Provision of Irish Sign Language Interpreting Services for the Access Centre’s Disability Support Service, University of Galway

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 contract involves the provision of Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreting services for the Access Centre’s Disability Support Service at the University of Galway. This service aims to support approximately 2,000 students with disabilities, facilitating their access to the teaching and learning environment. The framework will be utilized for all requirements arising during its duration.

Key activities include:

• Provision of ISL Interpreters: Tenderers must supply qualified interpreters registered with the Register of Irish Sign Language Interpreters (RISLI).
• Service Delivery: Interpreters will facilitate communication between deaf students, their peers, and university staff, ensuring full participation in academic activities.
• Training and Induction: Interpreters must undergo training in disability awareness, data protection, and confidentiality before commencing work.
• User Engagement: The service must include strategies for user engagement, ensuring accessibility and inclusiveness for deaf students.
• Operational Requirements: The contractor must provide year-round services, including out-of-hours and summer cover for postgraduate students and those repeating exams.
• Response Times: Normal cover requests must be addressed within 12 hours, while emergency requests require a 4-hour response time.
• Performance Monitoring: Regular reviews and feedback mechanisms must be established to assess service quality and interpreter performance.

The framework agreement will also accommodate unforeseen requirements that fall within the defined scope.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with the University of Galway's commitment to inclusivity and support for students with disabilities. The Access Centre’s Disability Support Service has historically provided essential services to a significant number of students. The framework aims to enhance the university's capacity to deliver high-quality ISL interpreting services, ensuring that deaf students can fully engage in their educational pursuits. The contract is part of a broader initiative funded by the Higher Education Authority, which emphasizes the importance of accessibility in higher education.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability: €2.6 million
• Employer's Liability: €10 million
• Professional Indemnity: €1 million
• Motor Insurance (if applicable): €6.5 million
• Certifications: Must be registered with RISLI and adhere to its Code of Conduct.
• Past experience: Bidders should demonstrate successful delivery of comparable services within the last three years.
• Personnel: Interpreters must hold qualifications recognized by RISLI and have valid Garda vetting.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Services must be deliverable at any University of Galway location.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach, with a minimum scoring threshold of 50% for each criterion.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Use the provided Tender Response Document (TRD) template, adhering to any specified page limits.
• CVs: Include CVs for all proposed interpreters, with a maximum of two pages per CV.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the pricing schedule using the specified template.
• Case studies: Provide at least two case studies demonstrating relevant experience, with values ranging from €65,000 to €85,000.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: All documents must be uploaded as a Zip file on eTenders, following specific format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term + extension structure: Initial contract for 2 years, with up to two 2-year extensions based on performance.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made monthly upon receipt of detailed invoices.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Response times for service requests (12 hours for normal cover, 4 hours for emergency cover).
• Termination clauses: The university may terminate the contract with one month's notice.
• IP ownership: All materials produced under the contract will remain the property of the university.
• Sub-contracting rules: Sub-contracting is permitted but must be disclosed and approved by the university.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Turnover threshold: The absence of a specified turnover requirement may indicate a preference for established firms, potentially limiting competition.
• Geographic constraints: Services must be deliverable at various university locations, which may challenge smaller firms without a broad operational footprint.
• Funding dependency: The university reserves the right to alter service requirements based on funding availability, which could impact contract stability.
• Performance monitoring: The emphasis on performance reviews and user feedback may impose additional operational burdens on the contractor.

10. SME fit assessment

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that can credibly bid for this contract should:

• Have experience in providing ISL interpreting services, ideally within educational settings.
• Hold the necessary certifications and insurance as outlined in the eligibility criteria.
• Be capable of managing a team of interpreters and ensuring compliance with university policies.
• Consider whether to form a consortium or subcontract, as this may enhance their capacity to meet the university's requirements.
• Anticipate a bid preparation effort of several days, including gathering documentation and preparing case studies.
• Recognize that the incumbent's established relationship with the university may present a competitive challenge.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: CON1147-25 ISL Services - Request For Tender Mar 2026 V1.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: not specified
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1 - Tender Response Document
• Appendix 2 - Terms and Conditions

This tender briefing provides a comprehensive overview of the requirements and expectations for the provision of Irish Sign Language interpreting services at the University of Galway. Interested bidders should review the full tender documents for detailed information and ensure compliance with all specified criteria.