Statement_of_Work_Translation_Services_4Aug22.pdf

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Statement of Work

El Yunque Interpretation and Translation

Services

4 August 2022

Contents Project

General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

2.0 Background

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

4.0 Deliverables / Schedul…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3

5.0 Special Instructions

6.0 Location

Project

EL YUNQUE INTERPRETATION / TRANSLATION SERVICES

General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

The El Yunque National Forest is requesting translator/ interpreter services to aid non-Spanish Spanish & English speakers across a range of activities. The interpreter will provide interpretation / translation services during various processes, and it must have a familiarity with natural resource management issues. It will provide accurate concepts and explanations with no additions or omissions, and according to conventions of established interpretation protocol.

To ensure success the translator / interpreter need to process and impart information swiftly, and relay intentions, emotions, and tone in our interpretations.

2.0 Background

The El Yunque National Forest has undergone significant changes since the passing of two strong hurricanes that delivered devastation. These changes include the addition of new responsibilities, because of conducting recovery work, new temporary personnel assigned to the forest, high turnover of temporary employees, permanent employees retiring, and other employees leaving for other employment opportunities. The recovery was initially planned for two (2) years; however, it is likely that it will take up to seven (7) years. In addition, the Great American Outdoors Act was passed and that will add additional construction projects. The Forest Supervisor and other Supervisors will need to have translations / interpretations services to facilitate the communication work between the forest employees, other government dignitaries and other officials.

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

Forest Supervisor Facilitation - The Overall goal is to facilitate translation services from English to Spanish and

Spanish to English during meetings, conferences, and other engagements) To provide Forest-Supervisor and other staff Supervisor translations / interpretation for a base year and 2 option years.

4.0 Deliverables / Schedule

The facilitator will:

up to date on the understanding and be able to apply federal and state regulations including agency policies and procedures.

Understand the Forest Service, El Yunque’ s mission and infrastructure, complexities around hurricane recovery and working knowledge

Plan, prepare and coordinate facilitation of translation services on scheduled dates and times Keep the translations / interpretation on task in a smooth and orderly way.

Translation / interpretation must be accurate.

Have at least a 48-hour close engagement with the Forest Supervisor prior the meetings.

5.0 Special Instructions

The facilitator needs to be fluent in Spanish and English (oral and written) with a keen understanding of Puerto

Rican history and culture. As well as full knowledge of the dialect.

Price should be presented as rate per session. The rate should account for any “longer session” where skills are before or after the facilitated meeting. The timing, duration and frequency of the afore mentioned translation / interpretation should be developed with the expert judgment of the contracting agency, as there is no pre-determined schedule. The only expectation is that the time will develop the skills overtime to self-facilitate and the facilitator transitions to more of a group translator / interpreter. Price should include all labor, travel costs, and materials and supplies (headphones, application programs, recorders).

The facilitator needs to be able to fulfill either on-site or virtual meetings, as requested by Forest Supervisor.

Planning and agendas for each meeting must be coordinate within 48 hours in advanced with the Forest

Supervisor.

6.0 Location

Meetings will be held in diverse locations throughout Puerto Rico to include El Yunque.