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National Virtual Translation Center
Stored: National Virtual Translation Center
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National Virtual Translation Center (NVTC) is a U.S. government organization managed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, established to deliver timely, accurate, and cost-effective translations primarily for the U.S. Intelligence Community and other federal agencies. It leverages a virtual network of linguists across the country to process materials in over 120 languages, including text, audio, and video formats, supporting national security and intelligence efforts. The NVTC operates with advanced language-technology tools and maintains strict security protocols, ensuring translations are handled confidentially and not stored beyond 90 days unless required.
Mission
The mission of the National Virtual Translation Center is to provide high-quality translation services to support the U.S. Intelligence Community and other federal agencies in safeguarding national security. It achieves this by connecting a nationwide network of vetted linguists who deliver accurate translations in various formats, using cutting-edge technology to ensure efficiency and responsiveness to client needs.[1]
Parent organization
The National Virtual Translation Center operates under the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which serves as its executive agent, overseeing its operations and ensuring alignment with national security priorities. The top organization is the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which integrates NVTC’s efforts into broader intelligence community objectives. The NVTC collaborates with other federal agencies to provide linguistic support services.[2]
Legislation
The National Virtual Translation Center was established through the following legislation:
- Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003, specifically section 313, which formalized its creation following a report requested by Section 907 of the USA PATRIOT Act in 2001.[3]
Partners
The NVTC collaborates with various partners, including:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation for operational oversight and resource sharing
- Office of the Director of National Intelligence for strategic alignment
- Academic institutions for linguist recruitment and training[4]
- Private industry for technology solutions[5]
Number of employees
The National Virtual Translation Center employs approximately 100 linguists and support staff, though exact numbers fluctuate due to its reliance on contract linguists.[6]
Organization structure
The NVTC operates with a flexible, virtual structure, relying on a decentralized network of linguists coordinated from its Washington, D.C. program office. Key components include:
- Linguistic Services Division is responsible for managing translation and transcription projects across multiple languages and formats.
- Technology Integration Team oversees the use of language-technology tools to enhance translation efficiency.
- Quality Assurance Unit ensures translations meet accuracy and timeliness standards.[7]
Leader
The NVTC is headed by a Director.[7]
Divisions
The divisions include:
List of programs
The NVTC offers the following programs:
Last total enacted budget
The last total enacted budget for the NVTC was approximately $10 million for FY 2023, though exact figures are often classified or bundled within broader FBI or ODNI budgets.[9]
Staff
The NVTC employs around 100 personnel, primarily contract linguists with professional-level proficiency in languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Persian, and Russian. Staff are spread across the U.S., working remotely or at secure government facilities for classified projects. All linguists undergo rigorous vetting and security clearances.[7]
Funding
The NVTC’s funding primarily comes from the National Intelligence Program budget, with an estimated $10 million allocated in FY 2023. Historically, funding has remained stable but modest, reflecting its virtual operational model. Additional reimbursable funds are received from federal agencies outside the Intelligence Community for specific projects.[10]
Services provided
The National Virtual Translation Center provides translation, transcription, and linguistic support services, processing materials like handwritten documents, electronic files, audio, and video in over 120 languages. Its services include full translations, summaries, targeted translations, and triage prioritization, tailored to the needs of the Intelligence Community and other federal clients, with a focus on accuracy and security.[7]
Regulations overseen
The NVTC does not oversee federal regulations, as its role is operational rather than regulatory, focusing on translation support for national security.[7]
Headquarters address
The headquarters address, as listed on Google Maps, is 935 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20535.[11]
History
The National Virtual Translation Center was established in February 2003 to address the U.S. government’s need for rapid, accurate translations following the September 11 attacks. A report requested by Section 907 of the USA PATRIOT Act in 2001 highlighted gaps in linguistic capabilities, leading to its creation under Section 313 of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003. Managed by the FBI and aligned with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the NVTC has since expanded its virtual network, incorporating advanced technology to support over 120 languages for national security purposes.[12][13]
Related
External links
References
- ↑ "National Virtual Translation Center". Federal Bureau of Investigation. https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/intelligence/national-virtual-translation-center.
- ↑ "National Virtual Translation Center NVTC". Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0014184/.
- ↑ "Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003". U.S. Congress. https://www.congress.gov/bill/107th-congress/house-bill/5005/text.
- ↑ "National Virtual Translation Center Information Session". University of Maryland. https://arhu.umd.edu/news/national-virtual-translation-center-information-session.
- ↑ "National Virtual Translation Center". The IT Law Wiki. https://itlaw.fandom.com/wiki/National_Virtual_Translation_Center.
- ↑ "National Virtual Translation Center". Federal Bureau of Investigation. https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/intelligence/national-virtual-translation-center.
- ↑ 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 "National Virtual Translation Center". Federal Bureau of Investigation. https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/intelligence/national-virtual-translation-center.
- ↑ "National Virtual Translation Center". The IT Law Wiki. https://itlaw.fandom.com/wiki/National_Virtual_Translation_Center.
- ↑ "FY 2023 National Intelligence Program Budget Activity". Office of the Director of National Intelligence. https://www.dni.gov/files/documents/FY2023_NIP_Budget_Activity.pdf.
- ↑ "FY 2023 National Intelligence Program Budget Activity". Office of the Director of National Intelligence. https://www.dni.gov/files/documents/FY2023_NIP_Budget_Activity.pdf.
- ↑ "935 Pennsylvania Ave NW". Google Maps. https://www.google.com/maps/place/935+Pennsylvania+Ave+NW,+Washington,+DC+20535.
- ↑ "National Virtual Translation Center". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Virtual_Translation_Center.
- ↑ "National Virtual Translation Center NVTC". Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0014184/.