EL Yunque NF-Translation Interpretation Services
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The USDA Forest Service is soliciting proposals for Translation and Interpretation Services for the El Yunque National Forest (EYNF) in Rio Grande, PR. This Total Small Business Set-Aside aims to facilitate communication between Spanish and English speakers, particularly concerning natural resource management issues. The anticipated contract is a Firm Fixed Price / Labor Hour type. Quotations are due by March 29, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide accurate interpretation and translation services (English to Spanish and Spanish to English) for meetings, conferences, and other engagements. Services are crucial for aiding communication following recent devastation and changes in forest responsibilities. The facilitator must be familiar with natural resource management issues, federal and state regulations, agency policies, and the Forest Service's mission, including hurricane recovery complexities. Services will be provided both on-site in Puerto Rico (primarily El Yunque National Forest) and virtually.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation, anticipated Firm Fixed Price / Labor Hour.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- NAICS: 541930 (Translation And Interpreting Services), Size Standard: 22.5.
- Period of Performance: Base Year (June 1, 2026 - May 31, 2027) with four (4) one-year option periods, totaling up to five years.
- Place of Performance: Rio Grande, PR, and other locations throughout Puerto Rico.
- Estimated Workload: Approximately 30 hours per year (24 on-site, 6 virtual).
Submission & Evaluation
- Quotations Due: March 29, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.
- Questions Due: March 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.
- Submission Method: Email to heather.harkley@usda.gov with a courtesy copy to nestor.riveragonzalez@usda.gov.
- Evaluation Factors: Key Personnel qualifications and Price. Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government.
- Mandatory Requirements:
- Contractor must submit a Certificate of Non-Disclosure (NDA) signed by all employees.
- Contractor must provide results of a criminal history background check for all employees.
- A statement confirming at least 50% of labor costs will be expended on direct employees of the prime contractor is required.
- Key Personnel (facilitator) must have 3 years of experience, fluency in Spanish and English (oral and written), and a keen understanding of Puerto Rican history and culture.
Additional Notes
Bidders must complete the Schedule of Items/Price Schedule (Attachment 02) and adhere to the Service Contract Act wage determinations for Puerto Rico (Attachment 03). Previous Q&A (Attachment 04) clarifies that one bilingual facilitator familiar with Puerto Rican culture can fulfill the requirement, and rates should be all-inclusive of costs, including travel and lodging.