Foreign Language Translation Services

Synopsis The Bureau of Prisons (Bureau) awarded a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) for foreign language translation and interpretation services, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the General Service Administration Federal Supply Schedule contract no. GS-10F-0097T, to Advanced Language Systems International (ALSI, the incumbent). The Bureau has a wide range of unique requirements for foreign language translation and interpretation services for individuals committed to its custody. These services include translation of written or oral records containing technical content, which may be academic, scientific, or legal in nature, as well as communications containing nuance, slang, colloquialism, and codes. These services are considered mission critical in maintaining timely monitoring of inmate communications. The BPA was awarded on a sole source basis in accordance with FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(A), which states "[a]n urgent and compelling need exists, and following the procedures would result in unacceptable delays." The justification for this award was posted in accordance with FAR 8.405-6 and FAR 5.301. Due to two pending protests at the Court of Federal Claims and the expiration of the previous language translation and interpretation services contract on September 30, 2020, the Bureau would face undue delays in obtaining these services by October 1, 2020, from another viable source as a result of the need for installation of a circuit at the new vendor’s site and background clearances for the vendor’s linguists. The date of the award was September 29, 2020. The base period of the BPA is October 1, 2020-January 31, 2021, with a two-month option period from February 1, 2021-March 31, 2021, if needed. The estimated cost is not expected to exceed $10,800,000.00. There is no set aside for this procurement. The place of performance is Rockville, Maryland 20852. The Product Service Code is R608 and the BPA award number is 15BNAS21A00000075. Line item number 0001 is foreign language translation and interpretation services for the base period of four months, and line item 0002 is foreign language translation and interpretation services for the two-month option period. Funding will be obligated via individual monthly BPA calls/task orders. The Contracting Officer is Brooke Garcia and the office address is 320 1st St NW, Washington, DC 20534.