R--Sign Language Interpretation and Transcription 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 Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued a Justification and Approval (J&A) for a sole-source contract with Translation Excellence, Inc. for Sign Language Interpretation and Transcription Services. This action, valued at $729,993.88, is necessary to provide reasonable accommodation to NRC staff, job applicants, and the public, ensuring compliance with federal disability acts. This is not a solicitation for proposals.
Purpose & Justification
The J&A justifies a sole-source award under FAR 6.302-1 (Only one responsible source) and FAR 6.103-2 (Unusual and compelling urgency). The NRC requires these services to meet its obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA). The urgency stems from the exhaustion of the current contract's ceiling and funding, with previous attempts to secure services through other means proving unsuccessful. Failure to provide these services could lead to significant penalties and impede mission-critical functions.
Scope of Services
The required services include:
- Sign language interpretation.
- Transcription services (e.g., TypeWell, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART)).
- Support for NRC job applicants during hiring processes.
- Support for the public at NRC public meetings or sponsored events.
- Support for NRC staff utilizing the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Time-and-Materials (T&M)
- Vendor: Translation Excellence, Inc.
- Period of Performance: Base Period (04/20/2026 - 08/19/2026) with two Option Periods (08/20/2026 - 09/19/2026 and 09/20/2026 - 10/19/2026).
- Total Estimated Value: $729,993.88
Eligibility / Set-Aside
This is a sole-source justification; therefore, traditional set-aside designations for competitive procurement do not apply.
Submission & Evaluation
As this is a justification for a sole-source award and not a solicitation, proposal submission and evaluation criteria are not applicable.
Additional Notes
Market research is currently being conducted for a follow-on contract, with efforts underway to remove barriers to competition for future procurements.