Request for Quotation for Interpretation and Translation Services

Results for Development (R4D) is a leading non-profit global development partner. We collaborate with change agents around the world — government officials, civil society leaders and social innovators — to create strong systems that support healthy, educated people. We help our partners move from knowing their goal to knowing how to reach it. We combine global expertise in health, education and nutrition with analytic rigor, practical support for decision-making and implementation and access to peer problem-solving networks. Together with our partners, we build self-sustaining systems that serve everyone and deliver lasting results. Then we share what we learn so others can achieve results for development, too. 

We have a unique and vibrant culture at R4D. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of our work environment and help advance our mission. Diversity—of ideas, identities, perspectives and backgrounds—is vital to who we are and what we do. We seek people who embrace these values and will help reinforce them. Our work culture is collaborative, creative and entrepreneurial. We operate based on trust and respect. Teams across the organization frequently collaborate on programmatic work and support each other in continuously building a better R4D.

1. Overview

1.2. R4D Interpretation & Translation Overview:

R4D is currently implements activities in 27 countries and has a global workforce of approximately 185 staff located in 12 countries. R4D engages its networks and partnerships for carrying out its program strategy, many individuals contribute from academia, government, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and industry in learning forums and other spaces in-person or remotely. R4D stakeholders include the Bayer Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, FCDO, UN, USAID, World Health Organization, among others.

1.3. Purpose and Objective:

As part of our commitment to engage with global change agents, Results for Development is looking for providers that can offer Translation & Interpretation services at the request of R4D. The primary purpose of this solicitation is to provide translation services to include speeches, fact sheets, web content, press materials, correspondence, proposals, reports and official documents from English into French and Spanish and vice versa; providing interpretation support; and providing simultaneous translation to senior officials and stakeholders, as requested.

R4D also has interest in the following items though not considered essential requirements of the Offeror’s response:

• Interpretation (imultaneous/consecutive) for conferences and workshops

• Interpretation for small official delegations attending study tours

• Translation for graphic design elements

• Multilingual copy-editing services

• Creole interpretation capabilities for francophone countries, particularly in Africa.

R4D intends to award multiple contracts in conjunction with this solicitation as determined as best value for R4D. Providers with a diverse range of translation services and communication efforts will be evaluated favorably. While primary translation & interpretation needs are for English, French, and Spanish, additional language capabilities, including Portuguese and Russian, will also be evaluated positively.

Pricing Period: January 1, 2025 thru December 31, 2025.

2. General Information

2.1. Proprietary Information

All information contained in this RFQ is proprietary. It is for the sole use of the Offeror in connection with bid response preparation and is not to be used by Offeror for any other purpose or revealed or disclosed in any manner to any other individuals and/or company without specific written permission from R4D.

2.2. Procurement Protocol

R4D reserves the right to make all decisions regarding this RFQ, including the right to reject any and all proposals received in response to this RFQ. Offeror understands that the issuance of this RFQ does not create any obligation on the part of R4D to enter into any contract or to undertake any other obligation with respect to the requirements referred to herein.

2.3. Addendum

In the event that any modification to this RFQ becomes necessary, Offeror will be notified via email.

2.4 Notification of Supplier Selection

Offerors will be notified via email of the results of the selection process.

2.5. RFQ Response Preparation Cost

All costs incurred by Offeror in the preparation of its response to this RFQ, and any oral presentations requested, shall be wholly absorbed by the Offeror.

2.6. Confidentiality/Proprietary Information

Materials submitted by Offeror in response to the RFQ that are considered confidential/proprietary must be clearly marked as such at the time of submission.

2.7. [Reserved]

2.8. No Publicity

No publicity or news release pertaining to this RFQ, responses to this RFQ, or the award of any contract related to this bid document may be released without R4D’s prior written approval.

2.9. Accuracy of Information

This RFQ and other bid documents furnished by R4D may include errors, omissions, or deficiencies and the accuracy and completeness of such documents is not guaranteed. In the event of such errors, omissions, or deficiencies are discovered by Offeror, it shall promptly notify R4D in writing. Corrected information will be provided to all Offerors.

2.10. Alternative Solutions

Offeror(s) who wish to submit an alternative proposal or services in addition to the requested RFQ response are invited to do so. Alternative solutions must be clearly marked as such and state whether they are exclusive or inclusive of the requested RFQ requirements. Pricing should be given so R4D can evaluate both the cost of the minimum services requirement as well as the provider’s alternative solution(s).

2.11. Third Party Services/Products

Offeror must clearly identify any third-party product(s) or service(s) that is a part of its RFQ response. R4D receives funding from multiple sources including the U.S. government which must comply with prohibitions on certain telecommunications and technology services according to the FAR 52.204-24 & FAR 52.204-25 (https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.204) Offeror must be able to comply for services rendered to R4D under this restriction.

2.12. Offeror’s Response

A clear and complete response must be provided for each element of the RFQ. Any response which deviates from the stated requirements must be noted and explained.

3. Communications Regarding this RFQ

3.1. Questions and Proposal Delivery

Intent to Offer and Questions: Offerors may submit questions to R4D for clarification of the services requested or to refine their proposal. Any Offerors who have sent an email advising of their Intent to Offer will be copied on R4D’s response to any questions. Please send any questions or clarifications related to this RFQ no later than 9:30AM EST by December 3, 2024 via email to: Patricia Westenbroek, pwestenbroek@r4d.org.

Offerors must submit an offer to this RFQ no later than 11:59PM EST on December 9, 2024.

Proposals shall be sent via email to: Patricia Westenbroek, pwestenbroek@r4d.org with copy to Myron Burkholder, mburkholder@r4d.org.

Submissions must include the name, address and email address for the Offeror’s contact person who should receive answers to questions and RFQ revisions and updates.

3.2. Contractual Obligations

Offeror’s response to this RFQ, in the whole, in part or by reference, may be incorporated into any resulting contractual agreement.

Proposals should clearly indicate period of validity for the offer.

4. Evaluation Process and Schedule

4.1. Schedule of Activities- Estimated

Issue RFQ - November 25, 2024

RFQ Response Due - December 9, 2024

Evaluation of Responses - December 11, 2024

Award Services Agreement - December 20, 2024

Contract Effective Date - January 1, 2025

4.2. Evaluation Criteria

Offeror responses to this RFQ will be evaluated on criteria such as, but not limited to, the following:

Evaluation Criteria

• Company Experience and Time in Market

• Extent of Company Global Presence

• Match of Services Proposed with R4D Requirements

• Pricing/Cost of Services Proposed

• Customer References

• Alternative Approaches (as applicable)

• Additional Capabilities- supported languages, global partner networks, etc.

5. Organization of the Proposal

A clear, definitive proposal to deliver each of the services requested must be included in the Offeror’s response. Any exceptions should be noted. Failure to address the stated requirements/specifications may disqualify your proposal from further consideration.

Responses should contain the information below:

5.1. Cover Sheet / Summary of Response

• Outline of the proposal.

• Clear identification of any RFQ requirements the Offeror cannot satisfy.

• A statement describing the basis upon which the Offeror is qualified to address R4D’s requirements as outlined in this RFQ.

• The name and contact information of the individual who will negotiate with R4D on behalf of Offeror.

5.2. Service Provider Profile

• Company profile:

o Full company or corporate name

o Location of primary office or headquarters

o Brief history of your company

o Date of incorporation

o Describe what feature of your services or organization differentiates you from your competitors

o Disclose anything that can be construed as a conflict of interest between R4D and the Offeror

• Company Global Reach

o List of global offices and/or where in-person interpretation needs can be met.

o List languages supported in addition to French and Spanish

• Company performance:

o Provide at least 3 client references/work samples for which you have provided services similar to those requested herein. R4D reserves the right to contact the references. R4D cannot be a listed client reference.

5.3. Offeror’s Proposal - Capabilities

Furnish information on the company’s specialized experience and capabilities as it relates to this RFQ, including experience working with non-profit organizations in education, health, and nutrition.

Describe your client services and how your client services work with customers to ensure optimal level of service delivery and customer satisfaction.

5.4. Description of Services

Offeror must submit a comprehensive description of the services proposed. Offeror is invited to propose additional services but should provide justification or rationale for the proposal and clearly show pricing for the minimum services requested by R4D versus the additional services proposed.

5.5. Pricing Proposal

Offeror shall provide a breakdown of costs for each service. R4D does not specify how the Offeror prices services, but each Offeror should provide sufficient detail on pricing and the basis for pricing to allow comparison among competing proposals. Rate sheets with cost per unit per language are welcome. Indicate lead times and pricing for regular and expedited services as applicable.

5.6. Minority and Women Owned and Small Business Enterprises

R4D has been and continues to be a strong advocate of diversifying its supplier base and increasing our volume of business with minority, women owned and small business enterprises. Indicate whether or not your company has a MWBE certification by an accredited certification body (i.e., National Minority Development Council, Small Business Administration, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, etc.). If certified, provide name of certifying agency and date your current certification expires.

Results for Development is an EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled/Affirmative Action Employer committed to fostering

and nurturing an energetic, collaborative and diverse workforce. R4D provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits.