DOJ Awards $182.5K for Translation Services to AEM LLC, Competed Under SAP
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,250 ($18.3K)
Contractor: AEM LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2025-09-30
End Date: 2026-09-29
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $50/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: CERTIFIED TRANSLATION/TRANSCRIBING SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: PHOENIX, MARICOPA County, ARIZONA, 85004
State: Arizona Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $18,250 to AEM LLC for work described as: CERTIFIED TRANSLATION/TRANSCRIBING SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value is relatively small at $182.5K. 2. Competition was conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting limited market research. 3. Risk appears low due to the small contract value and standard service type. 4. The sector is professional services, specifically translation and interpretation.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $182.5K for a year of translation services appears reasonable for the scope. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for translation services would be necessary for a definitive assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves less formal competition than full and open solicitations. This method may limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher prices than a broader competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is minimal given the small contract value of $182.5K for essential government services.
Public Impact
Ensures access to essential translation and transcription services for the Department of Justice. Supports communication with non-English speaking individuals interacting with the DOJ. Facilitates the processing of legal documents and proceedings requiring certified translations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP may not yield the best value.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics in provided data.
- Potential for scope creep in time and materials contracts.
Positive Signals
- Contract supports a critical government function.
- Small business participation is not explicitly excluded.
- Clear end date for service delivery.
Sector Analysis
The professional services sector, particularly translation and interpretation, is a common area for government contracting. Spending benchmarks vary widely based on language, complexity, and volume of services required.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if AEM LLC is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation in this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer's representative (COR) within the Department of Justice's Offices, Boards and Divisions to ensure service delivery meets requirements.
Related Government Programs
- Translation and Interpretation Services
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Offices, Boards and Divisions Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Time and Materials pricing
- Potential for vendor lock-in
- Lack of detailed performance metrics
- Unknown small business status of awardee
Tags
translation-and-interpretation-services, department-of-justice, az, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $18,250 to AEM LLC. CERTIFIED TRANSLATION/TRANSCRIBING SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AEM 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 $18,250.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-30. End: 2026-09-29.
What is the typical cost per hour or per word for certified translation services in the federal market?
The cost per hour or per word for certified translation services in the federal market can vary significantly based on language pair, complexity, urgency, and the specific vendor. While a precise benchmark is difficult without more data, government rates often range from $50-$150 per hour for interpretation and $0.15-$0.50 per word for translation, though specialized or rare languages can command higher prices.
What are the risks associated with using Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for this type of service?
Using SAP for translation services carries risks such as potentially higher prices due to limited competition, less rigorous vetting of vendors, and a reduced opportunity for innovative solutions. While efficient for smaller procurements, it may not always secure the best value or the most qualified provider compared to full and open competition.
How effective is the current competition method in ensuring the Department of Justice receives high-quality translation services?
The effectiveness of SAP in ensuring high-quality translation services is moderate. While it allows for quicker procurement, the limited competition might not attract the top-tier providers or incentivize the most competitive pricing. Quality assurance mechanisms and clear performance standards within the contract are crucial for mitigating this risk.
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: 1
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 5755 E 9TH ST, TUCSON, AZ, 85711
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Other Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $46,250
Exercised Options: $18,250
Current Obligation: $18,250
Actual Outlays: $600
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-09-30
Current End Date: 2026-09-29
Potential End Date: 2030-09-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-08
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