DOJ Awards $125.9M for Translation Services to SOS International LLC Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $125,898,658 ($125.9M)
Contractor: SOS International LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2024-09-01
End Date: 2026-01-31
Contract Duration: 517 days
Daily Burn Rate: $243.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: SOS INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE SERVICES FOR EOIR
Place of Performance
Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20191
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $125.9 million to SOS INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: SOS INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE SERVICES FOR EOIR Key points: 1. Contract awarded to SOS International LLC for translation and interpretation services. 2. Significant contract value of $125.9 million over 517 days. 3. Procured via full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 4. Services are critical for the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) operations.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $125.9 million for a 517-day period suggests a substantial need for these services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale translation contracts would be necessary for a precise assessment, but the competitive award method provides some assurance of fair pricing.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically leads to competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value. This method allows all qualified vendors to bid, fostering a robust price discovery process.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award is expected to yield fair market pricing, maximizing the value of taxpayer funds spent on essential translation and interpretation services for the Department of Justice.
Public Impact
Ensures critical language services for immigration proceedings, impacting fairness and efficiency. Supports the Department of Justice's mission in processing immigration cases. Potential impact on individuals navigating the immigration system who require language assistance.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in if SOS International becomes indispensable.
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical, time-sensitive services.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Significant contract value indicates robust demand and potential for economies of scale.
- Services are essential for EOIR operations.
Sector Analysis
The translation and interpretation services sector is vital for government agencies dealing with diverse populations. This contract falls under professional services, specifically NAICS code 541930. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on agency needs and geopolitical factors.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that SOS International LLC, the awardee, is not listed as a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were made available to small businesses as part of this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Justice's procurement process, including the use of full and open competition, is subject to oversight by various government accountability bodies. Performance monitoring will be key to ensuring service quality and adherence to contract terms.
Related Government Programs
- Translation and Interpretation Services
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Offices, Boards and Divisions Programs
Risk Flags
- High contract value.
- Potential for vendor performance issues impacting critical operations.
- Sole awardee for a significant period.
- Lack of explicit small business participation noted.
Tags
translation-and-interpretation-services, department-of-justice, va, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $125.9 million to SOS INTERNATIONAL LLC. SOS INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE SERVICES FOR EOIR
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 $125.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-09-01. End: 2026-01-31.
What is the historical cost per hour or per word for similar translation services to benchmark against this contract's potential unit costs?
Benchmarking historical costs per hour or per word for similar translation services is crucial for a comprehensive value assessment. Without specific unit cost data from the award, it's challenging to definitively state if $125.9 million represents optimal value. However, the full and open competition suggests a competitive pricing environment, which generally favors the government.
What are the specific risks associated with relying on a single vendor for such a critical and potentially high-volume service?
The primary risks of relying on a single vendor for critical services include potential disruptions due to vendor performance issues, financial instability, or unforeseen events. This could lead to delays in immigration proceedings, impacting case processing times and potentially affecting individuals' legal outcomes. Robust performance monitoring and contingency planning are essential.
How effectively will the contracted services support the EOIR's mission to ensure due process and timely resolution of immigration cases?
The effectiveness of these services hinges on the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of the translation and interpretation provided by SOS International. If the vendor consistently meets or exceeds performance standards, it will significantly contribute to the EOIR's mission by facilitating clear communication, ensuring due process, and promoting efficient case resolution for all parties involved.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1881 CAMPUS COMMONS DR STE 500, 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
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $125,898,658
Exercised Options: $125,898,658
Current Obligation: $125,898,658
Actual Outlays: $97,046,505
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 15JPSS20D00000366
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-09-01
Current End Date: 2026-01-31
Potential End Date: 2026-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-28
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