State Department's $63.8M contract for linguist support in Iraq awarded to Mid Atlantic Professionals Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $63,784,251 ($63.8M)

Contractor: MID Atlantic Professionals Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2013-09-30

End Date: 2019-06-29

Contract Duration: 2,098 days

Daily Burn Rate: $30.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF LINGUIST AND LIAISON SUPPORT FOR RSO IRAQ

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22209

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $63.8 million to MID ATLANTIC PROFESSIONALS INC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF LINGUIST AND LIAISON SUPPORT FOR RSO IRAQ Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in critical support services for U.S. operations abroad. 2. The award utilized full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market for these specialized services. 3. Performance period spans nearly six years, indicating a long-term need for sustained linguistic and liaison capabilities. 4. The firm-fixed-price contract type aims to control costs by establishing a set price for services. 5. This contract falls within the Translation and Interpretation Services NAICS code, a niche but essential sector. 6. The geographic focus on Iraq highlights the complex operational environment and the need for localized expertise.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total contract value of $63.8 million over approximately six years suggests a substantial but potentially reasonable investment for specialized linguistic and liaison support in a high-demand, complex environment like Iraq. Benchmarking against similar contracts for linguist and cultural advisor services in conflict zones would be necessary for a definitive value assessment. However, the firm-fixed-price structure indicates an effort to manage costs predictably. Without specific per-unit data or comparison to market rates for similar services in comparable regions, a precise value-for-money judgment is challenging, but the duration and scope suggest a significant operational requirement.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' indicating that the solicitation was broadly advertised, and multiple bidders were likely considered. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, allowing the government to solicit proposals from a wide range of qualified vendors. The competitive process is designed to drive down prices and ensure the selection of the most capable and cost-effective solution for the government's needs.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition suggests that taxpayers benefit from a more competitive pricing environment, as multiple companies vied for the contract, potentially leading to lower overall costs compared to sole-source or limited competition awards.

Public Impact

U.S. diplomatic and military personnel operating in Iraq benefit from enhanced communication and understanding through linguist and liaison support. The contract facilitates smoother interactions with local populations and authorities, crucial for mission success. Services provided are essential for intelligence gathering, operational planning, and maintaining security in a challenging geopolitical landscape. The contract supports specialized roles requiring deep cultural and linguistic expertise, contributing to effective foreign policy implementation. Geographic impact is concentrated in Iraq, addressing specific operational requirements in that region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen operational complexities arise, despite the firm-fixed-price structure.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical linguistic and liaison functions could pose a risk if performance falters.
Ensuring consistent quality and cultural sensitivity across all linguist and liaison personnel deployed in Iraq is a continuous challenge.

Positive Signals

The long-term contract duration (nearly six years) suggests a stable and reliable provision of essential services.
Awarding to a single entity, Mid Atlantic Professionals Inc., implies a potentially streamlined management and oversight process.
The firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government, aiding budget predictability.

Sector Analysis

The Translation and Interpretation Services sector (NAICS 541930) is a specialized market catering to government and commercial clients requiring linguistic expertise. This contract represents a significant portion of spending within this niche, particularly for services supporting complex international operations. The market size for such services is driven by global engagement, security needs, and international trade. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other government contracts for similar support in high-risk or foreign environments, where the demand for skilled linguists and cultural liaisons is paramount.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, as indicated by 'sb': false. The prime contractor, Mid Atlantic Professionals Inc., is likely a larger entity capable of managing the scope and complexity of this requirement. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor actively engages small businesses for specialized support roles.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of State's contracting officers and program managers responsible for the RSO Iraq mission. The contract's duration and geographic focus necessitate robust performance monitoring to ensure service quality, adherence to security protocols, and effective liaison activities. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract's execution.

Related Government Programs

Department of State Linguist Support Contracts
Department of Defense Translation Services
Intelligence Community Language Support
Embassy Security and Operations Support
Foreign Affairs Support Services

Risk Flags

Long-term contract duration may increase exposure to changing geopolitical conditions.
Dependence on specialized skills could lead to staffing challenges.
Performance in a high-risk environment requires continuous monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $63.8 million to MID ATLANTIC PROFESSIONALS INC. IGF::OT::IGF LINGUIST AND LIAISON SUPPORT FOR RSO IRAQ

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MID ATLANTIC PROFESSIONALS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $63.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-09-30. End: 2019-06-29.

What is the historical spending pattern for linguist and liaison support services by the Department of State in Iraq?

Analyzing historical spending for linguist and liaison support in Iraq by the Department of State requires accessing detailed contract databases and budget reports over several fiscal years. While this specific contract (IDGF::OT::IGF LINGUIST AND LIAISON SUPPORT FOR RSO IRAQ) accounts for approximately $63.8 million from 2013 to 2019, understanding the broader pattern involves looking at previous and subsequent contracts, as well as potential spending by other agencies operating in the region. Factors influencing spending include the political climate, security levels, and the scale of U.S. diplomatic and operational presence. Fluctuations in spending can be attributed to changes in mission requirements, the availability of qualified personnel, and the competitive landscape for these specialized services. A comprehensive review would reveal trends in contract values, duration, and the types of services procured, providing context for the current contract's scale and importance.

How does the per-hour or per-linguist cost of this contract compare to similar services provided in other high-risk environments?

Determining the precise per-hour or per-linguist cost for this contract is challenging without detailed breakdowns of service hours and personnel deployed. However, the total value of $63.8 million over approximately 2098 days (roughly 6 years) suggests a significant investment. Linguist and liaison support in high-risk environments like Iraq typically command premium rates due to the inherent dangers, specialized skill requirements (often including security clearances and cultural expertise), and the need for 24/7 availability. Compared to domestic translation services or support in stable regions, costs are expected to be substantially higher. Benchmarking against contracts in Afghanistan, other Middle Eastern countries, or conflict zones would provide a more accurate comparison. Factors such as the specific languages required, the level of security vetting, and the demand for particular linguistic skills heavily influence these rates.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate the performance of Mid Atlantic Professionals Inc. under this contract?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for a contract like 'IGF LINGUIST AND LIAISON SUPPORT FOR RSO IRAQ' would typically focus on the quality, timeliness, and effectiveness of the linguistic and liaison services provided. Specific KPIs might include: accuracy rates for translations and interpretations, adherence to deadlines for report submissions or translation requests, the availability and responsiveness of linguist personnel, successful facilitation of communication between U.S. personnel and local contacts, and the overall satisfaction of the end-users (e.g., RSO staff, diplomats). Performance would likely be assessed through regular reports, feedback from government representatives on the ground, and potentially audits. Failure to meet these KPIs could result in contractual remedies, including financial penalties or termination, underscoring the importance of robust performance management by the Department of State.

What is the track record of Mid Atlantic Professionals Inc. in providing similar services to the federal government, particularly in challenging overseas environments?

Mid Atlantic Professionals Inc. (MAP) has a history of providing professional services to the federal government, including linguistic and support functions. Examining their contract history reveals engagements with various agencies, often involving specialized support roles. For contracts in challenging overseas environments, particularly those requiring linguist and liaison support, MAP's track record would be assessed based on past performance evaluations, any past performance issues or disputes, and their demonstrated ability to manage complex logistics and personnel in high-risk areas. Information on their success in similar roles, such as support for diplomatic missions or military operations abroad, would be crucial. A review of federal procurement data and past performance databases would offer insights into their reliability, quality of service, and ability to meet demanding requirements in complex geopolitical settings like Iraq.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single contractor for such critical support services in Iraq?

Relying on a single contractor, Mid Atlantic Professionals Inc., for critical linguist and liaison support in Iraq presents several potential risks. Firstly, there's a risk of service disruption if the contractor experiences financial difficulties, management issues, or fails to maintain adequate staffing levels. Secondly, a lack of competition for follow-on contracts could lead to complacency and potentially higher costs in the future. Thirdly, if the contractor's performance is subpar, the government has limited immediate alternatives, potentially impacting operational effectiveness and security. Ensuring robust oversight, clear performance standards, and contingency planning are crucial to mitigate these risks. The government must actively monitor the contractor's performance and financial health to ensure continuity of essential services in a demanding environment.

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

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 20400 OBSERVATION DR STE 102, GERMANTOWN, MD, 20876

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Minority Owned Business, Other Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $66,502,309

Exercised Options: $66,502,309

Current Obligation: $63,784,251

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SAQMMA12D0199

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline