Treasury's IRS awards $2.65M for Over-the-Phone Interpreter services to Lionbridge Global Solutions II Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,650 ($2.7K)

Contractor: Lionbridge Global Solutions II Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Treasury

Start Date: 2023-04-01

End Date: 2024-03-31

Contract Duration: 365 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: OVER THE PHONE INTERPRETER (OPI) SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: WALTHAM, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02451

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Treasury obligated $2,650.32 to LIONBRIDGE GLOBAL SOLUTIONS II INC. for work described as: OVER THE PHONE INTERPRETER (OPI) SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded via a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) BPA Call, indicating a pre-competed framework. 2. The firm-fixed-price contract type suggests predictable costs for the government. 3. The contract duration is one year, aligning with typical operational needs. 4. The service category, Translation and Interpretation, is essential for broad taxpayer communication. 5. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.65 million for one year of OPI services appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar contracts for language services is challenging without more specific details on volume and languages. However, the use of a GSA MAS vehicle generally implies competitive pricing has been established at the schedule level.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, likely utilizing the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) framework. This indicates that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a competitive environment was maintained.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces and ensuring the government receives the best value. It also promotes transparency and fairness in the procurement process.

Public Impact

Taxpayers who require assistance in languages other than English will benefit from these services. The services ensure IRS communications are accessible to a diverse population, promoting equitable service delivery. The contract supports the IRS's mission to assist taxpayers and enforce tax laws effectively. Geographic impact is nationwide, as IRS services are available across the United States.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs if demand significantly exceeds projections within the firm-fixed-price structure.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical OPI services could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Award to an established vendor, Lionbridge Global Solutions II Inc., suggests a degree of reliability.
Use of a GSA MAS BPA Call indicates adherence to established procurement procedures and pricing.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.

Sector Analysis

The market for translation and interpretation services is substantial, driven by globalization and the need for effective communication across language barriers. Government agencies, particularly those with broad public interaction like the IRS, are significant consumers. The IRS's need for OPI services falls within the broader professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically under NAICS code 541930 (Translation and Interpretation Services). Spending in this area is crucial for ensuring equitable access to government services.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (sb: false) and does not mention subcontracting goals. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless Lionbridge Global Solutions II Inc. utilizes small businesses in its supply chain, which is not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Treasury's Internal Revenue Service contracting officers and program managers. As a GSA MAS BPA Call, the underlying schedule contract has already undergone GSA's vetting process. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though specific performance metrics and detailed spending breakdowns may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS)
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
IRS Taxpayer Services
Language Interpretation Services

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues with vendor
Cost overruns if demand exceeds projections
Reliance on a single vendor for critical service

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Treasury awarded $2,650.32 to LIONBRIDGE GLOBAL SOLUTIONS II INC.. OVER THE PHONE INTERPRETER (OPI) SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LIONBRIDGE GLOBAL SOLUTIONS II INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Treasury (Internal Revenue Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2,650.32.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-04-01. End: 2024-03-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for OPI services by the IRS or Treasury?

Analyzing historical spending for Over-the-Phone Interpreter (OPI) services by the IRS or the Department of the Treasury requires access to detailed procurement databases. Typically, agencies like the IRS procure such services annually or through multi-year contracts to ensure continuous support for taxpayers who speak languages other than English. Spending can fluctuate based on legislative changes affecting tax obligations, outreach initiatives, and the overall volume of taxpayer interactions. Without specific historical data for this contract vehicle or similar prior awards, it's difficult to establish a precise trend. However, given the IRS's mandate to serve all taxpayers, a consistent and potentially growing investment in language services is expected, especially as the US population becomes more diverse. The current award of $2.65 million for one year suggests a significant, ongoing need for these critical communication services.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to other federal OPI service contracts?

Directly comparing the pricing of this $2.65 million contract to other federal OPI service contracts is challenging without knowing the specific volume of minutes, languages required, and service levels (e.g., on-demand vs. scheduled interpretation). However, the contract was awarded under a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) BPA Call. GSA MAS contracts are generally considered to have pre-negotiated, competitive pricing. This means that the rates established for Lionbridge Global Solutions II Inc. on the MAS schedule have already been vetted for reasonableness. While specific per-minute or per-hour rates are not provided, the use of this established vehicle suggests that the pricing is likely in line with, or potentially better than, what could be achieved through a less competitive, open-market procurement. Further analysis would require comparing the specific rates within the contract against other federal OPI contracts awarded under similar MAS vehicles or through full and open competition.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this OPI contract?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Over-the-Phone Interpreter (OPI) services typically focus on service availability, quality, and efficiency. For this contract, likely KPIs would include: 1. **Average Speed of Answer (ASA):** The time it takes for an interpreter to become available after a call is initiated, often measured in seconds. A low ASA is critical for taxpayer service. 2. **Interpreter Quality:** Assessed through call monitoring, client feedback, and adherence to professional standards. This ensures accurate and culturally appropriate communication. 3. **Call Abandonment Rate:** The percentage of calls where the interpreter is not reached or the caller hangs up before service is provided. A low abandonment rate indicates service reliability. 4. **Accuracy and Completeness:** Ensuring the interpretation is faithful to the original message without omissions or additions. 5. **Compliance:** Adherence to all relevant federal regulations, including privacy and data security requirements. While specific KPIs are not detailed in the award notice, the IRS would typically monitor these metrics to ensure the effectiveness and value of Lionbridge's services.

What is Lionbridge Global Solutions II Inc.'s track record with federal OPI contracts?

Lionbridge Global Solutions II Inc. has a significant track record in providing language services, including interpretation and translation, to various entities, including government agencies. As a large, established language service provider, they likely have experience fulfilling federal contracts. Their presence on the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) itself indicates they have met GSA's requirements for offering services to the federal government. While specific details on their past performance with OPI services for the IRS or Treasury are not provided in this award notice, their ability to secure this contract under full and open competition suggests they have demonstrated capability and competitive pricing. Federal procurement databases and past performance reviews (if publicly accessible) would offer more granular insights into their specific performance history on similar government contracts.

What is the potential impact of this contract on taxpayer access to IRS services?

This contract is crucial for enhancing taxpayer access to IRS services, particularly for individuals who are not proficient in English. By ensuring the availability of Over-the-Phone Interpreters, the IRS can effectively communicate complex tax information, assist with form completion, explain notices, and facilitate problem resolution for a diverse range of taxpayers. This improves the equity of service delivery, ensuring that language barriers do not prevent taxpayers from understanding their obligations or accessing the support they need. Ultimately, this leads to better compliance, reduced taxpayer frustration, and a more inclusive tax system. The $2.65 million award signifies a substantial commitment to overcoming language barriers.

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

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 890 WINTER ST. SUITE 225, WALTHAM, MA, 02451

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,650

Exercised Options: $2,650

Current Obligation: $2,650

Actual Outlays: $2,650

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 2032H820A00004

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline