Administrative Office of the US Courts, OFSAS-CD, Ste. G-358, Washington, DC 20544

R -- ENGLISH-SPANISH COURT INTERPRETER TESTING AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAM SOL MOBIS99-5059 DUE 030899 POC Contact, Linda Round, Contracting Officer, 202-502-1320 The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AOUSC) is seeking sources who can construct and administer a national federal English/Spanish court interpreter testing and certification program to be used in identifying interpreters for court proceedings. The primary duties are: to develop English/Spanish interpreter certification examinations both oral and written, to administer those examinations to candidates, to provide listings of those successfully passing the examinations to the AOUSC; to perform all necessary and related administrative services pertaining to this program; and to represent the interests of the AOUSC as outlined in this announcement in relation to maintenance of the English/Spanish interpreter certification program, product quality, integrity, service delivery, and technical support. Requirements for program and related functions include, but are not limited to, identifying possible candidates or applicant pools for interpreter certification in these languages; identifying and recommending (and/or formal adoption of existing) criteria for certification in these languages; developing criterion-referenced court interpreter examinations both written and oral; developing testing materials for these languages including associated certification manuals for use by test candidates; developing testing and grading/scoring mechanisms ensuring that new examinations equate to examinations previously administered; ensuring, through appropriate methods, the validity and reliability of all new examinations; administration of both written and oral examinations; grading and scoring of the examinations; collecting and accounting of all fees charged for any test administration applications; developing and maintaining listings of individuals who have been classified as certified interpreters; responding to inquiries concerning the certification program, including the justification/defense of any aspects of the program, in whatever forums deemed necessary by the AOUSC; and providing monthly reports on the status and progress of the certification program. The government will require non-exclusive, unlimited data rights to all documents developed and incorporated under any resultant contract. Interested parties who can satisfy the above stated requirements should submit a plan which describes their understanding of the federal court interpreter work environment and their approach (e.g., test development/administration philosophy, methodology, administrative practices, and relevant/specialized experience to all requirements identified within this announcement. Submissions should be forwarded to the attention of Ms. Linda Round, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, One Columbus Circle, NE, Suite G-400, Washington, DC 20544. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether or not it is advantageous for the government to conduct a competitive procurement. If a solicitation is issued, an additional synopsis will be published. Submissions must be submitted to Ms. Round at the above address within 45 calendar days from publication of this notice. Parties who fail to include the requested information will not be considered. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted. Posted 01/20/99 (W-SN289561). (0020)

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