FCC awards $2M+ for sign language interpreting services to JB Interpreting, LLC under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,005,893 ($2.0M)

Contractor: JB Interpreting, LLC

Awarding Agency: Federal Communications Commission

Start Date: 2021-05-01

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 1,917 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETING AND CART FIRM FIXED PRICE

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX STATION, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22039

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Federal Communications Commission obligated $2.0 million to JB INTERPRETING, LLC for work described as: SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETING AND CART FIRM FIXED PRICE Key points: 1. Contract awarded for translation and interpretation services, specifically sign language interpreting. 2. The contract utilizes a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) structure, which shifts risk to the contractor. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust market for these services. 4. The contract duration is over 1900 days, indicating a long-term need. 5. The award is a Delivery Order, likely against a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 6. The contractor, JB Interpreting, LLC, is a small business, though this contract was not set aside. 7. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541930 covers Translation and Interpretation Services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's total value of approximately $2 million over nearly five years suggests a moderate annual spend. Without specific benchmarks for sign language interpreting services, a direct value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the firm-fixed-price structure is generally favorable for the government as it caps costs. Comparing this to other federal contracts for similar services would provide a clearer picture of its competitiveness. The number of bids received (4) indicates some level of market interest.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. Four bids were received, indicating a reasonable level of competition for these specialized services. The open competition process is designed to foster price discovery and ensure the government receives competitive pricing by allowing multiple vendors to vie for the contract.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces. It ensures that the government is not limited to a single provider, increasing the likelihood of obtaining services at a fair market value.

Public Impact

Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing will benefit from accessible communication through sign language interpreters. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will receive essential interpreting services to ensure compliance with accessibility mandates and facilitate communication. The services will likely be delivered across various FCC locations or remotely, supporting agency operations nationwide. The contract supports the workforce of JB Interpreting, LLC, potentially including certified sign language interpreters and administrative staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases in future contract renewals if competition diminishes.
Reliance on a single contractor for a critical service could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
Ensuring consistent quality and availability of interpreters across diverse needs and locations.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract structure transfers cost overrun risk to the contractor.
Full and open competition suggests a healthy market and potential for competitive pricing.
Long-term contract duration provides stability and predictability for service delivery.

Sector Analysis

The Translation and Interpretation Services sector (NAICS 541930) is a growing market driven by globalization, increasing diversity, and regulatory requirements for accessibility. Federal agencies are significant consumers of these services to ensure effective communication with diverse populations and for internal operations. The market includes a mix of large corporations and numerous small businesses specializing in various languages and services, including sign language interpretation.

Small Business Impact

While JB Interpreting, LLC is a small business, this contract was awarded under full and open competition and was not specifically set aside for small businesses. This means that larger businesses could also compete. The contract does not explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses, but the prime contractor's small business status is a positive signal for the small business ecosystem. Future contracts could potentially be set aside if specific goals are established.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Federal Communications Commission's contracting officers and program managers responsible for ensuring service delivery meets the contract's terms and conditions. The contract's firm-fixed-price nature simplifies financial oversight by capping costs. Transparency is facilitated through public contract databases, though specific performance metrics and detailed oversight reports are not always publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules for Language Services
Department of Justice - Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance
Department of Health and Human Services - Accessibility Services

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may outpace evolving agency needs.
Performance quality monitoring is crucial for specialized services like interpretation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Federal Communications Commission awarded $2.0 million to JB INTERPRETING, LLC. SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETING AND CART FIRM FIXED PRICE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JB INTERPRETING, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Federal Communications Commission (Federal Communications Commission).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-05-01. End: 2026-07-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for sign language interpreting services at the FCC?

Historical spending data for sign language interpreting services specifically at the FCC is not readily available in the provided data snippet. The current contract, valued at over $2 million, represents a significant investment over its duration (May 2021 - July 2026). To understand historical patterns, one would need to analyze past FCC contracts for similar services, potentially looking at prior contract vehicles, task orders, or direct awards. This would involve searching federal procurement databases for relevant NAICS codes (like 541930) and service descriptions within the FCC's procurement history. Without this historical context, it's difficult to determine if this $2 million award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of spending for these services.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar federal contracts for sign language interpreting services?

A direct pricing comparison is challenging without specific per-hour or per-unit rates from this contract and comparable contracts. The total award of $2,004,000 over approximately 1917 days (roughly 5.25 years) suggests an average annual spend of around $381,000. The firm-fixed-price (FFP) nature means the government pays a set amount, regardless of the exact hours worked, up to the contract ceiling. To benchmark, one would need to identify other federal contracts for sign language interpreting services, preferably awarded under similar conditions (e.g., full and open competition, FFP), and analyze their total values, durations, and scope. Factors like geographic location, interpreter qualifications (e.g., certified ASL interpreters), and service complexity (e.g., technical meetings vs. general communication) significantly influence pricing. The fact that four bids were received suggests the pricing was likely competitive within the market.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or service level agreements (SLAs) associated with this contract?

The provided data does not detail the specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for this contract. However, typical KPIs for interpreting services often include interpreter availability (e.g., response time for urgent requests), interpreter qualifications (e.g., certification levels), accuracy and clarity of interpretation, adherence to schedules, and client satisfaction. For a firm-fixed-price contract, the government's primary concern is ensuring the service is delivered as required. SLAs might focus on ensuring certified interpreters are provided for specific events, meeting deadlines for assignments, and maintaining professional conduct. The FCC's contracting officer would be responsible for monitoring performance against these unstated but implied requirements.

What is the track record of JB Interpreting, LLC in performing federal contracts?

Information regarding the specific track record of JB Interpreting, LLC on federal contracts is not detailed in the provided data. As a small business, its history with federal awards may be less extensive than larger corporations. To assess their track record, one would typically review past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), other federal contract awards to the company, and any reported issues or successes. The fact that they were awarded this Delivery Order suggests they met the qualifications and requirements set forth during the full and open competition. Further investigation into their past performance history within federal procurement databases would be necessary for a comprehensive understanding of their reliability and capability.

What is the potential risk associated with the duration of this contract (over 1900 days)?

The contract duration of approximately 1917 days (over 5 years) presents several potential risks. Firstly, long-term contracts can lead to price escalation if market rates increase significantly over time, although the firm-fixed-price structure aims to mitigate this for the government. Secondly, there's a risk of vendor lock-in, making it difficult to switch providers if performance issues arise or better options become available. Thirdly, the needs of the agency might evolve over such a long period, potentially making the contracted services less relevant or requiring modifications. Finally, the long duration increases the possibility of unforeseen challenges, such as key personnel turnover at the contractor or shifts in regulatory requirements impacting the service.

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: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8115 GLENHURST DR, FAIRFAX STATION, VA, 22039

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,043,620

Exercised Options: $2,043,620

Current Obligation: $2,005,893

Actual Outlays: $1,674,415

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS10F0193Y

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline