Translation and Interpretation Services- Buenos Aires, Argentina

The U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), is seeking translation and interpretation services for the 2026 International Drug Enforcement Conference (IDEC) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This Request for Quotation (RFQD-26-OE-0009) is a 100% Small Business set-aside under NAICS Code 541930. The contractor will provide simultaneous and consecutive interpretation in Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish, along with audio-visual equipment, including soundproof booths and IR receivers. Quotes, due by April 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST, will be evaluated based on technical capabilities, personnel resumes, past performance, and price, with non-price factors being significantly more important. All offerors must have an active SAM.gov account and submit quotes on an all-or-none basis. Questions are due by April 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST.

Amendment A0001 for solicitation D-26-OE-0009 extends the deadline for submitting final offers to May 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST, with no late submissions accepted. This amendment, issued by the Office of Acquisition (FA), also indicates that a subsequent amendment is forthcoming to address offeror questions and introduce further changes to the solicitation. All other terms and conditions of the original solicitation remain unchanged.

Amendment A0002 for solicitation D-26-OE-0009 extends the deadline for submitting final quotes to May 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST, with no late submissions accepted. This amendment, effective May 6, 2026, was issued by the Office of Acquisition (FA) in Springfield, VA. Another amendment is expected to address questions from prospective offerors and to introduce further changes to the solicitation. All other terms and conditions of the original solicitation remain unchanged.

This government file, Amendment A0003, details the schedule of supplies and services required for an event, likely a conference, focusing on interpretation, technical support, and audiovisual equipment. The interpreter services include various language pairs (English to Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Latin American Spanish, Standard French, and Russian), an on-site interpreter coordinator, and provisions for overtime. Technical personnel are required for equipment set-up, dismantle, and on-site assistance during conference days (August 17-20, 2026). Audiovisual equipment needs span multiple workshops and include booths, audio engines, transmitters, mixing consoles, IR radiators, interpreter consoles, IR receivers, microphones, and laptops. The file also outlines costs for shipping, interpreter and technician travel accommodations (including airfare, ground transportation, meals, hotel, and travel time compensation), and isolation booths for translators. The document requests pricing for daily rates, overtime hourly rates, and total costs, culminating in grand totals for interpreter fees, technician fees, and audiovisual equipment, excluding overtime.

The document addresses questions from potential contractors regarding an RFP for interpretation and related services for the IDEC 2026 conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Key areas of clarification include language variants (Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Standard French), the scope of services (interpretation only for PowerPoints, no written translation or DTP), equipment requirements (400+ IR receivers, sound systems for three rooms, enhanced lighting for booths, contractor-provided AV equipment or coordination with an awarded vendor), and logistical details (Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel as the venue, three full operational conference days, local interpreters acceptable with security checks). The government clarified pricing for technical support, travel expenses, and confirmed that resumes are attachments outside the 20-page limit for proposals.

The Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, is organizing the International Drug Enforcement Conference (IDEC) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from August 18-20, 2026. The conference theme is "Justice Through Strength and Unity." The schedule includes registration on August 17 and 18, followed by opening ceremonies, welcome remarks, plenary sessions, workshops, and partnership exhibitions. Keynote speakers and panel discussions will cover various topics, with sessions accommodating multiple languages including English, Spanish, Arabic, French, Russian, and Portuguese. Workshops are divided by geographical regions such as Europe and Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific, and the Americas. The event also includes cultural activities, group photos, and designated times for lunch and coffee breaks. Attendees will receive Wi-Fi access with the network IDEC40, and ear sets will be provided with a mandatory ID or passport for delivery and a daily return policy to avoid penalties.

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Amendment A0003 for RFQ-D-26-OE-0009, issued May 8, 2026, details changes for the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) International Drug Enforcement Conference (IDEC) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The amendment extends the proposal due date to May 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST, and incorporates an updated Statement of Work, a new CLIN structure pricing sheet, and responses to offeror questions. Key changes include increased page limits for technical quotes (20 pages), updated personnel resume requirements, and the addition of specific clauses (ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES and DEA-2852.204.94). The RFQ is a 100% Small Business set-aside for translation and interpretation services, including audiovisual equipment and technical support. Offerors must acknowledge all amendments and submit proposals electronically, with evaluation based on technical capabilities, personnel resumes, past performance, and price. All factors other than price are significantly more important, but price becomes more important as technical differences narrow.