DHS awards $1.2M for translation services, with 8 bidders indicating strong competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $122,506 ($122.5K)

Contractor: Trusted Translations, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2021-09-24

End Date: 2025-09-26

Contract Duration: 1,463 days

Daily Burn Rate: $84/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ESTA LANGUAGE TRANSLATION SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: FALLS CHURCH, FALLS CHURCH CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22046

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $122,505.85 to TRUSTED TRANSLATIONS, INC. for work described as: ESTA LANGUAGE TRANSLATION SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the scope of translation and interpretation services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these specialized services. 3. The fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. Services are critical for U.S. Customs and Border Protection operations. 5. Contract duration aligns with anticipated long-term needs for multilingual support.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $1.2 million over two years for translation and interpretation services seems competitive, especially considering the need for accuracy and specialized linguistic skills. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for translation services indicates that this award falls within a reasonable range. The firm fixed-price structure further supports value by locking in costs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, with eight distinct bidders participating. This level of competition is a positive indicator, suggesting that multiple qualified vendors were available and interested in providing these services. A robust bidding process generally leads to better price discovery and ensures the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: The strong competition among eight bidders means taxpayer dollars are likely being used efficiently, as vendors vied to offer the best value to secure the contract.

Public Impact

Facilitates communication for U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and the public. Ensures accurate understanding of documents and spoken language for border security. Supports operations across various ports of entry and border sectors. Potentially impacts individuals interacting with CBP who require language assistance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a healthy market.
Firm fixed-price contract type limits cost uncertainty.
Contract duration of two years allows for stable service provision.
Multiple bidders (8) suggest competitive pricing was achieved.

Sector Analysis

The market for translation and interpretation services is diverse, encompassing numerous small and large businesses. Government agencies frequently procure these services to support international operations, law enforcement, and public outreach. This contract fits within the broader category of professional services, where competition is often robust. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar federal contracts suggest this award is within the expected range for specialized linguistic support.

Small Business Impact

While this contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not appear to have a specific small business set-aside, the presence of eight bidders suggests that small businesses may have participated in the bidding process. The prime contractor, Trusted Translations, Inc., is a significant player in the language services market. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were made available to small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight. The firm fixed-price nature provides a degree of financial oversight by setting a ceiling on costs. The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have internal oversight mechanisms for contract performance. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases like FPDS.

Related Government Programs

Federal Language Services Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Procurement
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Operations Support
Translation and Interpretation Services

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in despite initial competition.
Reliance on a single entity for critical communication services.
Need for continuous performance monitoring to ensure quality and accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $122,505.85 to TRUSTED TRANSLATIONS, INC.. ESTA LANGUAGE TRANSLATION SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRUSTED TRANSLATIONS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $122,505.85.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-24. End: 2025-09-26.

What is the typical cost per word or per hour for translation services in the federal government, and how does this contract compare?

The average cost per word for translation services in the federal government can vary significantly based on language complexity, subject matter, and urgency, typically ranging from $0.10 to $0.30 per word. For interpretation services, hourly rates can range from $50 to $150 or more, depending on the type of interpretation (e.g., consecutive, simultaneous) and the required expertise. Without specific line-item details on the per-word or per-hour rates within this $1.2 million contract, a precise comparison is difficult. However, given the firm fixed-price nature and the competitive bidding process involving eight vendors, it is reasonable to infer that the pricing achieved is likely within market norms for specialized federal translation and interpretation needs.

What specific languages and types of services are covered under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'ESTA LANGUAGE TRANSLATION SERVICES' and falls under the NAICS code '541930' for Translation and Interpretation Services. While the specific languages are not detailed, the agency is U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Therefore, the services likely encompass translation of official documents, forms, and potentially interpretation during border encounters, interviews, or processing. Given CBP's mission, the languages would likely include those prevalent in regions bordering the U.S. and major international travel hubs, such as Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, and others relevant to border security and immigration.

What is the track record of Trusted Translations, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with DHS?

Trusted Translations, Inc. has a significant history of securing federal contracts. A review of federal procurement data (e.g., FPDS) would reveal numerous awards to this company across various agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its components like U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Their track record generally indicates experience in providing language services. Analyzing past performance evaluations and contract modifications for this vendor would provide further insight into their reliability, quality of service, and ability to meet federal requirements.

How does the duration of this contract (1463 days) align with typical needs for translation services at CBP?

The contract duration of approximately 1463 days (roughly 4 years, including potential option periods if applicable, though the end date suggests a 2-year base period) aligns with the ongoing and often continuous need for translation and interpretation services within U.S. Customs and Border Protection. CBP operates 24/7 at numerous ports of entry and along vast borders, requiring constant linguistic support for documentation, communication with travelers, and enforcement activities. A multi-year contract provides stability and ensures consistent service availability, which is crucial for operational effectiveness rather than ad-hoc, short-term solutions.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single vendor for such a critical service, even with multiple bidders initially?

Even with initial strong competition, relying on a single prime contractor like Trusted Translations, Inc. for critical translation services carries inherent risks. These include potential vendor lock-in, where switching contractors becomes difficult or costly. Service quality could degrade over time if performance monitoring is lax. There's also a risk of key personnel turnover within the contractor company, leading to loss of institutional knowledge. Furthermore, unforeseen geopolitical events or changes in border dynamics could increase demand beyond the contract's scope, potentially leading to disputes or the need for costly modifications. Robust performance management and contingency planning are essential to mitigate these risks.

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: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 66 W FLAGLER ST STE 1200A, MIAMI, FL, 33130

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $157,157

Exercised Options: $122,506

Current Obligation: $122,506

Actual Outlays: $84,657

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS10F0245W

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline