RFI - Interpretation Services in Official Languages

Trade Agreement: CETA / CFTA
Tendering Procedures: All interested suppliers may submit a bid
Competitive Procurement Strategy: N/A - P&A/LOI Only
Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement: No
Nature of Requirements: 

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) FOR INTERPRETATION SERVICES
DRAFT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS AND ASSOCIATED CONSULTATIVE PROCESS

As part of the development of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for conference and parliamentary interpretation services in official languages for the Translation Bureau 

1. Introduction

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), on behalf of the Translation Bureau (The Bureau), is in the process of identifying the capabilities and requirements to acquire official languages Interpretation Services in order to meet the needs of the Bureau, to support its various programs, operational needs and projects.

2. This RFI seeks to obtain Industry comments and Information on: 

a) Attachment A - The draft Request for Proposals (RFP), the resulting contract terms. These terms are based on the terms used in the recent PSPC Interpretation Services procurement process (EN960-202683/A);
b) Attachment B - Questions to Industry;
c) Attachment C - Proposed costing model 
d) Ideas related to the proposed procurement that might result in improvements and efficiencies to Canadians;
e) Industry interest and readiness; and
f) Understanding the impacts that this procurement may have on industry. 
 
3. Industry Information Day 

In addition to written responses from suppliers, PSPC, in collaboration with The Bureau, will hold an Information Industry Day with regards to the Interpretation Services RFP. The main objectives of this Industry Day information session are as follows:

a) To brief the industry on the Bureau’s needs and requirements for interpretation services;
b) To develop a common understanding of the procurement process and the need to improve the procurement process;
c) To provide the industry with an overview of the changes in the new RFP for Interpretation Services;
d) To provide a platform for suppliers to make recommendations or suggestions to improve the proposed RFP; and
e) To identify potential solutions that will benefit both the industry and Canada.

All information and questions regarding Information Industry Day will be managed and sent by the Contracting Authority.

The Industry Information Day will be held, on February 17th, at 5:00 p.m. hrs EST, via teleconference and videoconference (WebEx) following the closure of the RFI’s posting period. Registered participants will be forwarded the details of the meeting via email. 

Suppliers interested in participating in this Industry Information Day are asked to read the Attachment D - Notice for the Interpretation Services Industry Day, and to complete the Attachment E - Registration Form for Suppliers and return it by email to the Contracting Authority identified at section 11, Enquiries, by February 12th, 16:00 pm EDT. 

4. Nature of this RFI

This is not a bid solicitation. This RFI will not result in the award of any contract. As a result, potential suppliers of any goods or services described in this RFI should not reserve stock or facilities, nor allocate resources, as a result of any information contained in this RFI, nor will this RFI result in the creation of any source list. Therefore, whether or not any potential supplier responds to this RFI will not preclude that supplier from participating in any future procurement. This RFI is simply intended to solicit feedback from industry with respect to the matters described in this RFI.

5. Enquiries

Because this is not a bid solicitation, Canada will not necessarily respond to enquiries in writing or by circulating answers to all potential suppliers. However, respondents with questions regarding this RFI may direct their enquiries to: 

Contracting Authority:  Isabelle Gratton
E-Mail Address:  TPSGC.PAOutilInterpretation-APToolInterpretation.PWGSC@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca
Telephone:  (873) 355-9751


PSPC and the Bureau would like to thank the Industry for participating in these activities.

Delivery Date: Above-mentioned

The Crown retains the right to negotiate with suppliers on any procurement.

Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.