19VM3026Q0016-Interpretation Services-QA.pdf

This is a Questions and Answers document issued by the Embassy of the United States of America in Hanoi, Vietnam on April 21, 2026, in response to inquiries regarding RFQ 19VM3026Q0016 for Interpretation Services.

The RFQ concerns procurement of interpretation services for a conference in Gabon accommodating approximately 400 participants. The government will award the contract to the lowest-priced, technically acceptable offer. All costs for interpretation services must be all-inclusive, covering agency fees, logistics, transportation, accommodation, per diem, and visa expenses—no separate cost line items are permitted. The interpreters will be required for the conference duration with 2-3 interpreters per language. Interpreting equipment will be provided on-site by the government and will consist of a fixed booth system with multiple interpretation booths (each accommodating two interpreters) and a multichannel audio system with capacity for approximately 400 participants. The government provided no recommendation regarding flight service providers and will not contract for backup or on-site alternative interpreters beyond the 2-3 per language already specified. The RFQ already accounts for potential interpreter illness, assuming the remaining interpreters can perform adequately. Remote or virtual interpretation is not considered viable due to the large number of participants and limited internet bandwidth in Gabon.