Revision 2 -Extension until 12/31/2024 _ Sources Sought - RFI FEMA REGION 10 – BOTHELL, WA REQUEST FOR INFORMATION/ SOURCES SOUGHT DOCUMENT TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION SERVICES: ENGLISH TO CENTRAL ALASKAN YUP'IK

Extension for RFI to December 31, 2024

Request for Information Announcement 70FBR025I00000001-REV1 Document Translation and Interpretation Services: English to Central Alaskan Yup'ik

Posting Period November 6, 2024, through December 31, 2024, or until 20 responses are received, whichever occurs first.

This is a first revision to the original RFI.

1) Changes all references from Yup'ik and/or Central Yup'ik to now read Central Alaskan Yup'ik

2) Adds a requirement for interested parties to provide specific experience with translating, transcribing, or interpreting Central Alaskan Yup'ik language to and from the English language.  

This Request for Information (RFI) is issued solely for informational and planning purposes and does not constitute an invitation for quotation, request for proposal or request for quotation. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract, nor do responses affect a potential respondent's ability to respond to any future synopsis/solicitation that may or may not follow or restrict the U.S. Government's eventual acquisition approach. Additionally, the U.S. Government will not provide reimbursement for any information that may be submitted in response to this RFI. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. Respondents will not be notified of any results derived from a review of the information provided; however, information gathered may be utilized for technical and acquisition purposes.

The resulting interest of this RFI may result in a Solicitation for this service for a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) or standalone contract if it is determined there are adequate sources available.  The current effort will be funded with monies allocated for Presidentially Declared Disasters within the State of Alaska and Alaska Tribal Communities and IAW the Robert T. Stafford Act.

FEMA’s mission is to help people before, during and after disasters.  A disaster can occur at anytime and communication is essential during disaster response and recovery.  FEMA needs individuals to provide translation services to ensure all disaster survivors receive correct and accurate information. Local interpreters and language translation services are crucial during these periods to provide this information to applicants in their Native Language.  FEMA Region 10 has a need for translation services from English to Yup’ik.

Minimum Requirements

Translation and Interpretation providers are required to have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) and be registered to receive All Awards.  SAM.gov | Home.  Businesses not registered in SAM may get free assistance with the registration process through the Alaska Apex Accelerator (Formerly PTAC) at Step 4: Register in SAM | Alaska APEX.  NOTE: Registering in SAM.gov is free of charge. If you are asked to pay a fee for registration you may not be at the correct website / source. 

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement is 541930 Translation and Interpretation Services.

Translation and Interpretation providers shall be fluent and proficient with speaking, interpreting, and writing both English and Central Alaskan Yup’ik languages.

Document Translation and Interpretation Services: English to Central Alaskan Yup'ik

FEMA Region 10 is seeking to create a directory of local vendors in the State of Alaska to translate communications from the English Language to the Central Alaskan Yup’ik Language in various methods which could be written or spoken.  Translation requests may occur in person, virtually, or transcribed and is dependent on the situation. 

Scope of Work

1. Translation of Documents:
   1. Translate a series of documents from English to Central Alaskan Yup'ik. Documents may include but are not limited to:
      1. Disaster preparedness materials (e.g., emergency response plans, evacuation guides)
      2. Recovery support documents (e.g., grant applications, eligibility guidelines)
      3. Public health and safety information
      4. Community engagement materials
2. Proofreading and Quality Assurance:
   1. Ensure all translations are clear, accurate, and linguistically correct in Central Alaskan Yup'ik.
   2. Conduct a second round of proofreading to eliminate typographical or grammatical errors and ensure the use of culturally appropriate language.
3. Formatting and Layout:
   1. Ensure that the formatting of translated documents matches the original English versions, maintaining the integrity of tables, charts, and any graphics.
4. In-Person Interpretation):
   1. Provide in-person interpretation services at meetings, public engagements, or other community events where translation of verbal communication from English to Central Alaskan Yup'ik is needed. Interpretation services will ensure that community members can fully participate in discussions and receive critical information in their language.

1. Skills:
   1. The contractor must have interpreters with fluency in both English and Central Alaskan Yup'ik, as well as cultural competency with respect to the local Alaskan Native Villages.
2. Cultural Sensitivity:
   1. Adapt translated and interpreted content to ensure it is culturally appropriate and relevant to the various Central Alaskan Yup'ik-speaking communities, paying close attention to local dialects, expressions, and nuances.
3. Deliverables:
   1. The contractor will provide the following deliverables:
      1. Translated Documents: Electronic versions of the translated documents, delivered in the same file format as the original (Word, PDF, etc.).
      2. Proofreading Report: A summary of quality assurance and proofreading efforts, including any significant challenges encountered.
      3. Final Versions: Final versions of all documents, approved by both the contractor and the client after review.
      4. In-Person Interpretation: Services provided as scheduled and agreed upon with the client.
4. Travel:
   1. Contractor is responsible for travel costs.
   2. Some travel costs may be reimbursable if services are required outside of the designated service area in accordance with GSA Travel Regulations contingent on situation
   3. Link to GSA Travel Regulation Per Diem and Mileage Rates Travel management policy overview | GSA

If your business is interested in providing information for this RFI please submit your response as stated:

• Business Name
• SAM Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number
• Required: Specific list / demonstration experience with translating and English to Central Alaskan Yup’ik and Central Alaskan Yup’ik to English
• List any qualifications or credentials, if available
• Provide rates for the following:
  • Translation of text (per word or per page)
  • Proofreading and quality assurance
  • Formatting and layout services
  • Interpretation services, including any associated travel or logistical costs
  • Surcharges for complex or highly technical documents

Email your responses to Sandra.Shanks@fema.dhs.gov

This RFI will be posted for 20 days, or until sufficient responses have been received.

Direct any questions regarding this RFI to Sandra.Shanks@fema.dhs.gov