RFT for the provision of Interpretation Services (all Languages except Irish)

AI-generated analysis of the documents. Check the official notice and any amendments for current submission details.

1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

The Department of Social Protection requires the provision of interpretation services for all languages except Irish. The services will be delivered under a 12-month contract, with the option to extend for up to three additional 12-month periods. The estimated expenditure for the initial 12-month term is €560,000 (excluding VAT).

The core services encompass:

• Face-to-Face Interpretation Services: Providing interpreters for in-person interactions.
• Telephone Interpretation Services: Facilitating communication via phone calls.
• Video Remote Interpretation Services: Enabling interpretation through video conferencing platforms.

Key operational requirements include:

• Availability: Interpreters must be available for booking, with confirmation provided to the requester within 60 minutes via email.
• Response Times: Calls must be answered by a live operator within 1 minute. A failure rate of more than 10% of individual calls not answered within 1 minute within a three-month period may lead to contract termination.
• Reporting: Reports on interpretations performed must be provided within 7 days from the end of the required period.
• Pricing: All prices quoted must be all-inclusive, expressed in Euro, and exclusive of VAT. Prices must remain valid for 180 days from the tender deadline. Currency variations over the contract term are borne by the Tenderer.
• Invoicing: Invoices are deemed accepted if no queries are raised within 14 days.

The contract will be awarded based on the most economically advantageous tender, considering both the Service Proposal and the Pricing Schedule.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated by the Department of Social Protection to secure interpretation services across various languages, excluding Irish. The services are essential for the Department's operations, facilitating communication with individuals who do not speak English. The estimated contract value suggests a consistent demand for these services. The procurement follows an open procedure under Irish and EU regulations. The Department aims to encourage participation from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and encourages larger enterprises to include SMEs in their proposals.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following criteria to be considered:

• Turnover requirement: A minimum average annual turnover of €155,000K (i.e., €155 million) for the three most recent years of audited accounts, or for each year of establishment if the company is younger.
• Insurance: The successful tenderer must hold the following insurances for the contract term:
• Employer’s Liability: €12,700,000
• Public Liability: €6,500,000
• Professional Indemnity: €500,000
• Product Liability: Not specified for this tender.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: A minimum of three contracts or service agreements successfully performed within the last 8 calendar years, demonstrating the ability to provide similar services. Details required include client organisation, contract description, dates, value, and a summary of services provided.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Services are to be provided within Ireland.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The contract will be awarded based on the most economically advantageous tender, with a split of 30% for the Service Proposal and 70% for the Pricing Schedule.

Criterion Weight (%) Sub-criteria