DoD awards $48.6M for global linguist support, with a $6.7M task order for OCONUS services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $48,578,069 ($48.6M)

Contractor: Worldwide Language Resources, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-02-15

End Date: 2026-02-13

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $66.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CONUS OCONUS LINGUIST SUPPORT SERVICES (LSS)

Place of Performance

Location: FAYETTEVILLE, CUMBERLAND County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28301

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $48.6 million to WORLDWIDE LANGUAGE RESOURCES, LLC for work described as: CONUS OCONUS LINGUIST SUPPORT SERVICES (LSS) Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in specialized language capabilities. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially competitive bidding environment for these services. 3. Risk indicators include the global nature of operations and the need for specialized linguistic skills. 4. Performance context is critical for ensuring mission success in diverse operational theaters. 5. Sector positioning highlights the demand for language services within defense and intelligence operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total contract value of $48.6M over its period of performance appears reasonable given the specialized nature of linguist support services required by SOCOM. The largest task order of $6.7M for OCONUS services indicates a substantial portion of the work is geographically dispersed. Benchmarking against similar contracts for linguistic support in defense contexts would provide further insight into value for money, but initial assessment suggests fair pricing for critical, high-demand skills.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating that while full and open competition was intended, specific sources may have been excluded prior to the final award. This suggests a potentially limited number of bidders participated in the final stages. The level of competition, while not fully open, likely still provided some price discovery, but the exclusion of sources warrants further investigation into the rationale.

Taxpayer Impact: The exclusion of sources could potentially limit competitive pressure, which might lead to less favorable pricing for taxpayers compared to a truly open competition. However, the extent of this impact depends on the number of bidders that remained.

Public Impact

US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) benefits from enhanced intelligence gathering and operational effectiveness. Services delivered include translation, interpretation, and linguistic support crucial for global missions. Geographic impact is worldwide, supporting operations in various theaters. Workforce implications include the need for highly skilled linguists with security clearances.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion.
Reliance on specialized linguistic skills can create single-source dependencies.
Global operational scope introduces logistical and security challenges.

Positive Signals

Contract awarded to a single entity, potentially streamlining management.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.
Longer contract duration allows for sustained support and planning.

Sector Analysis

The market for translation and interpretation services is robust, driven by government and commercial needs for cross-cultural communication. Within the defense sector, demand for linguists with specialized skills and security clearances is consistently high, particularly for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. This contract fits within the broader IT and Professional Services category, specifically focusing on niche language support, which is a critical component of national security operations.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (sb) is false, and there is no mention of small business set-asides (ss). This suggests that the prime contract was not specifically targeted towards small businesses. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist, but they are not explicitly detailed in this summary. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal for this specific prime award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the U.S. Special Operations Command's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics and oversight reports may not be publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

Intelligence Support Services
Special Operations Forces Support
Language and Cultural Services
Global Operations Support
Translation and Interpretation Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion.
Global operational scope introduces logistical and security challenges.
Reliance on specialized linguistic skills can create single-source dependencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $48.6 million to WORLDWIDE LANGUAGE RESOURCES, LLC. CONUS OCONUS LINGUIST SUPPORT SERVICES (LSS)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WORLDWIDE LANGUAGE RESOURCES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (U.S. Special Operations Command).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $48.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-02-15. End: 2026-02-13.

What is the track record of Worldwide Language Resources, LLC in supporting defense contracts?

Worldwide Language Resources, LLC has a history of supporting defense and government contracts, often focusing on linguistic services, cultural support, and intelligence analysis. Their experience typically involves providing personnel with specialized language skills and cultural understanding to support military operations, training, and intelligence gathering. Reviewing their past performance on similar contracts, particularly those with SOCOM or other special operations entities, would reveal their reliability, quality of service, and ability to meet demanding operational requirements. Information on past performance, including any awards or disputes, is crucial for assessing their suitability for this ongoing contract.

How does the awarded value compare to similar linguist support contracts within the DoD?

The total contract value of approximately $48.6 million for CONUS/OCONUS Linguist Support Services (LSS) needs to be benchmarked against similar contracts awarded by the Department of Defense (DoD) or other federal agencies for comparable linguistic support. Factors such as the number of linguists required, the languages supported, the geographic scope (CONUS vs. OCONUS), the duration of the contract, and the specific skill sets (e.g., technical translation, interpretation, cultural advising) all influence pricing. If this contract value falls within the typical range for similar scope and complexity, it suggests fair market pricing. Conversely, if it appears significantly higher or lower, it warrants further investigation into the underlying cost drivers or competitive landscape.

What are the primary risks associated with providing linguist support services globally?

Providing linguist support services globally entails several significant risks. Firstly, the geopolitical instability in various regions can impact the safety and accessibility of personnel, potentially disrupting service delivery. Secondly, maintaining a consistent pool of qualified linguists with the necessary security clearances and specialized skills across diverse geographic locations is a constant challenge, leading to potential staffing shortages or quality degradation. Thirdly, cultural misunderstandings or misinterpretations, even with skilled linguists, can have serious operational consequences. Finally, logistical challenges related to deployment, communication, and support in remote or austere environments add complexity and risk to contract execution.

How effective is the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' approach for acquiring specialized linguistic services?

The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' approach aims to balance the benefits of broad competition with the need to potentially focus on specific capabilities or existing relationships. While it allows for a wider initial pool of potential offerors than a sole-source award, the subsequent exclusion of sources can limit the number of bidders in the final evaluation. The effectiveness hinges on the justification for excluding sources; if exclusions are based on legitimate technical requirements or past performance issues, it can lead to a more focused competition among capable vendors. However, if exclusions are arbitrary, it could stifle competition and potentially increase costs for the government. For specialized services like linguist support, where specific clearances and skills are paramount, this approach might be deemed effective if the exclusions ensure only highly qualified contractors remain.

What are the historical spending patterns for linguist support services by the Department of Defense?

The Department of Defense (DoD) has historically allocated substantial funding towards linguist support services, reflecting the critical role language capabilities play in intelligence, operations, and diplomacy. Spending in this area has often fluctuated based on global security environments and the intensity of military operations in specific regions. For instance, during periods of heightened conflict or counter-terrorism efforts, spending on linguist support has typically increased. Analyzing historical spending data, including the number of contracts, their values, and the primary contracting agencies (like SOCOM, DIA, NSA), provides context for the current award and helps identify trends in demand and pricing for these essential services.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: H9240224R0002

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 308 PERSON ST, FAYETTEVILLE, NC, 28301

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $84,618,377

Exercised Options: $72,886,369

Current Obligation: $48,578,069

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline