DOJ awards $230K for translation services, highlighting need for broad language access across the US

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $230,000 ($230.0K)

Contractor: AD Astra, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-08-01

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $632/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS TASK ORDER IS TO OBTAIN LANGUAGE SERVICES AS FOR PERFORMANCE PROVIDED ANYWHERE IN THE UNITED STATES

Place of Performance

Location: SILVER SPRING, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20910

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $230,000 to AD ASTRA, INC. for work described as: THIS TASK ORDER IS TO OBTAIN LANGUAGE SERVICES AS FOR PERFORMANCE PROVIDED ANYWHERE IN THE UNITED STATES Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the broad scope of services and national coverage. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these specialized services. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a clear scope of work and defined period of performance. 4. Performance context shows a need for timely and accurate language support within the DOJ. 5. Sector positioning is within professional services, specifically translation and interpretation. 6. The contract duration of one year is standard for this type of service requirement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $230,000 for a one-year period for nationwide language services seems competitive. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for translation and interpretation services indicates that pricing for such specialized skills can vary significantly based on language rarity and required expertise. Given the broad geographic coverage and the nature of the services (translation and interpretation), the estimated cost appears to be within a reasonable range, reflecting the demand for comprehensive language access.

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 presence of four bidders suggests a competitive marketplace for translation and interpretation services. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures that the government receives offers from a range of qualified providers, potentially leading to better pricing and service quality.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition as it drives down costs through market forces and ensures that the most cost-effective solutions are considered.

Public Impact

The Department of Justice and its various components will benefit from enhanced language access. Services delivered include translation and interpretation, crucial for effective communication with diverse populations. The geographic impact is nationwide, covering any location within the United States where DOJ requires these services. Workforce implications include enabling DOJ personnel to communicate more effectively with individuals who speak different languages, improving service delivery and legal processes.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for inconsistent quality across different linguists if not managed rigorously.
Ensuring timely availability of specialized language services nationwide can be challenging.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust vendor pool.
Clear period of performance and defined service scope reduce execution risk.
The contract supports a critical government function, ensuring access to justice for all.

Sector Analysis

The translation and interpretation services sector is a vital component of the professional services industry, supporting government agencies, businesses, and individuals in overcoming language barriers. Federal spending in this area is driven by the need for effective communication with diverse populations and international engagement. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the highly specialized nature of languages and the varying complexity of translation tasks, but the DOJ's investment reflects a commitment to broad accessibility.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. While the primary awardee is not specified as a small business, the competitive nature of the award suggests that small businesses specializing in translation and interpretation services may have participated in the bidding process. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses could arise if the prime contractor, Ad Astra, Inc., chooses to engage them for specialized language skills.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and the designated contract specialist within the Department of Justice's Offices, Boards and Divisions. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Justice Language Services
Federal Translation and Interpretation Contracts
Professional Services Contracts
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for inconsistent quality if vendor management is weak.
Ensuring availability of niche language skills nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $230,000 to AD ASTRA, INC.. THIS TASK ORDER IS TO OBTAIN LANGUAGE SERVICES AS FOR PERFORMANCE PROVIDED ANYWHERE IN THE UNITED STATES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AD ASTRA, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Offices, Boards and Divisions).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $230,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-08-01. End: 2026-07-31.

What is the track record of Ad Astra, Inc. in providing language services to the federal government?

Information regarding Ad Astra, Inc.'s specific track record in providing language services to the federal government is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and client feedback from previous federal engagements. Federal procurement databases and agency performance rating systems (like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) would be the primary sources for evaluating their past performance, including on-time delivery, quality of service, and overall customer satisfaction. Without this specific data, it is difficult to definitively assess their experience and reliability for this particular task order.

How does the $230,000 award compare to typical federal spending on translation and interpretation services?

The $230,000 award for a one-year period for nationwide language services is a moderate-sized contract within the federal landscape for translation and interpretation. Federal agencies frequently procure these services, with contract values ranging from a few thousand dollars for specific, short-term needs to millions for large, ongoing requirements across multiple departments or agencies. This particular award suggests a significant but not massive demand, likely covering a broad range of languages and services across the Department of Justice. It is competitive with many similar task orders but would be considered small compared to enterprise-wide language support contracts.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of language services contract?

The primary risks associated with this language services contract include ensuring consistent quality across a potentially diverse pool of linguists, managing the availability of specialized or less common language skills when needed, and maintaining data security and confidentiality, especially when dealing with sensitive legal or personal information. Timeliness of delivery is also critical, as delays in translation or interpretation can impede legal processes or communication. Furthermore, ensuring compliance with all relevant federal regulations and standards for language services presents an ongoing risk that requires diligent oversight.

How effective is full and open competition in ensuring value for money for translation services?

Full and open competition is generally considered a highly effective mechanism for ensuring value for money in the procurement of translation and interpretation services. By allowing all responsible sources to submit bids, it fosters a competitive environment where vendors are incentivized to offer competitive pricing and superior service quality to win the contract. This process helps the government identify the most cost-effective solutions and prevents potential price gouging that could occur with sole-source or limited competition awards. The presence of multiple bidders, as indicated by the four bids received, further strengthens this competitive dynamic.

What is the historical spending pattern for translation and interpretation services within the Department of Justice?

Historical spending patterns for translation and interpretation services within the Department of Justice (DOJ) are likely characterized by consistent demand driven by its diverse mission, which includes law enforcement, litigation, and public services. The DOJ frequently interacts with individuals from various linguistic backgrounds, necessitating robust language support. Spending typically fluctuates based on specific program needs, litigation caseloads, and national events requiring broad communication. While specific historical figures for this exact task order are not provided, the recurring need for such services suggests a sustained budget allocation within the DOJ for language access initiatives across its various components.

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

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: AD Astra Inc.

Address: 8701 GEORGIA AVE STE 800, SILVER SPRING, MD, 20910

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $230,000

Exercised Options: $230,000

Current Obligation: $230,000

Actual Outlays: $64,679

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NOT OBTAINED - WAIVED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15JPSS24D00000125

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline