EL Yunque NF-Translation Interpretation Services

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Schedule of Items/Price Schedule" for "EL YUNQUE INTERPRETATION / TRANSLATION SERVICES" (1244505025Q0005). It outlines the pricing structure for interpretation and translation services.

• Supplies/Services: Includes "On-Site Support - English/Spanish Interpretation and Translation Services" and "Virtual Support - English/Spanish Interpretation and Translation Services."
• Quantities: Specifies quantities for both on-site (24 hours) and virtual (6 hours) support per year.
• Period of Performance: Details anticipated periods for a Base Year (June 1, 2026 - May 31, 2027) and subsequent Option Years (2027-2028, 2028-2029, 2029-2030, 2030-2031).
• Pricing: Provides fields for Unit Price and Total Price, which are to be filled in by the vendor.
• Description of Requirement: The El Yunque National Forest (EYNF) requires Translator/Interpreter services to assist Spanish & English speakers, with familiarity in natural resource management issues.
• Point of Contact: COR / Mrs. Velazquez, Maribella (Maribella.Velazquez@usda.gov).

This document is crucial for potential bidders as it defines the specific services required, the anticipated volume of work (in hours), the contract duration, and the structure for submitting pricing. Bidders must complete the Unit Price and Total Price fields to propose their costs for these services.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items for Translation/Interpretation Services for the El Yunque National Forest (EYNF). The services are needed to aid Spanish & English speakers across various activities, particularly in light of recent devastation from hurricanes and subsequent changes in forest responsibilities, personnel, and turnover. The acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns.

• Provide interpretation/translation services for Spanish & English speakers.

• Must possess familiarity with natural resource management issues.

• Services must be accurate, without additions or omissions, and adhere to established interpretation protocols.

• Need to process and impart information swiftly, relaying intentions, emotions, and tone.

• Anticipated Period of Performance: Base Year 1 (June 1, 2026 - May 31, 2027) with four (4) one-year option periods.

• Award Type: Anticipated Firm Fixed Price / Labor Hour contract.

• Total contract duration not to exceed five (5) years.

• Quotations are due by March 29, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time via email to heather.harkley@usda.gov (cc: nestor.riveragonzalez@usda.gov).

• Questions are due by March 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time via email to heather.harkley@usda.gov (cc: nestor.riveragonzalez@usda.gov).

• Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days from the offer receipt date.

• Evaluation Factors: Key Personnel qualifications and Price. Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, considering a comparative evaluation.

• Options will be evaluated by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement.

• This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• North American Industry Classification Standard Code: 541930.

• Small business size standard: 22.5.

• The full text of provisions and clauses may be accessed electronically at www.acquisition.gov.

• Attachment 01: Statement of Work (SOW)

• Attachment 02: Schedule of Items (SOI)

• Attachment 03: SCLS WD 2015_5707_Rev28

• Attachment 04: Questions and Answers (previous contract)

Statement of Work (SOW)

To provide interpretation and translation services between Spanish and English speakers for the El Yunque National Forest (EYNF) to facilitate communication during various processes, particularly in light of recent devastation and increased responsibilities.

• Facilitate translation services from English to Spanish and Spanish to English during meetings, conferences, and other engagements.

• Provide accurate interpretation of concepts, explanations, intentions, emotions, and tone without additions or omissions.

• Assist Forest Supervisor and other staff with communication needs.

• Interpretation and translation must be accurate and delivered swiftly.

• Facilitator must be up-to-date on federal and state regulations, agency policies, and procedures.

• Facilitator must understand the Forest Service, EYNF's mission, infrastructure, hurricane recovery complexities, and have Project Management knowledge.

• The contract is for 30 hours over a 12-month period, on average.

• Meetings (virtual and on-site) will be held in diverse locations throughout Puerto Rico, with the main location being El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico.

• Contractor employees must submit a Certificate of Non-Disclosure (NDA).

• Contractor employees must undergo a criminal history background check.

• Key Personnel (facilitator) must have a resume demonstrating interpretation and translation skills, 3 years of experience, fluency in Spanish and English (oral and written), and a keen understanding of Puerto Rican history and culture.

• Facilitator must be able to fulfill on-site or virtual meetings.

• Price must include labor, travel, materials, supplies, meetings, emails, calls, and preparation.

• Deliverables include on-site and virtual meeting facilitation, short non-billable virtual engagements prior to meetings, invoice submission, and supporting documents for participant/supply quantities.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Register of Wage Determinations Under the Service Contract Act" for the state of Puerto Rico. It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations when performing contract work covered by the Service Contract Act in specific areas of Puerto Rico.

• Lists numerous occupational codes and titles.
• Specifies the minimum hourly wage rate for each occupation.
• Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing (though the specific fringe benefits are not detailed in this excerpt).
• Includes a list of specific municipalities in Puerto Rico to which this wage determination applies.
• Provides information on Health & Welfare benefits, vacation, and paid holidays.
• Outlines the process for requesting additional classifications and wage rates (Conformance Process) using Standard Form 1444 (SF-1444).

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the minimum labor costs associated with performing a contract in the specified areas of Puerto Rico. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and benefits meet or exceed these Service Contract Act requirements to be compliant. Failure to adhere to these wage determinations can lead to contract violations.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to questions from a previous contract (12445023P0001) related to the procurement of Facilitators and Executive Coaches for USDA - Forest Service.

• Staffing: One facilitator or a local person can fulfill the requirement, and they must be bilingual (Spanish) and familiar with Puerto Rican culture and dialect.
• Location: Facilitators may need to reside or co-locate at a field location or the Region 8 - Puerto Rico Headquarters, especially for emergency meetings.
• Pricing: Rates should be all-inclusive of costs, including travel and lodging. Specialty equipment will be provided by the Forest Service as needed.
• Vendor Location: The government is open to local or nearby vendors and has previously contracted with vendors familiar with Puerto Rican culture and dialect.
• Coordination: Facilitators will coordinate agenda planning with the Forest Supervisor, Public Affairs, or Executive Assistant.
• Materials: Contractors may be responsible for providing headphones and materials for translations/interpretation services.
• Reporting: Facilitators are not expected to take notes or produce weekly meeting reports; translation/interpretation services will be provided during rendered services.

This Q&A clarifies requirements related to facilitator qualifications, location, pricing, and coordination, which may influence how bidders prepare their proposals.