Linguist Support Services for US Forces -Europe

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Justification Review Document for Exception to Fair Opportunity. It outlines the rationale for proceeding with a contract action under the Department of Defense Language Interpretation and Translation Enterprise II (DLITE II) program for United States Forces - Europe (USF-EU).

This document supports an exception to the fair opportunity process, citing FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(A) which allows for exceptions when agency needs are urgent and providing fair opportunity would result in unacceptable delays. It details the program, the authority for the exception, and includes certifications from technical, requirements, and contracting personnel. It also includes a fair and reasonable cost determination process. The document is approved by a Senior Contracting Official and indicates a modification to contract W911W4-17-D-0020, TO W50NH9-22-F-0013, on an "other than full and open competition" basis. Bidders should note that this document explains why a full and open competition may not be conducted for this specific action due to urgency.

Justification for an Exception to Fair Opportunity

This document justifies an exception to fair opportunity for a modification to exercise Option Year 4 (OY4) of Contract W911W4-17-D-0020, Task Order W50NH9-22-F-0013. The action is to expand the Technical Exhibit (TE) to increase linguist support services in the United States European Command (EUCOM) area of responsibility. This expansion is driven by continued tension and crisis, requiring increased linguist support for translation, interpretation, and transcription.

• Expansion of linguist support services for EUCOM.

• Increase in Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) from the base TO award level to a new level, with a 50% surge option.

• The contract provides linguist support services (interpretation, translation, transcription) for United States Army Europe-Africa (USAREUR-AF) requirements.

• Contract Type: Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) for labor and Cost, No Fee for Other Direct Costs (ODCs), Travel, and Defense Base Act Insurance (DBA).

• The total estimated value if all options are exercised is provided, excluding the original OY4 requirement.

• The contract has undergone multiple modifications to expand FTE levels due to fluctuating mission needs and increased US Government aid.

• This document is a justification for an exception to fair opportunity, not a solicitation for proposals.

• The justification cites urgency and the potential for unacceptable delays if fair opportunity procedures are followed, due to the time required for solicitation, evaluation, and security vetting (estimated 12-15 months).

• The justification is for a sole-source award to Torden, LLC.

• Torden is identified as the only viable option due to their existing infrastructure, experience with complex labor and immigration laws in the region, and established pipeline of linguists.

• Future competition is planned under the DLITE II IDIQ MATOC contract, with a target award date in Q4 FY2026.

• The document details the procurement history, including numerous modifications to expand FTEs and surge capacity.

• Market research indicates DLITE II is the preferred source for contract linguist support, with five potential vendors in the Force Projection Mission Area and ten in the Train and Sustain Mission Area.

• The urgency is attributed to the unpredictable nature of the geopolitical situation and the need for immediate linguist support.