Interpreting and Communication Services for People who are D/deaf and Deafblind (August 2021)

The Council has set up a Framework for Interpreting and Communication Services for People who are d/Deaf and Deafblind to allow the Council to buy communication services from a list of approved providers who meet a certain set of minimum standards. The framework commenced on 17th June 2019 and will run until 16th June 2023. The framework opens every two months for new tender applications. Services which will be commissioned under the Framework will fall into one of the following disciplines. Applicants may apply to join the Framework within one of more of these disciplines (please download the Invitation to Tender for a list of the sub-lotting structure): Lot 1 - Face-to-face Interpreting Services (Verbal) Lot 2 - Face-to-face Interpreting Services (Non-Verbal) Lot 3 - Transcription Lot 4 - Lip Speakers Lot 5 - Speech to Text Reporters Lot 6 - Deaf Relay Lot 7 - Translation Lot 8 - Video Interpreting Services Lot 9 - Other Sign Language Interpreting from an International Range of Languages Lot 10 - Trainee Interpreters

Expression of Interest and Tender Process Expressions of Interest will only be accepted via the Kent Business Portal. In order to submit your interest in this opportunity.

The anticipated tendering schedule is as follows: Invitation to Tender opens - 07/08/2021 Last date for clarification questions - 01/09/2021 Invitation to tender closes - 07/09/2021, 12 noon Evaluation period - 08/09/2021 - 30/09/2021 Anticipated contract start date - 01/11/2021

Questions and Communication Please direct all questions and communications through the Kent Business Portal via the Discussion facility.

Tendering Schedule This Framework will be opened for applications from new entrants every two months.