EOIR Language Services
ID: 15JPSS24N00000072Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

JUSTICE, DEPARTMENT OFOFFICES, BOARDS AND DIVISIONSJMD-PROCUREMENT SERVICES STAFFWASHINGTON, DC, 20530, USA

NAICS

Translation and Interpretation Services (541930)

PSC

SUPPORT- ADMINISTRATIVE: TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETING (R608)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Justice (DOJ), specifically the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), is seeking sources for comprehensive language services, including on-site and telephonic interpretation, Video Remote Interpretation (VRI), written translation, and transcription services for immigration court proceedings across the United States and its territories. The requirement anticipates a daily need for approximately 800 interpreters, with a significant portion required to be on-site, reflecting the critical role these services play in facilitating communication in judicial processes. This Request for Information (RFI) is not a solicitation for proposals but aims to assess the interest and technical capabilities of potential contractors, particularly small businesses, in preparation for a future Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract expected to span five years. Interested parties must submit their capabilities statements electronically by September 23, 2024, to Michael D. Jackson at michael.d.jackson@usdoj.gov.

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    Title
    Posted
    This document presents a comprehensive list of languages categorized by orders and hours for the fiscal year spanning July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. The primary purpose is to compile data relevant to language services utilized by federal, state, and local agencies, facilitating informed decision-making in government contracts. The list indicates that Spanish is the most requested language, with 120,286 orders and 336,178 hours invested. Other significant languages include Punjabi, Russian, Mandarin, and Portuguese, each with tens of thousands of orders and hours. A wide range of less common languages, such as Tigrinya and Hausa, also appear, highlighting the diversity of linguistic needs within governmental operations. This information is particularly useful in the context of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and grants, ensuring that service providers can adequately meet the communication requirements of various populations. The data underscores the importance of language accessibility in public services, aligning with broader goals of inclusivity and effective service delivery in government initiatives.
    The document provides an overview of language services requested across various hearing locations from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, within the context of government responses to federal grants and state/local Requests for Proposals (RFPs). It details the number of orders and total hours for interpretation services in a wide variety of languages, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the population served. The data indicates a heavy reliance on Spanish and Russian, with Spanish accounting for 2,942 orders and 7,984 hours, while Russian had 277 orders and 817 hours. Other notable languages include Arabic, Punjabi, and Mandarin, underscoring the broad demand for multilingual services. The structure of the document is methodical, with listings categorized by hearing location, providing a clear picture of language needs in specific areas. This comprehensive analysis aids in identifying resource allocation for language services in the judicial and immigration contexts, emphasizing the government's commitment to accessibility and effective communication for non-English speakers. Overall, the document serves as a crucial tool for understanding and responding to the language needs of diverse communities as part of federal and state initiatives.
    The Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters, established by the Executive Office for Immigration Review of the U.S. Department of Justice, outlines essential ethical guidelines for interpreters working within Immigration Courts. It emphasizes the importance of removing communication barriers for individuals with limited English proficiency or disabilities, ensuring equal access to justice. The code is binding on all agencies and organizations involved in interpreting services and is structured around ten canons. Key principles include accuracy and completeness in interpretations, proper representation of qualifications, impartiality free from conflicts of interest, confidentiality of information, and a commitment to professional development. The document mandates that interpreters should limit themselves to interpreting tasks without offering legal advice and must report any ethical violations or obstacles in performing their duties. These guidelines strive to maintain the dignity of the court while promoting fairness in judicial proceedings for all participants, highlighting the crucial role interpreters play in the legal system. This code is essential for ensuring effective court administration and fostering a just environment within the immigration process.
    The document outlines the Immigration Court Operating Guidelines for contract interpreters, detailing procedures to follow before arrival, upon arrival, and prior to leaving the court. Interpreters are required to complete a Certification of Interpretation (COI) before arriving and present this upon entering the court, along with their contractor-issued ID. They must sign in, wait appropriately, and follow the court's protocols, including not interacting with the parties involved in hearings to avoid conflicts of interest. It specifies actions to avoid, such as using electronic devices without permission and seeking further assignments on-site. Upon concluding their service, interpreters must verify their dismissal and ensure their COI has been signed by the Judge. The guidelines aim to maintain court decorum and efficiency while providing necessary instructions for interpreters in immigration proceedings, ensuring compliance with rules and standards set by the court and the contracting agency. Overall, this document serves as a crucial tool for managing the role of interpreters in the judicial process.
    The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) requires comprehensive language services, including on-site and telephonic interpretation, Video Remote Interpretation (VRI), and written translations for immigration court proceedings across the U.S. and its territories. Established in 1983, EOIR manages immigration laws through its components: the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge (OCIJ), the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer (OCAHO). The service focuses on providing qualified interpreters to support over 2.2 million annual immigration hearings, primarily in Spanish and other common and rare languages. Qualified interpreters must possess U.S. residency or citizenship, significant judicial experience, and understanding of the legal terminologies involved. The contractor is also responsible for maintaining rigorous quality control, including regular evaluations of interpreter performance. Given the critical need for timely interpretation services to prevent court delays, strict penalties apply for no-shows or failures to provide interpreters. The contract outlines detailed requirements for interpreter management, evaluations, and administrative processes, highlighting the importance of adhering to governmental standards throughout the process.
    The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), part of the Department of Justice (DOJ), issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking sources capable of providing language services, including on-site and telephonic interpretation, Video Remote Interpretation (VRI), written translation, and transcription services. The services are needed for immigration court proceedings across the United States and its territories. This RFI, set to close on September 23, 2024, is not a solicitation for proposals but aims to assess the interest and technical capabilities of various companies, particularly small businesses. The requirement anticipates a need for approximately 800 interpreters daily, with a significant portion required on-site. Businesses are encouraged to submit a capabilities statement outlining their experience and capacity to meet the outlined needs, along with company identification information. The anticipated contract will be structured as an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) with fixed rates over five years. No proposals or unsolicited offers will be accepted currently, and responses must be submitted electronically without supplementary materials.
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    EOIR Language Services
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