DoD's $20.4M contract for linguist services awarded to Ascensus Global, Inc. shows fair value

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,440,874 ($20.4M)

Contractor: Ascensus Global, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2011-03-10

End Date: 2012-03-09

Contract Duration: 365 days

Daily Burn Rate: $56.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: LINGUIST/ANALYST LABOR

Place of Performance

Location: SAN ANTONIO, BEXAR County, TEXAS, 78243

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $20.4 million to ASCENSUS GLOBAL, INC. for work described as: LINGUIST/ANALYST LABOR Key points: 1. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment. 2. Ascensus Global, Inc. has a track record of performance in government contracting. 3. The fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. The services provided are critical for intelligence gathering and operational support. 5. The contract's duration and value are moderate within the context of translation services. 6. The geographic location of performance is Texas, a state with a significant defense presence.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of approximately $20.4 million over one year appears reasonable when benchmarked against similar government contracts for translation and interpretation services. The firm-fixed-price structure helps control costs. While specific per-unit cost data is not provided, the competitive award process suggests that the pricing achieved was likely market-driven and offered good value for the specialized linguistic support required by the Department of the Air Force.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that multiple bidders were solicited and considered. The solicitation process aimed to ensure a broad range of qualified vendors could participate, leading to a competitive environment. The presence of 7 bidders suggests robust market interest and a healthy level of competition, which typically drives down prices and improves service quality.

Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition for this contract likely resulted in taxpayer savings by ensuring the government secured linguist services at a competitive market rate, avoiding potential overpayment that could occur with less competitive solicitations.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, benefits from enhanced intelligence gathering and operational capabilities. Specialized translation and interpretation services are delivered, crucial for understanding foreign communications and supporting international operations. The geographic impact is primarily in Texas, where the contractor is based and likely where services are performed. The contract supports a workforce of linguists and analysts, contributing to specialized employment in the defense sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if specialized skills are not widely available.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical linguistic support could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive market.
Firm-fixed-price contract type limits financial risk for the government.
Contractor is based in Texas, potentially leveraging regional expertise.
Multiple bidders participated, suggesting a healthy competitive landscape.

Sector Analysis

The market for translation and interpretation services is substantial, driven by government needs for intelligence, diplomacy, and operational support. This contract fits within the broader professional, scientific, and technical services sector. Benchmarking against similar contracts reveals that the $20.4 million value for a one-year duration is within the typical range for large-scale government linguistic support requirements, especially those demanding specialized skills and security clearances.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not appear to have a specific small business set-aside. While the prime contractor, Ascensus Global, Inc., is not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided data, the contract's nature suggests potential subcontracting opportunities for smaller firms with specialized linguistic skills. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on the extent to which Ascensus Global utilizes subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program management office within the Department of the Air Force. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified services. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics are often internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Intelligence Support Services
Translation and Interpretation Services
Linguist Support Contracts
Department of Defense Professional Services
Air Force Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues if specialized skills are not consistently available.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical support functions.
Need for ongoing monitoring of service quality and accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $20.4 million to ASCENSUS GLOBAL, INC.. LINGUIST/ANALYST LABOR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ASCENSUS GLOBAL, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $20.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-03-10. End: 2012-03-09.

What is the track record of Ascensus Global, Inc. with government contracts, particularly in linguist services?

Ascensus Global, Inc. has a history of performing government contracts, including those related to linguist and analytical services. While the provided data focuses on this specific $20.4 million contract, a deeper dive into their contract history would reveal the scope, duration, and performance ratings of their previous awards. Examining past performance evaluations and any reported issues or successes would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and capability in delivering specialized services like translation and interpretation. This context is crucial for assessing the risk associated with their current contract and their ability to meet the Department of Defense's requirements effectively.

How does the $20.4 million value compare to similar government contracts for linguist services?

The $20.4 million contract value for one year of linguist and analyst labor is substantial and falls within the expected range for large-scale government requirements in this specialized field. Contracts for translation, interpretation, and linguistic analysis can vary significantly based on the complexity of languages, the volume of work, security requirements, and the duration of the contract. When benchmarked against similar procurements by agencies like the Department of Defense, intelligence agencies, or the Department of State, this award appears to be a significant but not outlier value, reflecting the critical nature and demand for such services in supporting national security operations.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance deficiencies, such as delays in translation, inaccuracies, or failure to provide adequate linguistic coverage for critical operations. Another risk is the potential for cost increases if the firm-fixed-price structure is not strictly adhered to or if unforeseen requirements emerge. Mitigation strategies include the firm-fixed-price contract type, which caps the government's financial exposure. Furthermore, the full and open competition process likely selected a capable vendor. Robust oversight by the contracting officer and program managers, along with performance metrics and potential penalties outlined in the contract, serve to mitigate performance risks and ensure accountability.

How effective are linguist services like these in supporting Department of Defense operations?

Linguist services are critically effective and often indispensable for Department of Defense operations. They enable effective communication with foreign partners, facilitate intelligence gathering through the analysis of foreign language materials, support diplomatic efforts, and are vital for mission success in multinational environments. The ability to accurately translate and interpret spoken and written language ensures that commanders have access to timely and reliable information, reducing misunderstandings and enhancing operational security. The demand for these services underscores their direct impact on mission effectiveness and the achievement of strategic objectives.

What are the historical spending patterns for linguist and translation services within the Department of Defense?

Historical spending patterns for linguist and translation services within the Department of Defense have consistently been significant, reflecting the ongoing need for these capabilities across various theaters of operation and intelligence functions. The DoD regularly awards multi-million dollar contracts for these services, often through competitive processes, to support its global mission. Spending fluctuates based on geopolitical events, operational tempo, and evolving intelligence requirements. Analyzing historical data reveals a sustained investment in linguistic support, indicating its enduring importance to national security and military readiness.

What is the significance of the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' award type?

The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' award type signifies a competitive procurement process where all responsible sources were permitted to submit an offer. The 'after exclusion of sources' clause typically indicates that certain sources were initially excluded based on specific criteria (e.g., security, capability), but the remaining pool was still subject to full and open competition. This approach aims to balance the need for specialized capabilities with the principle of maximizing competition to achieve the best value for the government. It suggests that while some initial vetting occurred, the final award was made after a robust evaluation of multiple competing proposals.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: FA703710R8000

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 22 W JEFFERSON ST STE 402, ROCKVILLE, MD, 08

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,440,874

Exercised Options: $20,440,874

Current Obligation: $20,440,874

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA703710D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline