Machine Translation Service
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 International Boundary and Water Commission, United States Section (IBWC) is seeking quotes for Machine Translation Services for its El Paso HQ, TX. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside for a web-based, vendor-hosted bidirectional Spanish-English machine translation engine with a memoQ API plug-in. The contract includes a base year and four option years. Quotes are due February 6, 2026, at 3:00 pm MST.
Scope of Work
The IBWC requires a bidirectional Spanish-English machine translation (MT) engine with an API plug-in for the memoQ translation environment, and a stand-alone method for "gist" translations. The objective is to decrease turnaround times for large-volume projects and produce quick "gist" translations.
Key requirements include:
- Development of a bidirectional Spanish <> English MT engine, utilizing existing memoQ TM databases and texts.
- Customization tools for engine improvements and ability to establish sub-domain engines.
- A web-based, vendor-hosted solution with licenses for 7 users.
- The MT plug-in must be currently supported by memoQ.
- Contractor staff must provide training on using the MT solution with MemoQ.
- Performance Standards: The web-based application must be hosted in a FedRAMP Authorized environment (Moderate or High impact level), maintaining authorization for the contract duration. Documentation (FedRAMP package, SSP) must be available.
- This requirement is for an MT plug-in to be used by human translators, not for human translation services.
Contract Details
- Solicitation Type: Request for Quote (RFQ) / Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (100% Small Business)
- NAICS: 541930 – Translation and Interpretation Services (Size Standard: $22.5 Million)
- PSC: R608 – Support-Administrative: Translation and Interpreting
- Period of Performance: Base Year + 4 Option Years
- Place of Performance: El Paso, HQ, TX
- Funding: Contingent upon availability of appropriated funds (FAR Clause 52.232-18).
- Quotes: Must be "ALL or NONE" as per the attached CLIN structure and remain valid for 90 days.
Evaluation Factors
Award will be made to the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA), responsible offeror. Evaluation factors include:
- Technical acceptability to meet IBWC requirements
- Technical Approach
- Past Performance
Submission Requirements & Deadlines
- Quote Submission: Via email to angelica.baca@ibwc.gov.
- Quote Due Date: February 6, 2026, at 3:00 pm MST.
- Questions Due Date: January 30, 2026, at 3:00 pm MST (email to angelica.baca@ibwc.gov).
- Required Documents: Completed provision at FAR 52.212-3 (Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items), with paragraph (b) completed if SAM registered.
- UEI: Active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) must be included in the offer.
- Attachments: Bidders must review the attached CLIN Structure, Clauses and Provisions, Scope of Work, and Wage Determination (for El Paso/Hudspeth counties, TX).