Amend 0002 Statement_of_Work_Translation_Services_Update 23Aug22.pdf

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Statement of Work

El Yunque Interpretation and Translation

Services

Solicitation: 12445022Q0040

Updated: 23 August 2022

Amendment 0002

Contents Project General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

2.0 Background

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

4.0 Deliverables / Schedule

5.0 Special Instructions

6.0 Location

Project

EL YUNQUE INTERPRETATION / TRANSLATION SERVICES

General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

The El Yunque National Forest (EYNF) is requesting Translator/Interpreter services to aid Spanish & English speakers across a range of activities. The facilitator will provide interpretation/translation services during various processes, and it must have a familiarity with natural resource management issues. It will provide accurate concepts and explanations with no additions or omissions, and according to conventions of established interpretation protocol. To ensure success, the translator/interpreter need to process and impart information swiftly, and relay intentions, emotions, and tone in our interpretations.

2.0 Background

The El Yunque National Forest (EYNF) has undergone significant changes since the passing of two strong hurricanes that delivered devastation. These changes include the addition of new responsibilities, because of conducting recovery work, new temporary personnel assigned to the forest, high turnover of temporary employees, permanent employees retiring, and other employees leaving for other employment opportunities. The recovery was initially planned for two

(2) years; however, it is likely that it will take up to seven (7) years. In addition, the Great American Outdoors Act was passed and that will add additional construction projects. The Forest Supervisor and other Supervisors will need to have translations/interpretations services to facilitate the communication work between the forest employees, other government dignitaries and other officials.

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

Forest Supervisor Facilitation - The Overall goal is to facilitate translation services from English to Spanish and Spanish to English during meetings, conferences, and other engagements.

To provide Forest-Supervisor and other staff Supervisor translations/interpretation for a base year and 2 option years.

4.0 Deliverables / Schedule

The Contractor who is awarded the contract, will have ten (10) calendar days after contract award to submit the following documents to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) before commencement of work:

- Certificate of Non-Disclosure (NDA) shall be signed by all Contractor employees working under this contract.

The Contractor shall not release any information or data obtained through performance under this contract without the approval of the Government.

- Contractor must provide results of a criminal history background check on all Contractor employees working under this contract.

The facilitator will:

Be up to date on the understanding and be able to apply federal and state regulations including agency policies and procedures.

Understand the Forest Service, El Yunque’ s mission and infrastructure, complexities around hurricane recovery and working knowledge.

Plan, prepare and coordinate facilitation of translation services on scheduled dates and times.

Keep the translations/interpretation on task in a smooth and orderly way.

Translation/interpretation must be accurate.

Have at least a 48-hour close engagement with the Forest Supervisor prior the meetings.

5.0 Special Instructions

The facilitator needs to be fluent in Spanish and English (oral and written) with a keen understanding of Puerto Rican history and culture. As well as full knowledge of the dialect.

Price shall include all labor, travel costs, and materials and supplies (headphones, application programs, recorders, background investigation, etc.).

The facilitator needs to be able to fulfill either on-site or virtual meetings, as requested by Forest

Supervisor.

Planning and agendas for each meeting must be coordinated within 48 hours in advanced with the Forest Supervisor.

6.0 Location

Meetings will be held in diverse locations throughout Puerto Rico to include El Yunque.