Scope
Reference
JS/CORP/LCC/24/104
Description
The contract is to provide language services including spoken and non-spoken Interpretation and Translation services to the Authority.
The contract will be tendered in two (2) Lots;
Lot 1 - Face to Face interpreting for Social Service requirements, interviews, meetings, consultation, for spoken languages, telephone interpretation and document translation services. Video interpretation will only be accepted as a substitute in instances when Face to Face fulfilment cannot be fulfilled; this must be agreed in advance with a relevant representative from the Authority. Of the language services provided in the financial year 2024-25, Polish, Urdu, Arabic and Bengali have been the most requested. However, the Authority provided services to 68 different languages during this period, including reasonably high numbers for Punjabi, Romanian and Kurdish / Kurdish Sorani.
Lot 2 - Face to Face interpreting for Social Service requirements, interviews, meetings, consultation, for non-spoken communication including British Sign Language, lipspeaking and Palantypist. Video interpretation will only be accepted as a substitute in instances where Face to Face fulfilment cannot be fulfilled; this must be agreed in advance with a relevant representative from the Authority.
The Authority provides a wide range of services across the county; therefore, the interpretation and translation requirements will cover a wide range of services. Currently, the service is predominately provided for Social Care; however, it is expected that any service within the Authority should be able to access the agreement as and when required.
Total value (estimated)
- £1,156,000 excluding VAT
- £1,387,200 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2028
- Possible extension to 31 August 2029
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
The Authority may extend this agreement beyond the Initial Term by a further period up to a maximum of 12 months in addition to the Initial Term.
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
The Authority has the option to extend this agreement beyond the Initial Term by a further period up to a maximum of 12 months in addition to the Initial Term.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79530000 - Translation services
- 79540000 - Interpretation services
Contract locations
- UKD4 - Lancashire
Lot 1. Spoken Interpretation and Translation
Description
Face to Face interpreting for Social Service requirements, interviews, meetings, consultation, for spoken languages, telephone interpretation and document translation services. Video interpretation will only be accepted as a substitute in instances when Face to Face fulfilment cannot be fulfilled; this must be agreed in advance with a relevant representative from the Authority.
The Authority provided services to 68 different languages during 2024-25.
The 2023-24 cost of procuring the required language interpretation services was circa £260,000. Of this spend, most requests for spoken interpretation were related to Children's Services, with the remainder related to Adult Services. Circa £82,000 of this cost was for document translation.
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,040,000 excluding VAT
- £1,248,000 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Non Spoken Services
Description
Face to Face interpreting for Social Service requirements, interviews, meetings, consultation, for non-spoken communication including British Sign Language, lipspeaking and Palantypist. Video interpretation will only be accepted as a substitute in instances where Face to Face fulfilment cannot be fulfilled; this must be agreed in advance with a relevant representative from the Authority.
The 2023-24 annual cost of procuring non spoken services was circa £29,000.
The Authority provides a wide range of services across the county; therefore, the interpretation and translation requirements will cover a wide range of services. Currently, the service is predominately provided for Social Care; however, it is expected that any service within the Authority should be able to access the agreement as and when required.
There are approximately 270 requests made per year with the majority being for British Sign Language services; however, other services may be requested throughout the duration of the contract as required.
The service is also inclusive of document translation services, translating into an appropriate format, such as video.
Lot value (estimated)
- £116,000 excluding VAT
- £139,200 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot 1. Spoken Interpretation and Translation
Lot 2. Non Spoken Services
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
7 May 2025, 11:59pm
Tender submission deadline
23 May 2025, 11:00am
Submission address and any special instructions
The tender documents are available on Lancashire County Council's electronic tendering site: www.lancashire.gov.uk/fusion-supplier-portal/
Use of this system does not require high specification IT equipment or connections, nor high-level personal IT skills/capabilities. Access to the system/software and advice is free of charge. Registration is necessary in order to view the tender details and obtain tender documentation. Tenderers are advised to allow plenty of time for registration and to do this as early as possible during the tender period.
Please see www.lancashire.gov.uk/business/tenders-and-procurement/tenders/ for further information.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
8 July 2025
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 22 April 2029
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Price | 40% |
| Quality Management | Quality | 15% |
| Vetting and Reviewing Procedures | Quality | 10% |
| Booking Confirmation and Timescales | Quality | 10% |
| Social Value | Quality | 10% |
| Method Statement | Quality | 5% |
| Security Arrangements | Quality | 5% |
| Implementation Requirements | Quality | 5% |
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Contracting authority
Lancashire County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBBJ-2179-TNXM
PO Box 100, County Hall
Preston
PR1 0LD
United Kingdom
Contact name: James Shuttleworth
Telephone: 01772 534895
Email: contractscorporate@lancashire.gov.uk
Website: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/
Region: UKD45 - Mid Lancashire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government