Transcription and Translation Services

Transcription and Translation Services Contracting Requirements For Foreign Language Services Office of International Media Engagement (IME) This Sources Sought Notice is posted under SAM.gov, under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541930. This notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes - it does not constitute a Request for Quotation (RFQ), Invitation for Bid (IFB), or Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFQ, IFB or RFP in the future. This notice does not commit the U.S. Government to contract for any supply or service. Further, the U.S. Government is not seeking quotes, bids or proposals at this time and will not accept unsolicited proposals in response to this notice. The U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice. Submittals will not be returned to the responder. Not responding to this notice does not preclude participation in any future RFQ, IFB, or RFP, if any is issued. A. Background and Purpose The mission of the Bureau of Global Public Affairs (GPA) is to serve the American people by effectively communicating U.S. foreign policy priorities and the importance of diplomacy to American audiences and engaging foreign publics to enhance their understanding of and support for the values and policies of the United States. To further this effort, GPA's Office of International Media Engagement (IME) translates official U.S. government texts, speeches, transcripts, publications, videos, and internet and social media content for use by U.S. government entities (including U.S. missions abroad), journalists, and foreign publics. Translations must meet the same quality and editorial standards as the original documents. IME maintains a small staff of full- and part-time translators and editors. To supplement this, IME requires 24/7 access to translation, interpretation, transcription, and web content editing services in core languages (Arabic, French, Hindi, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Urdu) as well as translation support in additional languages on an as-needed basis (requirements vary, but generally include other widely spoken languages in Europe, Africa, and Asia). IME also requires a staffing contract vehicle for additional full- and part-time translators and Chinese (Mandarin) writers who would work during regular Washington, DC hours. The 24/7 Support Services component focuses on rapid turnaround of time-sensitive press releases and similar communications. The Personnel Staffing component manages both short-form pieces (including social media content) as well as larger and more technical projects that require a higher-level understanding of USG policies and priorities. Contract staff in the Personnel Staffing component require a Moderate Risk Public Trust (MRPT) clearance. B. Contracting Requirements The 24/7 Support Services component should include the following 24-hour project management, including quick tasking and delivery of written translations to relevant translators and posting final versions to the web via WordPress. Quick and accurate translation of written text from English to foreign languages and/or from foreign languages to English. Texts are typically between 500 and 2,000 words, though they may be longer. There are, on average, 100 requests per month in the core languages* and less than five per month in additional languages. Simultaneous virtual or telephonic interpretation from English to core languages*. Services should also include audio clips to be used for voiceover on video or audio products. These are usually scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Quick foreign language transcription services for core languages*. For example, a five-minute television interview in French, transcribed into French and then translated into English. *Core languages are Arabic, French, Hindi, Persian, Portuguese (Brazilian and Continental), Russian, Spanish, and Urdu. The Personnel Staffing component should include the following: Foreign Language Specialists (20 positions). Foreign Language Specialists translate English-language materials into assigned foreign languages and edit such translations to ensure quality control. Translations should be delivered quickly, read smoothly to an external audience, and accurately represent U.S. government policies. Required Staffing: Arabic (2) Chinese (3) French (2) Hindi (1) Portuguese (3) Persian (2) Russian (3) Spanish (1) Urdu (3) Major Duties and Responsibilities: Translate short and long-form text from English into foreign languages with a 5% error rate or less. Quality check and edit translations completed by other translators. Format and publish translations to websites, including images and videos. Requirements: Bilingual-level foreign language and English. A university-issued degree and five or more years' experience in professional translation. Professional experience with online publishing tools. General understanding of USG foreign policy priorities. Receive a Moderate Risk Public Trust (MRPT) clearance. Chinese Writers (3 positions). Chinese Writers create original Chinese-language content for the Wild Geese blog, which promotes greater understanding of U.S. society and values. Required Staffing: writers (3) Major Duties and Responsibilities: research, and write original content in Chinese for posting to a blog or website, with an individual output of approximately three stories per week. Requirements: Chinese and English. or more years experience writing and editing. understanding of U.S.-China relations and Chinese perceptions of U.S. society and culture. a Moderate Risk Public Trust (MRPT) clearance. C. Response Package submissions are limited to no more than 15 pages in length, single spaced and 12 font minimum, demonstrating its capabilities in reference to this requirement. The Government prefers that your firm submit its response in Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, or a combination of both and the document must be searchable. The capability package shall be sent by email to: Contracting Officer Crystal Brooks @ BrooksCC@state.gov. Your email subject line should reflect: - Firm's Name, Response to the Sources Sought The size limit of each email, with all attachments, cannot exceed nine (9) megabytes (MB) due to the Government's email system restrictions. Do not send zipped files as the Government please provide: Please provide your Company profile to include name of your firm, point of contract, phone number, email address, CAGE code, and UEI. Respondents must also indicate whether they qualify as a Small Business, SDB, 8(a), EDWOSB, WOSB, HUBZone, or SDVOSB. In addition, please provide list of current contract numbers for similar work.