DOJ's FBI awards $4.9M contract for translation services to JTG, Inc. under a BPA Call

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,926,809 ($4.9M)

Contractor: JTG, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2023-09-24

End Date: 2030-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,563 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.9K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS ACQUISITION IS FOR LANGUAGE SERVICE TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION FOR NATIONAL VIRTUAL TRANSLATION CENTER.

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20191

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $4.9 million to JTG, INC. for work described as: THIS ACQUISITION IS FOR LANGUAGE SERVICE TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION FOR NATIONAL VIRTUAL TRANSLATION CENTER. Key points: 1. Contract value of $4.9M for translation and interpretation services. 2. Services are for the National Virtual Translation Center. 3. Contract awarded to JTG, Inc. 4. Procurement method was Competed under SAP. 5. Contract type is Time and Materials. 6. Performance period extends through September 2030.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $4.9 million for translation and interpretation services appears to be within a reasonable range for the specified duration and scope. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for language services indicates that pricing for Time and Materials contracts can vary significantly based on the complexity and demand for specific languages. Without detailed breakdowns of labor categories and hours, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the duration of the contract (over 6 years) suggests a need for sustained services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a limited competition environment. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAP is typically used for acquisitions below a certain threshold where full and open competition may not be feasible or cost-effective. The limited competition could potentially lead to less aggressive pricing compared to a full and open solicitation.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, limited competition can sometimes result in higher prices than what might be achieved through a broader bidding process. However, SAP can also offer efficiency gains for smaller procurements.

Public Impact

Provides essential language services to support national security and law enforcement operations. Benefits federal agencies requiring translation and interpretation for various communication needs. Supports the operational effectiveness of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Ensures access to critical information across language barriers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP may not yield the best possible pricing.
Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess service quality.

Positive Signals

Contract awarded to a single vendor, JTG, Inc., indicating potential specialization or established relationship.
Long-term contract (over 6 years) provides stability for service delivery.
Services are critical for national security and law enforcement functions.

Sector Analysis

The federal spending on translation and interpretation services falls within the professional services sector. This sector is characterized by a wide range of providers, from large corporations to specialized small businesses. Federal agencies rely heavily on these services to bridge language gaps in law enforcement, intelligence, and diplomatic efforts. The market size for such services is substantial, with agencies like the FBI, DHS, and State Department being significant consumers.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not provided in the data. Given the procurement method (SAP) and the nature of the services, it's possible that small businesses could have participated, but specific set-aside goals were not indicated. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Federal Bureau of Investigation's contracting and program management offices. As a Time and Materials contract, rigorous monitoring of labor hours and costs is crucial. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS, though detailed performance reports may not always be publicly accessible. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Bureau of Investigation Language Services
Department of Justice Translation Services
National Virtual Translation Center Operations
General Services Administration (GSA) Language Services Schedules

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Time and Materials contract type
Potential for cost overruns

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $4.9 million to JTG, INC.. THIS ACQUISITION IS FOR LANGUAGE SERVICE TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION FOR NATIONAL VIRTUAL TRANSLATION CENTER.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JTG, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Bureau of Investigation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-24. End: 2030-09-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for translation and interpretation services by the FBI?

Historical spending data for translation and interpretation services by the FBI is not directly available in the provided snippet. However, federal agencies, particularly those involved in law enforcement and national security like the FBI, consistently require significant language support. Spending in this area can fluctuate based on operational needs, geopolitical events, and the deployment of personnel to diverse linguistic environments. Analyzing past contract awards for similar services, including those under GSA schedules or other competitive vehicles, would provide a clearer picture of the FBI's historical investment in these capabilities. Trends may show an increasing reliance on specialized linguistic support due to global engagement and diverse domestic populations.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar translation services?

A direct comparison of the awarded price ($4.9 million over approximately 6.5 years) to precise market rates is challenging without detailed service specifications, labor categories, and volume estimates. Translation and interpretation services are priced variably based on language complexity, service type (written translation vs. live interpretation), turnaround time, and required certifications. Time and Materials (T&M) contracts, like this one, are particularly difficult to benchmark as costs are driven by actual hours worked and material costs incurred. Generally, federal T&M contracts aim for fair and reasonable pricing, but the lack of a fixed price or unit rates makes direct comparison to commercial fixed-price offerings less straightforward. Benchmarking would ideally involve comparing the loaded hourly rates for specific linguist roles against industry surveys and other government T&M contracts.

What are the potential risks associated with a Time and Materials contract for language services?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts, while offering flexibility, carry inherent risks, especially for services like translation and interpretation. The primary risk is cost overrun, as the government pays for the actual labor hours and materials used. Without stringent oversight and well-defined task orders, contractors may not be incentivized to control costs efficiently. For language services, this could manifest as extended project durations or inefficient use of linguist time. Another risk is the potential for scope creep, where the services provided expand beyond the original intent without a corresponding adjustment in the contract's overall value or oversight. Ensuring accurate tracking of hours, appropriate labor mix, and clear deliverables is paramount to mitigating these risks.

What is JTG, Inc.'s track record with federal government contracts, particularly for language services?

The provided data indicates JTG, Inc. as the awardee for this $4.9 million contract. However, it does not offer specific details about JTG, Inc.'s past performance, track record, or experience with federal government contracts, especially in language services. To assess their track record, one would need to consult federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) for previous awards, contract performance evaluations (CPARS), and any reported issues or successes. A strong track record typically includes successful completion of similar contracts, positive performance reviews, and adherence to contract terms and conditions. Without this information, it's difficult to gauge their reliability and capability for this specific requirement.

What does 'Competed under SAP' imply for the level of competition and potential savings?

'Competed under SAP' signifies that the acquisition was conducted using Simplified Acquisition Procedures. SAP is designed for purchases below certain dollar thresholds (currently $250,000, but higher for certain types of procurements like construction or services acquired through specific means). This implies that the competition was likely limited to a smaller pool of vendors, possibly those with existing contracts or those who received solicitations directly. While SAP aims to streamline the procurement process and reduce administrative burden, it generally offers less opportunity for price discovery and potentially fewer savings compared to full and open competition. The number of bidders, which is not specified here, is a key factor in determining the actual level of competition achieved under SAP.

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: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 11190 SUNRISE VALLEY DR, RESTON, VA, 20191

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,029,521

Exercised Options: $4,945,671

Current Obligation: $4,926,809

Actual Outlays: $3,186,981

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15F06723A0001343

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline