70FBR026Q00000001-0002 Questions and Answers.pdf

70FBR026Q00000001 Questions and Answers

November 5, 2025

CLARIFICATIONS:

It is the preference of FEMA for contractors to use local interpreters from the affected localities within the declared disaster area as stated in the Solicitation. In person spoken interpretation requires individuals who are fluent in the language specified.

Offerors shall provide the names and qualifications for all interpreters to perform under the awarded contract.

Use of Artificial Intelligence solutions will not be considered for this requirement.

FEMA has the intention of scheduling times-slots in which interpretation will be needed, primarily at Disaster Assistance Centers (DAC) where individuals affected by Typhoon Halong are applying for Disaster Assistance.

The expectation is for the contractor to provide in person services at various locations, primarily in Bethel and Anchorage, Alaska. The hours may vary from day-to-day, though a set-time schedule will try to be obtained whenever possible.

Travel

Some travel may be required. Mileage is reimbursable at the published rate of GSA Federal Travel Regulations. It is the objective to use local interpreters to the greatest extent possible.

Citizenship and Background Checks:

o All contractor employees requiring repeated access to federal facilities must be U.S. citizens or lawfully admitted permanent residents.

o Background checks will be conducted using systems like eVerify.

Contractors shall identify in their proposals, the names and citizenship of all non-U.S.

citizens proposed to work under the contract. Any additions or deletions of non-U.S.

citizens after contract award shall also be reported to the Contracting Officer.

Please ensure compliance with Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR) 3052.204-71 regarding contractor employee access.

November 4, 2025

Question:

1) Could you please clarify whether FEMA will consider quotations from small businesses outside Alaska if no eligible local vendors are available, or whether eligibility is strictly limited to entities located within the designated disaster area or the State of Alaska?

Answer

• This is set aside for the disaster area. If no providers are available first within the declared disaster boroughs, and then the State of Alaska, all offers will be considered.

• If you would like to submit a quotation, please provide the experience of the individuals who will be translating the Yup’ik language.

• Please state if the interpreters live local to Anchorage and / or Bethel?

• Wage Determinations - is there a WD number we can use to find the reference on

SAM?

• Wage Determinations can be found on SAM.gov.

• https://sam.gov/search/?page=1&pageSize=25&sort=-modifiedDate&index=sca&sfm%5Bstatus%5D%5Bis_active%5D=true&sfm%5BwdLocation Wrapper%5D%5BwdStates%5D%5B0%5D%5Bkey%5D=AK&sfm%5BwdLocationWrapper% 5D%5BwdStates%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D=Alaska

• Can you clarify "size standard $22.5"?

• The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) has stated the size standard to qualify for small business is $22.5M

• Start dates and duration: I assume the award would be given and contract started on November 6, will there interpretation on November 6?

• The services will start within a week of the RFQ closing. The specific date is not set.

• If the interpretation is scheduled for a later time, what lead time will FEMA provide for the interpretation request?

• FEMA will provide 48 hours notice.

• Do you expect to have interpreters on retainer/standby for the 7am to 7pm work day if it's on site? If it's telephonic?

Answer

The hours for onsite interpretation services will vary depending on if the interpreter is at the Disaster Assistance Center or supporting one of the five non-congregate shelters. We expect the interpreter to be onsite during the hours the Disaster Assistance Center is open. At this time, the hours are 10am-5pm but that could change.

For virtual/telephonic services to support the Alaska Call Center, FEMA expects the interpreter to be available specific times, Monday through Saturday, during the Alaska Call Center hours. These hours will be shorter than the hours the Alaska Call Center is open.

For virtual services that support other engagements, we will plan in advance the hours – providing 48 hours notice on the timeframe.

November 3, 2025

Question Are you aware that the Northwest Region of Alaska are Iñupiat, and not Yup'ik - completely different ethnicities.

Answer We are aware. The request is for Yup’ik.

Question

Will there be a lead time for public events that require live interpretations?

Answer: There will likely be lead time. Over the phone interpretations are also an option, depending on the event or need.

Question:

Due to flights and potentially no lodging because of the storm, there needs to be at least a 2-day notice for travel from Anchorage to Bethel and Anchorage to Kotzebue.

Answer:

Understood. FEMA prefers to collaborate with interpreters who have been impacted by Typhoon Halong or reside in the affected area. Additionally, FEMA prioritizes working with local interpreters currently located in Anchorage or Bethel, Alaska to minimize the need for travel.

Question:

Do you know if GCI is the only telecommunications provider that is in service in the YK area?

Answer:

Please check with your carrier for phone coverage areas. GCI Communications may be the single provider in some Alaskan coverage areas.

Question:

Is Starlink available?

Answer: Please check with the provider to determine coverage areas.