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 (IBWC), United States Section, is soliciting quotes for Machine Translation Services for its El Paso HQ. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ) and is a 100% Small Business Set-Aside. The requirement is for a base year plus four option years. Quotes are due February 6, 2026, by 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. The solution must also provide a stand-alone method for "gist" translations to multiple users. Key requirements include:
- Development of a customized MT engine using existing memoQ TM databases and IBWC texts.
- Provision of customization tools for engine improvements and the ability to establish sub-domain engines.
- A web-based, vendor-hosted solution with licenses for 6 staff members plus one contractor.
- The MT plug-in must be currently supported by memoQ.
- Contractor staff must provide training on using the MT solution with MemoQ.
- The web-based application must be hosted in a FedRAMP Authorized environment (Moderate or High impact level).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Quote (RFQ) - Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- Duration: Base Year + 4 Option Years
- Set-Aside: 100% Small Business Set-Aside
- NAICS Code: 541930 – Translation and Interpretation Services (SBA Size Standard: $22.5 Million)
- Product Service Code: R608 – Support-Administrative: Translation and Interpreting
- Offer Due Date/Time: February 6, 2026; 3:00 pm MST
- Published Date: January 29, 2026
- Quote Validity: 90 Days
Evaluation
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
Additional Notes
- Funds are not presently available for this contract (FAR Clause 52.232-18). The Government's obligation is contingent upon fund availability.
- Quotes must be submitted on an ALL or NONE basis as per the CLIN structure.
- Offerors must include an Active UEI and a completed copy of FAR provision 52.212-3 (Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items).
- All questions must be submitted via email to angelica.baca@ibwc.gov. Questions received after January 30, 2026, 3:00 pm may not be answered.
- Attachments include CLIN Structure, Clauses and Provisions, Scope of Work, and Wage Determination. A Q&A document was added on January 29, 2026.