SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Sign Language Interpreter Services
- Notice Date
- 11/10/2022 5:49:05 AM
- Notice Type
- Presolicitation
- NAICS
- 541930
— Translation and Interpretation Services
- Contracting Office
- ACQUISITIONS - AQM MOMENTUM WASHINGTON DC 20520 USA
- ZIP Code
- 20520
- Solicitation Number
- 19AQMM22R0195_
- Response Due
- 11/15/2022 8:00:00 AM
- Archive Date
- 11/17/2022
- Point of Contact
- Christopher L Toso
- E-Mail Address
-
TosoCL@state.gov
(TosoCL@state.gov)
- Description
- This pre-solicitation notice is being provided in DRAFT format.� The DRAFT Statement of Work is under internal review and is being edited.� This is not a request for proposal.� The U.S. Department of State anticipates releasing the final solicitation and attachments within the next week. Place(s) of Performance The work will be performed at the Department of State, and Department of State annexes in Washington, DC metro area, Domestic field offices and other State Department facilities (within the United States and overseas). Period of Performance is for five years. Contract Type is Labor Hour with fixed hourly rates, and Cost Reimbursement for Travel and Other Direct Costs.� The forthcoming solicitation intends to eastablish multiple award Indifnite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts.� It is anticipated that a best value source selection will be used to award up to three contracts. DRAFT STATEMENT OF WORK Objective The objective of this Statement of Work (SOW) is to develop, implement, and support all Sign Language Interpreting (SLI) and Communication Access Real Time (CART) requests to ensure effective communication as a reasonable accommodation for Department of State employees within the Continental United States (CONUS) as well as Outside of the Continental United States (OCONUS).� Services are rendered in classified and unclassified settings. Standard of Effective Sign Language Interpreting SLI is a complex task that requires several abilities beyond language competence to enable delivery of an effective professional interpretation.� The Contractor�s employee or designee shall be a credentialed SLI who not only possess expert command of the two languages but who also effectively satisfies the required performance level of the request.� Effective SLI services produce a work product in the target language that demonstrates command and accurately and completely conveys the discourse level of the source language while matching the goal of the exchange.� An effective work product exemplifies the highest standards of professional conduct and complies with the RID/NAD Code of Professional Conduct (CPC). General Requirements The United States Department of State�s Disability and Reasonable Accommodations Division (DRAD) has a regulatory mandate to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities (per Rehabilitation Act of 1973). The Contractor shall provide sign language interpreters using the Contractor�s employees or designees who possess valid credentials through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID) or the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).� Accepted RID certifications � MCSC, CSC, CI/CT, NIC-M, NIC-A, NIC, and CDI Accepted NAD certifications � NAD-V Contractor shall provide Communication Access Real Time (CART) using the Contractor�s CART writers or designees who possess credentials through the National Court Reporters Association (CRA). The accepted credential of Certified CART Provider (CCP) is preferred but other credentials will be considered. SLI and CART services as described herein shall be provided for Government employees conducting official business within CONUS or OCONUS.� Temporary Duty Travel (TDY) may be necessary for both CONUS and OCONUS locations.� All TDY assignments shall be approved by the COR. The Contractor shall provide employees or designees with a valid corresponding security clearance for all cleared requests at any secured location (CONUS/OCONUS).�� Clearance levels can be Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), Top Secret, (TS) or Secret (S).� The Contractor�s employee or designee shall have a current Visitor Access Request (VAR) and shall follow all required security protocols. Specific Requirements The Contractor�s employee or designee shall provide effective SLI and CART services for all formal and informal settings.� Settings may include but are not limited to: Formal/Informal/Highly Formal Events (Conferences, summits, ceremony, speeches, etc.); Informal meetings (i.e., Information Technology, Staff Meetings, Human Resources, Finance/Budget, etc.); Informal events (networking opportunities, parties, engagement with employee resources, etc.). Formal/Informal training; Structured or unstructured meetings or events; Highly technical meetings/Highly technical training; Intelligence briefings/meetings; Highly charged/sensitive assignments (Passport interviews, employee evaluations, employee counseling, security clearance interviews, etc.); Virtual events (meetings, conferences, trainings, summits, etc.). An effective SLI work product faithfully and accurately conveys the meaning of the source message reflecting the style, register, and cultural context of the source message without omissions, additions, or embellishments. Effective SLI from ASL to English requires a pleasant voice quality and is absent of hesitations, unnecessary repetitions, embellishments and/or intrusive corrections while accurately matching the register and delivery of the source message.� The Contractor�s employee or designee shall: Perform critical and consistent analysis necessary to correctly understand the substance of source language, including attention to detail and nuances. Convey nuance (tone, diction, meaning, etc.) simultaneously in the target language consistent with nuance and details of the source language; Possess the entry-to-practice competencies necessary to provide effective services CONUS and OCONUS.� Competencies include but are not limited to world knowledge, multi-cultural interpretation, bilingualism, human relations, linguistics, systems thinking, collaboration, and professionalism; Adapt to constantly changing circumstances, personalities, and work environments. Flexibility is paramount for successful interactions domestically, internationally and while on TDY; Perform services effectively with clarity, accuracy, and professional, poised delivery; Adjust to the demands of diplomatic protocol, protective security requirements and similar considerations while executing effective services; Possess the�stamina, skills, and�expertise�to effectively interpret alone for most assignments for a maximum of one and a half (1.5) hours without a break.� While assigned on TDY (CONUS/OCONUS), the Contractor�s employee or designee shall conduct themselves as a representative of the U. S. Government.� They shall conduct themselves in accordance with all U.S. Government protocols, rules and regulations and follow all American laws as well as laws of the host country for the complete duration of the TDY including non-working times. Included within this scope is any interpreting for the Department of State (DOS) for employees who are deaf in emergency situations while posted on TDY for both CONUS and OCONUS assignments. Requirements� The�Government�has issued�this requirement to meet the high-volume requirement for effective world-wide SLI and CART services for the Department of State.� The contractor must possess the key administrative staff, to ensure that effective services to fulfill all requests submitted.� It is estimated that 99% of the services requested will be SLI services with 15 minutes prior to the starting time to access to the site, equipment/technology effectiveness, orientation to environmental logistics, and briefings with teams when necessary. Preparing for the assignment by reviewing any briefing information that may have been provided or conducting research to become as familiar as possible with the source topic; Perform pre-assignment technology checks and research the requested video conferencing platforms to understand functionality. Work�Attire� The standard�dress code is business or business professional attire:� Example for men:��Conservative style business suit or sport coat�with�a�corresponding�button-down dress shirt, tie,�and�dress�pants�or�a conservative (sweater)�vest with a�corresponding�button-down dress shirt, tie,�and dress pants.� Example for women:��Conservative style business suits�with corresponding blouse and skirt or pant combination or conservative (sweater) vest with a corresponding blouse, and skirt or slacks.� Example�footwear�for men:� Conservative�socks and�dress shoes.� Example footwear for women:� Conservative stockings or socks with dress shoes.� Requests for culturally�appropriate apparel for culturally sensitive assignments:� Example for men: Head Coverings (i.e.,�kippah, yarmulkes, skullcap etc.).� Example for women:� Long-sleeve clothing, head, or hair coverings (i.e.,�hijab, niqab, etc.).� The Contractor�s�designated�interpreter(s)�are required to�choose�the color�and style�of attire�that�provides�an effective�contrast to their skin tone.�� If the attire�required�is anything other than business/business professional attire, the�program office shall inform the�Contractor�prior to the assignment.� There may be instances when the employee requiring the interpretation may request a�modality of attire�different than business/business professional due to specific work requirements (i.e., interpreting outside at a worksite, or needing to blend in for diplomatic or cultural reasons, etc.).� The mode of attire and the demeanor of the Contractor�s designated service provider should always reflect the posture of the stakeholders requiring the service and any diplomatic or cultural nuance that may impact the work. Walking Most assignments/sessions require minimal to no walking beyond walking to the interpreting location.� Some assignments may require moderate to high walking/maneuvering.� The DOS program office and/or the employee requiring interpretation may notify you of any such requirements prior to the event.� Reassignment�for Domestic Requests If�an�assignment�becomes�canceled�with less than 72 hours� notice, the program office may�reassign the�Contractor�s designated interpreter or CART writer�to�provide the same mode of service�within a ten (10) mile radius from the�original assignment.�
- Web Link
-
SAM.gov Permalink
(https://sam.gov/opp/7ffdedfc24494d93b51207c4b9c30cab/view)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Washington, DC 20522, USA
- Zip Code: 20522
- Country: USA
- Zip Code: 20522
- Record
- SN06514809-F 20221112/221110230101 (samdaily.us)
- Source
-
SAM.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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