SOURCES SOUGHT
R -- Simultaneous Interpretation Services for U.S. Embassy, Mexico City
- Notice Date
- 3/10/2015
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541930
— Translation and Interpretation Services
- Contracting Office
- Department of State, Office of Acquisitions, Florida Regional Center, RPSO-FL, 4000 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33309, United States
- ZIP Code
- 33309
- Solicitation Number
- RPSOPR3913550
- Archive Date
- 3/21/2015
- Point of Contact
- Robert Lindquist,
- E-Mail Address
-
lindquistra@state.gov
(lindquistra@state.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- Total Small Business
- Description
- The U.S. Department of State (DoS), Regional Procurement Support Office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is conducting market research to identify potential U.S. small business sources with the capability to successfully perform the services described in this notice. The requirement is classified under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541930, with a corresponding size standard of $7.5 million. This is a sources sought notice only. This notice is not a Request for Proposals (RFP) or Request for Quotations (RFQ). No contract or order will be awarded from this announcement, nor will there be any reimbursement made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this announcement. The Government will utilize responses to this sources sought notice to determine the availability of qualified U.S. small business firms capable of meeting the DoS requirements and to determine the appropriateness of setting aside an anticipated acquisition. The order of precedence for consideration of any capable small business firms responding to this notice is HUBZone; Service Disabled; Woman-owned and Economically Disadvantaged Woman-owned; other Small Businesses. The requirement is for simultaneous interpretation services for the U.S. Embassy in Mexico. Services are required in support of U.S. agencies and sub-agencies supported by the Embassy. Simultaneous interpretation services include both English to Spanish and Spanish to English interpretation, using simultaneous and consecutive interpretation techniques. Requirements will employ the use of both standard and non-standard terminology, depending on the venue and subject matter requiring the services. Interpreters will be required to possess a Level 5 Language Advanced Professional Proficiency in both English and Standard Mexican Spanish. Standard Mexican Spanish refers to the Spanish dialect spoken in the Mexico City, rather than dialects spoken in other regions outside of the capital area. Services will be provided in Mexico City, as well as other states located throughout the Mexican Republic. Interpretation services will be required at a variety of venues (formal and informal) and in both structured and unstructured settings. For example, one customer may have a requirement for interpretation services in a classroom setting or at a formal government function, while another customer may have a requirement for interpretation services at a firing range, driving track or other tactical skills event. Given the breadth of the programs and initiatives the U.S. Embassy supports, interpretation services will be required for a wide range of subject matters. Although not all inclusive, examples of areas where interpretation services may be required follow: Areas related to Security, including general security services; protection of high-ranking officials; law enforcement and firearms; and cyber security. Areas related to Science, Health, and Medicine, including regulation of medical products; human foods; animal feeds; tobacco products; food and drug quality and safety; and public health. Areas related to Economics, Trade, and Development, including imports and exports; government regulations; infrastructure; land, air and sea transportation; labor issues; and competition. Areas related to Politics and International Relations, including political parties; elections; bilateral and multilateral agreements; and human rights. Areas related to Law, including legal systems; constitutional reforms; citizens' rights; and fugitive investigations. Areas related to Military, including general military terminology; armed forces agreements; rules of engagement; training and cooperation; command and control; military justice and intelligence; weapons and weapons systems; aviation operations and maintenance; and logistics. Due to the technical nature and complexity of some of the requirements, the contractor must be capable of conducting the necessary research and performing the analysis required to be able to appropriately understand and correctly interpret the varying types of subject matter. This includes understanding the terminology and nuances that may be unique to a specific area of expertise. To be able to effectively provide the services, the contractor will also be responsible for providing the necessary interpretation equipment. This, for example, includes headsets, microphones, translation booths, sound systems, and body-packs with transmitters. Services will also require the ability to take on multiple projects at the same time and to provide services on short notice when required. For example, an unplanned visit by foreign dignitaries with limited advance notice, where interpretation services are required for a briefing to be provided to the visitors. Specific qualifications as they pertain to this sources sought notice include the following: Past experience providing Spanish to English and English to Spanish interpretation services in Mexico (in Standard Mexican Spanish); the capability to 1) provide highly qualified interpretation personnel possessing a level 5 Language Advanced Professional Proficiency in both English and Spanish; 2) effectively provide services for wide-ranging technical and complex subject matters (i.e., tailor services to meet the specific needs); 3) quickly adapt to constantly changing circumstances, personalities, and work environments; 4) adjust to the demands of diplomatic protocol, protective security requirements, and similar considerations; 5) handle multiple requirements at the same time and at varying locations; 6) respond quickly to both standard and non-standard (emergency) services; 7) provide the necessary equipment; and 8) effectively manage, supervise and coordinate contractor resources and efforts. Interested U.S. small business concerns capable of meeting the above requirements are invited to submit a Capability Statement by emailing the contracting officer LindquistRA@state.gov. Subject line shall read Sources Sought for Mexico Interpretation Services. The Capability Statement, not to exceed 15 pages, must include the company's name, DUNS number, point of contact information, and Small Business Status (e.g. Small, SDVOSB, WOSB, HUBZone, etc.). In determining the capability of meeting the above requirements, small business concerns must take into consideration subcontracting limitations established by Federal regulations. General expressions of interest and/or prior experience in providing interpretation services are not being solicited. Only capability statements that address the specific qualifications identified in this notice will be considered. NO PHONE CALLS WILL BE ACCEPTED. ONLY WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE (PREFERABLY BY E-MAIL) WILL BE CONSIDERED.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/notices/8e5f21f3879cc8c1aa49b90c53938b8b)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Mexico, Mexico
- Record
- SN03663123-W 20150312/150310235556-8e5f21f3879cc8c1aa49b90c53938b8b (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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