATIONAL LLC. IGF::CT::IGF 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 $48.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-09-01. End: 2018-08-31.

What was the average cost per hour or per service unit for the interpreting services provided under this contract?

The provided data does not include specific details on the cost per hour or per service unit. The contract was awarded on a Time and Materials basis, which means costs are based on labor hours and material costs incurred. Without access to the delivery orders or task orders issued against this contract, a precise per-unit cost benchmark cannot be determined.

Were there any performance issues or disputes reported during the contract's execution?

The provided data does not contain information regarding performance issues or disputes. Such details would typically be found in contract performance reports, inspection records, or official complaint logs maintained by the contracting agency. Further investigation into the Department of Justice's contract management records would be required.

How did the final cost compare to the initial estimated value or bids received during the competition?

The data shows the total award amount was $48,684,541.65. As this was a delivery order, it's unclear if this represents the total potential value or the actual amount spent. Without knowing the initial solicitation's estimated value or the specific bids received, a direct comparison is not possible. The 'br' field (133749) might represent a benchmark or budget, but its context is missing.

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: 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, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $48,684,542

Exercised Options: $48,684,542

Current Obligation: $48,684,542

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DJJ15C2610

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline