DOJ's $6.6M Language Interpretation Contract Awarded to Language Line, LLC for Federal Prison System

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,561 ($6.6K)

Contractor: Language Line, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-03-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 213 days

Daily Burn Rate: $31/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION SERVICES FOR HEALTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT MARCH 1, 2026 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

Place of Performance

Location: MONTEREY, MONTEREY County, CALIFORNIA, 93940

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $6,561 to LANGUAGE LINE, LLC for work described as: LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION SERVICES FOR HEALTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT MARCH 1, 2026 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 Key points: 1. Contract awarded via a competitive process, suggesting potential for fair pricing. 2. Fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks. 3. Short contract duration (7 months) may limit long-term performance assessment. 4. Focus on language interpretation services highlights critical support for diverse populations. 5. Geographic focus on California for this specific call-up. 6. Contractor has a significant presence in the language services market.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.6 million for a 7-month period for language interpretation services appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar contracts for federal language services indicates that pricing for interpretation is often competitive. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, which is a positive indicator of value. Without specific per-unit data (e.g., per hour or per service type), a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the overall contract size aligns with the essential nature of these services for the Federal Prison System.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited and had the opportunity to bid. The specific award mechanism is a BPA Call, suggesting it was made against an existing Blanket Purchase Agreement. The level of competition for the underlying BPA would influence price discovery, but the call-up itself implies a structured procurement process. The number of bidders for this specific call-up is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation is a positive sign for competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for taxpayers by encouraging multiple vendors to offer their best pricing.

Public Impact

Incarcerated individuals within the Federal Prison System, particularly those with limited English proficiency, will benefit from improved access to essential services and legal rights. The contract ensures the delivery of critical language interpretation services, facilitating communication between inmates, staff, and legal counsel. Services are primarily focused on facilities within California, addressing the linguistic needs of a specific regional inmate population. The contract supports the operational efficiency of the Bureau of Prisons by ensuring clear communication channels.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for over-reliance on a single vendor if this BPA call-up is a significant portion of the agency's interpretation needs.
Ensuring consistent quality of interpretation across all contracted services and locations can be a challenge.
The short duration of this specific call-up might lead to frequent re-procurement efforts, potentially increasing administrative burden.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability.
The contractor, Language Line, LLC, is a well-established provider in the language services industry, suggesting experience and capacity.
The contract addresses a critical need for language access within the correctional system.

Sector Analysis

The language interpretation and translation services sector is a vital component of government operations, particularly for agencies serving diverse populations. This contract falls under the broader professional, scientific, and technical services category (NAICS 541930). The market for these services is substantial, driven by legal requirements, demographic shifts, and the need for effective communication in various public service domains. Government spending in this area is consistent, with agencies like the Department of Justice frequently requiring such support to ensure compliance and equitable service delivery.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As it was awarded via full and open competition, there is no specific subcontracting requirement for small businesses mandated by a set-aside. However, the prime contractor, Language Line, LLC, may engage small businesses as subcontractors, though this is not explicitly detailed in the provided information. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on Language Line's subcontracting practices.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the contracting officers and program managers within the Bureau of Prisons and the Department of Justice. Performance monitoring, quality control, and adherence to contract terms are standard oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract were suspected or identified.

Related Government Programs

Department of Justice Language Services Contracts
Bureau of Prisons Inmate Support Services
Federal Translation and Interpretation Services
Language Access Programs in Federal Agencies
Professional and Technical Services for Law Enforcement

Risk Flags

Short contract duration may limit long-term performance assessment.
Quality control for interpretation services across multiple locations can be challenging.
Dependence on a single BPA call-up for a critical service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $6,561 to LANGUAGE LINE, LLC. LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION SERVICES FOR HEALTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT MARCH 1, 2026 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LANGUAGE LINE, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6,561.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for language interpretation services by the Federal Prison System?

Historical spending data for language interpretation services by the Federal Prison System (FPS) is crucial for contextualizing the current $6.6 million award. While specific historical figures for FPS alone are not provided, the Department of Justice (DOJ) as a whole consistently spends significant amounts on translation and interpretation services. Agencies within the DOJ, including the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), frequently procure these services due to the nature of their work. Analyzing past contract awards for similar services within FPS or the broader DOJ can reveal trends in contract values, duration, and contractor performance. This analysis helps determine if the current contract represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of spending for these essential services, and whether it aligns with inflation and evolving operational needs.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar language interpretation contracts awarded by other federal agencies?

Benchmarking the pricing of this $6.6 million contract against similar language interpretation services procured by other federal agencies is essential for assessing value for money. Factors such as the type of interpretation (e.g., in-person, over-the-phone, video remote), the languages covered, the required skill level of interpreters, and the geographic scope significantly influence per-unit costs. Agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) often have substantial needs for language services. Comparing the average hourly rates or per-service costs from this DOJ contract to those awarded by DHS or HHS, particularly for similar service levels and durations, can highlight potential price advantages or disadvantages. A higher cost per unit without a clear justification (e.g., specialized language, urgent need) might indicate a less favorable pricing structure.

What is Language Line, LLC's track record with federal government contracts, particularly for language services?

Language Line, LLC is a prominent provider of language services, and its track record with federal government contracts is a key indicator of its reliability and performance. A review of federal procurement databases would reveal the extent of their past awards, including contract values, agencies served, and contract types. Examining past performance evaluations, if publicly available, would provide insights into their ability to meet delivery timelines, quality standards, and budgetary constraints. For instance, have they consistently received positive past performance ratings? Have there been any significant disputes or contract terminations? Understanding their history with similar contracts, especially those involving correctional facilities or law enforcement agencies, offers valuable context for assessing the risk and potential success of this current award.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Potential risks associated with this $6.6 million language interpretation contract include ensuring consistent quality of service across various facilities, managing interpreter availability for urgent needs, and potential cost overruns if the fixed-price model doesn't adequately account for fluctuating demand. Mitigation strategies often involve robust performance monitoring by the Bureau of Prisons, clear service level agreements (SLAs) within the contract, and established protocols for escalating issues. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract itself mitigates the risk of cost increases due to scope creep. Furthermore, the contractor's established presence in the market suggests a capacity to manage interpreter resources effectively. Regular performance reviews and feedback mechanisms are critical for identifying and addressing any emerging risks proactively.

How does the duration of this contract (7 months) impact the overall effectiveness and cost-efficiency of the language services provided?

The relatively short duration of this contract (March 1, 2026 - September 30, 2026, approximately 7 months) for language interpretation services presents both opportunities and challenges for effectiveness and cost-efficiency. On one hand, a shorter term allows for quicker adaptation to changing needs or the potential to re-compete the contract if performance is unsatisfactory or market prices decrease. It also limits the government's long-term commitment. On the other hand, frequent short-term contract cycles can lead to administrative overhead, potential disruptions in service continuity if transitions are not managed smoothly, and may discourage contractors from making significant long-term investments in service delivery infrastructure. For essential services like language interpretation, a longer-term contract might offer greater stability and potentially better economies of scale, but the current structure allows for flexibility.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Teleperformance SE

Address: 1 LOWER RAGSDALE DR BLDG 2, MONTEREY, CA, 93940

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,561

Exercised Options: $6,561

Current Obligation: $6,561

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15JPSS21A00000132

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline