Multi Supplier Framework for the provision of Sign Language Interpretations Services

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

1. At a glance

Buyer Title CPV / category Estimated value Per-year Procedure type Lots Location Contract length Submission deadline Go-live / start |-------|-------|----------------|------------------|----------|----------------|------|----------|------------------|---------------------|------------------| Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board Multi Supplier Framework for the provision of Sign Language Interpretations Services 92521000-3 not disclosed not stated Open Procedure 3 Galway and Roscommon 2 years, with up to 2 extensions of 12 months 2026-06-18 11:00 Q3 2026

2. Scope of Work

The Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB) seeks to establish a multi-party framework agreement for the provision of Sign Language Interpretation Services. This framework will support students with moderate to profound deafness across various educational settings within GRETB's jurisdiction. The contractor will be responsible for delivering interpretation services in multiple formats and environments, ensuring accessibility for learners.

The scope of work includes the following activities:

• Simultaneous Interpreting: Providing real-time interpretation during classes.
• Summary Interpreting: Offering condensed interpretation for practical classes and labs.
• Examination Interpreting: Facilitating interpretation during assessments.
• Meeting and Consultation Interpreting: Interpreting for student consultations and meetings.
• Social Interpretation: Providing interpretation for social events as required.
• Guidance Counselling Sessions: Interpreting during counselling appointments.
• Learner Support Assessment Appointments: Assisting during assessments for learner support.
• Open Days and Graduation Ceremonies: Interpreting during events such as open days and graduations.
• Online and Remote Services: Offering interpretation services via digital platforms when necessary.

The contractor must be capable of providing interpreters qualified in various subject areas and able to operate across multiple GRETB sites, including schools and further education centres in counties Galway and Roscommon. The response time for service requests is expected to be within two days.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with GRETB's mission to enhance educational accessibility for all students, particularly those with hearing impairments. The establishment of GRETB in 2013 resulted from the amalgamation of several vocational education committees, aiming to streamline educational services across the region. The current tender reflects GRETB's commitment to providing inclusive education and support services, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations under the Education and Training Boards Act 2013.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria to be considered for evaluation:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: €6,500,000
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: €1,000,000
• Employer’s Liability Insurance: €13,000,000
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Minimum of 2 comparable projects delivered in the past 3 years.
• Personnel: Interpreters must hold a recognized professional accreditation or a Diploma in ISL/English Interpreting.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Services must be provided across GRETB sites in Galway and Roscommon.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Complete the Tender Response Document without qualifications.
• CVs: Up-to-date CVs for all personnel involved in the project.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the Form of Tender as specified.
• Case studies: Evidence of at least 2 comparable projects.
• Declarations: Include Tax Clearance, ESPD, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made via eTenders, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Duration: Initial term of 2 years, with up to 2 extensions of 12 months each.
• Payment terms: Monthly invoicing for services rendered, requiring a purchase order number.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Response time for service requests is within 2 days.
• Termination clauses: The contracting authority reserves the right to terminate the agreement for material breaches.
• IP ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting rules: Not specified for this tender.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The requirement for a minimum of 2 comparable projects may limit participation from smaller firms.
• The framework agreement does not guarantee a specific volume of work, which may affect financial planning for bidders.
• The ability to provide services in Irish, while not explicitly stated as a requirement, may be an implicit expectation.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is open to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that can demonstrate the necessary qualifications and experience. Viable bidders should possess:

• Experience in delivering sign language interpretation services within educational settings.
• The capability to form consortia or subcontract with other SMEs or larger firms to meet the requirements.
• An estimated bid preparation effort of several days, depending on the complexity of the proposal.
• A moderate Pwin signal, as the tender does not specify incumbent firms or sole-supplier frameworks.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: GRETB Sign Language Interpretation Services- Invitation To Tender.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email: Not specified
• Important attachments: Appendix 3 — Framework Agreement Terms and Conditions, Appendix 4 — Additional Terms and Conditions.