Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a service provider to provide South African Sign Language Interpretation Services within the dtic offices for a period of three (3) years. The aim is to facilitate effective communication and promote inclusion for employees and clients with disabilities, particularly Deaf employees who use South African Sign Language (SASL), thereby supporting transformation and disability mainstreaming initiatives within the organization.

Scope

The scope of work involves providing SASL interpretation services as and when required across various dtic activities and events. The service provider must:

• Offer interpretation services at all relevant events and meetings.
• Provide interpreters with the necessary qualifications and experience, supported by references from previous clients.
• Ensure interpreters can operate simultaneously at multiple events if needed.
• Submit a detailed project plan outlining tasks, activities, and timelines within 10 working days of appointment.
• Sign a Service Level Agreement prior to commencement.
• Provide interpreters who meet specified qualification and experience criteria, including proof of references and comprehensive CVs.
• Be capable of providing interpreters at short notice and at various locations as required.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements include:

• Provision of qualified SASL interpreters with at least three (3) references from organizations where services were rendered in the past three (3) years.
• Interpreters must possess relevant qualifications, supported by certified copies and detailed CVs.
• Ability to provide interpreters for multiple events simultaneously.
• Sign a Service Level Agreement before work begins.
• Active participation of proposed key staff members, with contingency replacements if needed.
• Submission of a detailed project plan with roles and timelines.
• Vet all documentation and ensure capacity for technical and logistical performance.
• Adherence to confidentiality and intellectual property rights, with all documentation vesting with the dtic.
• Compliance with the POPIA consent requirements for processing personal information.

Skills Requirements

The skills and qualifications required from service providers and interpreters include:

• Proven experience in providing SASL interpretation services, with a minimum of three (3) references from past clients.
• Qualified SASL interpreters with relevant certifications and credentials.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret accurately in various settings, including meetings, workshops, and events.
• Capacity to provide interpreters who can work simultaneously at multiple events.
• Availability to participate actively and reliably in all scheduled assignments.
• Ability to provide replacements with similar qualifications and experience if key interpreters are unavailable.
• Experience in working within government or similar organizational environments is advantageous.
• Understanding of confidentiality, intellectual property rights, and security protocols related to the work.