RFI_FSC ASL Interpreter Services.pdf

DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) is seeking information and sources capable of providing the services described below. The purpose of this notice is to gather capabilities and market information pertinent to acquisition planning. The responses to this Sources Sought notice will contribute to determining the method of procurement and identify parties having an interest in and the resources to support this requirement.

THERE IS NO SOLICITATION AT THIS TIME

This Sources Sought does not constitute a request for quotes. Submission of any information in response to this Sources Sought notice is purely voluntary. The Government assumes no financial responsibility for any costs incurred.

DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Financial Services Center (FSC) has a nonpersonal services requirement for interpretation services on an as-needed basis for one or more deaf and/or hearing-impaired employees.

The contractor shall provide all necessary personnel, equipment (including but not limited to, captioning software and laptop, as requested on an as-needed basis), and materials to perform the work described in the PWS. The services required include:

1. Oral spoken English into signed English and American Sign Language (ASL)

2. Pidgin Signed English (PSE)

3. Oral with sign or ASL (in reverse) back to oral English

The Government reserves the right to videotape the signing and use as deemed necessary.

A sample list of onsite interpreting events is listed below and is subject to change depending on the FSC requirements:

• Staff meetings

• Commemorative programs

• Award ceremonies

• Safety talks

• On-the-job training (OJT)

• Committee meetings

• Discussions on work procedures, policies, or assignments for formal and informal settings

• Special event programs

• Mid-year performance discussions, annual performance appraisals, disciplinary discussions

• Basic staff training, classroom training, formal training

• Interviews

• All-hands meetings

Please see the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS).

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:

If your organization is capable of providing these services, please respond to this Sources Sought as follows:

Sources Sought Notice

A. Cover Sheet (1 page)

1. Organization name, address, SAM Unique Entity Identifier (UIE) number, and website.

2. Primary point of contact, including an e-mail address and phone number.

3. Company size status as listed in SAM under NAICS 541930 – Translation and Interpretation

Services. State if your company is also verified as a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small

Business (SDVOSB) or a Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) in the Small Business

Administration’s (SBA) Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) database. State if your company is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Veteran Owned

Small Business (VOSB), Small Business, or Large Business.

4. If these services are available on your company’s GSA contract, provide the GSA contract number, schedule, and SIN category; for a NASA SEWP contract, provide the NASA SEWP contract number.

B. Capabilities Statement and Market Information (no more than 5 pages)

1. If this contract were an SDVOSB set aside, can your SDVOSB comply with VAAR Clause 852.219-

75, VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting – Certificate of Compliance for Services and

Construction?

2. What key questions do you need to see answered in a future PD before you decide to respond to the solicitation?

3. Please describe your experience working with Government agencies. Specifically, what processes do you have in place to submit a timely and quality quote?

4. Would you be interested in proposing a solicitation for this work?

5. All interpreters shall have a certification obtained from a recognized certifying organization.

Certification for interpreter providers must be obtained from organizations in accordance with section 4.0 of the PWS. Can your company fulfill this requirement?

6. These services are in-person at 8000 Metropolis Drive, Building B, Austin, TX 78744. On rare occasions, services may be required at another location as determined by the Government. All interpreters on this contract shall be qualified within the state where services are delivered. Is your company familiar with state requirements, including certifications? Is your company able to provide in-person services at the location?

7. Are there any areas in the PWS that would need updated/clarified to ensure all necessary requirements can be covered?

8. Would you propose other NAICS for these services?

9. Please provide any other feedback or suggestions that you deem appropriate.

Submissions must be emailed to Brandi Luna (Brandi.Luna@va.gov) and Justin Cole

(Justin.Cole4@va.gov) by the date/time listed in the posting.