Translation and interpretation of languages 2024-UWMSN-00663-RFB

The University of Wisconsin-Madison, located in Dane County, is seeking a comprehensive language services vendor through Request for Bid (RFB) 2024-UWMSN-00663 to provide translation and interpretation services across Wisconsin. The solicitation covers written translation, on-site interpretation, remote interpretation, and voiceover services for foreign spoken languages, explicitly excluding American Sign Language. Vendors must bid on all services and demonstrate competence in simultaneous interpreting, with preferred qualifications including court certification or conference interpreting certificates. Vendors should be proficient in using Zoom platforms and in-person audio equipment for interpretation services. The bid will be available online at https://bids.sciquest.com/apps/Router/PublicEvent on May 23, 2024, at 10:00am CT, with responses due by June 10, 2024, at 2:00 PM. Vendors must submit all questions directly to Dana Casey via email at dana.casey@wisc.edu. The university requires vendors to be capable of handling top requested languages including Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Pashto, and Russian, with Spanish representing 66% of the anticipated workload.

The procurement shows a preference for Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) vendors, though out-of-state businesses may also submit proposals despite potential logistical challenges for in-person services. The current incumbent is Midwest Connect, which has established translation rates of $0.14/word for Spanish, $0.35/word for Hmong, and $0.45/word for other languages, with interpretation services ranging from $80-110/hour and including two-hour minimums that cover travel time and mileage. The estimated annual volume is approximately 100,000 hours for combined interpretation and translation services, with an annual budget set at $90,000 for one fiscal year. The university currently utilizes Trados translation management software and will not accept machine translation solutions. Potential vendors must be prepared to integrate with this existing technological infrastructure and meet the university's comprehensive language service requirements across multiple languages and service types.