Tender

British Sign Language and Interpretation Services

OFFICE OF QUALIFICATIONS AND EXAMINATIONS REGULATION (OFQUAL)

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

27 Aug 2025 at 16:45

Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) is inviting bids for the provision of British Sign Language and interpretation services. This procurement process is at the tender stage and falls under the interpretation services industry, with a focus on training-film and video-tape production. The contract will primarily service the West Midlands region in the United Kingdom. The tender was published on 27th August 2025, with a closing deadline for submissions on 2nd October 2025. The contract, initially set for a two-year call-off arrangement, will commence on 5th January 2026 and conclude on 4th January 2028. The open procedure procurement method is utilised here, with a maximum estimated value of £50,000, encouraging participation from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

This tender offers substantial growth potential for businesses involved in the creation of video content and interpretation services, especially those with expertise in educational or government communication projects. Companies that can produce BSL versions of governmental and educational communications for a student audience will find a valuable opportunity here. Additionally, the chance for other central Government departments, like the Department for Education, to commission similar work via the call-off contract can expand a supplier's reach and client portfolio. Businesses well-versed in delivering nuanced and accessible content, particularly SMEs, will be well-suited to compete for this contract.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

British Sign Language and Interpretation Services

Notice Description

We are looking for Bidders interested in bidding for the contract for British Sign Language (BSL) translation requirements, including consultations and other information relating to exams and assessments. Ofqual is seeking a supplier who will be able to produce, as and when needed, specified Ofqual communications in British Sign Language (BSL). Since 2020, we have produced BSL versions of a number of documents aimed at a student audience. Previous examples include the Student Guide to post-16 qualification results that was published in summer 2020, and the series of videos supporting the first consultation on GCSE BSL assessment arrangements. We intend to produce similar types of videos in 2025 and future years, and are looking to appoint a supplier for 2 years in the first instance, on a call-off contract. Other central Government departments, such as The Department for Education, may also choose to commission similar work via this call-off contract.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-bfe1f779-3e8c-4b95-bd91-6dcfc11abb92
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/e74cdadd-4f55-4e73-9a04-4d32f38ca136
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure (below threshold)
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

32 - Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

92 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services

CPV Codes

32354500 - Video films

79540000 - Interpretation services

92111100 - Training-film and video-tape production

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£50,000 Under £100K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
27 Aug 20253 months ago
Submission Deadline
2 Oct 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
5 Jan 2026 - 4 Jan 2028 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
OFFICE OF QUALIFICATIONS AND EXAMINATIONS REGULATION (OFQUAL)
Contact Name
Procurement team
Contact Email
procurement@ofqual.gov.uk
Contact Phone
+44 2475091908

Buyer Location

Locality
COVENTRY
Postcode
CV1 2GN
Post Town
Coventry
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLG West Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLG3 West Midlands
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLG33 Coventry
Delivery Location
TLG West Midlands (England)
Local Authority
Coventry
Electoral Ward
St Michael's
Westminster Constituency
Coventry South

Further Information

Notice Documents

Notice URLs

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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