BPM005633 JC Wordsmith Exceptions Determination 12.04.23.docx
DOCX document 36 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- BPM005633
- Issued by
- Arizona
About this file
This is an exceptions determination document for Solicitation BPM005633, Foreign Language Interpretation and Translation Services, issued by a state agency. The document records JC Wordsmith's proposed exceptions to the scope of work requirements. JC Wordsmith, identified as a small business with one full-time employee, submitted exceptions to three service categories: Over-the-Phone Interpretation Services (requiring 24/7 toll-free calling and dispatch systems), Voiceover Translation Services (involving script translation and audio-visual conversion), and Video Remote Interpreting services. The state reviewed each exception on December 4, 2023.
The state agency denied all three exceptions submitted by JC Wordsmith. The state's position, documented in the determination, is that if a bidder does not bid on a particular section, that section will not apply to the resulting contract. JC Wordsmith's rationale for the exceptions centered on business capacity constraints—the company cited inability to provide over-the-phone services due to costs and logistics, lack of current capability to offer voiceover translation, and pricing model incompatibility for video remote interpreting services. However, the state maintained that these services remain required contract obligations unless the offeror formally opts out of bidding on them entirely.
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Text version
EXCEPTIONS
Offeror: JC Wordsmith Solicitation #: BPM005633 Foreign Language Interpretation and Translation Services
Scope of Work
| Section |
| RFP Language |
| Offeror Exceptions |
| State Comments |
| Offeror Response |
| 3.2.3 |
| Over-the-Phone Interpretation Services. The Contractor shall provide: |
3.2.3.2 An established toll-free calling system to receive and route calls to the appropriate interpreter available twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days a week, including State observed holidays.
3.2.3.3 An efficient call routing and dispatch system in place to connect customers with the appropriate interpreter with minimal delay.
3.2.3.4 A toll-free over-the-phone customer support available twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days a week, including State observed holidays.
Alternate language: The Contractor will not provide Over-the-Phone Interpretation Services.
Rationale: The Contractor is a small business consisting of one full-time employee, and thus is unable to provide this service due to costs and logistics.
State Response
12/04/23
Alternative Language is denied. If a section is not bid, it will not apply to the contract.
| 3.3.3 |
| Voiceover Translation Services. Voice over translation is an audio-visual conversion of dialogue from one language to another. The Contractor shall: 3.3.3.1 The Contractor shall first translate the original script narrative, and then have a voice talent record the translated language on to the video |
| Alternate language: The Contractor will not provide Voiceover Translation Services. |
Rationale: The Contractor is a small business and this service is not currently offered.
State Response
| 3.2.4 |
| Video Remote Interpreting (or VRI). The Contractor shall: |
3.2.4.1 Provide professionally trained and certified interpreters who shall be capable of accurately relaying information given by the Eligible Agency personnel.
Alternate language: The Contractor will not provide Video Remote Interpreting.
Rationale: The per-minute pricing model with no minimum fee makes it impossible to book a professional interpreter for this service.
State Response
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .