R -- Russian/English Interpreter/Facilitator

AMENDMENT 0001 - Answer to Questions - Question 1: The RFP selection criteria refers to interpreters simultaneous interpretation versus consecutive interpretation skills and experience. Will the government provide the necessary audio equipment (wireless when necessary) to facilitate simultaneous interpretation sessions? If not, does the government expect a vendor to provide consecutive interpretation services whereby the need for such equipment is not necessary? Answer 1: Yes, the Government will provide the interpretation equipment. Question 2: The SABIT website mentions that the February 23- March 22, 2008 Program on Infrastructure: Road Construction Program for Eurasia will train 18 individuals. What is the expected delegation size for each of the 3 sessions identified in the RFP? Answer 2: Each delegation will have 18 to 20 delegates. Question 3: Can the government provide a tentative schedule that includes at a minimum, the number of locations to be traveled to, with at least a list of possible locations for the sessions? Answer 3: No. At this time only the dates of each session are available. As stated in the SOW, the number of cities per session can range from two to five. Question 4: How and by whom will interpretation/facilitation services will be provided for the SABIT Programs that are to occur prior to those listed in the RFP? Answer 4: None Question 5. Considering the fact that afternoon and evening networking receptions, banquets, roundtables, and luncheons are highly probably to occur during the sessions, does the government believe that the usage of one interpreter/facilitator is adequate meet such needs? When needed can a vendor use additional interpreters/facilitators? Answer 5: Each program will have two interpreters/facilitators. No, vendors can not use additional interpreters/facilitators. THIS IS A COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format set forth in Federal Acquisitions Regulation, Subpart 12 and 19, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation: proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ) Number DG1350-08-RQ-0032. This solicitation document incorporated Statement of Work, provisions and clauses. The provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-20. NAICS number is 541930. This is a Small Business Set Aside. Business Size Standard is $6 Million. The Government intents on awarding a Firm Fix Price contract. DESCRIPTION: Department of Commerce International Trade Administration has a requirement to obtain two (2) Interpreters/Facilitators for Regional 2 program. The Government reserves the right to award without discussion; therefore each offeror is encouraged to submit their best terms with their proposal. Special attention is directed to FAR 52.212-1 (b). Failure to submit the required information for evaluation may render the offer non-responsive. Offerors shall include a fully executed copy of the FAR provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items, with their offer. FAR clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. FAR clause 52.212.-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition, along with the following additional FAR clauses: 52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside, 52.219-8 Utilization of Small Business Concerns, 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity, 52.222-35, Affirmative Action for Special Disabled and Vietnam Era Veterans, 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Handicapped Workers, 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans and Veterans of Vietnam Era, 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer ? Central Contractor Registration, 52.222-41 Service Contract Act of 1965, As Amended. The FAR provisions and clauses may be downloaded at http://www.farsite.hill.af.mil/vffara.htm. The following Department of Commerce provisions and clauses apply to this acquisition: 1352.231-70, Duplication of Effort; 1352.233-70, Harmless from Liability; 1352.209-73