HUD awards $3.14M contract for interpreter services to FIS-DAS, citing no competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,142,078 ($3.1M)

Contractor: Fis-Das Interpreting Services

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2022-03-10

End Date: 2026-03-09

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: INTERPRETER SERVICES, HUD

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20410

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $3.1 million to FIS-DAS INTERPRETING SERVICES for work described as: INTERPRETER SERVICES, HUD Key points: 1. Contract Value: $3.14 million over 4 years. 2. Competition: Sole-source award, limiting price discovery. 3. Risk: Potential for overpayment due to lack of competition. 4. Sector: Professional services, specifically translation and interpretation.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $3.14 million for four years, with no competition cited, raises concerns about whether the pricing is optimal. Benchmarking against similar contracts for translation and interpretation services would be necessary to assess value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning there was no competitive bidding process. This significantly limits the government's ability to ensure the best possible price and terms.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying a premium for these services, as there was no market pressure to drive down costs.

Public Impact

Ensures access to essential language services for HUD programs. Supports communication with diverse populations. Potential for higher costs due to sole-source award.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of price competition
Potential for overpayment

Positive Signals

Essential service provision
Long-term contract

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically translation and interpretation. Government spending in this area is often driven by the need to serve diverse populations and comply with accessibility mandates.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further investigation would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) awarded this contract through its Federal Acquisition Service. Oversight would typically involve contract performance monitoring and financial reviews to ensure compliance and value.

Related Government Programs

Translation and Interpretation Services
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits competition.
Potential for inflated pricing.
Lack of transparency in price discovery.
No indication of small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $3.1 million to FIS-DAS INTERPRETING SERVICES. INTERPRETER SERVICES, HUD

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FIS-DAS INTERPRETING SERVICES.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-03-10. End: 2026-03-09.

What is the typical market rate for similar interpreter services to assess value for money?

Determining the typical market rate requires benchmarking against similar government and commercial contracts for translation and interpretation services. Factors like language pairs, service type (in-person, remote, certified), and volume influence pricing. Without this data, it's difficult to definitively assess if the $3.14 million awarded represents good value, especially given the sole-source nature of the award.

What justifies the sole-source award, and were alternatives considered?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves specific circumstances, such as a unique capability possessed by only one vendor or an urgent need where competition is impractical. The contracting agency, GSA, would need to provide documentation detailing why FIS-DAS was the only viable option and why a competitive process was not feasible or beneficial for this specific requirement.

How will the effectiveness of the interpreter services be measured and ensured?

Effectiveness is usually measured through performance metrics outlined in the contract, such as timeliness of service, accuracy of interpretation, and client satisfaction. The GSA's Federal Acquisition Service would be responsible for monitoring these metrics and ensuring the contractor meets the required standards throughout the contract period.

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: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 86614322R00001

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 182 POSTING WAY, CHARLES TOWN, WV, 25414

Business Categories: Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Joint Venture Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Joint Venture Women Owned Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, SBA Certified 8 a Joint Venture, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,400,451

Exercised Options: $3,504,201

Current Obligation: $3,142,078

Actual Outlays: $3,127,500

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline