Interpreting DFAS-Rome, New York

The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) has issued Request for Quotation (RFQ) HQ042326QE012 for commercial interpreting services, combining both in-person and virtual modalities to support its operations at DFAS Rome, New York. This procurement is a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 541930 and anticipates awarding a firm-fixed-price purchase order to a single vendor. The contract’s primary focus is to provide qualified and certified interpreters fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), Pidgin Signed English (PSE), Conceptually Accurate Signed English (CASE), and spoken English to ensure effective communication for deaf and hard of hearing employees across various government functions, including meetings, training sessions, medical appointments, and official engagements. The contract term includes a one-year base period commencing February 1, 2026, with four one-year option periods, each estimating 400 hours of interpreting services per year, billed at a fixed hourly rate. The solicitation emphasizes past performance as the most critical evaluation factor, outweighing price, with detailed guidance on submitting past performance questionnaires and relevant contract experience. Pricing submissions must include fully burdened hourly rates for both onsite and virtual interpreting services. The contract incorporates comprehensive Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense FAR Supplement (DFARS) clauses relevant to government commercial service acquisitions, such as safeguarding covered defense information, compliance with supply chain security, and anti-trafficking measures. Contractor personnel must meet stringent security and vetting requirements, including Tier 3 background investigations and enrollment in continuous vetting programs prior to contract performance. The contractor is also required to maintain a primary point of contact and adhere strictly to professional and technical standards outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS), including compliance with Section 508 ICT accessibility standards. Contract administration involves payment via Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF), with inspection and acceptance conducted at DFAS Field Operations Rome. The solicitation mandates email submission of quotations by December 18, 2025, with questions due by December 11, 2025, and allows no page limits but restricts attachments to a 15MB total size, underscoring a streamlined submission process focused on technical competence and price competitiveness within the small business community.