Department of State awards $14.9M contract for Arabic language training to Native LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,915 ($14.9K)

Contractor: Done by Native LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2025-12-21

End Date: 2026-01-01

Contract Duration: 11 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ARABIC LANGUAGE SESSIONS - PROG, CONS, RSO, RSU & ICASS

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $14,915.25 to DONE BY NATIVE LLC for work described as: ARABIC LANGUAGE SESSIONS - PROG, CONS, RSO, RSU & ICASS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Native LLC for Arabic language training services. 2. The contract has a duration of 11 months, ending January 1, 2026. 3. This is a firm-fixed-price contract, indicating predictable costs for the government. 4. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 611630, reflecting language schools. 6. The award falls under the Department of State's broader mission of international relations and diplomacy.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $14.9 million for 11 months of language training appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the service. Without specific per-session or per-student cost data, a direct benchmark is difficult. However, compared to other government contracts for professional language services, this award seems to be within a typical range. The firm-fixed-price structure helps manage cost certainty for the Department of State.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This process is designed to foster a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and service quality. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the method of award indicates a robust competition was sought.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging a wider range of offers and driving down prices through market forces, ensuring the government receives the best value.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are U.S. government personnel requiring proficiency in the Arabic language for diplomatic, intelligence, or operational roles. Services delivered include language training programs, potentially covering various proficiency levels and specialized dialects. The geographic impact is likely global, supporting personnel deployed to Arabic-speaking regions or working on related foreign policy issues. Workforce implications include the need for qualified language instructors and curriculum developers, potentially creating employment opportunities in the education and language services sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for instructor quality variation across different sessions or instructors.
Ensuring curriculum remains up-to-date with evolving geopolitical contexts and language nuances.

Positive Signals

Award to a single, established contractor (Native LLC) suggests a level of confidence in their capabilities.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Full and open competition indicates a structured and fair procurement process.

Sector Analysis

The market for professional language services is a significant segment within the broader government contracting landscape. This contract falls under the 'Education and Training' sector, specifically focusing on specialized linguistic skills crucial for national security and foreign affairs. Comparable spending benchmarks for language training can vary widely based on the language, duration, and intensity of the program, but government agencies consistently invest in such capabilities.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract included specific small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements. As it was awarded under full and open competition, the primary focus was likely on the best overall value from all eligible offerors. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as prime contractors or subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside within the Department of State's Bureau of Human Resources or relevant operational bureaus responsible for personnel training. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified services. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics may not be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC)
Foreign Service Institute (FSI) Language Programs
Intelligence Community Language Training Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for instructor quality variability.
Ensuring curriculum remains relevant to evolving geopolitical needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $14,915.25 to DONE BY NATIVE LLC. ARABIC LANGUAGE SESSIONS - PROG, CONS, RSO, RSU & ICASS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DONE BY NATIVE LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14,915.25.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-21. End: 2026-01-01.

What is the historical spending pattern of the Department of State on Arabic language training?

Analyzing historical spending on Arabic language training by the Department of State requires access to detailed procurement data over multiple fiscal years. Typically, agencies like the State Department allocate significant resources to language proficiency training due to the demands of international diplomacy and operations. Spending can fluctuate based on geopolitical priorities, personnel rotation cycles, and the specific languages deemed critical. Without direct access to historical contract databases or budget allocations specifically for Arabic language training, it's challenging to provide precise figures. However, it is a consistent area of investment, often awarded through competitive solicitations to specialized language service providers.

How does the cost per session or per student compare to industry benchmarks for similar Arabic language training?

Determining the precise cost per session or per student for this $14.9 million contract is not possible with the provided data, as it lacks granular details on the number of sessions, students, or training hours. However, the market rate for professional Arabic language instruction can range significantly. Factors influencing cost include the level of proficiency targeted (e.g., basic, intermediate, advanced, specialized), the format (e.g., group classes, one-on-one tutoring, immersion), instructor qualifications, and the specific dialect or focus (e.g., diplomatic, military, business). Generally, government contracts aim for competitive pricing, but specialized skills and security clearances can increase costs. A thorough benchmark would require comparing the contract's specific deliverables against similar offerings from other government agencies or private sector institutions.

What is Native LLC's track record with government language training contracts?

Information regarding Native LLC's specific track record with government language training contracts is not detailed in the provided award data. To assess their performance history, one would typically review past contract awards, performance evaluations (such as Past Performance Information Retrieval System - PPIRS), and any publicly available information on their corporate website or through federal procurement databases. A strong track record would involve successful completion of similar language training services for government clients, positive performance reviews, and adherence to contract terms and quality standards. Without this specific data, it's difficult to definitively assess their past performance in this domain.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this language training contract?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for government language training contracts are crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of the training and the contractor's performance. While not explicitly stated in the award data, typical KPIs for such contracts often include student proficiency gains measured by standardized tests (e.g., ILR scale), course completion rates, student satisfaction surveys, instructor performance evaluations, and adherence to the training schedule and curriculum. The Department of State would likely establish specific measurable objectives within the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) to track progress and ensure that personnel achieve the required language competencies for their assignments.

Are there any specific risks associated with contracting for language training services, and how are they mitigated?

Risks associated with contracting for language training services can include instructor quality and retention, curriculum relevance, student engagement, and ensuring the training meets specific operational needs. For instance, a high turnover of instructors could disrupt learning continuity. Curricula might become outdated if not regularly updated to reflect current events or specific mission requirements. Student motivation can also be a factor. Mitigation strategies often involve rigorous vetting of instructors, clearly defined curriculum development and update processes, performance-based payment structures tied to measurable outcomes, and regular performance reviews with the contractor. The Department of State likely employs a combination of these methods to manage risks effectively.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Other Schools and Instruction › Language Schools

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3809 SPRINGWOOD DR, CLOVIS, NM, 88101

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,915

Exercised Options: $14,915

Current Obligation: $14,915

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 19J01024D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline