19GE5024Q0059.pdf

COMBINED SYNOPSIS & SOLICITATION

Interpretation and Translation Services for US Embassy Chisinau, Moldova

SOLICITATION NO. 19GE5024Q0059

Issued by:

American Consulate General Regional Procurement Support Office Giessener Strasse 30 60435 Frankfurt am Main Germany

September 6, 2024

Combined Synopsis and Solicitation Solicitation Number 19GE5024Q0059

Regional Procurement Support Office (RPSO) Frankfurt hereby provides the following Combined Synopsis and Solicitation for:

Interpretation and Translation Services for US Embassy Chisinau, Moldova on behalf of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Chisinau, Moldovia.

All interested sellers shall review the solicitation and offer equipment in accordance with the specification provided in this document.

The evaluation of offers will be based on the tradeoff approach. It is the offeror’s responsibility to prove that the service it is offering meets the requested specifications.

Synopsis:

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice.

This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; offers are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is 19GE5024Q0059 and is issued as a Request for Quotations (RFQ), unless otherwise indicated herein.

The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 2024-06, effective August 29, 2024.

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL

Regional Procurement Support Office

Giessener Strasse 30 60435 Frankfurt am Main

Germany Email: GalloneA@state.gov

Contract Type:

The Government intends to award a single, firm fixed-price contract to the responsible offeror whose offer is determined be providing the best value. The total price shall include all labor, equipment, delivery charges, materials, overhead, profit, insurance, warranty, customs clearance, and all other expenses necessary to deliver the required supplies. No additional sums will be payable on account of any escalations in the cost of materials, equipment, or labor, or because of the Contractor’s failure to properly estimate or accurately predict the cost or difficulty of achieving the results required by this contract. Nor will the contract price be adjusted on account of fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

Term of Contract:

This ensuing contract shall be effective from the date of the Contracting Officer’s signature and shall remain valid until all items are received and accepted by the Government.

Compliance with Specifications:

Offerors shall also provide with their offer, at a minimum, existing product literature substantiating the acceptability of their offered product in accordance with this solicitation’s specifications provided in the solicitation. Failure to provide this information will result in a ‘non- responsive’ offer and removal from award consideration.

Descriptive Literature Required:

Definition: (a) "Descriptive literature" means information (e.g., cuts, illustrations, drawings and original manufacturers' brochures) that is submitted as part of an offer. Descriptive literature is required to establish, for the purpose of evaluation and award, details of the product offered that are specified elsewhere in the solicitation and pertain to significant elements such as (1) design;

(2) materials; (3) components; (4) performance characteristics; and (5) methods of manufacture, assembly, construction, or operation. The term includes only information required to determine the technical acceptability of the offered product. It does not include other information such as that used in determining the responsibility of a prospective contractor or for operating or maintaining equipment. (b) Descriptive literature must be (1) identified to show the item(s) of the offer to which it applies and (2) received by the time specified in this solicitation for receipt of offers. (c) Data displaying more than one model or size shall be clearly marked so as to indicate the specific item being offered. (d) Offers which do not present sufficient information to permit complete technical evaluation by the Government may be rejected. It is the offeror’s responsibility to prove that their proposed solution meets the requested specifications, subject to any limitations elsewhere in this solicitation.

Other Specific Requirements:

Coordination:

The Contractor shall coordinate the delivery of the items with the following Points of Contact (POC): *(to be advised on award).

Acquisition Method and Extent of Competition:

This solicitation is utilizing Simplified Acquisition Procedures at FAR 13.1.

List of Attachments:

1. Attachment I – Representations and certifications

SCOPE OF WORK:

Background

The Government of Moldova has an ambitious agenda to obtain progress on high-profile criminal investigations to maintain credibility with the country’s incumbent pro-Western leadership. In this regard, United States Government (USG) is providing support in reforming justice sector and combating corruption initiatives promoted by the Moldovan Government.

The USG provision of advisory assistance in support of Moldova USG officials to Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office (APO), the National Anticorruption Centre (NAC) and the Criminal Assets Recovery Agency (CARA or ARBI) has been one of these support activities.

Currently the assistance of USG officials, such as from the Department of Justice (DoJ) or other Departments, Agencies will continue in the framework of this contract with the same tasks starting from July 2024 through August 2024 but will also include a Temporary Duty Travel of an Assistant Attorney from OPDAT ILA for 1 week in July-August 2024 and then another for 6 months between October 2024 and March 2025. The period of performance for this contract is between October-December 2025. The USG officials will work from Moldovan government offices such as NAC, APO and other as required with visits, site visits, operational offsite travel etc.

In this regard, the working language of the USG officials is English, and the translation services will be covered by the U.S. Government through the Bureau of International Narcotics to and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), to ensure the effectiveness of his work.

This support includes translation services of one person who will interpret, translate to the USG officials on a full-time basis and who provides all in-person and online interpretation needs for meetings, hearings, correspondence, etc. as their primary duty. The translator also provides written translation services when not engaged in interpretation services per request.

The vendor’s personnel that will work with the USG officials will sign a Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement.

I. Specifications for required translation services.

No. Item No of translators

Quantity Working language

1. Simultaneous/consecutive/ whispering Interpretation English-Romanian- Romanian and written translations

1 Full-time 120 days (1 day is up to 8 hours)

Romanian- English- Romanian

Period of performance: October – December 2025.

✓ Quantity: 120 business days on full-time basis. If there will be additional needs, the provider will coordinate with vendor ASAP.

✓ Performance: the vendor must prove the highest quality of their interpretation, translation, whispering services.

The vendor will submit at least 2 Curriculum Vitae (CV’s) for staff expected to be engaged in services provision.

The vendor must also provide examples of past performance. This may include certifications, authorizations in the field of translation, interpretation and other relevant documents for its staff.

✓ Location: 198, Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt street, MD-2004, Chișinău, National Anticorruption Centre; 26 Mitropolit Gavriil Bănulescu-Bodoni, MD-2005, Chișinău, Anti-Corruption Prosecutors’ Office. If the location changes, then the provider will be informed ASAP.

The vendor will provide simultaneous, consecutive, whispering, and written English-Romanian interpretation and translation services to assist USG representatives during their visits in Chisinau during 2024-2025.

Advance notice will be given by the provider to the vendor whenever translation services are necessary.

C. Deliverables:

No. Item No. Of translators Quantity Period Working language

1. Highly

Qualified in-person and online interpretation, as well as written translation according to

1 Initial estimation:

120 working days

October 2024 -December 2025.

Romanian- English- Romanian the USG needs.

Organizational Capacities The contractor must provide information (documentation) to support the experience of the organization with similar projects of this size and shall provide two or more past performance references to include organization name, address, telephone number, program coordinator’s name and telephone number, a description of services provided.

The contractor shall demonstrate to have enough personnel to employ for this service and to cover the eventual absence of the translator, providing information for a backup translator too.

Personnel and Experience The contractor shall provide detailed descriptions of the demonstrated and documented experiences for all proposed instructors. Availability of resumes is required. Preference will be given to contractors whose instructors have experience with similar programs or have a background as native speakers (American or British).

2. Scheduling and Costs Timeline The period of performance (PoP) for this project is 120 days from the contract award date, with the option to extend for extra 120 days. The Government is not obliged to execute the option.

3. Technical Evaluation Criteria

1. Experience, expertise

2. Personnel CV

3. Timeline

Applicable Clauses and Provisions:

The full text of the referenced FAR and DOSAR clauses may be accessed electronically at https://www.acquisition.gov.

The selected Offeror must comply with the following commercial item terms and conditions, which are incorporated herein by reference:

CLAUSE/PROVISION TITLE AND DATE

FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Product and Commercial

Services (Sep 2023)

FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation – Commercial Product and Commercial Services (Nov

2021)

FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Products and Commercial Services (May 2024)

FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Product and

Commercial Services (Nov 2023)

FAR 52.204-7 System for Award Management (Oct 2018)

FAR 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (Oct 2018)

FAR 52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting (Aug 2020)

FAR 52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (Aug

2020)

FAR 52.204-29 Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders—

Representation and Disclosures (Dec 2023)

FAR 52.211-6 Brand Name or Equal (Aug 1999)

FAR 52.247-34 F.O.B. Destination (Nov 1991)

CLAUSE/PROVISION TITLE AND DATE

DOSAR 652.229-70 Excise Tax Exemption Statement for Contractors Within the

United States (Jul 1988)

DOSAR 652.229-71 Personal Property Disposition at Posts Abroad (Aug 1999)

DOSAR 652.232-70 Payment Schedule and Invoice Submission (Fixed-Price) (Aug

1999)

DOSAR 652.242-73 Authorization and Performance (Aug 1999)

DOSAR 652.243-70 Notices (Aug 1999)

DOSAR 652.247-70 Notice of Shipments (Feb 2015)

DOSAR 652.247-71 Shipping Instructions (Feb 2015)

FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Dec 2023) - the applicable clauses under paragraph (b) are: 52.203-6; 52.203-17; 52.204-10; 52.204-27; 52.204- 30; 52.209-6; 52.222-19; 52.222-50; 52.225-5; 52.225-13; 52.226-8; 52.232-33 [U.S Based Company: 52.222-21; 52.222-26; 52.222-36].

The following clause(s) and provision(s) are provided in full text:

Addendum to FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021)

The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror (as determined within the meaning of FAR Part 9, paragraph 9.104), whose offer conforms to the solicitation and is determined to be the most advantageous solution to the Government, price and other factors considered. Evaluation will be based on offeror’s submission and the provision at FAR 52.212-2, as provided in this solicitation.

Technical and past performance, when combined, are significantly more important than cost or price.

The Government reserves the right to award without any discussions. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

(a) The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

(i) Technical Capability/Acceptability

The offered products shall conform to the detailed specifications and performance criteria outlined in the solicitation, including materials, dimensions, functionality, and other technical aspects. Evaluation will consider the quality and reliability of the products, which may involve examining product certifications, warranties, and relevant testing results or industry standards compliance. Products will be assessed for their ability to perform as intended in specific use-case scenarios, potentially through reviewing technical documentation or product demonstrations.

Additionally, any innovative features or technological advancements that provide added value or improved performance over competing offers will be considered.

(ii) Past Performance

Past performance information that is independently obtained, by the U.S.

Government, from other Government and commercial sources may also be used during past performance evaluation. Based upon information gained from other Government and commercial sources, past performance evaluation will assess the recency and relevancy of collected information in accordance with 52.212-1. If found recent and relevant, the Government will evaluate whether the offeror had successfully demonstrated an ability to perform. The evaluation of past performance information will take into account past performance information regarding predecessor companies, key personnel who have relevant experience, or subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement when such information is relevant to the acquisition. In addition, the Contracting Officer may use past performance information in making a determination of responsibility.

(iii) Price

The price will be evaluated by the lowest aggregate sum of the items including any delivery charges, custom clearance, handling charge, Value Added Tax (VAT) (if applicable) etc.

(b) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of provision)

FAR 52.214-34 Submission of Offers in the English Language (Apr 1991)

Offers submitted in response to this solicitation shall be in the English language. Offers received in other than English shall be rejected.

(End of Provision)

FAR 52.225-17 Evaluation of Foreign Currency Offers (Feb 2000)

If the Government receives offers in more than one currency, the Government will evaluate offers by converting the foreign currency to United States currency using the U.S. Department of State foreign currency exchange rate in effect as follows:

(1) On the date specified for receipt of offers if award is based on initial offers; otherwise

(2) On the date specified for receipt of proposal revisions.

(End of provision)

Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Product and Commercial Services (Sep 2023)

Pursuant to FAR 12.302(d), the provision at FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Product and Commercial Services (Sep 2023) is augmented as follows:

Submission of Offers: Submit signed and dated offers to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. Offers may be submitted on letterhead stationery. As a minimum, offers must show-

(1) The solicitation number;

(2) A technical description of the items being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. This shall include product literature, or other documents;

(3) Terms of warranty;

(4) Price and any discount terms;

(5) Delivery schedule and method of shipment;

(6) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at FAR 52.212-3 (see FAR

52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically); and

(7) Past performance information to include recent and relevant three (3) contracts for the same or similar items and other references (including contract numbers, points of contact with telephone numbers and other relevant information).

Offers who fail to furnish required representations or information or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation shall be excluded from consideration.

Preparation of Offers: Offerors shall prepare and submit its offer in two (2) volumes as set forth below.

VOLUME I: PRICING AND REPRESENTATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS

(i) The offeror shall complete pricing information in the table below.

CLIN Description Unit Quantity Unit Price

Total Cost

Simultaneous/consecutive/whispering Interpretation English-Romanian- Romanian and written translations

EA 1

0002 Value Added Tax (VAT), if applicable Lot 1

GRAND TOTAL – CLINs 0001 to 0002:

Currency: _____________________________

(i) FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (May 2024), FAR 20.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Nov 2021):

Offerors shall submit a completed copy of the above listed representations and certifications.

VOLUME II: TECHNICAL CAPABILITY AND PAST PERFORMANCE

The proposed supply shall meet all of the minimum technical specifications and the delivery terms contained herein. In addition, the offeror shall provide:

(i) Descriptive Literature and Work Plan

(ii) A confirmation service can start within 2 weeks of award.

(iii) CV and Expertise of the available translators

(iv) Past Performance

SUBMISSION OF OFFERS:

The complete offer submission shall include:

1. Volume I - Price Offer and a completed copy of the representations and certifications at FAR 52.212-3 and FAR 20.204-24 (Attachment I – Representations and certifications)

2. Volume II - Technical Capability: Descriptive literature, a delivery of service confirmation, CV and expertise, past performance.

Failure to furnish and deliver all requested information in accordance with the instructions in the solicitation shall result in a non-responsive proposal and removal from award consideration.

The penalty for making false statements is prescribed in 18 USC 1001.

SUBMISSION OF QUESTIONS:

Interested parties may submit any questions concerning the solicitation as soon as possible but not later than 15:00 hours Central European Summer Time (CEST) on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, email to Ms. Gallone at “GalloneA@state.gov.” The email subject line must read “Solicitation 19GE5024Q0059.”

Late questions may not be considered.

OFFER DUE DATE:

Offers shall be submitted as soon as possible but not later than 15:00 hours Central European Summer Time (CEST) on September 17, 2024, email to Ms. Gallone at GalloneA@state.gov.

The email subject line must read “Solicitation 19GE5024Q0059.” Electronic offers shall be submitted in a format readable by Microsoft (MS) Word, MS Excel, or Adobe PDF, as applicable. The email size shall not exceed 45 MB.

The Government shall not be responsible for an offeror being unable to successfully transmit emails due to any file size constraints of their email systems. Offerors shall ensure that emails have been transmitted.

Use of electronic depositories is not permitted (for example, Google Drive).

Late submissions shall not be considered.

Applicable laws and regulations: Solicitation and award will be subject to laws and regulations of the United States of America.

{END OF SOLICITATION}

mailto:GalloneA@state.gov