Homeland Security awarded over $28.5M for translation and monitoring services to support T-III operations

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,521,842 ($28.5M)

Contractor: Metropolitan Interpreters & Translators, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2009-09-09

End Date: 2012-09-09

Contract Duration: 1,096 days

Daily Burn Rate: $26.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Sector: Other

Official Description: AWARD OF NEW BPA ORDER NUMBER AGAINST BPA # HSCEOP-07-A-00034, FOR TRANSLATION & MONITORING SERVICES SUPPORTING NEW & ON-GOING T-III OPERATIONS WITH POP FROM 9/27/09 TO 9/26/10;

Place of Performance

Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK County, NEW YORK, 10017

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $28.5 million to METROPOLITAN INTERPRETERS & TRANSLATORS, INC. for work described as: AWARD OF NEW BPA ORDER NUMBER AGAINST BPA # HSCEOP-07-A-00034, FOR TRANSLATION & MONITORING SERVICES SUPPORTING NEW & ON-GOING T-III OPERATIONS WITH POP FROM 9/27/09 TO 9/26/10; Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in critical language and monitoring capabilities for national security operations. 2. Competition dynamics for this BPA call order suggest a potentially competitive environment, though specific bidder numbers are not detailed. 3. The contract duration of three years indicates a need for sustained support in translation and monitoring services. 4. Performance context is tied to supporting 'New & On-going T-III Operations', implying a direct link to active intelligence or security initiatives. 5. The sector positioning is within professional services, specifically translation and interpretation, a niche but vital area for government operations. 6. Risk indicators are moderate, given the nature of translation services which can be subject to quality control and accuracy issues.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award of $28.5 million over three years for translation and monitoring services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the support required for T-III operations. Benchmarking against similar large-scale translation contracts is challenging without more specific service details, but the per-year cost of approximately $9.5 million suggests a substantial operational requirement. The pricing is likely influenced by the need for cleared personnel and specialized linguistic skills.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a BPA call order, indicating that the underlying BPA (HSCEOP-07-A-00034) was likely competed on a full and open basis. The specific competition for this call order is not detailed, but the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION' designation suggests multiple bidders were considered. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring a fair market price.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process for this significant award helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and potentially other components within the Department of Homeland Security requiring translation and monitoring. The services delivered include translation and monitoring support crucial for intelligence gathering, operational support, and communication in various languages. The geographic impact is likely national, supporting federal operations that may have global reach or require analysis of foreign language information. Workforce implications include the potential employment of linguists, translators, and monitoring specialists, both directly and indirectly through the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for quality control issues in translation accuracy and timeliness, which could impact operational effectiveness.
Dependence on specialized linguistic skills that may be in high demand, potentially leading to cost fluctuations.
Ensuring compliance with data security and handling protocols for sensitive information processed during monitoring activities.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
The contract supports critical national security operations, indicating a high level of importance and potential for positive impact.
The contractor, Metropolitan Interpreters & Translators, Inc., has secured a significant award, implying established capabilities in the field.

Sector Analysis

The translation and interpretation services sector is a specialized segment of the professional services industry. Government agencies, particularly those involved in national security, law enforcement, and international affairs, are significant consumers of these services. The market size for government translation services is substantial, driven by the need to process and understand foreign language information. This contract fits within the broader category of government support services, with specific application in intelligence and operational support.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses explicitly mentioned in the provided data. The prime contractor, Metropolitan Interpreters & Translators, Inc., is likely a mid-to-large-sized business given the contract value. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist within the broader BPA framework or if the prime contractor engages small businesses for specialized services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would fall under the Department of Homeland Security, specifically U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Standard contract management processes, performance reviews, and quality assurance measures would be in place. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award data being publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Department of Homeland Security - Translation Services
Intelligence Community - Language Support
Federal Bureau of Investigation - Translation Services
Department of Defense - Language Services
National Security Agency - Cryptologic Language Program

Risk Flags

Potential for quality control issues
Data security and confidentiality risks
Dependence on specialized personnel

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $28.5 million to METROPOLITAN INTERPRETERS & TRANSLATORS, INC.. AWARD OF NEW BPA ORDER NUMBER AGAINST BPA # HSCEOP-07-A-00034, FOR TRANSLATION & MONITORING SERVICES SUPPORTING NEW & ON-GOING T-III OPERATIONS WITH POP FROM 9/27/09 TO 9/26/10;

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is METROPOLITAN INTERPRETERS & TRANSLATORS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $28.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-09-09. End: 2012-09-09.

What is the track record of Metropolitan Interpreters & Translators, Inc. in fulfilling government contracts, particularly for translation and monitoring services?

Metropolitan Interpreters & Translators, Inc. (MIT) has a history of providing language services to various government agencies. While specific details on past performance for this exact type of 'T-III Operations' support are not provided in the summary data, their ability to secure a BPA call order of this magnitude from DHS suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience. A deeper dive into their contract history, including past performance evaluations and any reported issues on previous government contracts, would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment. However, the award itself indicates a level of trust and capability recognized by the contracting agency.

How does the awarded amount of $28.5 million compare to typical spending on translation and monitoring services by similar federal agencies?

The $28.5 million award over three years, averaging approximately $9.5 million annually, is a substantial sum for translation and monitoring services. This figure suggests a significant and ongoing requirement for these specialized linguistic and analytical capabilities within DHS, likely supporting complex and high-volume operations. To benchmark effectively, one would need to compare this to contracts awarded by agencies like the FBI, NSA, or DoD for similar intelligence-related language support. Such comparisons are often difficult due to variations in service scope, security clearances required, and the specific nature of the 'T-III Operations' being supported. However, the amount indicates this is a major contract within its service category.

What are the primary risks associated with a contract of this nature, and how might they be mitigated?

Key risks include ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of translations, maintaining the confidentiality and security of sensitive information processed during monitoring, and managing the availability of qualified linguists. Inaccurate translations could lead to operational failures or misinterpretations with significant consequences. Security breaches could compromise classified information. Mitigations typically involve rigorous quality control processes, background checks and security clearances for personnel, robust data security protocols, and strong contract management by the agency to monitor performance and address issues promptly. The use of a BPA call order under a previously competed BPA may also imply some level of pre-qualification for the contractor.

What is the anticipated effectiveness of these translation and monitoring services in supporting 'New & On-going T-III Operations'?

The effectiveness hinges on the contractor's ability to provide accurate, timely, and contextually appropriate translations and monitoring. 'T-III Operations' often relate to sensitive intelligence gathering or counter-terrorism activities, where precise language understanding and continuous monitoring are critical. If MIT delivers high-quality services, these resources will directly enhance the operational capabilities of DHS by enabling better situational awareness, faster decision-making, and more effective communication. Conversely, any deficiencies in service quality could impede these operations. The long-term effectiveness will depend on ongoing performance management and adaptation to evolving operational needs.

What are the historical spending patterns for translation and interpretation services within the Department of Homeland Security?

Historical spending on translation and interpretation services within DHS has likely been significant and potentially increasing, driven by the agency's broad mandate encompassing border security, immigration, and national security. Agencies within DHS, such as ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), frequently encounter foreign language communications and require linguistic support. While specific historical figures for DHS as a whole are not provided here, the existence of a large BPA like HSCEOP-07-A-00034, and subsequent call orders like this one, indicates a sustained and substantial investment in these capabilities over time. This suggests a consistent need that predates this specific award and is likely to continue.

What does the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION' designation imply for the pricing and quality of services obtained?

The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION' designation is a positive indicator for both pricing and quality. It means that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid, fostering a competitive environment where multiple companies vied for the contract. This competition typically drives down prices as contractors offer their best terms to win the award. Furthermore, it allows the agency to select from a wider pool of qualified vendors, increasing the likelihood of choosing a contractor that offers the best combination of price, technical capability, and past performance. This process is designed to ensure the government receives optimal value for taxpayer dollars.

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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 110 E 42ND ST STE 802, NEW YORK, NY, 10017

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $50,133,945

Exercised Options: $28,521,842

Current Obligation: $28,521,842

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSCEOP07A00034

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline